This 1988 Mercedes-Benz 420SEL is finished in Anthracite Gray Metallic (172) over Gray (278) leather and powered by a 4.2-liter V8 paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. Features include a sunroof, automatic climate control, Becker Cassette stereo, power accessories, headlamp washers, disc brakes, and 15″ wheels. The car has spent its entire life in the Houston area since 1988 through the seller's acquisition in May 2021. This W126 sedan has undergone significant mechanical refreshing within the past year including an extensive fuel system overhaul with all new fuel lines around the engine, two new fuel pumps, fuel pump hoses and a new gas tank; rebuilt AC control unit, new ignition wires, new fuel accumulators, all new brake calipers/pads/rotors, new tie rod assemblies, new rear stabilizer links, new drag links, new steering shock, new drive belts, new antenna grommet, new exhaust hangars, new tires, and refinished OEM wheels. At 85k miles the car received a new timing chain, tensioners, chain guides, chain rails and a resurfacing of the head. This W126 now shows 97k miles and is offered with manufacturer’s literature, stamped service booklet, partial service records, a clean Carfax report, and a clean Texas title.
The car is finished in Anthracite Gray Metallic (172) with gray lower cladding and features an electric sunroof with tilt function, an automatic antenna, chrome trim, and headlamp washers. The seller reports prior paintwork on the rear passenger door to remediate scratches, but the rest of the paint is believed to be all original. Photos showing exterior paint and trim condition are viewable in the gallery.
Silver 15″ Gullideckel wheels were recently refinished and are mounted with a new set of 205/65 Goodyear Assurance tires showing 2020 date codes. Stopping power is provided by disc brakes stationed at all four corners. Recent service to the suspension and braking system includes all new brake calipers/pads/rotors front and rear, new tie rod assemblies, new rear stabilizer links, new drag links, and a new steering shock.
The cabin is upholstered in Gray (278) leather with matching carpets and door panels while Zebrano wood trim adorns the dash, center console, and door cards. Amenities include power-adjustable front seats with position memory, automatic climate control, cruise control, an analog clock, power accessories, and the OEM Becker stereo. The seller states that that A/C, heat, and stereo all function as intended but the passenger mirror switch and power antenna are not operational.
A four-spoke airbag steering wheel frames VDO instrumentation including a 160-mph speedometer and a tachometer with a 6k-rpm redline. Additional guages provide readouts for fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and instant economy. The six-digit mechanical odometer shows 97k miles, 500 of which have been added by the seller.
The 4.2-liter M116 V8 sends power to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. Extensive service has been performed on the drivetrain and fuel system including a new timing chain, tensioners, chain guides, chain rails and a resurfacing of the head. An extensive fuel system overhaul with all new fuel lines around the engine, two new fuel pumps, fuel pump hoses a new gas tank was also performed. Additionally, the AC control unit was rebuilt and new ignition wires and new fuel accumulators have been installed.
Additional photos showing of the underbody are presented in the gallery.
The Carfax report shows no accidents or other damage, linear mileage updates, and history exclusive to Houston, TX through its most recent entry in June 2021.
Cold start, driving, and walkaround videos are viewable below:
Open Transit:
Enclosed Transit:
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20 Comments
@Adam77 - MBMarket will be reaching out to you.Well, we got close, but not quite there. Thanks to all!$12,376 bid placed by @Adam77
$12,126 bid placed by @speedyellow
@MBstyle - Sorry I am not by the car at the moment, but can assure you there in no delamination in the rear window corners.@Hobbsm3, thx for quick reply. What about the rear window left and right corners ? Pics available as well from the under view trunk up, the left till right side? You know that there are the weakpoints of the W126 , rear window down left qnd right . Thx MThanks everybody and thanks hobbsm3. Would have loved to buy the car and a dream to have it, really. But unfortunately the price is over my budget!! I envy the person who will have the opportunity to buy this car!! I wish him all the best !!!@MBstyle Only paintwork has been on the right rear passenger door to address some deep scratches.@hoppsm3, Any parts repainted?…thx MHi all, as the auction comes to a close, I wanted to thank you all for the interest, comments, and bids! It is a stunning car that is always well received everywhere it goes! Thanks again for the interest and bids @BackNein @speedyellow @Adam77 @Ziad @highheat @orlandito @daddyschak @Alt767Gelt @Benicia and for those that might be interested from the prior auctions @Yman67 @JohnBeall @LoudounPrime @Roland @Khan @Dastan2021$11,670 bid placed by @BackNein
$11,420 bid placed by @speedyellow
That would definitely be a cool plate @speedyellow. And thanks for the recent bids, along with @Backnein @Adam77$11,000 bid placed by @BackNein
$10,126 bid placed by @speedyellow
$9,420 bid placed by @Adam77
when i was growing up... a friends family had one of these. Their personalized plate was 3208.. which loosely translates to "business is prosperous" in cantonese. If I win this beast... I'm getting that plate.$8,420 bid placed by @speedyellow
$7,670 bid placed by @Ziad
$7,420 bid placed by @speedyellow
@Alt767Gelt - Hi Frank, thanks for the nice remarks! Yes, we live a few blocks from where the pics were taken as well. Gus is great and so knowledgeable; only wish I met him many years earlier. You are right - this will be a great driver or one can enjoy bringing it to shows. The w126 build quality is second to none. Cars of this vintage will need a good rehab and this one has had a lot of the heavy lifting already done. I'll keep an eye out for you as well!I recognize those landmarks! Small world. I live a block away from the steet used in the majority of the photos and have met Gus, the mechanic you mentioned. Heck, I keep two of my three old Mercedes (rotate out one at a time) in his climate controlled facility for overflow purposes. His reputation is stellar. My own primary mechanic speaks of him like a surgeon he would refer me to should there be a complicated issue with one of mine down the road. Good looking car that will make a great driver for someone who appreciates these. Best of luck with the auction and I’ll look for you at 5822 sometime. Frank@Benicia - I checked on the cruise control and it does not appear to engage. Also noticed a faint creak coming from the front drivers side when going over bumps at speed. Not noticeable on smooth roads or on the highway. Looks like it’s coming from the driver’s ball joint. Wasn’t present when we did the suspension refresh earlier. Not an imminent need, but will need to addressed down the road. Thanks you again for the interest and bids @Ziad and @Adam77$6,500 bid placed by @Ziad
$6,250 bid placed by @Adam77
Hi @Benicia - yes, the AC and heat work. No warning lights on. I will check on the cruise control and get back.Does the air system work property, that is cold air conditioning, and warm heating? does the cruise control work? any warning lights on when driving or idling?Thanks for the interest and bids @Ziad @Adam77 @highheat @orlandito!$5,250 bid placed by @Ziad
$5,000 bid placed by @Adam77
Additional photos of the engine bay have been added to the gallery.$1,170 bid placed by @Ziad
$920 bid placed by @Highheat
$670 bid placed by @orlandito
@Daddyschak - thanks for the interest. Two owners prior to me. I have had it since May of last year. And thank you @Elo1725 for starting this off!How long have you had it and curious how many previous owners? Thanks.Hi all, and welcome to my 420SEL auction. When I saw this car, I fell in love with the color and had to have it. Like a lot of you on here, I have been bitten by the classic MB bug. Seeing a well preserved 126 on the road today is a rare sight, and anytime I see one, I get goosebumps. This was no different. The anthracite gray is a majestic color with slightly different hues in different lights. I added it to my w126 fleet of an 89 260SE Euro and several 560SEC coupes. I had my master mechanic Gus (a famed Pagoda restorer) @ Beverly Hill motors go through and fix everything on it to make it a worthy daily driver and $5k later, he did. The car was already a very good specimen but he made it better. I had a 3 step paint correction done, refurbished the wheels and added new Good years. The car garners thumbs ups everywhere I take it! Granted being a young classic now, it will always continue to have minor needs, so please keep that in mind. Sadly my automotive ADD has kicked in and I am in process of mildly restoring a 2 door Gwagon, hence the sale. Contact me with any questions. Thanks again for viewing it!$420 bid placed by @Elo1725