>> Cars > Mercedes-Benz > 420SEL

Mercedes-Benz 420SEL Repair and Maintenance - Get an online auto repair estimate for your Mercedes-Benz 420SEL

RepairPal gives you independent and unbiased repair estimates, user
ratings and reviews, plus advice you can't get anywhere else.

It's easy, accurate, and FREE!

Find out what your auto repair should cost

Mercedes-Benz 420SEL Repair and Maintenance

Image for Mercedes Benz 1990 1991 Mercedes Benz 420 SEL

Mercedes-Benz 420SEL Questions and Answers

tx77703, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 420SEL, Beaumont, TX

1989 420 sel new valve job having problems hard to start when cold and after driving up to normal temp also the eco neelde stays in center when at a red light and the car is in gear

u.perpar, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 420SEL, Indiana, PA

what is coreect atf fluid for 420 sel and where does it get filled once drained

RC90, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 420SEL, Oakdale, CA

car stalled while on the road. plenty of fuel(half tank) turns over fine. no prior problems. Any suggestions or ideas

JNM, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 420SEL, Richmond, TX

I have a 1986 420 SEL and had to replace the window. The plastic clip which is used to attach the window rotor to the actual glass was broken and I went to the dealership and got a new one. How d...

melissajoi17, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 420SEL, Orlando, FL

i need a repair manual for changing the timing chain system

melissajoi17, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 420SEL, Orlando, FL

how do you test the fuel injection system? If the transmission will not go in reverse will the trans have to be rebuilt?

Anonymous, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 420SEL, Morgan Hill, CA

I cant find a manual anywhere for my 1991 Mercedes 420 and am trying to find out what the flywheel torque specs are. Any help is appreciated.
thanks.

Anonymous, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 420SEL, Aurora, CO

what would effect my tranny shifting down from 3rd to 2nd or when I'm slowing down 2nd to 1st,is it a vacuum problem or something more serious

Mercedes-Benz 420SEL Car Reviews (2)

1990 Mercedes-Benz 420SEL, landyacht, Aurora, CO, March 15, 2010 21:01

what other automobile would you even consider that has 150k miles and still cost $5k or better..and get a consistent thumbs up!

1990 Mercedes-Benz 420SEL, daniel, Hartford, CT, October 21, 2008 16:07

idk

Mercedes-Benz 420SEL Problems

Brakes
  • Due to the size and materials of the brakes on these vehicles, the brakes start to squeak around the 50 percent wear point. The brake rotor surfaces become uneven, causing a lip to form at the outer edge of the rotor. Because of this, the rotors are usually replaced when the pads are worn (pad life varies depending on driving style and terrain).
  • Brake fluid should be flushed every two years to prevent premature anti-lock brake system (ABS) failure.
Engine
  • The timing chain and timing chain guides wear; they should be replaced every 100,000 miles.
  • The rubber boot connecting the throttle body to the intake manifold tends to crack. This can cause hard starting, rough or erratic idle, and engine performance problems.
  • If the idle air compensator gets stuck in one position, the engine idle speed (rpm) can seem too high or too low.
Exhaust & Emissions
Suspension & Steering
  • The tie rod ends, drag link, and idler arm in the linkage of the steering system can wear out.
  • There is a steering dampening shock that will leak fluid when it goes bad.
  • Power steering hoses and components can develop leaks.
  • On high mileage vehicles, rear spring wear may cause the rear end to sag.
Drive Train
  • A vibration felt through the center floor of the vehicle can be caused by driveshaft flex discs, which crack and shred, causing excessive driveshaft movement. Not repairing these can cause damage to the driveshaft center support bearing, or, in the worst case scenario, damage to the transmission or differential.
  • High mileage vehicles can leak from the transmission oil seals.
  • High mileage or older vehicles develop leaks at the differential seals and cover; the whole unit needs to be resealed to repair the leaks.
  • The bushings for the shifter lever wear out to the point where they break and fall out. This causes excessive movement (loose feel) in the shifter lever and a clanging-type noise when changing gears.
Electrical & Lights
  • The fuel pump and fuel pump relay can fail, causing the car to crank (when starting), but not start.
  • The instrument cluster, along with the turn signal and wiper combination switch, can fail.
Heating & Air Conditioning
  • Other than a defective motor, a bad switch or blower motor resistor assembly can cause inoperative heater blower motors.
  • The climate control system can fail or perform erratically due to internal wear in the climate control unit buttons.
  • The AC coolant hoses may leak.
  • The expansion valve can get stuck and is difficult to replace.
  • Due to the vacuum actuators going bad, temperature blend doors in the HVAC system may stop working.
Find the right shop for your 420SEL
The best shops near you - with ratings and reviews
(City and State or Zip)
Get inside info about your 420SEL
Common problems and Q&A
Recalls, ratings & reviews
Track your 420SEL's service
Keep everything online in one place. Get service reminders

Most Common Mercedes-Benz Repair Estimates

$888 - $1213
$683 - $1046