The Mighty SEC. Pictures, Ownership Stories and Tips.

The Mighty SEC. Pictures, Ownership Stories and Tips.

Author
Discussion

CharlesdeGaulle

Original Poster:

26,091 posts

179 months

Friday 4th November 2016
quotequote all
I recently bought a 1998 560 SEC. This one:



The ad was languishing in the back pages of the MB Club Gazette (do you remember when cars were only ever advertised that way?) and the price was so low that I was certain I'd been beaten to the car by hordes of other prospective buyers. I was reading the magazine on a flight, and as soon as I landed I texted the number. The car was still for sale, seemed to have virtually no other online sale presence, and the deal was eventually done. The nice vendor even delivered the car about 200 miles free of charge, and had had quite a few jobs done between agreeing the sale and actual handover, including a new battery, a scratch on the door repaired and painted, and the cracked dashboard top replaced.

The car is in pretty good condition for its 28 years and nearly 160,000 miles. The interior has been re-trimmed which is a bit of a shame - I like velour! - although the quality of the work done is excellent. One of my early jobs will be to restore the slightly cracked and worn leather on the front seats. I haven't had much time to spend on it so far, and have driven less than 100 miles, but have already identified some jobs that will need doing.

There are some small rust spots and a badly painted £2 coin-sized bleb on the rear quarter, and the beginnings of some corrosion under one of the bumper chrome fittings. There is also a continuously noisy fuel pump, and the seat back luggage nets need tightening. The bonnet also needs to be aligned better as it doesn't really sit closed evenly. That aside, the car is in really good shape. There's lots of history with it, the tool kit, first aid kit, warning triangle and a MB-branded road atlas are all present. The radio is new, but is unobtrusive and is a high quality Sony unit with bluetooth and remote control, and everything seems to work as it should, including the aircon, aerial, electric memory seats, seatbelt butlers and sunroof.

I'm pleased with it so far and the performance seems excellent, especially for such a big old thing.

There must be lots of other owners out there. Anyone with similar cars, stories to tell or advice to offer?

The Don of Croy

5,976 posts

158 months

Friday 4th November 2016
quotequote all
How do you get your DNA profile matched into the brickwork?

Otherwise, scrumptious motor, uber-cool. Does it tend to steer towards golf courses?

derin100

5,214 posts

242 months

Friday 4th November 2016
quotequote all
Beautiful car!


mickyveloce

1,035 posts

235 months

Friday 4th November 2016
quotequote all
Splendid car. More gravitas than a 635 CSI, less loucheness than an XJ/S and sauver than the 928.

tonys

1,080 posts

222 months

Friday 4th November 2016
quotequote all
Lovely cars. Good find.

harrykul

2,770 posts

225 months

Friday 4th November 2016
quotequote all
Love it. Looking forward to reading more

andy43

9,548 posts

253 months

Saturday 5th November 2016
quotequote all
Looks a nice one. I have driven a few 560s and they really are indecently quick. Great fun.

Parisien

622 posts

161 months

Saturday 5th November 2016
quotequote all
Indeed CdG, lovely Mercedes, keep us all up to speed and good luck with it!


P

0a

23,879 posts

193 months

Saturday 5th November 2016
quotequote all
Excellent CDG. I await the day when you decide to move it on!

CharlesdeGaulle

Original Poster:

26,091 posts

179 months

Saturday 5th November 2016
quotequote all
Does anyone know how you tighten the seat-back baggage nets? I think it's an easy job, but can't seem to track down a guide.

Lowtimer

4,286 posts

167 months

Saturday 5th November 2016
quotequote all
Sorry, no clue. Just overwhelmed by the feeling that I still don't have one of these, and need one to keep and nurture for 20 years.

CharlesdeGaulle

Original Poster:

26,091 posts

179 months

Saturday 5th November 2016
quotequote all
Here's one for Lowtimer.

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C695824



Seems expensive to me, but I like big numbers being associated with the car!

Parisien

622 posts

161 months

Sunday 6th November 2016
quotequote all
CharlesdeGaulle said:
Here's one for Lowtimer.

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C695824



Seems expensive to me, but I like big numbers being associated with the car!
The price of Brexit guys.....;)

But needing two new front wings effectively and whilst 75k miles are low, they aren't low enough for that price!


P

PS Little known fact, if a car imported 2nd hand into RoI, correctly registered and VRT paid on it, you can reclaim same on re-export, fee involved of course but at least you wouldn't be paying over the odds sort of!!!!

Parisien

622 posts

161 months

Sunday 6th November 2016
quotequote all
This is more like...........please read last line too, well I laffed!



http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/mercedes-500-sec-/182344...

P

CharlesdeGaulle

Original Poster:

26,091 posts

179 months

Sunday 6th November 2016
quotequote all
So very much wrong with that. Only fit for parts. He should take them OUT HIMSELF!

CharlesdeGaulle

Original Poster:

26,091 posts

179 months

Saturday 12th November 2016
quotequote all
I've had good use of the SEC over the past couple of weeks, and added a couple of hundred miles. It continues to delight with its inbuilt quality, and the performance is excellent.

I've noticed a noisy blower fan but suspect that fixing that might be a dash-out job so I might just learn to live with it.

I took it to my rented garage this afternoon to try it for size, but the car's too long for it! Guess the SEC will stay at home and the 124 will now probably end up in the rental.

A photo taken at the same spot that I took the title pic of my XJR-S for this thread:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...


cornershop

2,136 posts

195 months

Sunday 13th November 2016
quotequote all
Thanks to CdG for directing me here smile

I'm few months ahead in terms of ownership, having picked up my blue black 1989 560 back in May this year from a few miles away from where i live. Its got invoices back to 1994, and the original service back stamped from the running in service onwards so pretty complete in that respect. What drew me to this car, even with a few failings, was the history as its got 2x A4 box files full of invoices with it.



I've only managed to complete 7-800 miles since i bought it, so used the trip from north london to the NEC yesterday to really get to know it better. Mix of A and B roads, m-way was perfect, the torrential rain less so.

I stopped off at Merc specialist Edward Hall nr Aylesbury on the way, as I'd asked him to give my car an over (and under) view to see where my funds need to be prioritised ....




cornershop

2,136 posts

195 months

Sunday 13th November 2016
quotequote all
Edward focuses on 80/90's Mercs offering servicing, restoration and minty examples for sale. The 2 CEs in particular looked and smelt factory fresh, were arrow straight and possessed a depth of paintwork I can only dream of.

After a walk around, checking the boot area, engine bay and getting it on the lift, we discussed next steps to prioritize expenditure. Upshot is i'm planning to replace the following (Phase 1) with genuine MB items:

Rear screen and seal
Refit front screen and replace seal
Sunroof seal
Tail light cluster seals
Door and side glass scraper seals
Bonnet insulation
Engine mounts
Knock sensor wiring
Apply protective wax to underbody and bumper chromes

Gearbox fluid, diff oil and coolant to follow.










cornershop

2,136 posts

195 months

Sunday 13th November 2016
quotequote all
I do have a rust hole in the boot caused by water ingress at the aerial hole and rain/water following the aerial body into a pool above the LHS side pod, so this will need addressing, so will the boot vent areas, on either side of the boot floor. Ultimately, and at some point next year, i'll get both flanks done to keep my OCD at bay.

Talking of rust, do remove the battery and battery tray to see what lies beneath. Mine looked bad, but once a carrier bag full of crud/leaves had been vacuumed out, it was just a rusty ARB mount left on a display, everything else was solid





Installed with misting of Bilt Hamber Dynax UB wax:


CharlesdeGaulle

Original Poster:

26,091 posts

179 months

Sunday 13th November 2016
quotequote all
That's a nice-looking car; they do look good in the dark colours. That showroom looks dangerously appealing too!

Are the rubber seals readily available? My two door seals could do with replacing. I want to get my gearbox oil changed too, and I suspect I should get the timing chain looked at as well.