C107's 560SEL

[c107]

Now passed a milestone with the 560.

 

[abl567]

Well done, I snapped my old CLK430 at 222222 and 222.2.

 

[aussie 6.9]

Hi c107. I know it is a different thread, but have you discovered the cause of your oil pressure irregularities of your 300 sel?

 

[c107]

Hi c107. I know it is a different thread, but have you discovered the cause of your oil pressure irregularities of your 300 sel?

Yes, the oil pump let go. Broke internally, not because of debris. Check out the video in the other thread linked below.

https://www.topklasse.org/forums/threads/my-new-300se-w126.6382/post-77061

 

[c107]

Another little job that made a big difference - having the P pillar trims fixed on my SEL. I don't think i"ve seen a car with more than 100k without these ripped unless they have already been repaired. W124s have the same problem.

I also had a spring fixed in the seat and the taxi blocks fitted.




More here:

W126 B-Pillar trims « Classic Jalopy

Having the W126 B-Pillar trims repaired on my 1987 560SEL. This is a common problem that affects most W126 cars.

www.classicjalopy.com

 

[260ebenz]

Hello Bryce nice job on the B-Pillar trim repairs.

My old 300SE did have the same repairs carried out on the B-Pillar trims which was done by a local auto trimmer and he did a first class job!

All the best to you Bryce.

 

[c107]

Had the front suspension re done today on the 560, including control arms and sway bar bushings. While there also had all four brake hoses changed. The sway bar bushings were likely original as brake booster and fuse box need to be moved to get them out. Control arms were possibly original or just very old. Not bad longevity.

 

[Patrick_R]

Nice work mate.
She must drive a bit better now?

 

[c107]

Nice work mate.
She must drive a bit better now?

Seems to. But it was only a short drive from the workshop where the work was carried out and home, so will need to take it for a better drive later.

 

[c107]

I had my final covid shot today, so that meant about a 12km drive each way to go and get it.
Overall the front suspension seems more supple. I am getting some tyre squeal, so I'll need to check the pressure of the front tyres as well.
the SEL drives pretty well for 335,000km.

 

[Patrick_R]

Did you do a wheel alignment after all that front end work mate?

 

[c107]

Did you do a wheel alignment after all that front end work mate?

Yes, had a wheel alignment done.
Checked the tyres and still getting some squeal around corners, even slowly. I think its coming from the drivers front.
I wonder if this will setting down once the tyres start wearing after the alignment? I'll have to drive a few more times to see.

 

[Patrick_R]

Are the tyres asymmetric or directional?

 

[c107]

Are the tyres asymmetric or directional?

Just standard Michelin Energy XM2 205/65 R15, date code is 2016 so not that old yet.

 

[c107]

After a few attempts, the alignment is now sorted out on the 560SEL. The alignment shop wanted the castor bushings changed, which were a bit worn but really not all that bad. Had those changed and after I think two more goes its now fine.

I also used the 50% pirelli sales I posted previously to get new tyres for the Gullideckel wheels I had just taken off the 450SLC. They had OK tyres on them, Goodride RP28 I think they were called. Anyway, despite the name I really didn't like the way these tyres rode on the car, so I had them changed for the pirellis and its really made a big difference to the look and feel of the car.

The 2016 Michelins on the old wheels now become spares for the 560SEL, SEC and 450SLC. The spares on all these cars were well over 10 years old and while ok to get back home on a short trip, I sometimes do longer trips in these cars and I want the spares to be good. This is particularly the case next year in the 450SLC as I plan to drive it to the National Rally in Adelaide.

 

[Patrick_R]

A great result mate, and a really beautiful car.

 

[RT 420SEL]

A beautiful car Bryce. I have the same car but a 420SEL. Who do you source your front end parts through?

 

[c107]

A beautiful car Bryce. I have the same car but a 420SEL. Who do you source your front end parts through?

I got the control arms and a few misc bits from the classic centre as I wanted genuine.
I got most of the other lemforder stuff from either pelican parts or FCP euro.

A lot of the aftermarket suspension stuff is Junk. Lemforder is still generally regarded as good. Febi is really variable depending on the part as they are a reboxer and Meyle is generally crap with a couple of exceptions.

 

[RT 420SEL]

Its remarkable what parts are available internationally. I have purchased parts domestically from Prestige Autoparts in Caringbah & Unique Auto Parts with good results. It would be terrific to know of more local suppliers for the W126 from other members.

 

[c107]

Had the rear calipers rebuilt and new front shocks fitted last week. Finally all that pedders crap off the car.
The pedders shocks were not that old and already falling apart. Making noises and the outer sheath was starting to break.
I think the previous owner of my car was ripped off!