This 1991 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL shows a single-family history with Pennsylvania registration since new and an original 38k miles noted on the odometer. Finished in Cabernet Red Metallic (587) over Creme Beige Leather (265), power is provided by a 5.5-liter M117 V8 engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. Equipment includes heated front Orthopedic seats, rear heated seats with a reclining back, a rear power sunshade, a power sunroof, ASR, and the original Becker head unit. MSRP when new was $79k. In preparation for the sale, a comprehensive service was performed including fluids, ignition, brakes, seals, bushings, and more. A complete breakdown of the service is included below. The odometer currently reads 38k original miles. This 560SEL is now offered for sale by the current owner with original window sticker, service records, a clean Carfax, and a clean NY title.
The exterior is finished in Cabernet Red Metallic (587) with matching lower body cladding and chrome trim on the bumpers, window frames and side mirror covers. Exterior equipment includes a power tilt/slide glass sunroof, an electrically heated rear window, and a power antenna. The seller states all paintwork on the car is original and shows no signs of previous damage or repair.
The factory 15” Gullideckel wheels come wrapped in new Michelin tires measuring 205/65 on all four corners. The spare tire was also replaced with a matching Michelin. Disc brakes behind all four wheels assist in stopping and the car received a complete brake service in 2024. This example is equipped with optional ASR.
The interior is upholstered in Creme Beige Leather (265) with matching beige carpets, contrasting red velour floor mats, and a black upper dashboard while Burl Walnut wood trim lines the center console, dashboard and door panels. The wood trim presents well. Both front seats are equipped with optional orthopedic support and are heated with two position memory. Additional interior features include heated rear seats with reclining backs, a power sunroof, a power rear sunshade, automatic climate control, cruise control, and more. The original Becker head unit is shown and functions as intended.
The leather-wrapped steering wheel frames 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 odometer indicates an original 38k miles.
This W126 is powered by a 5.5-liter M117 V8 engine which outputs 238 horsepower and 287 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission.A full service was completed in October of 2024 and includes new brake pads, rotors, brake sensors, brake fluid, a new thermostat, a coolant flush, a air filter, air breather, new front shocks, new center link, new tie rod ends, new ball joints, new power steering filter and fluid, new fuses, new battery, oil change and filter, transmission filter and fluid service, AC Conversion to 134, New SLS fluid, and a new antenna grommet, new valve cover gaskets, new lower oil pan gasket, new wiper blades, new headlight wiper blades, new wiper arm rubber grommets, new fuel filter, new fuel pumps, new fuel level sensor, new fuel strainer, new spark plugs, all new belts, new rear differential fluid, new distributor cap and rotor.
This 560SEL is now offered for sale by the current owner with original window sticker, service records, a clean Carfax, and a clean NY title.
The seller has included the following videos:
Open Transit:
Enclosed Transit:
The winning bidder will receive an email with the quote and option to proceed with shipping.
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70 Comments
Congratulations and enjoy Hopefully I’ll see it one day at Mb meets in ny
The finest W126 I think I’ve seen. Glad to have it be a part of my collection! This car will be staying on Long Island
THANKS TO ALL THE PARTICIPANTS ! Congratulations @Yman67 !
Can't imagine another one this good and original. Congrats to the new owner!
RESERVE HAS BEEN LIFTED !! THIS CAR WILL BE GOING TO A NEW OWNER TODAY !
All yours
$60,500 bid placed by @Yman67
$60,000 bid placed by @sirmathrocks
$58,500 bid placed by @Yman67
$58,000 bid placed by @sirmathrocks
$57,500 bid placed by @Yman67
$57,000 bid placed by @sirmathrocks
$56,500 bid placed by @Yman67
$56,000 bid placed by @sirmathrocks
$55,000 bid placed by @Yman67
$54,000 bid placed by @sirmathrocks
$53,500 bid placed by @Yman67
$53,000 bid placed by @sirmathrocks
2 minute mark ! We are closing in ! Bid strong everyone
$52,000 bid placed by @Yman67
$51,500 bid placed by @Nurbnerd
$50,500 bid placed by @Yman67
$50,000 bid placed by @BJulian1212
$49,500 bid placed by @Yman67
$49,000 bid placed by @sirmathrocks
Final 10 Minutes ... !
@johndog1957 Hello and welcome. Thank you for your compliments ! Thats generally how this works, where all the action happens at the end ! Stay tuned
$48,500 bid placed by @Yman67
I am new to MB Market, but just sold my car last week on BaT... Will there be a flurry of bidders starting in the last 2 minutes here as well? This is certainly a beautiful car and I wish the best of luck to both buyer and seller!
$48,000 bid placed by @BJulian1212
$47,000 bid placed by @Yman67
$46,000 bid placed by @BJulian1212
$45,000 bid placed by @Yman67
$43,000 bid placed by @Clarkstown
$42,000 bid placed by @Yman67
$41,000 bid placed by @Clarkstown
@mrmercedes1947 Hello - Yes photos of this car were posted in "Mercedes-Benz W126 S-Class Group on Facebook and featured in Automobile Archaeology. Thanks !
Hi seller: was this car on facebook a few months ago? There cannot be two like this out there, thanks
@Cbrando Having the same issue over here
$39,500. That didn’t last long
$40,000 bid placed by @Yman67
$39,500 bid placed by @Cbrando
There's nothing like a low milage, facelift W126 in a good color. I'm in love with this one.
$39,000 bid placed by @Yman67
$37,001 bid placed by @BJulian1212
$35,000 bid placed by @Yman67
$33,000 bid placed by @BJulian1212
$32,000 bid placed by @Yman67
$31,000 bid placed by @Clarkstown
@OSA72 agreed, if it were December of 1990 it'd be easy to fall back on production numbers and model but considering we're almost into 2025, this is EXTREMELY rare to find in this condition.
@sirmathrocks Thank you for the compliment. Your production #'s are off. That is from 1986-1991. 1991 being the rarest, as the least were imported the final production year, and are thus the most desirable. According to a quick google search, only a few thousand 560SEL's were imported in 1991.. At that point you would then need to factor in this rare color, then factor that it also has additional options such as the ortho seats, power sunshade, and ASR. How many were optioned EXACTLY like this ?... Fast forward practically 34 years later.. How many are left in this condition with this spec and with this low mileage... She's a rare one !
Hello experts...car is in great condition. Trying to understand collectability. 75k of these were made worldwide.
$30,000 bid placed by @Yman67
$29,000 bid placed by @Nurbnerd
I'd like to thank everyone that has chimed in on this auction and especially those that have flown in / drove to come see the car in person. If anyone has final questions they would like to ask, I will be available in my office all day to respond. Lets have some fun and enjoy the final hours of this exciting auction ! Good luck to all of those bidding.
@GVess Indeed this is ... ! Thank you, and good luck bidding.
Investment grade!
$28,000 bid placed by @Yman67
$27,500 bid placed by @Miggie
@paddlesUP Thank you ..! Good Luck Bidding
This has to be the best looking 126 on the market right now!
$27,000 bid placed by @Yman67
@Deedee Tuesday would work . Please send me a private message with your contact info (either email or phone number to coordinate ) and disclose vehicle location. Thank you.
Hello. I am in Canada but could come Tuesday. Does that work? What’s your exact address? Thanks.
@Deedee Hello. I just responded to your PM. Looking forward to a in person viewing with you - Thank you.
Where can I view this car?
$25,000 bid placed by @Nurbnerd
$20,750 bid placed by @Miggie
$20,500 bid placed by @Britalia
Good morning, your 560SEL is stunning. What is the bhp output please? I have a European 560 SEC (1990) which develops 300bhp. I am not familiar with the power output of US market models. Regards
@Mulberryman I really appreciate the compliments.. Thank you ! With the chrome bits and classic Mercedes Sedan styling lines, vibrant colors due these car SO well to really make them stand out from the rest ! Hope to see you bid.
@dengreene Thank you for your comment and sharing your story !
@wahip Well kept examples will always be a joy to drive, as stated... The Best or Nothing !
@Miggie Pleasure speaking to you on the phone ! Good Luck Bidding
General question to the group - Are you allowed to have your mechanic inspect the car?
$20,250 bid placed by @Miggie
Our 1987 420SEL was one of the most comfortable cars we've ever owned. Not cheap to maintain, (if done properly), but the ride quality, amenities and ability to comfortably eat 1000 miles of open road is still unparalleled. A quick check of the inflation calculator puts the $79k price new at $183k today. Sobering.
I owned this same 1991 model 560 SEL and loved it. I changed the wheels to a more modern MB set and updated the stereo head and drove the dickens out of it! Good luck with this auction!!!
@dean_Laumbach Agreed! One of the most perfect specs I've ever seen. Nice touch with the red mats btw, definitely elevates the cabin.
$20,000 bid placed by @Nifty50
$19,001 bid placed by @arjang
$18,751 bid placed by @Ranger902
@Miggie Hello, and thank you for your inquiry. Yes, you are more than welcome to come see the car in person. Please send me a private message with your contact info using the "message seller" button so we can make arrangements.
Do we have an opportunity to inspect the car?
@JoeyBenz08 This car has been privately serviced by an on staff mechanic, and with all genuine parts. Thank you.
$18,501 bid placed by @Miggie
Four videos have been added to the listing along with additional photos showing the underside and paint meter readings have been added to the gallery.
Which Mercedes Benz dealer did all the service?
The fact that the rear sunshade is still is in working order does not surprise me. This is a VERY special and obviously very well cared for and loved W126 !!! I love the fact that this car was photographed in a natural light setting which always best represents the actual condition of the vehicle. I am not a fan of glam photography in studio conditions as it typically makes the car look a lot more impressive than it really is. In January of this year, a very low mileage example of a 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEL sold on another well known auction website that begins with a B sold for $73k. I can tell you right now that even without seeing your vehicle, it is in better condition cosmetically, and without a doubt in my mind a better car than that car. Bidders do your homework and due diligence !!! This is a very special car, and you never know, I may throw my hat in ring on this one myself. BTW,, my hat goes off to your photographer, as the opening shot has me thinking of the movie "Jerry Maguire", as this car had me at HELLO !!! Best of luck. Dean
4 videos, along with undercarriage photos and paint meter readings have been uploaded to @thembmarket. Stay tuned to see them added to the gallery / listing shortly.
@Cbrando It was a pleasure speaking to you and I am glad I was able to answer all of your questions. We both share a great passion for these vehicles. Good Luck bidding !
$18,250 bid placed by @arjang
@dean_Laumbach Thank you for your kindness and compliments, they are greatly appreciated. Ditto on the color combo and options ! - If this car was still in production to this day and I was asked to go build it just the way id want it, this is the exact way I would have it. Top of the line trim level, Big 560, Final production year and in this exact color combo with these selected options. It really sets itself apart from the common silver, black and gray that is so widely seen when us enthusiasts think "W126". The power rear sunshade does indeed work, and a video of its functionality as well as an in depth walk around / paint meter readings of the vehicle will be added to the listing shortly. Cheers.
@ottobenz Hello and thank you for your compliments, they are appreciated. This car was left with the standard 5 seater option as you had mentioned for more room and functionality.
@James2Jim It is indeed a dream to drive, at any speed.. but she sure does love the highway !
@Cbrando We encourage open communication between sellers and bidders. You can always ask questions via comments and tag the seller OR you can use the "message seller" button for the auction.
$18,000 bid placed by @Cbrando
Would Like to speak with seller thank you
Condition, Color combination, options, provenance. My God what is not to love about this final year flagship model !!! This car is just right on so many levels !!! Does the rear sunshade still work? It would not matter to me as the car is so magnificent regardless. Many of the low mileage W126 and C126 cars I have owned with the sunshade were not functional. I would wish you the best of luck with your auction, but you are not going to need it. This is a car that I would personally love to own myself !!! Dean
$17,750 bid placed by @arjang
$17,500 bid placed by @Nifty50
@osa72 @OSA72 (1) is am amazing W126, colors, mileage, rare options, especially the reinforced seats. This car has every option available in 1991, including the one-year-only ASR. The only option not selected was the 4-place seating. Any insights why your family chose not to get that option? I can only presume that it was unpalatable to spend thousands more dollars to reduce the seating/functionality from 5 to 4 people. GLWTA on this unicorn.
This is absolutely striking to see. Has to be like butter to drive.
Congradulations! You got there before me on facebook, well done.
@Hans74 Hello and thank you for your question. When my family bought this car new, they opted to have the dealer install maroon contrasting carpets instead of the beige. They ARE Original Mercedes Benz Floor Mats and are in great condition.
Were the contrasting floormats/footrests an option or installed in lieu of the beige ones?
Further clarification on my earlier post about hard to find/NLA parts. There are aftermarket parts available for most of the NLA parts that MB, unfortunately, has discontinued. Exceptions are SLS struts (no alternative other than installing standard shocks and doing away with the wonderful SLS system), Front (L/R) and Rear (just one) ABS sensors (again, no available alternative), crank position sensor (no alternative to my knowledge). NOS MB parts are SO much better quality than aftermarket parts. If an owner searches long enough and does not mind paying steep prices for key mechanical parts that come on the market, this car can be driven for many, many years as the MB parts will last for 10-30 years. All of the door seals, rear window seal and trunk seal are also NLA, but this car has pristine MB rubber bits that will last many, many years if garaged. Just hope the front windshield never takes a rock! Some cars are worth the effort and cost when it comes to key mechanical parts - this car is one that deserves the best - wonderful colors and condition and low miles. Treat this car well and it will treat the new owner well! SLS shocks and ABS sensors and other NLA key parts come up for sale on eBay or from Forum members. Buy them now while you can. Keep all fluids changed regularly - oil, brakes, tranny, SLS, coolant! Install new chain tensioner and upper chain rail guides as soon as possible on this car (despite the low mileage!).
$15,250 bid placed by @arjang
$15,000 bid placed by @Nifty50
@EmmaLab Agreed ! Michelins are the only way to go. I even went ahead and replaced the spare with a brand new matching Michelin due to age for safe measure.
@AlexW Hello and thank you for your inquiry. This car is fully functional, as is every option on it. All windows work, and at the proper factory speed; Up & down. The sunroof slides back quickly and quietly, with factory grease applied on all moving parts. It also tilts up and down as intended and closes at the appropriate height. The AC blows cold, and the Heat blows hot. Radio / Cassette, Antenna, Vacuum door locks, Exterior & Interior lights all work. The car starts up smooth and idles as smooth as glass. Its shifts are smooth and steering response is precise. There are no creaks, rattles or weird noises inside or out. This is truly an example you dont want to miss out on. Additional photos will be added to the gallery tomorrow as well as multiple videos.
@AMG5pt4 Thank you for your detailed comment, and compliments. I agree that this is truly a stunning example that is better than what money can buy new today. While some parts are indeed becoming rare, well kept all original examples of these W126 classics are becoming even rarer.
@mikelaca Hello, and thank you for your inquiry. Receipts of all the recent items purchased on the vehicle will be uploaded tomorrow. The work on this car has always been performed by a certified on staff technician.
@Virafp More undercarriage pics will be uploaded tomorrow along with a walk around video. Thank you for your interest in this beautiful example.
$6,750 bid placed by @arjang
$6,500 bid placed by @TheGerman
$5,751 bid placed by @arjang
$5,501 bid placed by @Lfuselier
$5,250 bid placed by @arjang
$5,000 bid placed by @JNicholson
Detail photos of any paint blemishes (chips, scratches, etc.) as well as interior blemishes (wear areas, stains, cracks, scratches, etc.) would be appreciated. In part so bidding is appropriate to the condition, and in part so the winning bidder is not let down in any way. Ditto the previous request for undercarriage photos. Lastly, though it seems the car has been cared for, a list of what is inop and/or not functioning optimally would be appreciated. Example, power locks, window speed, sunroof actions, cassette player, etc. Thank you.
Beautiful SEL. Whatever this sells for will be < anything you could buy new in more ways than one! I would recommend the new owner start finding/buying all the NLA/hard to find parts so this car can be enjoyed and used for many years - rear SLS shocks (NLA), HVAC vacuum pods (mostly NLA), crank position sensor (NLA), front and rear ABS sensors (NLA), EHA, timing chain tensioner, timing chain rails, spare EZL, spare MB fuel pump relay (NLA), spare MB water pump, etc.. Keep this car garaged 100% of the time to avoid inevitable UV damage to the cream beige interior. Nice rare options - ortho seats, rear seat heating, rear sunshade. Unfortunate option (IMO) is ASR.
Michelin tires are always a positive indicator that the owner takes good care of the car.
Are you able to photo and upload pics of the recent service work invoices mentioned in the description?
$4,259 bid placed by @Lfuselier
Being an east coast car some detailed undercarriage pictures would be helpful.
$4,007 bid placed by @SellCLE
$3,757 bid placed by @Lfuselier
$3,500 bid placed by @BD450SL
$1,257 bid placed by @Lfuselier
MBM Insights have been updated, thanks!
@SkiSullivan thank you for catching that. I appreciate it. Also Bruno * not Bruna. Please review and edit the above mentioned issues @thembmarket
this final year white over gray example is the perfect car for anyone looking for a daily driver
Hello - in what regards ? @thembmarket