1986 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 420 SEL V8 from North America
Summary:
Simply terrific
Faults:
Front left window suffered a broken armature lift, and I was able to find a replacement at a local junkyard, and I did the repair myself.
General Comments:
Let me begin by stating that the car was a gift from my niece, whom was a one-time owner. The greatest distance that the car was driven was from Los Angeles to Palm Springs. All other driving was city driving only.
The color of the car is fire engine red with immaculate beige leather seats. I am constantly told by strangers that, "I love your car".
The only problem that has surfaced was when I drove from Santa Ana to San Diego, due to what I called blowing out the engine, and after stopping and turning off the engine, I discovered a slippage in the transmission. When I took off again, it seemed to me that the transmission wasn't changing into fourth gear. At a stop light, I engaged the shift lever to its lowest position, and took off, shifting it manually to see if that may work. The first gear ran the RPM indicator up, and I proceeded to shift through the gears. At the next stop light, upon taking off, the transmission shifted on its own as if nothing had happened to it, which I found very pleasing.
I simply love my Benz, and plan to keep it as long as possible, for it is my first Benz, and I don't care for the early models on through the year 2011.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 28th February, 2011
18th Feb 2010, 13:22
Sorry mate. But you do not have to change the engine if it is okay, as it might serve you another 100k-plus miles. Concentrate on the gear box. If you are on a tight budget, try a scrap yard. You might get a really good gear box there. A new gear box would cost a fortune.
I drive 300SE automatic.
All the best.