New addition and a new rival :)

[franjo_66]

Well seems like getting new projects during these strange times is a common theme.

I have acquired a beautiful 560 SEC to partner up with my 230SL. Great car and no tinkering needed (unfortunately) as she is in fantastic order.

Not stopping there, I have also welcomed a 1983 BMW 735i into the fold. Another fantastic car. She is in great shape as well, but lots of "project work" that I can see myself doing. I have already started on reconditioning the cylinder head (new valve seals, etc), refurbished the AFM, new injectors and will renew the HVAC system. All electricals, etc work great.  I have added a set of period correct mesh wheels. She packs a lot of goodies for the era (on board computer, ABS, LSD, electric front & rear seats, etc). The BMW M30 big six is a fantastic engine.

Next job will be to replace the velour interior with leather.
Happy days ahead !

[wayne R]

Hi Franjo66, couple  nice  classics,
I had a 1988 in California, only had it about 2 months, then sold it on,
made about  a grand from it,was a nice car , i think here in Australia they have been
 a bit underated ,i dont know why, the differents from say the last  560 SL, is like
three times the money just  for a convertible,Example say --1988 560SL here sells for well over $100,000
Does yours have  memory  power seats and rear air suspension,
and i love the pillarless  windows,  regards Wayne,.

[franjo_66]

Hey Wayne

Yes they are totally under rated but prices are creeping up.
Couple of weeks ago there were 7-8 good ones for sale on carsales.com.au

Now there is only one !

Mine has the memory seats, self levelling rear suspension, LSD, and even a button to change the horn tone ! I bought it from a fellow enthusiast here in Sydney. Car has been meticulously maintained.

The engine is imperceptible in the way it delivers power. So smooth yet has great torque all through the range. Interestingly the 735i is line-ball for performance and has a nice flat torque curve. Power is only approx 20kw less for 2 litres disadvantage in capacity.

Regards
Franjo

[stickandrudderman]

126 coupes are probably the best cars Mercedes ever made. I've owned a few and absolutely love driving them. The biggest thing to watch out for is rust under the rear screen.

[Cees Klumper]

My son and I looked at a 560 SEC a couple of months ago as a daily driver for him. It drove like a land yacht, everything very indirect and 'wallowy'. The car was in good shape and had low miles, but all of its suspension bits must have been very tired. He got a 1986 Nissan 300ZX instead, that is great fun to drive and, compared to the SEC, razor sharp.

[wayne R]

Cees--Thought i would reply --re your road test with a  560SEC, they are renowned
for  the rear self leveling  suspension ,namely the  Accumulators--one on each side to go bad,
when this happens, the whole car is affected  with its ride,thats what you experianced.
Inside the Accumulator it has a  Diaphragm and these are the culprits that cause the problem
and go bad,they need to be replaced about every 50--60 thousand miles,they are not to expensive,
for memory about  $100-150  each, easy to check if bad, and to replace,.
But what can  happen and does alot,if you keep driving with those faulty,it can then  cause the  struts
to go bad,and then the whole  system becomes expensive to repair.

[Cees Klumper]

Thanks Wayne, I am sure you are right. Could not imagine this is the way Mercedes let them leave the factory.

[franjo_66]

Wayne is spot on Cees.
My 560 has had all the accumulators renewed (upgrade version) together with new front struts, tie rods, control arms etc.

The handling is definitely not wallowy what so ever. It is really planted and surprisingly agile. It goes directly where you steer it with no float or lack of feel. I really love the ride. Comfortable and quiet yet holds the road beautifully.

I have to concur with Stick. The 560 is magnificently built and the whole driving experience is fantastic. Better than any late model Merc I have owned or driven.