1987 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 300 SDL 3.0 turbo diesel from North America

Summary:

It is the best car ever made, combining luxury with the longevity of the diesel

Faults:

Fuel line for number 1 cylinder lost tip due to vibration at 180,000 miles. Resulting diesel spray stretched end of shut-off vacuum line. Total cost of repair including fuel line and hose from dealer plus labor was $100.

Electric for passenger side headrest and mirror not working.

General Comments:

Driving the S-Class diesel after years of driving my 114/115 chassis 1976 240D is a shock - and a pleasure.

I give high performance marks to the 300SDL for good acceleration and fantastic handling.

Even though the driving experience is very pleasurable, I would almost rather sit in the back seat.

I didn't fully appreciate the car until I got a look at the underneath while it was on the mechanics lift for oil and lube.

The overall quality matches that of the early 70's Mercedes - something I didn't think was possible.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd July, 2003

20th Feb 2004, 15:31

I bought a 1987 SDL at 164000 miles. I love it. Fantastic driver. BUT, I had to replace the cylinder head! I was told that this is not unusual with the 6 Diesel which has a cast iron block and an aluminum head. Argh! I now expect another 165000 miles.

Marc.

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1987 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 560 SEL V8 from North America

Summary:

Better than chocolate... or a BMW!

Faults:

Bushing needed replacing - $75.

A few seals needed replacing- $100.

Brakes/Rotors - $200.

Leak in tranny coolant line/ new line installed- $250.

Telescoping feature on steering wheel has recently stopped working.

General Comments:

This is my favorite car I have ever owned or driven!

Better than any BMW!

It is fast, powerful hearty engine, superb mechanical design, comfortable, roomy, great looking!

At 245,000 miles this car is still running like new! I recently saw another 560 SEL with 550,000 miles on it!! And it still ran fine and looked like a gem! Those Germans sure know how to build a fine machine!

Just wish it had cupholders... and massaging seats!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th July, 2003

4th Dec 2006, 17:50

I have owned a 560 SEL for 9 years and garaged it for the last 2. I was going to give it away because of a tranny shift problem, but decided to fix it and give it a new life. The engine still runs like new and the car still looks like a million bucks. Probably the best motor vehicle ever built. It does 0-60 in 3.5 without modifications. I've taken it to 135 mph and it ran like she was standing still, no vibration what so ever. The car currently does not shift from 1st to second. I think it is mechanical like a shift rod got knocked out of whack. or maybe vacuum. It just happened all of a sudden without warning. If anyone can help, please email me at capital1@snet.net

Thanks,

Mike.

5th Mar 2007, 03:05

560 SEL is a superb car and one which I personally think will be a classic (along with its 560 SEC brother) in years to come. It epitomises the strength of Mercedes before it went down hill quality and design wise, and this is coming from a BMW owner.

However - I seriously doubt the earlier poster's comment that it does 0 - 60 (MPH) in 3.5 seconds!

26th Mar 2007, 21:12

The accepted 0 to 60 time of the 560 SEL is 6.3 seconds. My 1991 has 180,000 miles on the clock. New hoses, brake pads and rotors, alternator bearing developed noise last month and replaced. Original starter, AC compressor. Uses no oil between 7,500 mile oil changes I do myself. I use Mobil 1.Use narrow 8 or 9 mm clamp on heater return hose as a wide clamp cuts the hose. Mercedes no longer makes a 10 mm clamp that the car came with. Transmission service by dealer every 30,000 miles. Best car I have ever owned. Helmut.