Know issues or Input on owning an 86 560

Looking to buy an 1986 560 with over 140k on it. Just wondering what the average life and miles on these are and general problems specific to that car/engine. Looking for solid daily driver, and this looks to be a great looking and solid car. Any idea what the gas milage is like on that V8. Thanks for any and all input, opinions, and insights/recommendations.

Reply to
Chuck Grospitch
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Reply to
Keyser Soze

This model, 560SEL, was the "top of the line" back in '86 and designed to be a corporate / government limousine. It was NOT designed for economy or efficiency but for power and comfort. The fuel use is high for the 5.6L V-8 was somewhat detuned to meet emissions standards, I vaguely recall an EPA estimate of about 12 to 19 mpg. Others may have better data.

The V-8 has a long dual chain that drives the overhead valves. The chains stretch and wear and after 120K to 150K miles ought to be replaced for when they break the valves will be smashed by the pistons and the repair will cost about as much as you'll pay for the car. So if the chains are original or you don't affirmatively know that they've been replaced it's something to budget and do now or at least have a M-B shop check.

The other item on the 560 model, but not the 420 model, is its hydro-pneumatic rear suspension. There's a small engine driven hydraulic pump, a leveling valve in the rear and two nitrogen and oil filled shocks or struts - both in the rear. The hydraulic fluid is expensive and the rear shocks or struts wear out. The symptom thereof is a buckboard hard ride. YOU need to understand how this system works to avoid being at the mercy of some repair shop that wants to "replace everything", for "everything" doesn't need to be replaced, usually only the struts go bad.

Since you like the S model you should know that it was also sold as a

420SEL with a 4.2L V-8, slightly better fuel economy and regular steel spring rear suspension, otherwise very similar. Also available is the 300SDL which is the 420SEL except that a 3.0L straight six diesel provides the power. These diesel models are well regarded, unfortunately they're so well regarded that finding one with less than a zillion miles on its clock is difficult. Its diesel is quite durable but suffers cylinder head cracks or a blown headgasket if overheated, just in case you buy one.
Reply to
T.G. Lambach

In regard to the timing chain, the general rule of replacement is l00K miles and/or 10 years. Actually the chains rarely break on their own. Usually the chain failure is caused by the plastic chain rail guides getting brittle with age and breaking, then dropping into the chain links causing the chain to jump time and trash the piston/valve components. I own an '86

Reply to
Rockman59

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