This 1988 Mercedes-Benz 260E shows initial title and registration in Illinois where it has reportedly remained since new and shows only 26k miles. Finished in Gray Metallic (122) over Gray MB-Tex (178), power is provided by a naturally aspirated 2.6-liter inline-6 paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. Features include a power sliding and tilting sunroof, front and rear power windows, automatic climate control with air conditioning, and cruise control. Recent service within the last month by the seller includes new fuel pumps, fuel pressure accumulator, fuel hoses to tank and pumps, fuel tank filter screen, fuel level sending unit, cleaned gas tank, new tires, new brake rotors and pads, reman fuel distributor, new idle air control valve, fuel pressure regulator, oil change, cleaned injectors and fuel lines, and a new air filter. This example is now offered by the seller with the original Mercedes-Benz Becker cassette tape, one factory key, the original owner's manual, a clean Carfax report, and a clean Illinois title.
The body is finished in Gray Metallic (122) with charcoal-colored bumper covers, side trim, and rear view mirrors. The exterior features US-spec lighting, headlamp wipers, fog lights, and a power antenna. The seller notes some minor paint defects around the body which are fully documented in the photos and video below. Detailed photos are included in the gallery showing individual body panels and glass.
Silver painted 15″ Gullideckel wheels wear Advanta ER700 tires measuring 195/65 all around with 2021 date codes. Braking is provided by disc brakes on all four corners and new brake rotors and pads were installed within the last month. A full size spare is located beneath the trunk floor along with the original tool kit.
The cabin is trimmed in Gray MB-Tex (178) across the dashboard, door cards, seats, armrests, and rear deck. Zebrano wood trim accents the center console and dashboard. Factory amenities include power-adjustable seats with driver-side memory, automatic climate control, power front and rear windows, an electric sunroof with tilt function, cruise control, and an OEM Becker Grand Prix head unit. A fully functional period-correct aftermarket alarm is installed and comes with the accompanying remote.
The four-spoke steering wheel houses a driver’s airbag and frames a 160mph speedometer, 7k-rpm tachometer with an analog inset clock, and auxiliary gauges for fuel level, oil pressure, coolant temperature, and vacuum-actuated instant economy. The six-digit odometer shows just over 26k miles since new and the seller states the SRS light comes on intermittently.
The 2.6-liter SOHC M103 inline-6 was rated at 164 horsepower and 168 lb-ft of torque when new. The fuel system has been completely overhauled within the last month which included a cleaning of the tank, new fuel pumps, fuel pressure accumulator, fuel hoses to tank and pumps, fuel tank filter screen, fuel level sending unit, reman fuel distributor, and fuel pressure regulator. Additional maintenance included new brake rotors and pads, a new idle air control valve, an oil change, cleaned injectors and fuel lines, and a new air filter.
The accompanying Carfax lists no accidents or other damage with just one entry showing original registration in 1988. This example is now offered with 26k miles on the odometer, the original Mercedes-Benz Becker cassette tape, one factory key, the original owner's manual, a clean Carfax report, and a clean Illinois title.
A walk around, cold start, and driving video are viewable below.
Open Transit:
Enclosed Transit:
The winning bidder will receive an email with the quote and option to proceed with shipping.
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16 Comments
@heyweirdo yeah I agree, took a lot of restraint for me to pass on this. Congrats to buyer and seller.CongratsSomeone is going to be living in a time machine here.... I drove my 1988 w126 yesterday and was astounded... again... at the build quality of these era of benz. simply unmatched... I'm jealous of the winner$14,250 bid placed by @Lookn007
$14,000 bid placed by @Tomus1975
$13,750 bid placed by @Lookn007
$13,500 bid placed by @Tomus1975
$13,250 bid placed by @Lookn007
$13,000 bid placed by @Rockynbullwinkle
Oh, and I have never in my life seen gauges and needles that are still so orange, just the way they left the factory. tells me this lived basically its entire life, indoors with no UV exposure$12,500 bid placed by @Lookn007
talk about teutonic design in a iconic, handsome and super reliable package. wow.@sjgnyc Probably a significantly less likelihood of finding a diesel with miles this low. What I'm digging about this one is the very modern exterior color$12,250 bid placed by @Tomus1975
@sjgnyc hello im not near the car but when I was driving it at best I felt the ac was cool. Being its winter in Chicago and I havent driven it in warm months its hard for me to know for sure. The srs light comes on randomly on the cluster . Other than that the car has no issues . Thank you !Very nice example ! Would really like to know if teh A/C system is working and blow cold. Does the A/C compressor kick in? Any issue with the car? What is the red warning light that remains on on the dash in the driving video? The only thing better would be this being a diesel with black interior, very nice.$12,000 bid placed by @GreenbrierCC
$9,750 bid placed by @Lookn007
@nrajput90 Thank you !$9,000 bid placed by @Bankrep40
$8,250 bid placed by @Bad_Idea_Dante
@BabyBenzFan thank you it is a joy to drive such an original car. I hope it goes to someone that really enjoys the car !Looks like there was a lot of time, money, and effort spent to bring the fuel system in working order. GLWA!This is a true unicorn. A W124 in this condition with this low mileage is truly a rare find. The value of this car is in its condition and low mileage. I would not convert this car to 134A in order to keep it in it's original condition. I hope this car will go to a long-time MB enthusiast who will love it for what it is. Keep the car in this condition and watch it's value continue to rise. @youngclssiccarmg (seller), you can run the A/C for short periods in cooler temperatures by turning up the the temperature to the highest temperature. I do this with my W201. My engineer father always taught me to run my A/C about 10 minutes a week during the winter in order to keep the A/C working properly. I wish you good luck with the auction.@sjulier its winter here in Chicago so Incant really tell but I think it will need a recharge.Does the AC run cold?@Lookn007 hello it does not appear to be converted$8,000 bid placed by @Bankrep40
Has the AC system been converted to R134a refrigerant If not, does it have OEM R22 refrigerant?$7,500 bid placed by @Lookn007
$5,800 bid placed by @Henry1909
$4,500 bid placed by @Lookn007
$2,500 bid placed by @Sybanez1
$260 bid placed by @crater64