1987 Mercedes-Benz S-Class SEL 5.6 from North America
Summary:
Worth it
Faults:
Slight smoking issue, blue smoke, used a combo of Valvoline High Mileage 10w40 and Lubro Moly to fix this. Since then, no more smoke, and not losing any or burning any oil.
Transmission started to drip very slightly; did a flush, changed the filter and added a combination of Amsoil, Valvoline High Mileage and Lucas Trans Fix.
General Comments:
The car has a lot of power and torque!
All the room of a big American car, and all of the power and handling of a German car.
This car is rock solid. I want to share some advice for those of you who purchase any of the W126 cars.
If the car is smoking, "blue smoke", use Liqui or Lubro Moly!
Oil, Rotella T6 5w40 synthetic, Amsoil, Liqui Moly, Valvoline High Mileage 10w40.
Coolant, aftermarket "Zerex G-05" approved by Mercedes! About half the cost of the dealer stuff.
Differential oil, Mobil One 75w90.
Transmission oil, Amsoil ATF, Valvoline High Mileage.
I would have given this car higher performance marks, however I test drove a 1999 S500. Amazing!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 6th August, 2012
16th Aug 2012, 16:21
Either monitor or replace the timing chain on those V-8 engines, if you feel the jump timing or it makes a short rattle sound during cold starts. Failure to do so, can induce bent valves and other engine damages, which can be costly. The W126 420SEL model had required the same.
Also the 560SEL W126 is the only model in its class to have a rear hydraulic shock, and once it goes out, then the ride will not be smooth. Also the car will look like it is sagging.
Other than that, great car with lots of horsepower and torque, which consumes lots of fuel.