This 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL was purchased by the current owner in 1993 and it’s remained in California since new. The owner has kept records since acquiring the car and added approximately 48k miles of the 128k miles shown. Finished in Arctic White (147) over Palomino Leather (274), power is provided by a 5.5-liter V8 mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Equipment includes heated power operated front and rear seats, power windows, an original Becker head unit, automatic climate control with air conditioning, and self leveling rear suspension. The seller has kept service records since 1993 and the included Carfax report shows registration history. Most recently the car received a new battery and new tires in March of 2024. This 560SEL is offered for sale by the long term owner with the original tool kit, two keys, records, a clean Carfax report, and a clean California title.
The exterior is finished in Arctic White (147) and features gray lower body cladding and chrome trim lining the beltline and bumpers. Exterior equipment includes heat insulating glass with an electrically-heated rear window, headlamp wiper/washers, and a power adjustable passenger-side door mirror. The seller has included detailed photos of the body, door jambs, and glass. It’s noted to be free from rust or any previous paintwork.
Chrome 15” Gullideckel wheels are mounted and wear Michelin X-Tour tires measuring 205/65 on all four corners. The tires show 2021 date codes. A spare tire can be found in the trunk along with the original tool kit. The seller notes the rear self leveling suspension to need a service.
The cabin is trimmed in Palomino Leather (274) and features Burl Walnut wood trim lining the center console, dashboard and door panels. Both front and rear seats are power adjustable with heating for all four seats. Interior equipment includes an original Becker head unit which is noted to be inoperable, automatic climate control and rear footrests. Palomino velour floor mats with “560SEL” are included in the sale along with Palomino rear footrests.
The instrument cluster features a 160-mph speedometer along with a 7k-rpm tachometer, an analog clock and gauges for fuel level, fuel economy, coolant temperature and oil pressure. The mechanical odometer currently reads 128k miles.
This W126 is powered by a 5.5-liter M117 V8 which is factory rated at 238hp and 287 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. The seller has kept service records since 1993 and the included Carfax report shows registration history. Most recently the car received a new battery and new tires in March of 2024.
The Carfax report first notes registration in California with records dating back to 1993. No accidents or damage is reported and linear mileage updates are shown. This 560SEL is offered for sale by the long term owner with the original tool kit, two keys, records, a clean Carfax report, and a clean California 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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30 Comments
Congratulations to the high bidder and seller for making a deal to sell the car post-auction for $7,499.I guess that blue 420SEL was a pretty good deal@560SEL Car should go to the highest bidder 😎@560SEL please contact meShould’ve soldSmells like a real great deal here today for the buyer or RNM$6,069 bid placed by @avo_tersaakyan
$5,810 bid placed by @socaltires
@560SEL Got it, thank you!@socaltires Correct the radio although functioning does not work due to the antenna not rising properly.@560SEL Awesome! Thank you for the quick response. Also, I saw a note that the radio may not work in one of the comments. That accurate?@socaltires Yes, just passed smog a week ago with flying colors, and will include the smog certificate to new lucky owner@560SEL Will this car come with a valid California smog certificate completed within 90 days for us California buyers?A driving video has been added to the listing along with additional engine bay photos.@elpasoben Thank you for your question. Yes, the sunroof operates and fully retracts and tilts as it should. All 4 powered seat adjusters operate as they should as well, including the seat warmers and those impressive front powered headrest adjusters.Just wondering if the sunroof operates as it should? Sorry if I missed the mention of this. Also, do all the seat adjusters operate at they should, as well? Thank you for your time!$5,560 bid placed by @Barryo
$3,888 bid placed by @avo_tersaakyan
@Gas007 I’ve never driven it that far, though several years ago on a trip to Southern California and Lake Tahoe there was no hiccups. Albeit, if you’re ok without mod cons of a radio or cold air I imagine you’ll be perfectly fine.@avo_tersaakyan I’ll work on uploading photos of the intake and a driving video shortly. As mentioned the AC blows but will need a recharge.You have owned the car since 93 do you have enough confidence in it that it would drive from California to Georgia@560SEL thank you for the response. Are you able to provide detailed photos of the intake showing the condition? Can you also comment on the AC functions and temperature? Will you be posting a driving video?@avo_tersaakyan Great observation. To be honest, I didn't even notice the tape there. In anycase, I've removed the tape and all looks good. My guess is that it was placed there preventatively by the previous owner many moons ago. The window and door seals are in good condition with no issues. No leakage and quiet at highway speeds thanks to being garaged for the vast majority of its life.@560SEL Can you comment on the tape placed on both sides of the air intake? Also in what condition are the door and window seals? GLWTA$3,560 bid placed by @VIGIL
$2,500 bid placed by @THarper
@560SEL Thank you so much for the prompt response, noted!@harry19 Thank you for your question. Yes, the SRS light remains on. This has been like this for the past year, however does not cause any functional issues so I have not had it addressed.@Peabo Thank you for your observation and comment. Yes, the RPM tends to go up and down on cold starts, however, after the engine warms up to temp, this is no longer an issueThank you for the videos @seller. In your 2nd video where you do the cold start, can you please confirm whether or not the SRS light in the cluster stays on? Airbag/Seatbelt issue?I just watched the cold start video. I'm in Phoenix and am really jealous of your morning temps. I noticed that after the car was started the RPM went up and down a couple times then the camera cut away. This is often the sign of a vacuum leak. please comment. Thank you.$1,500 bid placed by @mrwiggly1964
Videos from the seller have been added to the listing.$1,250 bid placed by @Bankrep40
@harry19 Thank you for your complement! I must agree :) The guides/chains have not yet been replaced. The door bottoms have no rust that I can see. There were no accidents or repairs to paintwork reported when I've purchased it in 1993 that I can recall. Since '93 it's served most its life to and from the golf course hence the low miles.@Peabo Thank you for your comments and questions! I have not replaced the timing chains or chain ramps from my ownership since 1993. I do not have any service records before then so am unsure if it's been replaced before I've owned it. The vacuum actuators that operate the door locks all function properly with no issues and have not needed repair. The A/C blows semi-cold air, but will likely need a recharge. I'll post a cold start video in the coming days.Hi @seller, cool looking car. Some good points were brought up by Peabo. Do you know if the guides/chains have been done on the motor? Also, is that rust on the door bottoms? Carfax records start in 1993, do you know if there were any accidents/paint work between 1988 and 1993. It looks like a bulk of the mileage was put on the car between 1988 and 1993. Looking forward to hearing back, thanks again!Please comment on some typical items that wear on these beautiful older W126: Have the timing chains and chain ramps been replaced? Do the vacuum actuators that operate the HVAC doors still function properly? Have they been replaced? Do the vacuum actuated door locks all work properly? AC blow cold? I look forward to your responses. And hopefully a cold start video. Thank you