1991 500e in Silver Vs 1989 560sec in dunkelblau/1991 560Sec in 199

[lowman]

So people
I need to ask you guys to shoot me some views and suggestions to what to choose...
Which car would you get...and " why"... pros and cons...are my " questions for you

I am looking into getting another car..and many of you know me from before..so you know ive had a 500e before..and i now own my w210 E50 Amg
But i really miss my 500e.....but i also want to aqquire one of my other dream Benz"s....a c126
I have 3 cars in mind..one particular 500e that i actually have a " story with and a link with"... ..and two possible 560Sec"s...
A silver on black 500e,,,,and a dunkelblau 560 sec,,and a blauschwarz 560 sec...

What to do....All suggestions and views...is apreaciated Help

 

[gsxr]

124 vs 126 is the primary question here. The 126 is a 1970's design, and the technology was somewhat outdated by the early 90's. The 500E was very advanced technology for the early 90's. Powertrain, engine management, brakes, suspension are all an order of magnitude more advanced on the 124. Apples/oranges, IMO.

Since you've never owned a 126 (right?) I'd start by test driving some 126's with the M117, to see if you like how they feel compared to your 500E and E50. Could be a "never meet your heroes" deal, or you might really like the old-school 126 experience.

If you decide on the SEC, I'd go for the dark blue just for the less common color. 199's are everywhere, like Teslas in San Francisco. I'm not sure if there were any features/improvements in 1991 to make the newer one more desirable vs 1989.

 

[TimL]

@lowman, what gsxr said!

I always loved the IDEA of a 560 SEL and bought one in 2003 when I lived in Germany. It was one with the full Euro spec and no cats so it had 300 PS. Amazing car and all of that, but man, it wasn’t as rumbly as I remembered it from when my dad had it as a company car and it wasn’t as sporty to drive as I would have liked it. I sold it after less than 1 year of ownership. Wish I never met that particular hero of mine…..

 

[e500.org]

500E all day long

126 is great but really doesn’t have the dynamic drivability nor the performance of the 500E

As for maintaining them no idea but given the NLA situation I can’t imagine a 126 being any easier to look after

 

[liviu165]

Test drive a 560SEC before you decide what to buy, in particular the one(s) you actually plan to buy, if possible. You may fall in love with the 560SEC and never wish to part with it, or you may not be impressed at all. Only you will be the one to know, and only after you drive one.
The color is always a matter of personal preference, but interior color should be considered too. Therefore, I look at color always as a combination: exterior and interior.
Yes, it was designed in the late 70s, but it it was designed very well and has absolutely no problem keeping up with today's modern cars. I find it a bit inconvenient to get in and get out of it, but once inside I do not want to get out of it. Is very comfortable in the front seats. The 1990 and 1991 had some improvements, I strongly recommend choosing from one of these years, if possible without anti squat rear suspension.

 

[Alphasud40]

I have a 86 550SEC 560SEC and it’s much nicer to drive than the V140 560SEL 500SEL I had before it but besides the very pretty body and great Mercedes build my W124 E420 outshines it in road handling and feel.

 

[liviu165]

@lowman
I always loved the IDEA of a 560 SEL and bought one in 2003 when I lived in Germany. It was one with the full Euro spec and no cats so it had 300 PS. Amazing car and all of that, but man, it wasn’t as rumbly as I remembered it from when my dad had it as a company car and it wasn’t as sporty to drive as I would have liked it. I sold it after less than 1 year of ownership.

I have both, a SEL and a SEC. The SEL is very comfortable in the back seat, a corporate car for the CEO. The problem is, I am the driver, so I can't enjoy the back seat. The SEC is very comfortable in the front seats, the 80s-90s "banker's hotrod" to go for the weekend in Monaco.
I always wanted a SEL, so I bought one. I also bought a SEC, just to have one because everybody was crazy about it; so why not get one?? After I bought the SEC, I fell in love with it and it became my 126 driving choice.
The SEL and SEC are very different cars, for different purposes. If you want a 126 sporty to drive, the SEL is not the choice, the SEC it is.

 

[duuder]

I got to test drive one before I got my 500E, it's a nice car visually (had a Lorenser kit/wheels) and felt nice inside but the drive was very relaxed, too relaxed for me

 

[mercepor]

Go for both...

 

[036]

Both beautiful looking cars, both very unreliable and rust friendly. A quick sofa meets bullterrier.
Only 2 things would stop me from getting C126 - 500E drives circles around it at any speed, and a coupe has teeeeerrrrrible wind noises after 150 kph..... But both great Sacco kids.

 

[AdamCabrio]

Definitely the silver 500E, simply because you said "you have a story with and a link with" that one. Unless, of course, it's technically a worn-out wreck. And it's beautiful in silver (mine is silver

 

[lowman]

Thank you aaaalll! I have read every single comment from you guys...but i dont want to make a comment to each everyone.
You have all valid points.
And like someofyou said..it is very much a personal preference ...of course. There is also ALOT of variables to consider when choosing between to such different cars.
I have never driven a c126, but i have driven quite few w126"s...and even a 560SE one,which is the rarest of them all actually.
I love the feeling of driving the 126...though the sitting position/ steering wheel position etc..is abit " weird" i think.IT just feels like the steering wheel is abit to low..and the dash etc is also abit low.
But the looks of a c126 ,with the correct looking wheels,,is just amazing..and since ive owned a 500e before..it feels somewhat more " thrilling" to get to experience a c126.
BUT the 500e is so farmiliar,that i feel no "risk" in getting another one.
One of my "main" questions is unfortunatly of a more superficial nature....that is " Which one would be more collectable/easy to sell" IF one is to sell the car.?I have a feeling that the 500e is the more " attractive one" ?
MAn.i shouldve never asked this " question".hehehe

 

[lowman]

 

[TerryA]

@lowman,
Stephan,
You have already owned a 500E that you loved and cherished but you eventually you got bored with it and let it go. I’m sure you could appreciate another one but at the moment you have your “Cherried Out” 210-E50 for sport. Soo if you are keeping the E50 why not try an SEC and complete your “Bucket List”

BTW, For me my 500E has always been on the top of my list”Bucket List”

Take Care

 

[lowman]

 

[lowman]

 

[gerryvz]

I have owned both cars concurrently for 22 (E500) and 23 (560SEC) years.

Very different cars.

560SEC as said is a mid-1970s designed car that is an "evolution" of the W116. The 126 by today's standards is fairly antiquated in most all respects, but it is comfortable and easy to work on. For relaxed, high-speed cruising, it's an excellent car to have. The suspension is very old in design (rear trailing arms, front shocks) but works well and is comfortable enough. The 126 (sedan or coupe) has that old-school Mercedes "presence" that MBs haven't really had for many years. Of course, the materials and the build quality are the very highest pinnacle of MB -- even better than the W124 and W140. A good 560SEC is a good investment, if you plan to keep it for a long time. If you don't like a 126 coupe, you really won't lose money on it.

E500E as you know is what it is. Early 1980s design, and more advanced (particularly in the suspension) than the 126. Still has excellent MB "presence" and build quality, but it is an E-class, as opposed to the 126 being an "S" class. There is a difference. The E500E is a sporty sedan, not a "sports sedan" or a "sports car." High speed cruising is also excellent in the E500E, but it lacks the relaxed effortless nature that the 126 provides. E500E prices have been in a bit of a lull, but in the next 5 years will continue to pick up as a new generation of buyers discovers and works to own these cars.

You can't go wrong with either car, but you have to think long and hard about what you really want. In my opinion the SEC is one of the most beautiful cars that MB has made in the past 40 years. It's the very first "classic" car that one can live with as a daily or frequent driver. Same for the E500E - you can daily drive one if you want to.

 

[lowman]

I have owned both cars concurrently for 22 (E500) and 23 (560SEC) years.

Very different cars.

560SEC as said is a mid-1970s designed car that is an "evolution" of the W116. The 126 by today's standards is fairly antiquated in most all respects, but it is comfortable and easy to work on. For relaxed, high-speed cruising, it's an excellent car to have. The suspension is very old in design (rear trailing arms, front shocks) but works well and is comfortable enough. The 126 (sedan or coupe) has that old-school Mercedes "presence" that MBs haven't really had for many years. Of course, the materials and the build quality are the very highest pinnacle of MB -- even better than the W124 and W140. A good 560SEC is a good investment, if you plan to keep it for a long time. If you don't like a 126 coupe, you really won't lose money on it.

E500E as you know is what it is. Early 1980s design, and more advanced (particularly in the suspension) than the 126. Still has excellent MB "presence" and build quality, but it is an E-class, as opposed to the 126 being an "S" class. There is a difference. The E500E is a sporty sedan, not a "sports sedan" or a "sports car." High speed cruising is also excellent in the E500E, but it lacks the relaxed effortless nature that the 126 provides. E500E prices have been in a bit of a lull, but in the next 5 years will continue to pick up as a new generation of buyers discovers and works to own these cars.

You can't go wrong with either car, but you have to think long and hard about what you really want. In my opinion the SEC is one of the most beautiful cars that MB has made in the past 40 years. It's the very first "classic" car that one can live with as a daily or frequent driver. Same for the E500E - you can daily drive one if you want to.

Thank you so much ,mister G .
What do you apreaciate the most with each of the two?
Which one do you feel the most confident in...reliability speaking?

 

[Bogeyman]

To me, if you are strictly considering visual appeal, you can't beat a 2 door hardtop. If performance is your first consideration, go for the 500E. My future financial prognostications seldom turn out right, but I would bet on the 500E, due to its back story.

 

[gerryvz]

Thank you so much ,mister G .

Welcome

What do you apreaciate the most with each of the two?

560SEC:

• Presence, style, true MB-ness
• Design and looks
• Performance -- everyday, and cruising
• Comfort
• Quality of materials, solidity
• Easy to work on

E500:

• Looks
• Quality of materials
• Performance - still highly adequate even 30 years old
• Exclusivity
• Generally easy to work on

Which one do you feel the most confident in...reliability speaking?

• Both equal, overall. Each chassis has its needs and quirks.
• The E500 is a bit more complicated overall, and has a bit more advanced systems
• The 560SEC is a bit easier overall to work on
• Parts availability for both is roughly same overall -- i.e. not getting better
• M117 requires special oil, and valvetrain work (valve stem seals, etc.)
• M119 requires wiring harness replacement, ETA replacement, etc.

There is no clear winner in my opinion. It depends on what you are looking for.

I have kept both of these cars for multiple decades for a reason. I also had a very pristine 1990 560SEL, but sold it after a couple of years owning it. Enjoyed it a lot, but I liked the SEC better.

Many people don't realize that the M117 was a very torquey motor, even the 238HP US version, which had 295 lb-ft of torque. The E500E had ~354 lb-ft of torque. In European guise (272-300 HP, depending on which level of emissions you get) the torque is even better (317-335 lb-ft) than the US version.

The E500E has a 2.82:1 final drive ratio; US-spec 560SECs have 2.47:1, while Euro 560s have 2.65:1. I put a 3.07:1 rear end in my 560SEC back in about 2005.

 

[duuder]

View attachment 211311

That's what I mean... it's a very attractive coupe!!

 

[lowman]

That's what I mean... it's a very attractive coupe!!

It is for sure.I agree. Have to be said that the look of a e500e does not lack attractiveness..its just a different attractiveness..if that makes sense.hehe

 

[gerryvz]

I recommend that you drive a coupe and see if you like it (in terms of power, handling, etc.). It's definitely a bit more "old school" than the 124 or 210 is, but the 126 suspension is by no means "totally antiquated" like the swing-axle W108/109/113 is.

The 126 is also a definite improvement on the earlier 116 implementation of the rear trailing arm suspension.

I would say that the rear five-link rear suspension of the W124 is arguably its biggest innovation over predecessor chassis. The front struts are definitely an improvement over straight "shocks" like the W126 has, but not the major-major leap forward that the W124's rear suspension was.

 

[lowman]

The problem i have,is that both the c126"s..especially one of them..is located a ridicilously long distance from me. So a testdrive is for the most part out of the question,unless i want to spend 2 days of travels and massive amounts of money just to drive and see the car.This is the 199 black 1991 model. Which i also found out today,that i get a super nice price on...massively lower than the 500e, and the blue 1989 model.
Another thing is that amazes me..is that i have fallen in love with the Dunkelblau color..to the extent that i almost WANT that blue car over the 199 car...
The 500e i had in my workshop some days ago..and man...it is nice. Though it has some flaws that needs attention, Delayed reverse engagement, and its actually having one of its headlight lenses replaced,with a non 500e one.Which is as we all know..a huge deal.

But all in all..i am really lost in what to do...though obviously it will be myself that has to figure it out in the end.It does howeever help with some good inputs from you lovely guys.

 

[AdamCabrio]

You said you've never driven a C126 and your experience with a (short) W126 drive was rather mixed. I think it's a bad idea to buy a car you have never driven for a test drive. My advise: don't buy a car only for it's fabulous looks (in dark blue as you say) or for "a super nice price", it might turn into a disappointment. It means that the C126 is just not meant to be for you at this point in time, leave it as a dream car in your mind, for now. May be at some other point in the future it will be easier to (test)drive a C126 and see what you think then. Just my opinion.

 

[lowman]

You said you've never driven a C126 and your experience with a (short) W126 drive was rather mixed. I think it's a bad idea to buy a car you have never driven for a test drive. My advise: don't buy a car only for it's fabulous looks (in dark blue as you say) or for "a super nice price", it might turn into a disappointment. It means that the C126 is just not meant to be for you at this point in time, leave it as a dream car in your mind, for now. May be at some other point in the future it will be easier to (test)drive a C126 and see what you think then. Just my opinion.

Thank you for input.Much apreaciated.Well what i said might have come out not as i intended then, cause i did not NOT enjoy the drive in any of the w126s i have driven.
As a matter of fact,i love how they feel and drive, its just that i feel the steering wheel and sitting position is very different feeling to the w124.Thats all

 

[gerryvz]

The 1989 to 1991 editions of the W/C126 are the best. It's good that both models you are looking at are from these years. I would not buy a 1988 or earlier given the choice.

The dark blue color on the C126 is pretty stunning, and I agree better than the 199. But both colors are excellent (although not as good as my 040 black color 1989 coupe ;-) ))

 

[luckymike]

This is a hard choice. I've owned a 1989 SEC for 15 years and a 1995 E420 for 10 years. I love both cars. The SEC is lowered with 17" Aero Is and AMG skirts and rear spoiler. The E420 is slightly lowered and has 16" wheels and a Remus muffler. I mention these details because my opinion is based on non-stock cars.

The first SEC I ever experienced was a friend's 1991 that was black on black and lowered. I thought it was the coolest car I had ever seen and I dreamed of owning one. When I eventually started shopping, I found the first one I drove (stock) to be boring and too quiet. I was coming from a W116 which was a more mechanical experience. I guess my hero wasn't all I thought it was. But I had only experienced a modified version. When I eventually found our (modified) car and drove it, I was enamored all over again.

I think the E420 is sort of a similar situation. If it was bone stock, I don't think I'd be as enthralled by it. The exhaust note and the stance and the color (Almandine) make the difference for me.

Both cars are head turners and I often get nice compliments. Even our very dirty E420 got praise from two separate employees at the local MB dealer when I was picking up some parts recently. The SEC really makes a statement. It will elicit comments whether or not people know what it is. The E420 is pretty much just another four-door MB sedan unless you meet an enthusiast. Of course, a 500e with it's fenders and stance definitely stands out more than the E420.

I think the only realistic answer for you is to get both! But since you've already experienced a 500e, I would say go for the SEC and at least have the experience, even if you don't keep it. And if you buy a good one, and with your skills, I imagine you'll have no trouble passing it on to the next person who just has to have the experience.

 

[lowman]

This is a hard choice. I've owned a 1989 SEC for 15 years and a 1995 E420 for 10 years. I love both cars. The SEC is lowered with 17" Aero Is and AMG skirts and rear spoiler. The E420 is slightly lowered and has 16" wheels and a Remus muffler. I mention these details because my opinion is based on non-stock cars.

The first SEC I ever experienced was a friend's 1991 that was black on black and lowered. I thought it was the coolest car I had ever seen and I dreamed of owning one. When I eventually started shopping, I found the first one I drove (stock) to be boring and too quiet. I was coming from a W116 which was a more mechanical experience. I guess my hero wasn't all I thought it was. But I had only experienced a modified version. When I eventually found our (modified) car and drove it, I was enamored all over again.

I think the E420 is sort of a similar situation. If it was bone stock, I don't think I'd be as enthralled by it. The exhaust note and the stance and the color (Almandine) make the difference for me.

Both cars are head turners and I often get nice compliments. Even our very dirty E420 got praise from two separate employees at the local MB dealer when I was picking up some parts recently. The SEC really makes a statement. It will elicit comments whether or not people know what it is. The E420 is pretty much just another four-door MB sedan unless you meet an enthusiast. Of course, a 500e with it's fenders and stance definitely stands out more than the E420.

I think the only realistic answer for you is to get both! But since you've already experienced a 500e, I would say go for the SEC and at least have the experience, even if you don't keep it. And if you buy a good one, and with your skills, I imagine you'll have no trouble passing it on to the next person who just has to have the experience.

Thank you so much for a wellrounded answer..and taking your time to tell your story and experience.I do feel i am in the same spot in a way,when it comes to how these two cars are " viewed"..etc.Especially the argument of " having owned a 500e,one should maybe just get the other one..to have the experience"....I recently test drove one local to me though...a 1989 420 Sec...and i loved it. Though it is a very different car than the w124..and especially the 500e, i did enjoy it. I even consider buying this because of its color combo. Its a smokesilver on Brazil leather interior.Beautiful combo i think. But confused and tidious as i am...i really cannot decide...though i do lean towards the 500e actually...because of its ridiclously good condition, service history, and owner history,and me having somewhat of a history with the car. It feels very safe...but i lust also after the SEC. So reading your reply was very nice, to put in the box of pros and cons Thank you

 

[e500.org]

Dude it’s the 500E, keeps you coming back for more and really gets under your skin, they’re very special cars.

 

[ArauzMotoring]

I dearly miss my 1991 350SDL

It was a rebuilt title car but the paint was super nice all throughout the car, and the interior being LWB and blue leather interior, along with a rear view camera and working blue tooth head unit made the car all the better.

Would love to get another one some day. It’s not fast but driving around in an unhurried pace is like nothing else..

 

[lowman]

 

[Ingvar]

420SEC?

 

[lowman]

420SEC?

Yes

 

[gerryvz]

Let us know how the M116 is in the SEC. I have never seen one here in the US (they were never sold here). Only 380, 500 and 560s were sold here.

 

[lowman]

Let us know how the M116 is in the SEC. I have never seen one here in the US (they were never sold here). Only 380, 500 and 560s were sold here.

The m116 euro 420 Sec is pretty similar to the euro 380 powerwise. 201hp in the 380, and 204 hp in the 420. Im pretty sure the numbers for the us spec 380 is even less than 201 hp? isnt it 180 or something? When it comes to the power delivery,this car seems to be in perfect running order. So it runs very smooth on idle. It has a tad slower pickup of the line,than the 560"s ive driven(299 and 279hp versions)Though they have been the w126,and not c126. The engine is not very inspiring from 1000 revs..to around 3000"ish...revs...But around 3000revs,then it actually comes to life abit more..and it pulls very nice. So to be fair, i think it works fine in the 126,It does lack abit of torque that is always a welcoming thing in a car like this..but if only driving around,,enjoying the road and car for what it is,,i could easily live with a 420.

 

[StefanSK]

Let us know how the M116 is in the SEC. I have never seen one here in the US (they were never sold here). Only 380, 500 and 560s were sold here.

380 is a M116, 500/560 are M117…

 

[lowman]

380 is a M116, 500/560 are M117…

I think he knows that I think maybe he just havent driven any of the m116"s. But eitherway,,,420 and 380 is m116 indeed.

 

[gerryvz]

380 is a M116, 500/560 are M117…

Yes. a 420 engine, as I stated earlier in my post, is an M116. Only the aluminum-block 5-liter and 5.6-liter (and earlier, US-only 4.5-liter with iron block used through about 1980) are M117s.

 

[gerryvz]

I think he knows that I think maybe he just havent driven any of the m116"s. But eitherway,,,420 and 380 is m116 indeed.

Many years ago, I briefly owned a 1983 380SEL with M116, but in highly anemic US smogged trim ... 150 HP. So, much less than your estimate of 180HP. It is considered the worst US market V-8 that MB ever made. And then you also couple that with the single-row timing chain issue........

 

[lowman]

Many years ago, I briefly owned a 1983 380SEL with M116, but in highly anemic US smogged trim ... 150 HP. So, much less than your estimate of 180HP. It is considered the worst US market V-8 that MB ever made. And then you also couple that with the single-row timing chain issue........

oohhh...150hp? that is NOT alot.I guess that would feel just to weak of an engine in that car. I think actually it would be better then to have a 3litre straight six,,and it would feel quicker...though in euro form,,the 3.0 litre does have 188hp.So it is obvioously abit quicker.
Did you own this before you got your 560coupe ?or?

 

[lowman]

Oops,,i bought something

 

[gerryvz]

oohhh...150hp? that is NOT alot.I guess that would feel just to weak of an engine in that car. I think actually it would be better then to have a 3litre straight six,,and it would feel quicker...though in euro form,,the 3.0 litre does have 188hp.So it is obvioously abit quicker.
Did you own this before you got your 560coupe ?or?

Yes -- the US-spec M103 six had 177HP in US nick, which indeed was decent (for the time). The US-spec M104 took it up to 217HP as of the 1993 model year, but the 104 doesn't have quite the low-end grunt that the M103 does, at least until it comes up on cam.

 

[AMG5PT4]

I owned a 94 E500 for a short period of time, but have owned many 126's, sedans and coupes.

The SEC will always stand out from a looks point of view - one of the best looking S class cars ever made and nothing looks like an SEC. The .036 is easily mistaken for any other W124 sedan - only a trained eye will identify the E500E.

Whichever you decide to buy, get a car with a terrific interior - it is so hard to find interior parts that one would be proud to show off or sit in. This is true for both the C126 and 036. Parts availability is getting horrible for both cars, maybe even more so for the E500E. Since you have owned an 036 previously, you may have stashed away some critical NLA parts that will make ownership easier than the SEC. Every SEC has SLS rear suspension and rear hydraulic ram availability is a challenge. Many suspension parts, vacuum pods, fuel lines, almost all rubber seals (windows, rear glass, trunk seal) are NLA from MB. These are all items that will eventually need to be replaced. We all know well the NLA issues with E500E's - front/rear glass, headlights, lower cladding, rear SLS rams, vacuum pods, etc. MB made thousands more SEC's than E500Es, so you can still find key NOS/NLA parts for the SEC on eBay if you look hard enough. Not so much for the 036's - you rarely see key NOS/NLA parts for sale.

Either car will hold its value, with a nod to the E500E due to the rarity of the car vs the SEC - but a really good example of both will never lose value. If you go with the dark blue SEC, makes sure the dash is crack free - the blue dash pads are easily the most likely to crack.

 

[lowman]

I owned a 94 E500 for a short period of time, but have owned many 126's, sedans and coupes.

The SEC will always stand out from a looks point of view - one of the best looking S class cars ever made and nothing looks like an SEC. The .036 is easily mistaken for any other W124 sedan - only a trained eye will identify the E500E.

Whichever you decide to buy, get a car with a terrific interior - it is so hard to find interior parts that one would be proud to show off or sit in. This is true for both the C126 and 036. Parts availability is getting horrible for both cars, maybe even more so for the E500E. Since you have owned an 036 previously, you may have stashed away some critical NLA parts that will make ownership easier than the SEC. Every SEC has SLS rear suspension and rear hydraulic ram availability is a challenge. Many suspension parts, vacuum pods, fuel lines, almost all rubber seals (windows, rear glass, trunk seal) are NLA from MB. These are all items that will eventually need to be replaced. We all know well the NLA issues with E500E's - front/rear glass, headlights, lower cladding, rear SLS rams, vacuum pods, etc. MB made thousands more SEC's than E500Es, so you can still find key NOS/NLA parts for the SEC on eBay if you look hard enough. Not so much for the 036's - you rarely see key NOS/NLA parts for sale.

Either car will hold its value, with a nod to the E500E due to the rarity of the car vs the SEC - but a really good example of both will never lose value. If you go with the dark blue SEC, makes sure the dash is crack free - the blue dash pads are easily the most likely to crack.

Thank you so much for taking your time and writing such a full and thoughtfull comment. I can relate to every single thing you point out..which is what makes the desicission so difficult.What makes it so difficult to choose,is really the prices of the cars. The 560 i have ended up " wanting" ...is the 199 color one,and it is such a bargain pricewise. And it IS in fantastic condition.Negatives are that it has a repaint,and i have not been able to verify " when it was done"...and why it was done. I do know it was done more than 15 years ago.before it came to norway. Also,it is missing all its service history..not even the handbook " book" is there.I have got confirmed that it did indeed have good history when it came to Norway..but the last owner did not get the "booklets" with the car...as they were sent in the mail afterwards.And that package was lost in the mail. So that sucks. The overall condition of the car,engine bay, is basically spotless.Also solid car otherwise
The 500s is still on another level. 1 owner car in italy from 1991 to 2016..when the guy who owns it now bought it.And he had it since 2017...and i have serviced it from 2017,uptil this day. Full service history, and then some. underside of the car is just ridicilously good,,and it would be an " easy" resto bringing this car back to concour condition. ..actually. It is abit more expensive than the 560..so that is were my " debate" is. ...But i still get the 500e for a friendly price..as the owner want to let me own it.And he has also first dibs on the car when i decide to sell it..hence the friendly price im getting....So this is a tricky situation,. It is almost like i want to strike a deal with the 500e owner,and exhange ownership next year,so i can just get the 560sec now...and sell that on next year,and then get the 500e.
With that said...i have actually bought a part for the 500e already..so maybe it is "destiny"..that i found that part,,aaand bought the part ,which is actually one of the parts you mentioned as one of the " hard to find" parts
Sorry for long comment

 

[StefanSK]

Sorry to bother you … I‘m owning a 126 as well (have it now for more than 10 years), and I think the german www.w126-forum.de is a great resource - obviously, mainly in german.
The dash in a SEC should not be a problem, as it is the same as in the sedan … lots on eBay or specialized sellers.
Unfortunately, for the 124.034/036, there is no similar place like this in german. So, admins, go on!

 

[gerryvz]

Unfortunately, for the 124.034/036, there is no similar place like this in german. So, admins, go on!

AUSGEZEICHNET !!!!! Toll !

 

[lowman]

Sorry to bother you … I‘m owning a 126 as well (have it now for more than 10 years), and I think the german www.w126-forum.de is a great resource - obviously, mainly in german.
The dash in a SEC should not be a problem, as it is the same as in the sedan … lots on eBay or specialized sellers.
Unfortunately, for the 124.034/036, there is no similar place like this in german. So, admins, go on!

You are not bothering me at all We are all here to enjoy our passion for our beloved cars.And good info is aaalways much apreaciated Thank you for awesome link.I was not aware of that site..though not easy to even understand all the "translated" stuff...it is indeed cool to have access to this site Thank you.Greetings from Norway ,Stefan

 

[500AMM]

The 500s is still on another level. 1 owner car in italy from 1991 to 2016..when the guy who owns it now bought it.And he had it since 2017...and i have serviced it from 2017,uptil this day. Full service history, and then some. underside of the car is just ridicilously good,,and it would be an " easy" resto bringing this car back to concour condition. ..actually. It is abit more expensive than the 560..so that is were my " debate" is. ...But i still get the 500e for a friendly price..as the owner want to let me own it.And he has also first dibs on the car when i decide to sell it..hence the friendly price im getting....So this is a tricky situation,. It is almost like i want to strike a deal with the 500e owner,and exhange ownership next year,so i can just get the 560sec now...and sell that on next year,and then get the 500e.
With that said...i have actually bought a part for the 500e already..so maybe it is "destiny"..that i found that part,,aaand bought the part ,which is actually one of the parts you mentioned as one of the " hard to find" parts
Sorry for long comment

Stefan, I can't add much about the 560SEC since I've only had a short drive in one, and rode along in another one many years ago (gerryvz car BTW). I'm not sure about the condition on the one I drove, but it felt quite floaty especially on hard acceleration, like I couldn't fully sync with the road. Maybe I had too high expectations and I actually stepped directly out of my exE500 when I accidently got the chance to drive it. But I really like the look on the SECs, they're always a head turner for me!

But your thoughts about first getting that SEC and maybe switch over to the 500E later on sounds like a good idea. It gives you a chance to own a SEC and taste it. Not to stick my nose into your affears, but does that 500E have a reg.no. starting on BU? That's the only one I have in my archives fitting the spec on it; import date, MY, colour etc...


Lucky man finding this 500E headlight lens!

Oops,,i bought something View attachment 213640

 

[lowman]

But your thoughts about first getting that SEC and maybe switch over to the 500E later on sounds like a good idea. It gives you a chance to own a SEC and taste it. Not to stick my nose into your affears, but does that 500E have a reg.no. starting on BU? That's the only one I have in my archives fitting the spec on it; import date, MY, colour etc...


Lucky man finding this 500E headlight lens!

I will need to check with the owner of the 500e,,,if he will keep the car til next year,and do a deal then...and yes..that would be cool way to do it. Though even that way i am not sure.hahaha. I frustrate myself.haha.
No, the 500e is " not" known" in the comunity, ,,,obviously it can be found on Regnr.info...but no..it is not BU reg
And yes...it is just friggin amazing that i found that lens. Obviously the reason i got it,,was that on the last service i did on the 500e,,,i noticed that it had an incorrect 500e lens,on the one side. Which is funny as i never noticed it before..and i have been servicing the car for 7 years.haha. So finding the lense..was almost like winning the lottery.It came with a hefty pricetag..but not as bad as some of the examples we have seen here and there..so ...again...maybe it is destiny that i found and bought the lense..