This 1988 Mercedes-Benz 420SEL shows first registration in New York before moving to Ohio after being purchased by the current owner in July 2022 here on The MB Market. Finished in Smoke Silver Metallic (702) over Brazil Leather (273), power is provided by a 4.2-liter V8 mated to a four-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. Equipment includes power operated front seats with two-position memory, automatic climate control, cruise control, a Becker radio, headlamp wiper/washers, a power tilt/slide sunroof and four power windows. Recent maintenance includes new plugs and wires, an engine oil and filter change, a brake fluid flush, new Michelin tires and a transmission service. This W126 is now offered for sale by the current owner in Lebanon, Ohio with two sets of keys, the original manufacturer’s literature, the original tool kit and a clean Ohio title.
The exterior is finished in Smoke Silver Metallic (702) with gray lower cladding and features chrome trim lining the windows, beltline and bumpers. Exterior equipment includes a power tilt/slide sunroof, heated mirrors with a power adjustable passenger side, headlamp wiper/washers, chrome wheel arches and a heated rear window. The Carfax shows an accident reported in 1998 and the car is said to have undergone a full repaint in 2007. New headlamp wiper blades were added by the current owner and the rear glass is beginning to show signs of delamination in the lower corners. The exterior is in good condition with only minor scratches shown on the front and rear bumpers.
The cabin is upholstered in Brazil Leather (273) and features matching brown carpets and floor mats while Zebrano wood trim accents the center console, dashboard and door panels. The wood trim is in good condition with no signs of cracking. Both front seats are power operated and feature two-position memory. Interior features include automatic climate control, cruise control, power windows and the original Becker Grand Prix radio. The seller states that the driver-side dome light does not illuminate when the door is opened.
The leather-wrapped steering wheel frames VDO instrumentation including a 160-mph speedometer and 6k-rpm tachometer along with gauges for fuel level, economy, oil pressure and coolant temperature. The six-digit odometer currently shows just 63k miles with just 800 added by the current owner.
This long-wheelbase sedan is powered by a 4.2-liter M116 V8 which outputs 221 horsepower and 239 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. The seller notes a small intermittent oil leak is present and underbody photos can be seen in the gallery.
Prior to being sold in July 2022, the car received an engine oil and filter change, new plugs and wires, a coolant flush, brake fluid flush and a four-wheel alignment. Maintenance under current ownership included a transmission service with a full fluid flush and a differential fluid flush.
The Carfax report shows linear mileage updates since first being reported in 1991 with registration shown in New York and Ohio. The aforementioned accident is listed as occurring in 1998 with no further details provided. This 420SEL is now offered with two sets of keys, the original manufacturer’s literature, original tool kit and a clean Ohio title in the seller’s name.
A walk-around and idling video has been provided by the seller below.
The W126 in general 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. The impeccable cosmetic and mechanical condition on this classic makes this one of the best looking examples we've seen in a while. Thanks to quality craftsmanship and legendary build quality, the W126 feels like a tank and well-loved examples like this one are becoming extinct. Back for a second time, this 420SEL is sure to be loved by its new enthusiast owner for years to come.
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5 Comments
Reserve meet...bid away, thanks.$11,500 bid placed by @AHaji9
$11,250 bid placed by @Rollins85
$11,000 bid placed by @AHaji9
$10,750 bid placed by @Rollins85
$10,500 bid placed by @AHaji9
$10,250 bid placed by @DersDemanth
$10,000 bid placed by @Rollins85
$9,750 bid placed by @DersDemanth
$9,500 bid placed by @Rollins85
$9,250 bid placed by @dpblues2000
$9,000 bid placed by @DersDemanth
$8,636 bid placed by @Rally1
$8,386 bid placed by @DersDemanth
$8,136 bid placed by @Henry1909
$7,750 bid placed by @Rollins85
$7,500 bid placed by @Henry1909
$7,250 bid placed by @rbeckhau
$7,000 bid placed by @Rollins85
$4,350 bid placed by @rbeckhau
$4,100 bid placed by @Kloureiro
$3,850 bid placed by @Prezes84
@ottobenz We bought the car for my partner to replace her worn-out 3-series BMW. She wanted a larger car but after driving it 400-500 miles she felt differently. It's too large to her liking and more importantly "too nice" to park anywhere as far as she is concerned. She is totally anxious when parking, backing, garaging, etc. and I have recently bought her another old BMW-328 to wear out. We are in our late 60's and beyond the attraction of having a "Sunday Driver" or I would just keep the car as it is truly as nice as I could imagine a 1988 to be at this point. I bought this "identical" car new in 1988 and this one is as nice as I remember except for the wheels and old tires that were on the car when I bought it. Thus, why I replaced them before she started driving it. Thanks for the question as I almost posted this information in the listing assuming it would be a question. I am totally available to discuss the car if you have interest, Gary.I have to wonder/ask: why sell after only 8 months of ownership, especially after having replaced tires/wheels?$3,600 bid placed by @Henry1909
$3,000 bid placed by @Cypressgrove60
$2,750 bid placed by @Skid44
$2,500 bid placed by @Cypressgrove60
@guntherbil Trunk lid, trunk, tools & mat.........pictures #190-#206. Let me know if for some reason you can't view them, would be happy to send. Thanks, GaryTrunk ?$1,250 bid placed by @Skid44
$1,000 bid placed by @Peabo
$750 bid placed by @Skid44
$500 bid placed by @n883jj
$250 bid placed by @Skid44