W126 500 SEL - Specialist Required.

[EssEnn]

Hi there, I'm in the process of buying a 1989 W126 500 SEL and would be grateful if you recommend an independent specialist who know these cars well. I'm based in Watford, but if someone's comes highly recommended I wouldn't mind covering the extra miles. Cheers!

 

[alabbasi]

A trained monkey should be able to work on a W126. They are brilliantly simple. Just make sure that you use quality parts.

 

[bolidemichael]

I don't think so, there is plenty of scope for those that don't understand these cars to go wrong. They're still well engineered machines.

 

[C240Sport97]

Try Edward Hall in Aylesbury

HOME | Edward Hall Classic Mercedes LTD

Edward Hall Classic Mercedes is a specialist in the sales, service and restoration of Mercedes-Benz cars. Specialising in models from the 60s to 90s, we buy and sell Classic Cars, we service, repair and restore customer’s Classic cars and we supply new and used Classic Mercedes-Benz parts.

www.edward-hall.co.uk

 

[alabbasi]

I don't think so, there is plenty of scope for those that don't understand these cars to go wrong. They're still well engineered machines.

Interesting, how many have you owned and what did you find challenging?

 

[bolidemichael]

Interesting, how many have you owned and what did you find challenging?

I owned a 380SEC and it required a specialist with maintenance knowledge to keep it in fine fettle. Familiarity with the model is essential. Additionally, I know of another in the official MB club that experienced a number of issues problem solving poor running and even went round the houses of specialists to do so.

The ones to recommend in SW London are Steve Redfearn and further afield SS Motors. Klasse of Fulham has a decent reputation too.

 

[Flyinspanner]

There is Wayne Gates in Harrow, (near Wealdstone station) not too far from you, and one of the best indies around.

 

[W1ghty]

Welwyn Merx , Welwyn , is also an MB specialist

 

[alabbasi]

there's really only two things about that car which can be problematic and that's the fuel injection system which is CIS and should be well known by anyone familiar with CIS (a system that was used by VW, Audi, Porsche, Ferrari and Ford in the 80's) the front suspension which requires a special ball joint press. Aside from that, the car is simple. I've had several, on a scale of 1-10 for complexity, I'd give them a 4.

 

[johnsco]

I drove and maintained a W126 380SE for a number of years.
Most jobs were pretty straight-forward.
The one job I couldn't do was to replace the front suspension leg bottom ball joint.
[as per post #9 from alabbasi]
You can knock the old one out, but there is no way you can fit the new one, which is an "interference fit" and needs a special press.
The new joint wasn't expensive.
I removed the suspension leg and took it and the joint to my mentor - a good motor engineer.
He couldn't do it either, but took it to a Mercedes specialist who fitted it while he waited.
No charge ..... a favour for a favour ..... That's what friends are for.
I refitted the suspension leg.
Simples !

 

[Will]

A trained monkey should be able to work on a W126. They are brilliantly simple. Just make sure that you use quality parts.

I’d argue these days there may be less people around competent and familiar with cars of this era than the modern day stuff with plug in diagnostics etc.

No disrespect but how many cars like these is the average mechanic/tech likely to see each year? Anyone can change oil and brakes etc but will a ‘trained monkey’ understand stuff like the old-school Bosch mechanical fuel injection system, auto boxes, self levelling suspension if fitted and know where to look for corrosion and other issues?

Good familiarity and experience is important for a pre purchase inspection otherwise what is the point?

 

[neilrr]

Fewer. (soz, pet hate.)

 

[alabbasi]

No disrespect but how many cars like these is the average mechanic/tech likely to see each year?

One should have nothing to do with the other. Engine is pretty conventional and the repair processes are well documented. Suspension, mechancals and fuel injection system are all pretty conventional, even the cars with the hydro rear.

I did most of my learning on these cars and at the time I knew very little about cars all together. If you show me a late 80's era Rolls Royce with fueling issues or Ferrari for that matter, I'd be comfortable trouble shooting it because it's the same system. If you ask me to work on a Rolls Royce braking system or do a belt service on a Ferrari, I'd tell you to take it to a specialist. Theres's nothing specail in the way these cars are constructed that will stump a compentent mechanic. That's why they go forever.

 

[C43AMG]

I’d argue these days there may be less people around competent and familiar with cars of this era than the modern day stuff with plug in diagnostics etc.

No disrespect but how many cars like these is the average mechanic/tech likely to see each year? Anyone can change oil and brakes etc but will a ‘trained monkey’ understand stuff like the old-school Bosch mechanical fuel injection system, auto boxes, self levelling suspension if fitted and know where to look for corrosion and other issues?

Good familiarity and experience is important for a pre purchase inspection otherwise what is the point?

That's why you should use Olly @ Prestige

 

[bolidemichael]

Fewer. (soz, pet hate.)