The Mercedes-Benz 420SEL, an integral part of the W126 series from the early 1980s to the early 1990s, is the definition of a luxury sedan and integrates Mercedes-Benz's renowned engineering in a car that is both smooth and comfortable. It carries a powerful 4.2-liter M116 V8 engine, which helps it top charts in performance with its smoothness and also showcases how Mercedes-Benz has mastered engines to be just as powerful as they are efficient. The 420SEL's transmission is equipped with a 4-speed 4G-Tronic automatic system known for its reliability and seamless shifting that offers drivers a responsive yet refined experience. Standing tall as a long-wheelbase version allows for extra interior space that adds even more luxury to this sedan by offering passengers more than enough room for comfort. Advanced safety features such as the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and seat belt pre-tensioners are added to this model, embodying the brand's commitment to safety during this period. In addition, the Mercedes-Benz 420SEL comes adorned with luxurious amenities like rear seat heaters, electrically adjustable seats with memory function, and an advanced climate control system that aims to cater to high standards of comfort and convenience. The optional self-leveling hydropneumatic suspension system found on some of these models will give you an even better ride quality on your journey as it adapts when load conditions change for stability purposes. Built robustly using high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel, the 420SEL isn't just intended for safety in case of any accidents but also retains the elegance, presence, and look that we know all Mercedes-Benz vehicles carry, making it another timeless classic from them in the luxury sedan market.
The Mercedes-Benz 420SEL is known as a luxury engineering marvel. However, it, like any car worth its salt, has its fair share of mechanical and operational issues that are common in many cars. Unfortunately for the 420SEL, one of these common issues includes suspension problems that usually affect the front springs. This manifests when the fatigue of whatever material is used to make it combines with environmental factors such as bad weather or dirt, which then cause cracks or failures that seriously impact how stable and controllable the vehicle is while driving. The fuel system can also become problematic, specifically the fuel injection mechanism, although this tends to occur much less frequently than those affecting the front suspension coil spring. When this does happen, though, expect poor idling and sudden power loss due to clogged injectors or electronic faults that rear their ugly heads in your engine bay from time to time. Lastly, there's also an issue with the Mercedes-Benz 420SEL's transmission where gear slipping, delayed shifting, or complete failure might occur due to a variety of different reasons, mechanical wear being one of them. Insufficiently maintained transmission fluid is another, and subsequent failure of electronic control units rounds out the list for good measure. All these hassles serve as a nice reminder that you should keep up with regular maintenance and conduct problem-detection tests sooner rather than later for optimal performance and safety on the road.
In terms of quality, OEM parts emerge as the premier choice. These components are directly manufactured by Mercedes-Benz, adhering to stringent factory guidelines, and are subjected to rigorous quality control procedures during production. Should you require any OEM Mercedes-Benz 420SEL parts, including A/C & Heating, Charging & Starting, feel free to browse through our comprehensive catalogue of genuine Mercedes-Benz 420SEL parts, like Driveline & Axles. Not only do we offer these parts at market-leading prices, even outperforming the affordability of cheap aftermarket parts, but we also ensure rapid delivery and provide a manufacturer's warranty as standard.