W126 300se

[MJK 24]

Hello,

I'm considering the above as a day to day car. In brief, it's a 1990, 123k with supporting history and looks (from photo's in the advert) to be in excellent condition inside and out. The vendor is asking for £2,500.

What are the weak points of the 6cyl W126 range? I've seen a few with rusty rear arches, and rust in the leading edge of the front wings, under headlamps etc.

Is it priced competitively?

If anyone could offer any hints and tips, I'd be most grateful.

Cheers!

 

[KLP 92]

Check for water leaks in the boot. The rear screen seal tends to fail and wrots the panel behind so inspect for rust. Check the underneath of the parcel shelf for rust as this will indicate if there was a prob.

Apart from that check the A/c is working as its expensive to fix.

Apart from that they are solid cars, check the engine oil pressure and check for oil leaks. Oil pressure on idle after the car has been driven should be between 1-2 and shoot up straight to 3 when you press the accelerator. By 1500 revs if its not at 3 then the engines seen better days.

 

[grober]

Check for rust. Then check for rust again! Body condition paramount. A good initial service history always gets a car off to a good start.

 

[MangoMan]

A good car, other than a little under-powered.

To reiterate what the others have said, just make sure everything works ok. And if it has mats, lift them to check for dampness underneath, especially front passenger footwell.

For two & a half grand it should be in very good condition though.

Oh, and take it for a good test drive, and also start and stop the engine a few times.

Good luck.

 

[MJK 24]

Well it turns out that the history is 4 previous MOT's and that the actual service history was lost in a house move!

I will now post a link to the advert - let me know what you think.

Thanks for the replies so far.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/128260.htm

 

[grober]

Without a comprehensive history the mileage could be a lot more than 123k! but looks in reasonable nick and in a nice colour /trim combination. Shut line suggests the front bumper has possibly been off recently??? At that money I would get it inspected by a knowledgeable specialist. If its a genuine car the seller will have no objection to that and if its a well kept clean car could be money well spent. I wouldnt mind one of these myself

 

[MJK 24]

Without a comprehensive history the mileage could be a lot more than 123k! but looks in reasonable nick and in a nice colour /trim combination. Shut line suggests the front bumper has possibly been off recently??? At that money I would get it inspected by a knowledgeable specialist. If its a genuine car the seller will have no objection to that and if its a well kept clean car could be money well spent. I wouldnt mind one of these myself

If the owner had done all the maintenance himself, that would not put me off the car. Looking at cars this age, I'd be looking for clean fluids, an easy starting, non smoking quiet running engine.

I would want to see all the old MOT's though to back up the miles. Bit of a shame that this largely isn't present.

I don't think I see it at the same money he does now. £1,700?

 

[MangoMan]

I have to say, (after looking at the ad), it looks like a nice example, but I too think he's asking too much. If it was a 500/560sel then maybe that would be about top whack, but a 300se? I think I'm inclined to agree with MJK24......£1500 - £1700

 

[MBManInKen]

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/128260.htm

Brings back some happy memories.

However, my opinion is that 5 owners and incomplete SH could be a recipe for trouble. Quite unlikely that all 5 owners maintained it themselves without any records and with MOTs missing. Mileage is therefore potentially dubious.

Very hard to tell from pics what condition it really is in.

From what I remember from mine, you should check for rust and make sure the gearbox and the aircon are working faultless and without noises or hiccups.

Guido