1987 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 560 SEL 5.6 V8

Summary:

Mercedes masterpiece

Faults:

Front heel bearings at 131000 miles.

Replace vacuum line to brake booster for a few dollars.

Creaking of door leather upholstery when cold, probably due to dry weather in Nevada.

General Comments:

This is my favorite car. It is very reliable, comfortable, looks very nice, and makes me feel so good driving it. In fact I look forward to driving this car, which diminishes the pain of having to go to work, especially when I have to go to the hospital at night for emergencies.

I also have a 98 BMW 740il, 97 S500 Coupe, and a 97 Toyota Land Cruiser. These cars are fine automobiles, but the old lady 560 SEL has got my heart, and will keep forever.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th October, 2008

1987 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 560 SEL 5.6L V8

Summary:

Reliable and built like a tank!

Faults:

Fron and rear brakes needed replacing: $230.

New tires: Free (replaced my self).

Needed oil pan gasket: $12.00 (replaced myself).

Power locks failed.

Needed new radiator: $135 (Replaced my self).

New Thermostat: $22.24 (replaced myself).

General Comments:

Very good transmission, shifted perfectly after slight adjustment on the vacuum control valve. Powerfull and reliable engine. A little bit of a gas guzzler, but great for highway driving. I made it from Fayetteville North Carolia to Port Jefferson New York on 1 1/2 tanks of gas! that's 643 Miles!

Great acceleration for a 2 ton vehicle. Its built like a tank. Sadly I was involved in a traffic crash and had to total it. Its extremely strong for a car, I was hit on the drivers side and the car still drove... even after being hit at 50MPH! I'm glad I was in that car, otherwise I would have been in the hospital if I was driving anything else! I Miss my Mercedes!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th February, 2008

1987 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 420 SEL 4.2L

Summary:

The Mercedes 420 SEL is a poorly designed expensive unreliable car

Faults:

The Fuel injection has flooding problems.

The Transmission has shift problems going into 4th gear.

The steering box has a major leak.

The timing chain knocked a hole in the valve cover.

The front and rear seats provide little support and are very uncomfortable.

The car handles poorly and has rough ride.

General Comments:

Never buy a car like this unless you have complete maintenance records. The timing chain design is faulty and has many reported roblems. As far as advanced features, why did this car not have rack and pinion steering? What about the primitive fuel injection system? This car also has some of the most poorly made and uncomfortable seats. I would expect better from such an expensive car. A BMW or Audi (even with all its quirks) is a much better choice. A BMW 735I is a great car with better handling and superior comfort.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 8th August, 2007

9th Aug 2007, 00:41

I have to agree the seats are rather uncomfortable. Not only hard, but unsupportive. The armrest isn't positioned right either.

10th Aug 2007, 22:05

Timing chain design problem? I thought the 420 has a double chain - nothing wrong with THAT design. But the chain tensioner should be changed every 100k miles, and the chain every 150k miles. That's not very often - so where's the "design problem"?

Sounds to me like this guy has simply bought himself a previously neglected Merc.

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1987 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 420SEL 4.2 V8

Summary:

Classic Luxury

Faults:

Valve Cover Gasket.

General Comments:

Awesome car. Had to replace Valve cover gasket because they were leaking and my mechanic told me its normal to replace them when they leak no matter what mileage.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th December, 2005

4th May 2009, 17:27

How much did this job cost. Tom from Toronto, Canada.

Owner of a 1987 sel 420.

In reply to 4th May 2009, 17:27

13th Nov 2016, 07:56

The valve cover gaskets vary from 4.00$ american, to about 15.00$ american depending if you order them online or walk into your local automotive store. As far as having a mechanic replace them, I would say around 3-6 hours mechanic cost of labor.

After reading up on the hassle of removing the driver's side valve cover, I was back on the road in around 2 hours. NOTICE! This is not a job for the people unaware of mechanical issues, I would say at least be a "weekend" warrior when dealing with the old Benzes when it comes to knowledge.