1989 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 500SEC 5.0 petrol

Summary:

Beautiful muscular lines, mighty performance for price of a modern tin hatchback

Faults:

Worst fault was water ingress into the boot (was like this when I bought it, but didn't spot it). This resulted in the structural member under the parcel shelf corroding. Had to be sorted at around £2,500. Apparently not an uncommon fault - so check carefully in the boot. Look for signs of water damage on the boot carpet and stick your head in the boot and look at the space under the parcel shelf - not easy, but worth it.

Also had a new exhaust at £1,200 - but it was its first replacement at 105,000 miles.

No mechanical problems.

General Comments:

I ran it as an every day car and it ran flawlessly throughout the time I had it.

I switched from a main dealer to a Mercedes specialist - better service and cheaper.

Loads of modern standard extras - given the age airbag, ABS, mem seats, etc.

Sold it because the paint started to get tired and needed tidying up.

Missed it badly so I bought another one a year later (this year). Fantastic 1990 car with only 26,000 miles and 2 owners. Looks new and I can see no reason why I would ever want to sell it.

Surprisingly inexpensive to insure.

Buy one!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th September, 2002

1989 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 560SEC 5.6 petrol

Summary:

A high performance bargain if you can keep it in petrol

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

A huge, wonderful, luxurious and stunning looking car. Most of the time it silently flows through traffic like a limo - but if you put your foot on the floor it turns into a sports car of incredible handling given its size, and 5.6 litres of engine hurtles you forward, passing anything in its way.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th November, 2000

23rd Nov 2005, 12:09

It is one of my ambitions in life to own one of these cars. My preference would be a 1984 560sec AMG. I carry a photo of an outstanding example on my phone. But, can anybody tell me from experience, what MPG would I get with a car like this?

22nd Dec 2005, 15:52

It depends on your driving style, obviously, but on average i'd expect 11-13mpg based on my experience with my 560SEL.

9th Jan 2006, 18:21

I get 10-11 mpg now, though it was close to 12 when new (16 yrs ago) -- premium, of course. Great car, but the key is spending the money to maintain it. Beware of those which have not been properly maintained by MB mechanics. If you really have to worry about gas mileage and fuel costs, you probably won't be able to afford the vehicle. Insurance costs are similarly pricey. Beyond the money issues, however, I've yet to find a new one I like better, even by MB.

23rd Jan 2009, 04:24

Hey Guys, Old MB fan here, had a 78' 450SL, loved it but it went to pay a lawyer for a divorce :( Now I got a chance for a 89' 560SEC w/180K on it, but mint for $2900. I'll only drive it <5K/yr. Any and all advice appreciated. Thanks for your time.

23rd Mar 2009, 15:41

Buy it! I just bought a 1990 560SEC and love it.

3rd May 2009, 20:17

Hello to all the 560sec lovers here, I own the 1989 model and I plan to keep it. It is a beautiful car and still looks like new, and I have 250,000 miles on mine.

Enjoy your car, it is a classic worth keeping.

Here's a tip, try to learn as much about your car as possible, it could save you some money in the long run.

Frederick Jenkins, New York.

6th Sep 2009, 09:18

I bought my 560 SEC AMG in CA and drove it cross-country to Baltimore, logging 16-17 mpg at freeway speeds with the cruise on.

1989 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 560SEC 5.6 petrol

Faults:

Nothing (touch wood).

General Comments:

Superb car, find one if you can.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th November, 1997