In addition to being a big fan of W126 and W123 5-cylinder diesels, if I had to go with a gas engined Benz a 300SE or SEL is a tempting choice.
Is there a particular model year that is ideal and also a year that should be avoided ?
Also, what is the major maintenance item at a given odometer reading ?
My only guess is timing chain or belt replacement and perhaps religious transmission maintenance.
Brake rotor replacement is a routine item I understand (maybe every 30,000 miles ?)
Any feedback would be appreciated.

Alan
VA300SD

Most of the problems with my w126 (420SEL) have been minor, and predictable. Personally I would choose the SEL version. I've been in an SE, and if you care about the people you will be driving around, the extra 4-5 inches of rear leg room will show them you care. It is a big difference.

Personally I would go with a 420SEL. Better overall ride than a 560SEL, although not as much muscle, but more muscle than a 300.

Drove my 300SE to San Diego yesterday and
all went well. It has 88K + miles and
consistent maintainance.
Trans good and original timing chain as well.
only prob is an unsteady idle.
No major mechanical incidents so far.
So in this case it seems like a good example.
The others are correct in choosing the size
for your needs. An SEL may be bigger and better for shuttling but parking may be an
issue. My SE is the travel car and does fine
with a full load of adults.
good luck

------------------
1979 300D
133K miles
1989 300SE
1995 C280

Alan:

The 300SE-300SEL was sold in this country from '88 thru '91. I've read that MB put better valve guides in this model beginning in '90...don't know for sure.

My '91 300-SEL gets about 20-22mpg on the highway and is a very nice road car. If you do alot of driving/parking in congested areas, any 126 car is going to be more of a challenge to maneuver.

I just replaced front brake rotors at 68,000.
I suspect they would have lasted a bit longer if i had done a better job of watching pad wear. These cars have the M103 motor and most either "burn" oil(bad guides-seals) or "leak" oil(various places out of the front of the engine).

Basic maint. is easy if you have diyer experience doing so on other cars. Some feel this car is a bit under-powered; there's no doubt it doesn't have the zip of a 420/560; then again, it may be cheaper to maintain. My 2 cents.

Mike Murrell

Thanks, folks -

1991 model is something to consider it seems.
The 300 models with the six would be preferrable as I am partial to german inline six engines. (as well as Ford 300 straight six). (One of my cousins just spent around $5G on his 420SEL from a chain reaction damage that started with the timing chain, so I'm leery of being able to afford the upkeep on a V-8 benz.)
With the SEL models, heck, I'm not worried about the parking issue.
Yes, my father's '90 300SE fuel economy gauge dips into the redzone when taking off but it's a great highway cruiser and very quiet.
I'll have to poke around in the engine compartment with a bright light to see if there is any oil leaks as described.
I hope Mike's guess is true about the improvement in valve quide seals, etc. starting with '90 model year.
I'll report back with what I find in the '90 SE.
Thanks again for the feedbacks and if someone can confirm the improvements made in 1990 I would appreciate it.

Just got a line on a 1991 300 SEL. Was reading previous threads ... this one is 68,000 miles (I'm always suspicious) ... should see it tomorrow.

Any more advice re: what to look for? Have a 350 SDL now ... great ride -scary engine ...

George

Ignorant me. You have revealed one of the differences between the SE and SEL. Tell me more, please.

Dan

Weight and horsepower. 300SE is a little lighter which may account for it having approx. 10 more HP than the 300SEL.

There's a book titled "MERCEDES-BENZ Production Models Book 1946-1995" by W. Robert Nitske.

All models built from '46 - '95 are shown in this book along with basic info such as engine/transmission/gearing/fuel metering type/size/weight/HP, etc., etc.

Again, the weight, HP; rear seat leg room are the differences between the 1988-1991 300SE & 300SEL.

1991 was the last yr. they were built. That yr. would likely have all of the refinements MB ever put into this series of W126.

I've had mine for 7 1/2 yrs. and am happy with it. Not fast, but reliable.

__________________
Mike Murrell
1991 300-SEL - Model 126
M103 - SOHC
"Fräulein"

89 models have new style leather but no air pump - which is about a thousand dollar item I believe.