1987 Mercedes-Benz W126 560 SEC - project

[bmthnick1981]

SamPet said:

I did mine, there were a few things I would recommend...

1) Never use paper towels for checking the levels. Use part of an old chamois leather. Lint kills the transmission apparently.

2) There's little point removing the filter and draining the transmission if you're not going to drain the torque converter(TC) too. You do this by manually turning the engine (in the correct direction to avoid slackening the timing chains) until the TC spins round to show its drain screw (visible through a hole in the TC casing). Undo the screw and watch it drain.

3) Topping up took about 7L for me. I topped up a bit, checked the levels after running the engine, then topped up some more and so on. BE AWARE that too much transmission fluid will result in megabork.... take your time and do it bit by bit

Useful advice, thanks. My mate the mechanic will be taking the lead on all the bits we've got to do this weekend, I am a mere apprentice!

[bmthnick1981]

Some good progress yesterday, but no pics (was too bloody cold!). Got the new fuel pump on (car has 2, I think I might get another new one so I no both are new), got the new caliper on the rear drivers side, nice easy job. Drained the autobox (had very little oil in it) inspected the filter, looked new so didnt replace, refilled box. Then cracked on to the water pump which was a bd of a job, we didnt have a manual or any clue as to best / correct method so we just cracked on. Got it all back together at 9pm last night by which time the battery had gone flat so left it for the the night. Going to go up today to fill it with anti-freeze, fresh fuel in and put the battery back in which should have hopefully re-charged.

Some good news;
- Opened the boot to find a full size Lorinser spare.
- opened the glove box to find a stack of papers, books and manuals including service history and owners manual.
- both seat belt presenters work!
- All lights work.
- Heaters work.

Bad news;
- Car is damp, window, door, sunroof and boot seals will need replacing. These can be expensive but I understand its only worth buying new from MB so will do.
- Some rust on underneath of rear parcel shelf, to be expected I think and my mechanic is of the opinion its not structural so will dry it all out, replace seals including rear window seal, ensure its dry and not leaking then rub down, clean up and paint.
- Elec seats, wipers and elec windows / roof not working - suspect fuses.

More updates to follow.

The service history and owners manual;



Serviced at;

12.06.87 - 845 miles - Bradshaw Webb (Chelsea) Ltd.
04.01.88 - 5,171 miles - Mercedes-Benz (United Kingdom) Ltd, Brentford
20.10.88 - 12,235 miles - County Garages (Cheltenham) Ltd
16.06.89 - 18,075 miles - Scmmitt Automobile Services Ltd, London
11.05.90 - 23,952 miles - R.J. Technical Specialists Ltd, London
30.11.90 - 30,266 miles - R.J. Technical Specialists Ltd, London
19.07.91 - 35,177 miles - Bradshaw Webb (Chelsea) Ltd.
10.12.92 - 46,195 miles - Bradshaw Webb (Chelsea) Ltd.
11.02.94 - 51,089 miles - German Motor Co. Ltd
30.03.96 - 54,100 miles - German Motor Co. Ltd
29.04.96 - 56,454 miles - German Motor Co. Ltd

So it looks like it was looked after early on in its life if not later on!

[bmthnick1981]

Ok, some more good news, went up this morning, filled it with anti-freeze, fresh fuel and charged battery and she fired up. Much smoother now, and no awful squeaking from the belts as previously. Gearbox is 100% better, pop it in reverse or drive and it bites straight away and pulls away. It seems to have been a low fluid issue, previously it had no 'bite' and wouldnt pull away without plenty of revs which seemed to build the pressure up, only about 1 litre came out when we drained it so possibly just a low fluid issue.

Still won't rev past 3,000 when warm, seems to go higher when cold. Am going to get another fuel pump so we know both are new. These cars seem to be sensitive to fuel pumps, filters and relays. Also need to replace ignition coil, have a new one just didn't have time to put it on. Also need new dizzy cap and rotor arm so we can eliminate those as causing the issue. Plugs and leads are new. Also currently running it with no air box or filter on, we have it all in the car but it was off when I acquired the car. Car also smells to be running a bit rich.

Managed to give it a jet wash off which has transformed it, looks like a different car. Should have put the new number plates on but ran out of time. Crap photos from iphone;

Spare Wheel;



Anyone know who these are or if they or a successor still exists?



I think the period sticker looks really good! Would like one from the supplying dealer though ideally.

During / after a jet wash;











The car is damp inside but I think the main cause of this is because the electric windows aren't working the 'auto drop' feature on the doors are stuck in the down position meaning a gap at the top of window and water getting in. Will aim to go through the fuses in the next week or so.

[bmthnick1981]

Howitzer said:

My 500E had random issues with fuses, in the end I found out that they needed a clean with wire wool every so often and haven't had an issue since, even with the original 22 year old fuses.

Get a de-humidifier inside it, one of the gel type for the caravans can work wonders with the windows and doors closed, or if somewhere well ventilated and dry leave the windows down.

Lovely lovely cars these 560s, good project!!

Dave!

Thanks for the tip on the fuses.

Yes, have a dehumidifier, first thing is to get the windows closing properly so the car is sealed. Once it's MOT'd I will move it into my garage and get the dehumidifier into it for a day or so. Also plan to strip the inside, seats carpets etc so they can be cleaned properly.

Really enjoying the project!

[bmthnick1981]

olly22n said:

Good work!

You mention new plates, I trust they are still in the old style font?

Keep the updates coming!

Hmm, old style font? Not sure. Just ordered some cheapy replacements off eBay! Can you link me to someone who can do the old style? I assume its just the font thats a bit thinner?

[bmthnick1981]

slippery said:

Are you planning to leave it de-badged?

Really not sure, found this on ebay;

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121239737547?ssPageName=...

So the choice is there to 're-badge' it...

[bmthnick1981]

slippery said:

If I had a 560, it would wear the badge with pride, even though 99.9% of the other motorists didn't notice!

I think I agree. I'm going to hold back ordering the badge though as might be getting the boot lid (and a few other bits) painted after it's running properly and MOT'd.

[bmthnick1981]

Where there's a will there's a way! Don't wanna get too far ahead of myself tho, still a bit to do

[bmthnick1981]

0a said:

If a car isn't run it will always get damp on the inside as the water in the air condenses (and is then replaced by new air with water) - my Audi was damp through lack of use, but this was soon resolved with a couple of 200 mile trips with the AC on and the blowers on heat.

The car is looking fantastic - the ultimate merc?

Thanks Oa, the windows not closing fully is certainly a problem, once fixed I will be able to establish if it can stay dry. As you say any car sat for a while create some moisture.

Ultimate merc? It was in 1987 I guess!

[bmthnick1981]

TonyRPH said:

OP, you have a PM.

Received, thanks!

[bmthnick1981]

E65Ross said:

This is fantastic. These cars are amongst my favourite cars ever, just so damn cool and it's oddly warming inside to know one is being brought back to life again!

Keep up the good work, it'll be worth it!

Thanks Ross, hoping for MOT by end of month, sill to well up, ignition coil to replace, some fuses to check, new number plates to go on, engine needs a tune up and we should be largely there. Might need some tyres / wipers buut that's no big deal.

Will still be more work to be done when / if it's MOT'd but at least I can move it around then.

[bmthnick1981]

Just ordered a new ignition module thing and distributor, my mechanic pal reckons it has the wrong ones on it. Hopefully that will sort the rough running. Just gotta wait for them to arrive and be fitted...

[bmthnick1981]

Small update, new ignition module fitted, car fires on first turn of key now. No cranking or throttle required. Elec windows work and seal fully - should help keep it dry! Elec seats work - both were just dirty contacts on fuses. Only electric issues now are no wipers/washers and no dash lights....

Hoping to have a new distributor delivered shortly. Then its install that and the other new fuel pump, weld sill up and MOT time... Fingers crossed!

[bmthnick1981]

r129sl said:

Dash lights: try wiggling the knob for adjusting brightness before you try anything else.

Will do, thanks!

[bmthnick1981]

Thanks MOT target date is Sat 1st March......

Couple of pics;

New (second hand) ignition module from the states;



New (second hand) distributor from the states;



New distributor with new cap and rotor arm fitted;



Air intake pipes (very kindly provided by and sent to me by PH'er "R129sl" - thanks again Jonathan);

[bmthnick1981]

SitCet said:

Is that the correct ignition model? My 89 model has 8 prongs on the plus, which I understood means Euro model, with the 4 prongs meaning US spec.

Edited by SitCet on Wednesday 19th February 17:36

I don't know! I hope it is. But it has come from the US (it was cheap £17).

Any chance of a picture of yours?

I think my mechanic has installed mine already - and he said it made it run better? I will try and call him later.

The wiring on my car did seem to have been bodged about a bit, so not too sure what is what!

[bmthnick1981]

r129sl said:

I did an engine transplant on my 500, replacing the stock 5.0l with a 300bhp 560 engine. I used the existing 4 prong ignition control module with absolutely no issues. At £17, you've nothing to lose: going rate for a used one is about £300!

Yes I saw a couple of ones on UK eBay and there were indeed in the order of £300. Lots on US eBay but I did have to wait for one with compatible part numbers to come up - I checked some old threads on MBClub forums and they suggested the one I have acquired should be ok...... Glad to hear you used one on a 560 with no issues.

I also bought my used distributor from US eBay for £60 with good cap and rotor arm (replaced them anyway though).

[bmthnick1981]

bmthnick1981 said:

Yes I saw a couple of ones on UK eBay and there were indeed in the order of £300. Lots on US eBay but I did have to wait for one with compatible part numbers to come up - I checked some old threads on MBClub forums and they suggested the one I have acquired should be ok...... Glad to hear you used one on a 560 with no issues.

I also bought my used distributor from US eBay for £60 with good cap and rotor arm (replaced them anyway though).

See here for ignition module part numbers and inter-changeability;

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/electronics/81299-w...

I have 003 545 9132 so hopefully is ok.

[bmthnick1981]

Little update, condensation free windows;



Sunroof works;



Wipers do not work, motor/linkage seized. Found second hand one on ebay for £35.

[bmthnick1981]

harry kular said:

Great stuff, following with interest.

What was the cause of the condensation- blockage?

Not sure it was condensation, as both windows were down ajar when I got the car, its as if they had been left open to allow the interior to breath. Not ideal when it was outside. It's dry now though since my mate sorted the fuses.

Harry - do you have a thread on your V12 W124 build? I'd be very interested.