1989 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 560SEL 5.6 liter

Summary:

Last of the true Grand S classes

Faults:

Windshield washer leaks all fluid out.

General Comments:

Premium fuel only must be adhered to.

OEM parts and independent MB mechanics are out there, and can be very reasonable, if you do your research.

This by a huge margin is the best handling/driving/riding car I have ever owned.

Learn as much as you can about the model and year of MB you want to purchase, and find a competent mechanic before you buy, and then buy the best one you can afford.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th April, 2008

20th May 2008, 16:05

Hey - I got the same car, had the same problem with the windshield washer fluid, and the fix for the windshield washer fluid was a new reservoir tank (about $30 when I bought it on the web) and 30 minutes worth of work!

If you do any work on a car yourself, this is the one to own. Parts are out there, you can get them at very reasonable rates, and the reward is a solid, highly reliable, and beautiful ride, though at 10 miles per gallon in the city!

14th Nov 2009, 00:24

I am the author of the last of the Grand S Class, and am coming up on 2 years of ownership. I stand by my original post. Still the best car I've ever had. One caution to add you HAVE to find competent mechanics to work on these cars, preferably with experience with 560 SEL as they have more complex systems than 420/300's. "Klaus" is my daily driver with 160,000, and has never let me down!!

In reply to 14th Nov 2009, 00:24

10th Jan 2013, 17:34

Well we are still together, "Klaus" and I. 5 years this month, Jan 2013, and 200,458 miles, and I still love car as much as the day I bought it in 2008. Not one single breakdown.

Drove to Florida and back to Arizona last year; no problems at all.

Lots of preventative maintenance, flex discs motor/trans mounts, plugs, wires etc, but nothing major.

I want to stress one thing; I am on my third mechanic. If you're not one yourself, find a really good indie, don't be cheap and stick with him. Believe me, it's like finding a good surgeon. Remember, the 560 SEL/560 SEC was Mercedes shining hour. Do your homework, and get documentation, books, Carfax before you buy. Even really low mileage one owner S Classes have 20+ years on them, and rubber bushings/plastics don't last forever.

Also prices have fallen quite a lot lately, so my advice is buy it to love it, and drive it.

1989 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 420 SEL 4.2 liter

Summary:

I love the car, but one day I want a Mercedes coupe

Faults:

Right rear window inoperative

Cruise inoperative

Antenna comes half way up.

General Comments:

I bought a 300E and kept it for about a year and really liked it so almost on the spur of the moment, I bought a 1989 420 SEL for $3000. The engine has about 42,000 miles. I really like driving this car and have already run into some maintenance cost issues, but I knew that it would cost more to maintain. I kind of regret buying it without shopping around some more, but I don't regret having a 420 SEL. Now I'm thinking about how I can get my hands on a M-B coupe, 600 series :-)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th October, 2007

1989 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 420 4.2 V8

Summary:

This car is way ahead of its time!!

Faults:

Replaced belts, motor mounts, and checked the timing chain when I bought it. Other than that a bulb or two!

General Comments:

Great car that will last a life time if taken care of properly. This car had one owner who had started to let it deteriorate on the exterior and some minor mechanical problems. This can be an expensive car if not taken care of properly, but I will keep this car for the superior ride and comfort. Handles like a majority of your so called top cars today.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th July, 2006