This 1988 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL shows only 27k miles from new and was originally sold new in Indiana. The car relocated to Virginia in 2013 and now resides in California since the selling dealer's acquisition in 2024. Finished in Impala Brown Metallic (441) over Beige Leather (275), power is provided by a 3.0-liter inline-six linked to a four-speed automatic transmission. Factory equipment includes a power tilt/slide sunroof, a power passenger-side mirror, headlamp wiper/washers, a telescoping steering column, power seats with memory, automatic climate control and a Becker Mexico radio. Extensive maintenance was recently performed in preparation for the sale including a new fuel pump, filters, and hoses, new brake hoses, brake fluid flush, drive belt, spark plugs, distributor cap and rotor, fuel accumulator, front brake pads and rotors, and new tires. This W126 is now offered for sale by the selling dealer with recent service records, the original manufacturer’s literature, original spare wheel and tire, tool roll, a clean Carfax report and a clean California title.
The body is finished in Impala Brown Metallic (441) and features paint-matched lower bodycladding and chrome trim along the front and rear bumpers. Exterior features include a power tilt/slide sunroof, heated door mirrors with a power-passenger side, headlamp wiper/washers, an automatic antenna and heat insulating glass with an electrically-heated rear window. The seller reports the pinstripe is faded and the clearcoat has begun to fail on the top of the front fenders and roof. No accidents appear on the Carfax and the body has no rust with detailed photos provided in the gallery.
The original 15” Gullideckel wheels were recently refinished and come wrapped in a set of new Cooper Endeavor tires measuring 205/65 on all four corners. The tires have 2023 date codes and were installed less than 50 miles ago. The front brake pads and rotors were replaced within the last 2 months along with a brake fluid flush. An unused full-size spare is located under the trunk floor with the original tool roll which is still in the original plastic.
The cabin is trimmed in Beige Leather (275) with matching carpets, a black dashboard and Zebrano wood trim which lines the center console, dashboard and door panels. Both front seats are power adjustable and offer two-position memory with the driver side linked to the power telescoping steering column. Interior amenities include automatic climate control, cruise control, a high-performance sound system and the original Becker Mexico Grand Prix radio.
The four-spoke steering wheel fronts a 160-mph speedometer along with a 7k-rpm tachometer, an analog clock and gauges for fuel level, economy, coolant temperature and oil pressure. The six-digit odometer currently shows 27k miles from new.
This W126 is powered by a 3.0-liter M103 inline-six which produces 177 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. Extensive maintenance was recently performed in preparation for the sale including a new fuel pump, filters, and hoses, new brake hoses, brake fluid flush, drive belt, spark plugs, distributor cap and rotor, fuel accumulator, front brake pads and rotors, and new tires. Receipts for the work will be included in the sale.
The Carfax report shows history in Indiana and Virginia with linear mileage updates and no accident or damage reports present. This 300SEL is now offered for sale in Burlingame, California with recent service records, the original manufacturer’s literature, original spare wheel and tire, tool roll, a clean Carfax report and a clean California title.
Open Transit:
Enclosed Transit:
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16 Comments
Congratulations to the seller and high bidder for completing a sale post auction. Final sale price is $18,000.
Thanks to all for the interest and bidding. A 27k mile 300SEL is simply worth more than the high bid. We're very close to a deal.
Your move @TheBoss
Congratulations! @Trust
$16,527 bid placed by @Trust
$16,277 bid placed by @Bgyula1977
$16,027 bid placed by @Trust
$15,777 bid placed by @Bgyula1977
$15,500 bid placed by @Trust
$15,250 bid placed by @TheBoss
$15,000 bid placed by @Trust
$13,759 bid placed by @GGCC
$13,509 bid placed by @Ankawasi
$13,259 bid placed by @Trust
$13,009 bid placed by @FD55
$12,759 bid placed by @Trust
$12,509 bid placed by @Bgyula1977
$12,250 bid placed by @Trust
$12,000 bid placed by @FD55
$11,500 bid placed by @GGCC
$11,250 bid placed by @Trust
$11,000 bid placed by @GGCC
$10,500 bid placed by @FD55
$10,250 bid placed by @Trust
Last day to acquire this extraordinary 27k mile 300SEL. I added 8 repair order copies covering our extensive preparation after the car came out of storage. It's smooth and comfortable road car. You'll feel like you're driving a new 300SEL as you look around the amazingly preserved interior. Excellent, low mileage, 126 models will always be sought after. Feel free to contact me with any questions. Bidders should refresh their browser regularly to insure they see the latest bids as the auction draws to its conclusion. Bidders that are new to the live online auction scene should know any bid placed within the last 2 minutes of the auction resets the timer to 2 minutes. This 300SEL will be sold as-is with no warranty implied or otherwise. I'm happy to store the car in my Burlingame, CA gallery while trucking arrangements are made. Good luck to all!
$10,000 bid placed by @GGCC
Images of service records have been added to the gallery.
Impala Brown is the best 80's Mercedes color. Change my mind.
$9,500 bid placed by @mdrei
$9,000 bid placed by @GGCC
$8,250 bid placed by @mdrei
I drove this 300SEL over the weekend and savored the vaultlike feel of the iconic 126 series cars. This car is especially taught with such low miles. I should mention the all important ID tags are present on all the individual sheet metal components: hood, both front fenders, all 4 doors and the deck lid. This is the first thing I look for when inspecting any MB of this era. My drive was a refreshing trip back into an era in which Mercedes-Benz was unrivaled regarding build quality. This era was the epitome of comfortable analog motoring. This is an opportunity to own an extremely low mileage example of a stylish icon of Mercedes-Benz's best years.
$8,000 bid placed by @GGCC
$6,000 bid placed by @mdrei
mdrei Thanks for the note. HVAC functions, heat and AC. AC was just serviced and has been converted.
Underbody photos have been added to the gallery.
You have a talent for finding these gems. Does the HVAC system work as designed and has it been converted to 134a? Thank You, sir.
Bgyula1977 Yes, will get undercarriage images today.
@mbheritage Thanks for the pictures! Maybe you have a picture of the bottom part? Very nice so far!
$5,000 bid placed by @Bad_Idea_Dante
@Bgyula1977 The photo gallery is not presented. Have contacted my friends at MB Market to correct this.
@Bgyula1977 Thanks for the note. I'll get some undercarriage images shortly.
Can you post more pictures? I'm especially interested in the chassis. The car is very nice!