1986 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 420SEL 4.2L petrol

Summary:

Absolutely Outstanding! A Classic forever

General Comments:

This car is absolutely amazing! Even to this date, this car turns a lot of heads. Champagne colour and brown interior is a great looking combination. The car has always been very well maintained, by MB and an independant repair facility, specialized in MB. I am not driving the car much anymore and not in the winter at all. When I go on a long trip, I still prefer the 420SEL to anything else. The maintenance has been an average of $1500 Can. per for the past 20 year! It seems high, but... considering all, depreciation, reliability etc. It is still among the best and the finest cars ever built. In 1986, the choices of true luxury european automobiles, was very limited. Mercedes-Benz was "The car to own" Jaguars were not reliable, the BMW did not look good at all! (And still in 2007 don't look good to my opinion). Audi had some square boxes on four wheels. The Lexus and Infinity, (Which are Glorified Toyotas and Nissans) were not around then. The price was $76,500 Can dollars then (Ouch!)

Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance, and the car will last FOREVER. Here is Canada, the challenge is to keep it away from the dirty winter road conditions, which cause premature rust.

Have fun!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 3rd February, 2007

1986 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 420 SEL 4.2 liter V8

Summary:

Money Trap

Faults:

EVERYTHING, a/c broke $2,800, new brake system $1,200, drive shaft problem $1,800, power windows failed, sunroof failed, motor mounts, leather seat cracked and stopped working, burned through batteries, gremlins in the electrical system I know it's a old car, but all this in 23 months?

General Comments:

Worse car I ever owned! I would never consider another older benz.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 5th December, 2006

5th Dec 2006, 14:32

You clearly bought a poor example of this great car. Old Mercedes never die.

2nd Jan 2007, 13:44

Mercedes-Benz are still among the BEST CARS in the world! Especially of that vintage. You must be careful before buying any of the older imports. Their systems were well ahead of the time, and the older technology makes them somehow complicated to fix, unless you are very familiar with the products. For example the climate control... a common headache for Benz owners. If you take the car to "the corner garage" they are likely to spend so much time trying to fix it.

I have owned 3 olders Benz, a 300D 1982, 190D 1985, and I now drive a 420SEL and I LOVE the car. I purchased it from the original owner (an 83 year old lady) who had kept the car in MINT condition. The average maintenance cost has been about $2000K per year since the car was purchase in 1986.

23rd Jul 2007, 06:22

Should have had a better look at it before you bought it (or even better get someone pro to). Sounds like the bad apple of a otherwise great bunch.

31st Dec 2010, 12:26

I got my 1986 420 SEL brand new in '86. It has NEVER been in the shop for anything but service and oil changes. Only the timing chain and tensioners needed replacing at 100,000 miles. Cannot say enough good about this car. Will never sell it.

1986 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 420 SEL 4.2, 8 cylinder

Summary:

Great ride - Classy Car

Faults:

Add freon

Replaced tire rod

Passenger power head rest not working.

General Comments:

1986 Mercedes 42OSEL.

I brought my 1986 Mercedes 420 SEL on EBay last week. It was good looking and very clean. I believe it has been refurbished recently. My sister (a car insurance adjuster) showed me where 2 panels had been replaced (OEM) but still said it’s a keeper.

It has 98,000 miles on it and drives like new, and yes almost smells new. It’s gold with dark brown interior. It’s my first Merc., I’ve always wanted a 420/560 SEL 89-91. When I was young this is what “Doctors” drove. (The M.D. kind of doctors) But this 86’ just looked so nice I had to buy it. I’ve driven, and still drive Buicks for the last 12yrs. (LeSabre/Park Ave.)

That said – I love this 420 SEL. I got it inspected and had $1,400 in repairs done (Tire rod replaced, add Freon, and some other small mechanical things). The car rode great even before the repairs. It is slow to get moving, but once it is moving it flies smoothly.

Press on the gas and it moves right then and there. I hardly feel the gears shift. Passing is no problem, even enjoyable. Passengers don’t even notice the car is changing speed.

The cabin is so quiet. Not hearing typical traffic sounds and road noise is nice.

The inside feels regal, boxy, and safe. I feel protected from the outside world.

Even the glass windows seem different, thicker, and clearer.

It is a 20 year old car, but still has safety feature of newer cars (Driver/passenger side airbags, ABS, automatic door locking, outside temperature reading, gas economy gauge, power driver and passenger seats). It is a head turner. People ask about it, look in to see who is driving. Even when you pull next to a Merc. 180,280, E320 etc. people look over like “now that’s a real Mercedes”.

I’ve researched and watched these models for 2 years. I would definitely recommend buying as a second or third car. Don’t pay more than say $8,900 for a 91’. Buy from someone you know or a dealer. No private party would get rid of these cars just because. They have either put money in it and it still needs work or there is something expensive wrong. Maybe you will still buy it, but pay less, you’ll need the savings for repairs. At least a dealer will go through the trouble of making the car road worthy. (I drove mine from the dealer in Missouri to Maryland 900 miles without a test drive around the block).

Price in very good condition = $4,500-$8,900 for 86’-91’

Last thing – Gas. All this talk of gas - @ $3.20/gal., +/- $60 to fill (from near empty). I used 2.5 tanks Missouri to Maryland 890 miles. = 356 miles/tank. 23.8 gal. tank = 14.95 miles/gal. So drive on weekends, long distances, and special occasions and ENJOY.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd August, 2006

4th Aug 2008, 20:46

I just drove my 1987 420 SEL 220 miles on 10.1 gallons.76mph cruise control.

30th Oct 2008, 01:52

Regarding poor gas mileage: If you find yourself getting 14/15 mpg on a long distance trip, you are either averaging about 120 mph or experiencing a problem with your engine.

Assuming you have no glowing "check engine" light pestering you, and your tires are holding proper air pressure, I would suggest you perform a leak down test on the engine, check the spark plugs, rotor cap (s) and timing. 'Cus something's not right here. Maybe your gas tank/fuel line has a slight leak?