RICCI'S GARAGE

Report 32 Mark's Brabus W126 has gone in for a quick service... and come out needing a new engine

- Mark Riccioni

"How long do you think the replacement engine has been left standing?" I asked Andy Young of Spider's Collection, hoping for something reassuring. He replied, "I'd say it left the factory in the Eighties running, but I'd be surprised if it's moved this decade. To put it into perspective, two slugs popped out to say hello while removing the exhaust manifolds..." I've never met Andy in real life, and that's probably a good thing considering the Brabus W126 was originally dropped round to his workshop for a quick service and check of the valve clearances. Both of which were completed very quickly. But what Andy wasn't expecting was to undertake an entire engine conversion, something which became apparent after the 'slight tapping' I mentioned wasn't so much the valves as it was the oil in the engine... or rather lack of. And the 5.5-litre M117.9 V8 had many pieces in its oil pan after driving a grand total of 13 miles in the two years I've owned it.