Used 1990 Mercedes-Benz 560-Class Consumer Reviews
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Almost Perfect
Rob, 03/21/2010
1990 Mercedes-Benz 560-Class 560SEL 4dr Sedan
25 of 25 people found this review helpful
This is the 4th SEL I've owned, unfortunately the first three have had tragic deaths, 1 stolen, 1 totaled while parked and 1 caught fire after AC maintenance. I will always go back to these cars, amazing handling for the size, power to spare and has a classic style that will never look old. I've tried to replace this car with other new cars only to be disappointed. Out of the 4 I've spent a total of $20k to purchase and maintain but have driven over 300k miles with never a problem. Here I am 8 years later and still can't believe how amazing these cars are.
Classic Styling
automaniac9, 03/04/2014
1990 Mercedes-Benz 560-Class 560SEL 4dr Sedan
24 of 24 people found this review helpful
Driving this car makes you feel like no one can touch you. The car has great power for the day and can handle pretty well too. The fact that mine is black over black just adds to its presence. For being so heavy, its massive 5.6 liter has enough torque to move this beast faster than you could think was possible. The interior is classic Mercedes; wood throughout, nice leather seats with all the electric options, and easy to understand buttons, make it a great place to sit. This being a 1990, it has a more advanced sound system than years prior, and it sounds quite good considering its now 24 years old. The biggest aspect of the car that lets it down, is of course the gas mileage.
200,000 and going strong
Long-termer, 01/11/2005
1990 Mercedes-Benz 560-Class 560SEC 2dr Coupe
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
We like strong vehicles, and the 560 SEC is probably the strongest we've ever owned. Heavy duty! Powerful, always reliable, and at 200,000 miles it still runs as smoothly as it did when new. Did I say powerful? I've probaly invested $4,000 in replacing things like a sunroof slide assembly, timing chain, valve guides -- - and have a car that is better than most on the road, at far less total cost. This car was built when Mercedes knew how to build cars that lasted forever.
Not for everyone, but if you have the means...
WillyP, 07/20/2019
1990 Mercedes-Benz 560-Class 560SEL 4dr Sedan
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
First things first: be very careful of buying any used Mercedes unaware. There's a saying that the most expensive Mercedes is a cheap Mercedes. The W126 (the Mercedes chassis designation for the 300/380/420/500/560 SE(L), 380/500/560SEC, and 300/350 SD(L) – the "L" means the longer wheelbase sedan) is a very mechanically robust car, one of the best designed and engineered cars you'll find. Unfortunately, a combination of complexity, expensive parts, and careless (and/or over-reaching) owners means that probably half the cars on the road would not be worth bringing back to fully functional/presentable condition even if they were free. That kind of project may be worthwhile to a few buyers, but for the average person, buy the best car you can find/afford. I'd also steer away any new buyer who isn't either mechanically inclined has access to a good independent mechanic who knows these cars (someone named Helmet, or Fritz). Then have a full inspection, and walk away if there's any question. Common problems on the V8 cars are timing chain service (the guides break, and often take the engine with them), fuel injection issues, transmission leaks (not a hard fix when the transmission is out...), self-leveling suspension issues, and "broken toys" (power accessories, sunroof, etc). The basket cases are easy to pick out; with the in between cars, do your homework on the "just needs a..." car. With all that aside, these cars have a look and feel that would cost you $200K+ in a new car. Yes, even the mid-level Merc/Audi/BMW has many more toys and features, but the work of the accountants can't be fully masked. You can sense the difference just opening the door and sitting down inside a good example. That "bank vault" feel is often imitated, but seldom duplicated. The driving style continues that: it's never pillowy, like an old American car. Mercedes of old never translated "luxury" to mean just "soft," and driving around pot-holed city streets, it doesn't feel exceptional. In fact, I suspect a number of people could find the ride either too firm (the old-school Cadillac buyer), or the steering and responsiveness numb (the BMW buyer). Once you settle in on the highway though, you'll understand. The steering is accurate and has just the right weight. Bumps big and small are perfectly damped, and everything from sweeping corners to lane changes feel perfectly composed. I own two of these (an SEL and a SEC), and have made 1000+ mile drives in both; I've yet to drive a car I'd rather make those drives in. At the end of the day, these cars are a screaming value. I'm talking about a well-maintained car – those still don't bring half of what they probably should. That said, they're not cheap even in the best of circumstances, and most are 30+ years old. One would be wise to budget a thousand or so per year towards upkeep and minor repairs, plus having $3-5k in reserve in case of a blown engine or transmission. That said, I've yet to have an engine or transmission go, or even been stranded, in 50,000 miles of driving, both cars having over 200K on them. And then they aren't easy on fuel either (18 is doable in conservative highway driving, but as low as 12 isn't uncommon). Ultimately, to me it's worth the cost. In the long run, for the same money, the closest you'd get is to buy a mid-life used luxury car (take your pick) and trade up every 3-5 years. Those cars generally aren't bad – in fact, on paper they're head and shoulders above – but park them side by side, then drive them, and the difference becomes clear if it wasn't already.
Unique driving experience
ILoveCars, 09/15/2008
1990 Mercedes-Benz 560-Class 560SEL 4dr Sedan
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
When the 560SEL was built, it was the flagship of the Mercedes-Benz lineup. This was before Lexus. MB engineers were given a blank slate (literally) to create the 560SEL. All costs were passed to the buyers, who in 1990 were throwing down about $80k. But that was 1990. What's it like today? I'm a car nut and I love this car. It has character and it gives meaning to the word 'quality'. If you take care of this car as you're supposed to, it can last forever and actually be a good investment (really). If you're in the market for this car, the gas mileage should be no surprise. It's really bad.
It's still Golden
Convinced!, 04/05/2004
1990 Mercedes-Benz 560-Class 560SEL 4dr Sedan
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I've always been one of those people who could never justify paying gobs of money for a MB. My neighbor sold me a 1990Sel with 132000 for $4500 original owner. Sat for two years in her drive way. Best car I have ever owned. Ride, comfort, power, grace and fun.The ride is a myriad of exhilarations. It feels so safe behind the wheel. I'm looking to buy my wife a E420 for our 25 annniverary. Yes it's worth the money. It's that nice!
German Perfection
Wasif Dweik, 10/19/2002
1990 Mercedes-Benz 560-Class 560SEL 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This is the Best car on the face of the earth. It is built like a tank, and is made to last a lifetime. The German quality and craftsmanship is evident in every aspect of this car. I absolutely love this vehicle and praise the german minds that invented it. The only cars that can probably come close to the Mercedes are the BMW 7 series, and the lexus, (BMW being closer). Mercedes Benz is without a doubt THE safest car ruling the world. It is built to endure any crash at any speed, and still preserve its integrity. I love Mercedes and would like to tell lexus to start making their OWN cars and stop copying Mercedes.
560SEC Driving Experience
Tony Varone, 08/14/2003
1990 Mercedes-Benz 560-Class 560SEL 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Ride is somewhat harsh which is normal with this era of S class MB's Handling enhanced with the addition of AMG 18" Alloy wheels with low profile rubber Door glass doesnt seal correctly when closing doors with windows up unless you push on glass.
1991 300 SEL probably saved my life
Keith Bachmann, 11/10/2017
updated 11/18/2020
1990 Mercedes-Benz 560-Class 560SEL 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Besides being the best MB ever made, this car is BIG on safety. I got T-boned right in the driver's door while standing still at a red light. The other driver had to be going 35 mph. The interior door card didn't even move. The outside of the door caved in but the 1 1/2 " steel bar inside that door did its job. It pushed on the A and B pillars and did not give. No injuries. So I bought another one. This time a 1990 560 SEL.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Owned 5 W126/SEL Sedans, Best Car Ever by Mercedes
Rich, 08/09/2018
1990 Mercedes-Benz 560-Class 560SEL 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I've owned several of the w126 body style Mercedes. I started off with a 1986 560SEL when I was just 19 years old. After that I went to a 1987 420SEL, 1988 420SEL, 1989 560SEL and finally at 1990 560SEL. All of these vehicles were the best I've ever owned. Nothing compares. Not even my 2011 S550 4Matic could touch the w126 body style. The way they look, the way the hood stretches out in front of you, with the Mercedes star shining at you. I'll forever have a huge love for the big bodied SEL lineup. Such power, comfort, and reliability. I've never had anywhere near the amount of issues on my newer Mercedes that I had on my old SEL's. They were so reliable!!! I'd recommend this car to anyone. If you like comfort and grace, this is still a great head-turner. I always get a joy when I see them still on the road today, because it's a timeless luxury vehicle.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Not for everyone, but if you have the means...
WillyP, 07/20/2019
1990 Mercedes-Benz 560-Class 560SEL 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
First things first: be very careful of buying any used Mercedes unaware. There's a saying that the most expensive Mercedes is a cheap Mercedes. The W126 (the Mercedes chassis designation for the 300/380/420/500/560 SE(L), 380/500/560SEC, and 300/350 SD(L) – the "L" means the longer wheelbase sedan) is a very mechanically robust car, one of the best designed and engineered cars you'll find. Unfortunately, a combination of complexity, expensive parts, and careless (and/or over-reaching) owners means that probably half the cars on the road would not be worth bringing back to fully functional/presentable condition even if they were free. That kind of project may be worthwhile to a few buyers, but for the average person, buy the best car you can find/afford. I'd also steer away any new buyer who isn't either mechanically inclined has access to a good independent mechanic who knows these cars (someone named Helmet, or Fritz). Then have a full inspection, and walk away if there's any question. Common problems on the V8 cars are timing chain service (the guides break, and often take the engine with them), fuel injection issues, transmission leaks (not a hard fix when the transmission is out...), self-leveling suspension issues, and "broken toys" (power accessories, sunroof, etc). The basket cases are easy to pick out; with the in between cars, do your homework on the "just needs a..." car. With all that aside, these cars have a look and feel that would cost you $200K+ in a new car. Yes, even the mid-level Merc/Audi/BMW has many more toys and features, but the work of the accountants can't be fully masked. You can sense the difference just opening the door and sitting down inside a good example. That "bank vault" feel is often imitated, but seldom duplicated. The driving style continues that: it's never pillowy, like an old American car. Mercedes of old never translated "luxury" to mean just "soft," and driving around pot-holed city streets, it doesn't feel exceptional. In fact, I suspect a number of people could find the ride either too firm (the old-school Cadillac buyer), or the steering and responsiveness numb (the BMW buyer). Once you settle in on the highway though, you'll understand. The steering is accurate and has just the right weight. Bumps big and small are perfectly damped, and everything from sweeping corners to lane changes feel perfectly composed. I own two of these (an SEL and a SEC), and have made 1000+ mile drives in both; I've yet to drive a car I'd rather make those drives in. At the end of the day, these cars are a screaming value. I'm talking about a well-maintained car – those still don't bring half of what they probably should. That said, they're not cheap even in the best of circumstances, and most are 30+ years old. One would be wise to budget a thousand or so per year towards upkeep and minor repairs, plus having $3-5k in reserve in case of a blown engine or transmission. That said, I've yet to have an engine or transmission go, or even been stranded, in 50,000 miles of driving, both cars having over 200K on them. And then they aren't easy on fuel either (18 is doable in conservative highway driving, but as low as 12 isn't uncommon). Ultimately, to me it's worth the cost. In the long run, for the same money, the closest you'd get is to buy a mid-life used luxury car (take your pick) and trade up every 3-5 years. Those cars generally aren't bad – in fact, on paper they're head and shoulders above – but park them side by side, then drive them, and the difference becomes clear if it wasn't already.
Great grand daddy of all luxury cars
Bone, 06/02/2002
1990 Mercedes-Benz 560-Class 560SEL 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Holds up well, no major repairs, have almost 140k miles; perfect commuter car or car for long haul; lots of power and very quiet still...I love this car! Interior is better than any new Mercedes around; craftsmanship is evident
My verdict!
Jatindy, 10/26/2002
1990 Mercedes-Benz 560-Class 560SEL 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
A true example of fine quality. I bought mine used knowing it was going to need about $5000 worth of stuff fixed from sitting ,It had low miles on it mid 60's. Since then All I can say she has well over 200,000. ZERO PROBLEMS! Just do the service's and it will never let you down. Plus if your a "do it yourselfer," these things are a breeze to work on. The myth of its a BENZ??? Thats bs. more nuts and bolts but simpler than anything I have ever worked on. But you do need the right tools when it come to certain things. Not that often though. And there are well tricks to certain things that help. Buy the repair manuel on CD from mbusa.
Value of used Mercedes Benz
Free spirit, 12/31/2002
1990 Mercedes-Benz 560-Class 560SEL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This vehicle is a one owner vehicle and has been maintained on a regular basis. It has been a joy to operate and is in good condition.
WHY DO WE EVEN CONSIDER A BUYING NEW CAR
PATEL, 07/10/2003
1990 Mercedes-Benz 560-Class 560SEL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
WHY SPEND A LOAD OF $$ ON A NEW TOYOTA/HONDA WHEN U CAN ENJOY A GRAND DADDY OF LUXURY...AND SAFER, AND MORE RELIABLE, AND... ABSOLUTELY ENJOYING & LOVING THE CAR..
Unbelievable
Mercedes Fan, 03/26/2004
1990 Mercedes-Benz 560-Class 560SEL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've driven my 560SEL for 5 years now and every time I get in, I still smile. I didn't think there was a car that could be built like this. It feels like it's carved from a solid block of steel. It has 111K miles and there's not a squeak or rattle to be heard. Sure, it gets so-so gas mileage but it makes up for it and more with excellent road manners and quiet comfort that today would cost well over $90k. On the road, it goes where you point it and never complains, no matter what the speed. I just love it.
141,000 miles and going strong!
lafayette_la_boy, 03/16/2002
1990 Mercedes-Benz 560-Class 560SEL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best car ever! Mercedes-Benz are unlike any other car, they are one of the select few that are great cars. Our Mercedes is turning 13 and has been in the shop a total of 4 times in this 13 year period. Never have we had any major problems! These cars are built like Tanks. THEY ALSO LAST FOR EVER!
The Best or Nothi8ng!
Garry, 02/09/2019
1990 Mercedes-Benz 560-Class 560SEL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best ride you'll ever experience. Big strong luxury sedan with a great ride
- Technology
- Performance
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value