Merc SEC's

Gatster

Has anyone had one or knows anything about them? The 560 SEC is probably my favourite Merc of all time...wondering how much of a money pit they may be nowadays for a late one, or just be better off with a mid 90's 320ce?

mike65

Highly tempting aren't they, pure class. Could be money pit as you suggest, the rear bulkhead/window frame being the most expensive failure.

Handy owners site http://www.mbcoupes.com/w126index.htm

unkel

Gatster wrote: »

The 560 SEC is probably my favourite Merc of all time...

+1

Great car. At the time the W126 (saloon or coupe) was the best car in the world, no doubt about it. Can't believe it was launched 31 years ago. Doesn't even look half that age now.

Seweryn

unkel wrote: »

Great car. At the time the W126 (saloon or coupe) was the best car in the world, no doubt about it. Can't believe it was launched 31 years ago. Doesn't even look half that age now.

Exactly, especially the SEC Coupe... One of my dream cars, they just look incredibly nice. Great cruising machines as well...

Gatster

Going to seriously look into this - in no rush so will try to do as much research as possible, been warned away from an late 90's E55 so it's an SEC or CE, possibly an 6/8-series BM. I chanced upon an ex-Merc mechanic near to me as well so hoping that will stand me in good stead if I jump.

unkel

Take us with ya on your journey

Seriously, let us know all about them as you find out. I can really see myself owning one of these in the future. Good luck finding a good one!

Seweryn

Gatster wrote: »

Going to seriously look into this - in no rush so will try to do as much research as possible, been warned away from an late 90's E55 so it's an SEC or CE, possibly an 6/8-series BM. I chanced upon an ex-Merc mechanic near to me as well so hoping that will stand me in good stead if I jump.

The E55 is a very different car. Any Mercedes-Benz car post W124, W201 and W140 (so anything late '90 and up) is in a very different league in terms of quality build. The newer M-B have a lot of problems (rust, electrics, quality in general), so if you need something that will last and will not give you headache and can be repaired by anyone (a child with a spanner) without a computer then the older models are the way to go. The C124 Coupe model is also a great option and they are trouble free if maintained. The only thing to watch out for in the E320 CE with the M104 Engine is the engine wiring loom, as they made it from biodegradable cables. Just for a change .

Gatster

Seweryn wrote: »

The only thing to watch out for in the E320 CE with the M104 Engine is the engine wiring loom, as they made it from biodegradable cables. Just for a change .

Cheers for the post - I heard that about the 320's, there does seem to be a lot more of them about than the SEC's (obviously, being a lot cheaper when new).

Unkel - Did you sell your 928?

unkel

Gatster wrote: »

Unkel - Did you sell your 928?

Nope, still have it!

MercMad

Much as I love those big BMW's they do not compare to the W126 in terms of quality and durability.

As mentioned just look for rust, especially if its a UK car.Thirty years of salt has an effect and thoroughly check the boot seal area at the rear screen base for rust on the Coupes.

Also ensure you get a decent spec, avoid 380SEC's too, as their Simplex timing chains can break.The rest have Duplex chains.

A good 320CE is a fine car too and a lot cheaper to run, but less classy and exclusive !

Best of luck !

Gatster

I've narrowed it down to the following possibilities - 420/500/560 SEC (pref 560)/320ce/190e 2.6 Sportline, not going older than 90/91 and has to be as original as possible.

This is big money but looks mint, for example. The only issue I have with the SEC's (although they'd be my preference) is stretching to the purchase price of a good one. I've also seen a few 220ce's but aren't sure of the point of going for a 4 cylinder, can't help but think I'd be dissapointed in the long run, and I can't start looking at other stuff 6 months down the line this time :rolleyes:

mike65

Bit of a difference between a SEC and 190e That said the w201 is pretty bomb proof esp in 2.6 guise. Looks a very nice example even without a/c

Are you talk and leggy? While its not such an issue with the auto, the steering wheel is fixed and at 400mm rather large (I used to catch my left knee getting in and out and changing gears sometimes so I swapped the wheel which resulted in both comfort and a quicker turn in.

Seweryn

Gatster wrote: »

I've narrowed it down to the following possibilities - 420/500/560 SEC (pref 560)/320ce/190e 2.6 Sportline, not going older than 90/91 and has to be as original as possible.
This is big money but looks mint, for example. The only issue I have with the SEC's (although they'd be my preference) is stretching to the purchase price of a good one. I've also seen a few 220ce's but aren't sure of the point of going for a 4 cylinder, can't help but think I'd be dissapointed in the long run, and I can't start looking at other stuff 6 months down the line this time :rolleyes:

The W201 2.6 is a nice car and it handles very well. I drive a 190 at the moment and I really like it. It would be the sportiest option of them all in terms of handling. The bigger cars are more set up for comfort (190 is still comfortible little cruiser).
420/500 - they have longer gearing than the 560, so the 560 is the quickest and the thirstiest of them. Anyway, I would go for the one in best possible condition, rather than any particular model.

Gatster

mike65 wrote: »

...Looks a very nice example even without a/c...
Are you talk and leggy?

I'm reasonably sure I can cope without AC for the occasional times we need it It only seems to be lacking on 190's.

Not tall and leggy, just under 5' 10" so I'm not sure about the wheel thing, I seem to fit in most cars quite well . It's important I take my time on this one, I have something else to potter about in that I'll be keeping anyway.

I've only heard really good things about the 190e 2.6 - that was what I was looking at originally, this one in fact, but wasn't in a position to move when it was for sale.

Gatster

Any opinions on this?

Gatster

Just a quick update...I saw a couple of CE's over the past week, neither in particulary good order. Then I was lucky enough to drive a friend's 964 911 over the weekend, so 944 Turbo or S2 (>1989) is now at the top of the list

Still going to take my time though.

mike65

Rightly too, I imagine prices are more flexible than a couple of years ago.

franksm

There's a nice black CE over in Yomac Cars right now - eur4900 but I bet they would take 4K for it. Looks the biz in that colour, but I don't know if it's a 2.3, 2.2 or bigger !

I had a 230CE with AMG bodykit between 2006 and Nov 2009. Loved it !! Totally awesome car, and a lot of car for the money. I'd love to go back to one in a few years time. The 2.3 was just enough to make the car spritely, but I'd say it really flies with one of the 6-cylinder engines.

Gatster

franksm wrote: »

There's a nice black CE over in Yomac Cars right now - eur4900 but I bet they would take 4K for it. Looks the biz in that colour, but I don't know if it's a 2.3, 2.2 or bigger !

Saw that as well, it drives well from what I could tell, but isn't in good condition IMO. I want something that is as perfect as I can get, really got my heart set on a Porsche now though!

3.2 turbo capri

i used to have the 1985 500 sel , which was a great car , i loved it , toke a sec for the weekend and loved it but have 2 kids so SEL worked better for me ,sold it to a guy in galway now a wedding car i believe lol .... found petrol consumption wasnt too bad for the engine size .... 248bhp on one wheel was funny though and the space needed to diff one is also funny , currently have a V12 XJS {78} amoung other cars its far worse on petrol ...

Gatster

I keep coming back to this. Heading over to the UK (technically back home) on Thursday for a look at a couple of 944's and an Alfa GTV. It's a shame the 750i is so far from where I'll be...

Traumadoc

My dad had one ( actually 300 ce 24v) great car very solid and 217bhp , bought a CLK after and was sorry he did.

unkel

Gatster wrote: »

I keep coming back to this. Heading over to the UK (technically back home) on Thursday for a look at a couple of 944's and an Alfa GTV. It's a shame the 750i is so far from where I'll be...

Looks like a superb example. Just wondering how much he is looking for to extend the warranty by 2 years? And how trusted would that warranty be?

I'm usually brave foolish, but it would take some balls to own a V12 E32

Anan1

Mightn't be your thing, but a friend of mine is selling his 1994 C280 auto. It's very well specified, and I know it's a good one because it used to be mine.;)

Gatster

unkel wrote: »

I'm usually brave foolish, but it would take some balls to own a V12 E32

LOL...a bit like a 928 :D:D

unkel

I bought a 928 and I'd buy one again, but a V12 E32 is a few steps up too high for me

Bitten & Hisses

€1581 VRT on it. You'd have some car sitting on your drive for less than 6K.
Edit: Just saw this:
http://ia.paulmartins.info/node/27

My word!

Anan1

That really is some car. I remember seeing an ad for the 750i SWB when new - the tagline was 'More horse, less carriage'.

lastsaturday

that's a nice one alright... i'm sure you could talk the price down as well... go for it!

Bigus

Bit of value here 2995
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C134281/

unkel

Bigus wrote: »

Bit of value here 2995
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C134281/

Looks superb for very little money. Bad thing is an Irish owner would have to pay €22k on motor tax on it before it reaches motor tax classic status

carchaeologist

unkel wrote: »

Bad thing is an Irish owner would have to pay €22k on motor tax on it before it reaches motor tax classic status

It just takes the appeal out of it when you see that statistic,maybe you could tax it just for the summer/6mths every year and save 11k!!:D

Gatster

I'm trying not to think about the tax on whatever I get, tbh if whatever it is arrives on UK plates it may stay that way...owing to 'The Cloud' I'm stuck here until next weekend, but that E320 looks quite tempting I must say.

Mr Benevolent

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1143640

Oh man...

VolvoMan

Gatster wrote: »

Any opinions on this?

Did you have a look at that in the end?

It's been for sale for a while and it looks to be quite a good example.

Confab wrote: »

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1143640

Oh man...

That looks very ropey to me.

unkel

VolvoMan wrote: »

That looks very ropey to me.

They advertise the fact the NCT ran out last year. In the ad title! Must have been for sale (advertised and re-advertised) for a long time? Also why put it up as a 560 when it is a 500?

Mr Benevolent

unkel wrote: »

They advertise the fact the NCT ran out last year. In the ad title! Must have been for sale (advertised and re-advertised) for a long time? Also why put it up as a 560 when it is a 500?

Hmmm, true. Also looks like it's been seriously lowered, badly too. Drivers seat shows serious wear, especially on the right.

105,000 miles my arse. More like 250,000.

Gatster

VolvoMan wrote: »

Did you have a look at that in the end?

It's been for sale for a while and it looks to be quite a good example.



That looks very ropey to me.

I did have a look at that 320ce in the end, and it's not bad, but on startup the belts make a terrific racket (which stops after about 5-10 minutes) and it needs some other stuff to make perfect.

As for that 560/500 w140 Coupe, it's bloody awful IMO.

Bearcat

Agree the W140's are bloody tanks.....I drove a CL420 for a while....all it needed was a gun turret.

SEC's are a timeless classic. My old fella has a 380SEC in 1984.....26 yrs later if I see one on the road, it's a definite 2nd glance.

Gatster

Been away so have let my search slip a little. Have been to see this twice now.

Drives well, although a very slight steering vibration at 120Kmh+ (probaly needs alignment/tracking). Generally in great nick, needs a bit of TLC, there is delamination on the rear windscreen (can be seen in the pics) and the sunroof sticks slightly when closing. Any thoughts, would need to get it checked out I suppose (wiring etc)?

Given up on the 944 idea as I looked at a few in the UK and quickly got bored with the general ratty-ness of them, although I'm now thinking of moving away from the whole thing to an Alfa GTV V6...

unkel

Gatster wrote: »

I'm now thinking of moving away from the whole thing to an Alfa GTV V6...

Definitely more smiles driving that one

You can pick up immaculate enthusiast owned ones for only 3-4 grand. Now there's good value

I like that 320CE BTW - classy car

my dad has one these the most comfortable ride

Tommyboy40

Seweryn wrote: »

The E55 is a very different car. Any Mercedes-Benz car post W124, W201 and W140 (so anything late '90 and up) is in a very different league in terms of quality build. The newer M-B have a lot of problems (rust, electrics, quality in general), so if you need something that will last and will not give you headache and can be repaired by anyone (a child with a spanner) without a computer then the older models are the way to go. The C124 Coupe model is also a great option and they are trouble free if maintained. The only thing to watch out for in the E320 CE with the M104 Engine is the engine wiring loom, as they made it from biodegradable cables. Just for a change .

The big Merc problem happened after their acquisition of chrysler. they basically cheapened everything. The biodegradable loom issue is a disgrace, merc should have accepted liability but didn't. AFIK that affects 92 - 96 cars, SL's anyway which would be my specialty. My advice would be to spend the time and find the right one, nothing is as expensive as a cheap benz. Call Ned Kelly in Castlecomer, really nice guy who has several.


When you turn your car on does it return the favour

Gatster

[quote=[Deleted User];66701442]my dad has one these the most comfortable ride[/QUOTE]

LOL, that is sort of a worry for me.

I'm really quite torn now - the Merc is in many ways a more sensible choice, although I figure the same for maintenance per annum on either. Never owned an Alfa and love the way the GTV's drive. Pretty concerned about the wiring on the Merc's, and as unkel mentions, I happen to know of a mint '99 GTV V6 that I can get for under £3.5k that's recently had a lot of big work done, which is very tempting

Probably need to look at the Merc again before I head home next week!

Gatster

Is this too cheap?

kasper

cost even less to look , its the only way to know for sure

mike65

Yes but these are desperate times and maybe its okay, you'd really want to take a damned close up look over, under and sideways down! Bring a magnet and a torch. Then if it seems okay seek out a Merc indy mechanic to give it a look and drive.

edit

Read this over, http://www.mbcoupes.com/buyersguide/buyersguide.htm

Body wise the rear window seal issue is the single most expensive to fix (in Ireland the air-con can be lived without if thats failed), if the car looks perfectly sound then get inside the boot check the metal just under the rear window with magnet and give it a good tap and push all the way across, if that passes muster remove the lining inside and check for signs of bubbling rust/uneven surfaces on the underside of the rear shelf and then go around the sides and to the floor. Any hint of trouble its best to walk away.

galwaytt

Gatster wrote: »

Given up on the 944 idea as I looked at a few in the UK and quickly got bored with the general ratty-ness of them, although I'm now thinking of moving away from the whole thing to an Alfa GTV V6...

.....why so...there's been a few lovely ones on the market here for peanuts in the last few month's, one a concours winner, for 6.9k. And it was a turbo, at that. At the other end of the scale you could have a nice std, reasonable one here for.....2k ? No need to buy a ropey one, when a good one will do, that's what I say !

Gatster

galwaytt wrote: »

.....why so...there's been a few lovely ones on the market here for peanuts in the last few month's, one a concours winner, for 6.9k. And it was a turbo, at that. At the other end of the scale you could have a nice std, reasonable one here for.....2k ? No need to buy a ropey one, when a good one will do, that's what I say !

Was that the maroon/wine one that was on Carzone a while ago? If so it was lovely but I hadn't sold my Cooper S at the time it was up, and I think about two days after I got the deposit it had gone :rolleyes:

As I say after driving a few 944's I lost interest, though with hindsight I guess I knew they just weren't a magical as my mate's 964 911. I haven't looked here since, although I did see this months ago and it was in tatters, and now seems to be €8k, I mean :eek:. I have contemplated this only this week (and Unkles 928, if he still has it) but the potential 928 running costs put me off and Camerons' have had that one for years which makes me wonder (I was next to one at the lights in Swords on sunday and was just bowled over again)

Since getting it back on the road and pottering round in the Puma, I've become very non-commital about getting something else, despite looking at a few different cars - I keep changing my requirements in my head...

unkel

Gatster wrote: »

I have contemplated this

They've had that at 17k for at least a year (since I noticed). Nice car, but not worth 17k, but maybe the new asking price of 10k?

Gatster wrote: »

(and Unkles 928, if he still has it) but the potential 928 running costs put me off

I still have it and by the looks of it it is nowhere near as nice as the above one

Nowhere near the price either

"Potential 928 running costs". There's no way around it for any big engined car less than 30 years old, the motor tax is €1566

Insurance is cheap as it is a classic but for sure you will only get 20MPG at best out of any nearly 5 litre V8 petrol engined car

That's all the running costs there is in reality, Gatser, except of course if or when something goes wrong.

Gatster

Petrol and tax don't bother me too much, but from reading about the cost of stuff going wrong on 928's it kinda put me off, although being realistic most of the cars I'm looking at would be similar. Thing is I can spend less than my max and have 'just in case' money left over, which may rule out that red 928 (depending what they'd ley it go for).

I might pop down to Camerons on Saturday, but I know I'll be drawn to that '00 CL500 they have , which I know isn't the most economical idea.