Mercedes Benz is a name that many people very easily recognize. For decades now, they have made the finest examples of automobiles the world has ever seen. The Mercedes Benz 560 SEL-an integral part of their flagship line-is a fine example of this. A representative of the second generation of their flagship, the 560 SEL is popular among executives and anyone desiring a better level of class in their ride. As with any car created by the German giant, the 560 SEL has had little complaints over the years. Still, everything has its weak points, and we present you two of the most common for this ride-it pays to be informed.

Sagging rear end

This problem was reported with both the 1990 and 1991 releases of the Mercedes Benz 560 SEL. The trouble usually manifests itself in higher-mileage 560s, and was found to be caused by wearing on the rear spring. So far, the problem is little more than an annoyance but-given the central nature of springs to the suspension system-it could become serious trouble later on should the spring fail completely.

No recall orders were issued as the problem was observed far into the service life of the car. Odds are that it will be experienced long after the warranty has expired. A replacement of the rear spring can return the rear end to its proper height. It can be also suggested that a replacement be done before the problem occurs-preferably with a high-quality aftermarket equivalent.

AC/heater troubles

Observed on the much older 1987 release of the Mercedes Benz 560 SEL, it is a rare problem that manifests around 220,000 miles. Simply put, what happens is that the air conditioning does no activate when the switch is engaged. Often it is the blower itself that fails to start. In most cases, the fault is found in a failed blower motor. In rarer cases, it's the electrical wiring at fault.

Once again, no recall orders cover the problem, and dealers usually do not repair the problem for free as warranties are likely expired. The good news, though, is that the parts involved are relatively affordable and easy to replace.

It's been 20 years since the last Mercedes-Benz SEL 560 was manufactured. Getting one today usually means buying a second hand vehicle. Fortunately, quality brands like Mercedes have vehicles that could function longer than others, the 560 SEL included. If you're looking to get yourself a previously owned vehicle, it would be wise to know some of the problems affecting the it so you can deal with them immediately. Read on to learn more.

Stuck idle air compensator

The air compensator controls the amount of air that enters the engine of the 560 SEL when it is not running. At times, the compensator may become stuck and unable to adjust the amount of air that enters. As a result, either too much or too litter air gets in, leading to engine idle speeds that are either higher or lower than normal. Replacing the failed compensator is usually all it takes to solve the problem.

Fuel pump failure

A failure with the fuel pump or its relay means that the fuel will not be able to move to the engine. Turning the ignition key will make the car crank, but without the fuel, it won't be able to start. Replacing the necessary parts is needed, as usual.

Brake failure

A lapse in design has resulted in the use of inferior bolts to secure the brake strut support of the 560 SEL. This oversight means that the bolts of the affected vehicles will deteriorate and hamper the performance of the steering and brake system. This will make the car harder to stop and more difficult to control. A complete failure of both systems may also result in a serious car accident.

Other problems

Production of the Mercedes-Benze 560 SEL was stopped in the early 90's. This means that all 560 SELs today are about two decades old or more. By this time, a number of these vehicles would already have a number of old and worn out parts, no matter how well maintained they are. If you're planning to buy a second vehicle, be sure to thoroughly check it to determine everything that you would need to have replaced or repaired. This is so you won't be caught flat-footed when faced with the possibility of having astronomical repairs fees just to be able to drive the car out of the garage.

Hunting for parts is another challenge unto itself. There are some companies dedicated to manufacturing parts for old or discontinued vehicles but the parts they sell will cost more, plus, you may have to wait some time before you can get them.