W126 Should I or shouldn't I???

[Lance Fabulous]

Hi all, new to the forum and looking for some advice. I'm thinking about getting a 300 se at some point next year and I'm just wondering if it will give me thousands of miles of motoring bliss or just empty my bank account.
What are servicing costs like? And what about brakes, timing chains and other bits like that going to set me back?
The heart is fairly set on getting a 300 at the mo so please let it be good news.
Also, very demanding for a newbie I know, but does anyone know of a good Merc specialist in the Republic of Ireland?

Thanks,
John.

 

[Chazchuzzlewitt]

never owned a 126 but I have owned a car with the same engine, and I would say watch out for blown head-gaskets. If you're handy with a spanner things like filters, brakes etc are fairly cheap DIYers.
As with all old mercs, I'd say try and get a well-looked after one with history, and a fairly low-mileage one, 'cause they need the top end re-built around 200k as they start to get noisy and use a fair bit of oil.
To answer should you or shouldn't you... well if you want one, go get one I say...

 

[Junes]

My point of view is that a W126 is a collectors item by now which is also capable of being a runabout.

If the engine fails it can cost you up to the same as the purchase price. What do they go for in Ireland, 2,000 Pounds?

My approach to buying a W126 is that you spend 2,000 pounds on a car that drives better than something that costs 14,000 pounds so you have 12,000 pounds left to spend on fuel and maintenance.

 

[42864]

Simple answer to your question is YES YES YES.you won't regret it as long as you look for a good one!

 

[Bobthebuilder58]

My W126 puts a smile on my face every time i take it out If you find a good unabused example,no body kits fitted,as much service history as possible and have a good look at the current owner and ask your self,doe's this person look like he or she would have taken care of the car??Avoid cars that the owner has had only a few weeks!! What's the condition of the bumper chromes?These are very expensive items to replace!If you drive it carefully it can be reasonably economical on fuel!And the best bit is if you get a really good one and look after it,it should be almost depreciation proof!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bob.

 

[Lance Fabulous]

Thanks for the advice guys.
It'll be another six/seven months before I can go get one but feeling more confident about it now.

 

[FizzyFarmer]

Brilliant cars, as someone said to me they were built as competitor to a roller! but they were reliable! they are amazing to drive just make sure you have a full service history and the owner is an enthusast for they can cost a fortune to sort if they havent been looked after. enjoy

 

[GEORGEROV]

Have had my 500se for 5 years now and a great £3k's worth. Most parts are as cheap as any other car if you do your own servicing. Why not consider a v8 model, I get 24 mpg although I do live in a rural area.