Thinking about buying a SEC
Discussion
So I am out on an assignment in Brussels and was thinking about purchasing a SEC from the UK to use out here.
Does anyone have any experience of SEC ownership? I just find the look and demeanor of the car to be to my liking.
I would like a post 87 500SEC but I would buy a 420SEC if the spec was good.
Any advice or opinions on SEC? Its going to be used as a get to work and shopping car covering few miles. Also the occasional trip back to London. I am concerned about reliability mostly.
Does anyone have any experience of SEC ownership? I just find the look and demeanor of the car to be to my liking.
I would like a post 87 500SEC but I would buy a 420SEC if the spec was good.
Any advice or opinions on SEC? Its going to be used as a get to work and shopping car covering few miles. Also the occasional trip back to London. I am concerned about reliability mostly.
- * Sorry I forgot to add that I may go for a SE 300 if the SEC plan doesn't work out.
Edited by Renn Sport on Wednesday 7th October 12:37
k all about SEC then...Apologies for the delay .
I`ve never owned one of these but understand the kiss of death to be damp under the rear parcel shelf indicating water ingress leading to terminal rot .
The engines / gearboxes etc are all well proven although I suspect as more 500`s than 420`s were made , parts may be (slightly) more readily available . General concensus is that the 560 is the one to have although the smaller V8 500 is a slightly smoother engine .
Brakes and consumables all cheap enough however and , providing it`s running on original size tyres , they look fantasic . The pillarless construction means complex seals ( as on the CE models ) so it`s essential that they don`t let water in .
Seatbelt "butlers" are standard on the car and a wonderful and embracing greeting when you get in , but they are again complex and a pain to fix and adjust if they have failed in their function .
Economy was always streets ahead of the XJS , which together with the 635csi BMW were the cars contemporary rival and performance comparable to both and as with all 1980`s Mercedes , they are capable of enormous mileage if treated properly .
I hope you get one and , whatsmore , I hope you enjoy it
I`ve never owned one of these but understand the kiss of death to be damp under the rear parcel shelf indicating water ingress leading to terminal rot .
The engines / gearboxes etc are all well proven although I suspect as more 500`s than 420`s were made , parts may be (slightly) more readily available . General concensus is that the 560 is the one to have although the smaller V8 500 is a slightly smoother engine .
Brakes and consumables all cheap enough however and , providing it`s running on original size tyres , they look fantasic . The pillarless construction means complex seals ( as on the CE models ) so it`s essential that they don`t let water in .
Seatbelt "butlers" are standard on the car and a wonderful and embracing greeting when you get in , but they are again complex and a pain to fix and adjust if they have failed in their function .
Economy was always streets ahead of the XJS , which together with the 635csi BMW were the cars contemporary rival and performance comparable to both and as with all 1980`s Mercedes , they are capable of enormous mileage if treated properly .
I hope you get one and , whatsmore , I hope you enjoy it
Many thanks for your post. Ever since I sold my 1968 Mustang I have always felt that an SEC is the sophisticated alternative for Europe. I definitely getting one but I just couldn’t subject it to harsh winter abuse.
To be honest I am looking around the 4k mark so I am buying on condition rather then specification, so I am in late 420, 500 territory. I really want a 560 or at the very least a 500 but I have to cut my coat accordingly. Otherwise I may have to sell a motorbike or something and I couldn’t possibly do that.
I think the pillerless look of the SEC is a design classic, very German and masculine. These cars have so much presence on the road it would be a privilege to own.
Cheers
I have one. Mine is a 1986 500 SEC in 040 black over 265 mushroom leather. I have had it for 18 months now. This is my experience.
First, this has been an extremely satisfying and pleasurable car to own. It really does display amazing build quality. It is a cliche, I know, but my car really does feel like it was honed from a single, solid billet of steel. There is no car available in today's market built like a w126 at any price. It is fast enough, especially above 50mph. It is comfortable: again, cars just are not available with ride quality like this any more, so obsesed have the German manufacturers become with Nurburgring-tuned handling. It's not just the ride quality, though, the engine and transmission are creamy smooth and the final drive is nice and high, so one is doing only 3,000rpm at 100mph. And it is easy to drive: the controls are well-weighted and everything does what you would expect.
I get 20mpg out of mine. I drive it quite fast over a mix of roads with some but not an huge amount of urban driving. I often commute into Newcastle upon Tyne in the rush hour, but that means 25miles of open road (90 to 100mph) and then 5miles of heavy traffic.
I have driven mine to Europe. I have total faith in a well-maintained w126, more even than in my r129. The key words are "well-maintained". Almost none of the cars now available is well-maintained. Even the specialist dealers' garage queens will want expensive repairs due to lack of use. These cars need to be used and maintained, not repaired. My own car was bought by a director of the fashion retailer Next. He kept it for 18years and maintained it without regard to expense. By the end of his tenure, the bills were coming thick and fast in the £1,000s. Mine then suffered lack of use and cheap maintenance for a couple of years. The previous owner got things back on track but I have had to spend a lot over the last 18months to get it back to total operating condition.
These are the generic faults. Rust. Look under the rear coupe window. They all rust here when the seal goes. The window delaminates, too (as does the windscreen) but this is cosmetic. Front wings rust, too. Also at risk are the bottoms of the front and rear wings and the doors where the bodywork meets the plastic panelling.
Next are minor electrical glitches. The cruise control goes. Usually is the control unit, may be the speed sensor in the rear diff. Seat belt presenters, usually the control unit. Electric seats, usually the switch. The windows are difficult to align and sometimes the rear windows go stiff due to lack of use.
The engine is bullet proof if correctly serviced. Only likely problems are the distributor cap, rotor and leads which may just be worn out by now. Made an huge difference when I did mine.
The window seals can dry out at this age, leading to wind noise and water ingress. Check for sunroof leaks. Walk away if it leaks here: it means the drain holes have rusted and a new casette is required.
Air con. If it hasn't been done, you'll need new components for the R134a gas. Mine was done in 2004 at huge expense by Mr Next. They never just need regassing, usually there is a leak at the condensor. The heating probably doesn't work at this age: new duo valve inserts required, easy fix.
At this age, I'd be looking at fuel and brake lines and the fuel pump package. But this is the same as any old car. Likewise shocks.
They eat front ball joints.
Mine had a new steering box at 100k miles and apparently drives very well for it.
Finally, if you get one, you must change the auto fluid and filter, the spark plugs and the power steering fluid and filter. Nobody ever bothers with these important jobs.
Since I bought mine I have done the following:
(1) routine servicing including box, plugs and p/s.
(2) refurb alloys, new Continental tyres.
(3) new dizzy cap, rotor and leads.
(4) new ball joints.
(5) air con overhauled (for the second time).
(6) new driver's side window motor.
(7) new transmission to oil cooler pipes (to correct a previous cheap repair).
(8) new seat belt presenter control unit.
(9) new cruise control ECU.
(10) front ABS sensor.
(11) rear diff speed sensor.
(12) oil pressure sender.
(13) new exhaust.
About £4k all told.
It wants some minor bodywork before winter (I live at the sea, so these things take hold quickly).
I hope this gives you an idea. I would look for a 500: they are faster and better equipped than the 420 but significantly cheaper than the 560. That said, what is your budget? I bet the 560 is a monster with 300bhp.
I wouldn't worry unduly about the 1988 power hike, it is not much to speak of, 245bhp to 262bhp, the torque figures remained almost identical. At some stage, the interior was facelifted with nicer door trims and different seat stitching, I think in about 1988.
They have an huge boot. Plus a nice big tank, 20gallons. These things makes it a great shopping/commuting/long distance car.
Personally I prefer the look of the pre-1986 facelift cars with their lovely baroque alloy wheels, antique colour schemes (cyprus green over green velours would suit me) and ribbed door mouldings, but there are hardly any good ones about and the brakes were significantly enhanced on the 1986 onwards cars.
Here is are two pictures of mine:
http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/LGwfGES-Zya...
http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/m2jFiYWrZic...
Final thought: if you fancy one of these cars, they will exceed your expectations. They are very, very good. Especially stuck in traffic on a hot day, windows down, shades on... (or windows up, air con blasting).
Final, final thought: the single, simple test of whether you are looking at a good one is the tyres. Is it wearing Michelin tyres? If no, how about new Continentals (because Michelin has ceased making a suitable tyre, the Continental Premium Contact 2 is the best alternative). If not, walk away... There are some very good SECs out there and they're worth waiting for.
First, this has been an extremely satisfying and pleasurable car to own. It really does display amazing build quality. It is a cliche, I know, but my car really does feel like it was honed from a single, solid billet of steel. There is no car available in today's market built like a w126 at any price. It is fast enough, especially above 50mph. It is comfortable: again, cars just are not available with ride quality like this any more, so obsesed have the German manufacturers become with Nurburgring-tuned handling. It's not just the ride quality, though, the engine and transmission are creamy smooth and the final drive is nice and high, so one is doing only 3,000rpm at 100mph. And it is easy to drive: the controls are well-weighted and everything does what you would expect.
I get 20mpg out of mine. I drive it quite fast over a mix of roads with some but not an huge amount of urban driving. I often commute into Newcastle upon Tyne in the rush hour, but that means 25miles of open road (90 to 100mph) and then 5miles of heavy traffic.
I have driven mine to Europe. I have total faith in a well-maintained w126, more even than in my r129. The key words are "well-maintained". Almost none of the cars now available is well-maintained. Even the specialist dealers' garage queens will want expensive repairs due to lack of use. These cars need to be used and maintained, not repaired. My own car was bought by a director of the fashion retailer Next. He kept it for 18years and maintained it without regard to expense. By the end of his tenure, the bills were coming thick and fast in the £1,000s. Mine then suffered lack of use and cheap maintenance for a couple of years. The previous owner got things back on track but I have had to spend a lot over the last 18months to get it back to total operating condition.
These are the generic faults. Rust. Look under the rear coupe window. They all rust here when the seal goes. The window delaminates, too (as does the windscreen) but this is cosmetic. Front wings rust, too. Also at risk are the bottoms of the front and rear wings and the doors where the bodywork meets the plastic panelling.
Next are minor electrical glitches. The cruise control goes. Usually is the control unit, may be the speed sensor in the rear diff. Seat belt presenters, usually the control unit. Electric seats, usually the switch. The windows are difficult to align and sometimes the rear windows go stiff due to lack of use.
The engine is bullet proof if correctly serviced. Only likely problems are the distributor cap, rotor and leads which may just be worn out by now. Made an huge difference when I did mine.
The window seals can dry out at this age, leading to wind noise and water ingress. Check for sunroof leaks. Walk away if it leaks here: it means the drain holes have rusted and a new casette is required.
Air con. If it hasn't been done, you'll need new components for the R134a gas. Mine was done in 2004 at huge expense by Mr Next. They never just need regassing, usually there is a leak at the condensor. The heating probably doesn't work at this age: new duo valve inserts required, easy fix.
At this age, I'd be looking at fuel and brake lines and the fuel pump package. But this is the same as any old car. Likewise shocks.
They eat front ball joints.
Mine had a new steering box at 100k miles and apparently drives very well for it.
Finally, if you get one, you must change the auto fluid and filter, the spark plugs and the power steering fluid and filter. Nobody ever bothers with these important jobs.
Since I bought mine I have done the following:
(1) routine servicing including box, plugs and p/s.
(2) refurb alloys, new Continental tyres.
(3) new dizzy cap, rotor and leads.
(4) new ball joints.
(5) air con overhauled (for the second time).
(6) new driver's side window motor.
(7) new transmission to oil cooler pipes (to correct a previous cheap repair).
(8) new seat belt presenter control unit.
(9) new cruise control ECU.
(10) front ABS sensor.
(11) rear diff speed sensor.
(12) oil pressure sender.
(13) new exhaust.
About £4k all told.
It wants some minor bodywork before winter (I live at the sea, so these things take hold quickly).
I hope this gives you an idea. I would look for a 500: they are faster and better equipped than the 420 but significantly cheaper than the 560. That said, what is your budget? I bet the 560 is a monster with 300bhp.
I wouldn't worry unduly about the 1988 power hike, it is not much to speak of, 245bhp to 262bhp, the torque figures remained almost identical. At some stage, the interior was facelifted with nicer door trims and different seat stitching, I think in about 1988.
They have an huge boot. Plus a nice big tank, 20gallons. These things makes it a great shopping/commuting/long distance car.
Personally I prefer the look of the pre-1986 facelift cars with their lovely baroque alloy wheels, antique colour schemes (cyprus green over green velours would suit me) and ribbed door mouldings, but there are hardly any good ones about and the brakes were significantly enhanced on the 1986 onwards cars.
Here is are two pictures of mine:
http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/LGwfGES-Zya...
http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/m2jFiYWrZic...
Final thought: if you fancy one of these cars, they will exceed your expectations. They are very, very good. Especially stuck in traffic on a hot day, windows down, shades on... (or windows up, air con blasting).
Final, final thought: the single, simple test of whether you are looking at a good one is the tyres. Is it wearing Michelin tyres? If no, how about new Continentals (because Michelin has ceased making a suitable tyre, the Continental Premium Contact 2 is the best alternative). If not, walk away... There are some very good SECs out there and they're worth waiting for.
Edited by r129sl on Monday 12th October 18:22
We have had, for nearly 15 years and about 200k miles, a 560 sec in the family.
Personally, I've done about a 1000 miles in the old girl.
It is a fantastic car, just so effortless and elegant. I think the only thing that has ever stopped it is a duff battery.
As far as we're concerned the weakness is the body work - seems to need tidying every few years. The gearbox and motor are approaching the 275k mile mark - gearbox never been touched, head never been off the engine....
It's not cheap motoring though if you want to maintain one properly. Our one has had £2 or 3k spent on it with some regularity, though on other occaisions all it's needed is a couple of hundred for a wipe and fresh lubricants.
Good luck and hope you find a good one.
Personally, I've done about a 1000 miles in the old girl.
It is a fantastic car, just so effortless and elegant. I think the only thing that has ever stopped it is a duff battery.
As far as we're concerned the weakness is the body work - seems to need tidying every few years. The gearbox and motor are approaching the 275k mile mark - gearbox never been touched, head never been off the engine....
It's not cheap motoring though if you want to maintain one properly. Our one has had £2 or 3k spent on it with some regularity, though on other occaisions all it's needed is a couple of hundred for a wipe and fresh lubricants.
Good luck and hope you find a good one.
I had the four door w126 for 3.5 years. In that time it only had one fault, the abs failed and cost as much as the car was worth to fix. Sold it with 220,000 on the clock. I would rather bought a coupe but at the time they were too expensive.
Things to check -
- check that the car hasn't been repainted, the original quality can not be matched
- check the wheel arches for rust
- check that the abs works
- check the condition of the exhaust system, these are very expensive to replace
- check the front corner of the front wing for rust
Things to check -
- check that the car hasn't been repainted, the original quality can not be matched
- check the wheel arches for rust
- check that the abs works
- check the condition of the exhaust system, these are very expensive to replace
- check the front corner of the front wing for rust
I bought a 1989 500 SEC from Germany in 2002 - it had only 39,000km on the clock and the rear seats had never ever been sat in - 2 owners etc etc
Navy blue - suede interior - sunroof etc etc it was beautiful!
Took it up to 160,000km in 2 years - cost me about £200 in servicing at my local indie and £90 for a wiper linkage.
THE ABSOLUTE BEST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED EVER!!!
Buy carefully and you wont get stung.
MBOC is the best place to get one or Germany if you can live with LHD.
khushy
Navy blue - suede interior - sunroof etc etc it was beautiful!
Took it up to 160,000km in 2 years - cost me about £200 in servicing at my local indie and £90 for a wiper linkage.
THE ABSOLUTE BEST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED EVER!!!
Buy carefully and you wont get stung.
MBOC is the best place to get one or Germany if you can live with LHD.
khushy
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