This 1990 Mercedes-Benz 420SEL was sold new as a European delivery example to its original owner and shows California registration from new. Finished in Black Pearl Metallic (199) over Gray Leather (268), power is provided by a 4.2-liter V8 mated to a four-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. Equipment includes European specification headlights, a power sliding sunroof, power adjustable front seats with memory, cruise control, automatic climate control and an electrically heated rear window. Now showing 115k miles, this W126 is offered for sale by the current owner in Los Angeles, California with the original first aid kit, tool kit, original Becker head unit (uninstalled), manufacturer’s literature and a clean California title.
The exterior is finished in Black Pearl Metallic (199) with contrasting gray lower body cladding and chrome trim lining the windows, bumpers and grille. Exterior equipment includes European spec headlights, Euro Amber corners, European spec taillights, a power sliding sunroof, a power adjustable passenger side mirror, an automatic antenna and a headlight wiper/washer system. The car is believed to have previously received paint work with an accident reported in 2013. No airbags were deployed. The exterior presents well with no rust or body damage present.
The 15” 15-hole Gullideckel wheels wear a satin silver finish and come fitted with Michelin Defender all-season tires measuring 205/65 on all four corners. The wheels are in good condition with no signs of damage or curb rash. A full-size spare is included in the trunk along with the original tool kit.
The cabin comes upholstered in Gray Leather (261) with matching gray carpets and black floor mats while Burl Walnut wood trim lines the center console, dashboard and door panels. The wood trim shows some signs of cracking around the center console. Both front seats feature power adjustability and memory while the second row highlights carpeted footrests, ashtrays and reading lights. Interior equipment includes automatic climate control, cruise control, power windows and a Kenwood head unit with Bluetooth functionality.
The gauge cluster contains VDO instrumentation including a 160-mph speedometer 7k-rpm tachometer, an analog clock and gauges for fuel level, economy, coolant temperature and oil pressure. The six-digit odometer reads just under 115k miles with 1k miles being added by the current owner.
This flagship sedan is powered by a 4.2-liter V8 which produces 221 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through the help of a four-speed automatic transmission.
The Carfax report shows linear mileage updates along with California registration starting in 1993 along with the aforementioned accident which occurred in 2013. This W126 420SEL is now offered for sale by the current owner with the original tool kit, first aid kit, manufacturer’s literature, original Becker head unit (uninstalled), a full-size spare and a clean California title.
The W126 has aged like a fine wine thanks to Sacco-era styling that is, unmistakably, classic Mercedes. As with each generation of S-class, this top-of-the-line offering from Mercedes is adequately over engineered but - unlike cars from the modern era - not overloaded with electronics; making this generation of Mercedes easy to keep on the road for decades. Throughout the 80’s and early 90’s, the long-wheel-base W126 was a must have for any notable figure worldwide. While vehicles today seem to be somewhat soulless, classic luxury sedans with big V8’s like this are becoming more desirable. This long-wheelbase 420SEL proves that you don’t have to overcomplicate something to make it feel like the best automobile in the world. This example has been preserved exceptionally well and has accrued just 115k miles from new while spending its entire life in Southern California. The European spec headlights are a subtle upgrade that go a long way in improving the front end styling and are sure to be noticed by any true enthusiasts. Thanks to quality craftsmanship and legendary build quality, the W126 feels like a tank and well-preserved examples like this one are slowly becoming extinct.
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14 Comments
$17,750 bid placed by @Ararat
$17,500 bid placed by @T8KFVE
$17,250 bid placed by @Ararat
$17,000 bid placed by @T8KFVE
$16,750 bid placed by @Ararat
$16,500 bid placed by @T8KFVE
$16,250 bid placed by @Ararat
$16,000 bid placed by @T8KFVE
$15,750 bid placed by @Ararat
$15,500 bid placed by @T8KFVE
$15,250 bid placed by @Ararat
$15,000 bid placed by @T8KFVE
$14,500 bid placed by @Ararat
$14,250 bid placed by @T8KFVE
$14,000 bid placed by @Ararat
$13,600 bid placed by @T8KFVE
I'm pulling off the reserve!!!!
$13,350 bid placed by @Ararat
$13,100 bid placed by @devincobb
$12,850 bid placed by @Ararat
$12,600 bid placed by @devincobb
$12,350 bid placed by @Ararat
$12,100 bid placed by @devincobb
@dpaparella Hello, no heated seat. Thank You! Happy bidding!
$11,850 bid placed by @attyahj
$11,600 bid placed by @macks7
$11,250 bid placed by @attyahj
$11,000 bid placed by @macks7
$10,000 bid placed by @Ararat
$9,750 bid placed by @attyahj
$9,500 bid placed by @Ararat
$9,250 bid placed by @attyahj
tough crowd here
$8,000 bid placed by @Ararat
$7,750 bid placed by @Rollins85
$7,500 bid placed by @Ararat
$7,250 bid placed by @attyahj
$7,000 bid placed by @Ararat
$6,750 bid placed by @Rollins85
$6,500 bid placed by @Ararat
$6,250 bid placed by @srweimer
Does it have heated seats?
Would appreciate if the seller can post some underbody pictures and answer questions. We have less than a day left before auction closed and no response doesn’t really give the confidence in bidding here. Thanks
$6,000 bid placed by @macks7
Also, can we get some underbody pictures and also address the question if the car has any leaks? Does the AC and climate control work as intended? Thank you!
Any additional information or pictures on the reported accident? Also, how old are the tires? Carfax does not show a lot of detail! Thanks
Hi. Will you export this to UK?
Are there any leaks present ? Would be great if you can take the car on the lift and take pictures underneath to show the condition of the car from below. thanks
Thanks for filling me in on the service history
@Colinclarkson Hello, the previous owner passed away and the family didn't have any access to the service records for the car. I can tell the car has had amazing service throughout its journey, I've continued the service on the car in house here at my shop, I will be glad to take the vehicle to any Mercedes Benz Dealer in Los Angeles of your choice if you choose to pay for a full inspection. Happy Bidding, Good Luck!
@CleMont Hello, thanks for your interest, I believe the Zebrano trim was standard in the 420 model unless it was a special order. The Burl was standard in the 560s. Good luck bidding! Cheers!
The ihterior wood trim appears to be Zebrano, not Burl Walnut?
$5,420 bid placed by @AlpineYS
Beautiful car, would love to know more about the service history, Carfax does not really show much.
$750 bid placed by @Wdkull