Tell me about: W126 300SEs...

Ok, here's what I know but it's not definitive by any means...

They're big and comfy and a 3litre with a big body like a 126 will not be the most economical thing in the world but will easily keep up with modern traffic. Shouldn't by too thirsty on a decent run bu probably high teens if you're sitting in crawling traffic.

I think it's a four speed auto normally but they always set off in second unless you boot it from stationary so you might only hear a couple of upshifts on a test drive. Later ones might have a mode selectable box but that might only apply to larger engines(?).

I think it's bosch Kjet injection so easy to get bits for.

They can rot a bit but probably hold up better than a lot of stuff from that era especially if you get a later one. Really well screwed together and tough as olf boots. rot spots to look out for are around the base of the rear screen - try to check by climbing into the boot and having a look upwards. Chrome trim on bumpers can corrode and is hard to get hold of/expensive.

Nearly all bits are available from merc dealers and ECP / GSF etc. There are loads of specialist MB breakers and parts dealers around too.

Insurance should be pretty reasonable too if you can get it on a classic policy.

Anyway, here's a buyers guide from a german site...

www.s-klasse-club.de/gb/index.html - click on 'the W126' in the horizontal menu and then 'buying advice' on the left hand column.

cheers Tim

The 300 SE is the most common W126 - although the LWB 300SEL is rarer than the V8 SELs.
300SE available from D reg to J reg-(some last K plates though)

was this yours?



...or was it someone elses on here?

They're awesome.............simple as!



Beirut Taxi FTW!

These are rather excellent machines. Bought one from the first owner in 2008 with 255.000 Kms on the clock, we're currently at 306.000 Km.

The engine is reasonably economical around town (12 liters per 100 Kms) and surprisingly so on the long run (10ish litres per 100 Km). It's no racecar, but it goes pretty well. Mine is a regular sight on the inside lanes of German Autobahns and goes on for hours without breaking a sweat at 180 Km/h or so.

The head gasket could be an issue if it has been abused, both ignition and injection systems (Bosch's KE-jetronic) are very relieable. The engine is pretty smooth and surprisingly quiet on the motorway.

These are among the last Mercs you can work on with spanners, but keep in mind that these are very complex cars and parts can be expensive.

This is mine by the way:


So in a nutshell: if you've got a good'un it will probably outlive anything else from that era. Maintenance is the key.

I don't think something as mass produced as a W126 would have been handbuilt?

According to the Mercedes Classic literature they were and the 560SEC (had one of those too) was THE last handbuilt Merc

Sounds like it's been looked after, which is always a good thing.

IMO, the very first thing to do - if you buy it - would be to change all the fluids: Oil (and filter), coolant and most importantly brake fluid. Cars don't like standing, and the oil and brake fluid pick up moisture, and start corrosion of metal bits in contact with those fluids.

I'd expect to have to change the battery, the discs and brake hydraulic things like wheel cylinders and brake hoses - they are sometimes original on a car of this age, and 10 months standing might just push them over the edge. However, given the service history I wouldn't really expect any major bills to leap at you out of the blue.

The only thing leaps out at me it that the previous dizzy cap and rotor arm only lasted 2 years - is there wear/play in the dizzy, were they cheap parts, or did they meet with an accident?

Info on this question seems to be v secrative!
Here poster Cascade says it is not handbuilt

www.benzworld.org/forums/w126-s-se-sec-sel-sd/1340855-w126-vs-w140.html