This 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300SE was sold new by Autobahn Mercedes-Benz of Belmont, California in January 1990 and shows California registration from new with 97k miles on the odometer. Finished in Impala Brown Metallic (441) over Beige Leather (265), power is provided by a 3.0-liter inline-six linked to a four-speed automatic transmission. Factory equipment includes a power tilt/slide sunroof, a power passenger-side mirror, headlamp wiper/washers, a telescoping steering column, power seats with memory, automatic climate control and a Becker Mexico radio. Extensive service was recently performed including new spark plugs, a transmission service, new engine mounts, transmission mounts, a new steering shock and a new rear flex disc. Service history from new is included with the car. This 300SE is now offered for sale by the selling dealer with full service history from new, the original manufacturer’s literature, a clean Carfax report and a clean California title.
The body is finished in Impala Brown Metallic (441) and features paint-matched lower body cladding and chrome trim along the front and rear bumpers. Exterior features include a power tilt/slide sunroof, heated door mirrors with a power-passenger side, headlamp wiper/washers, an automatic antenna and heat insulating glass with an electrically-heated rear window. The seller reports prior paintwork done to the rear trunk lid along with miscellaneous spot repairs. No accidents appear on the Carfax and the body is free of rust or damage.
The original 15” Gullideckel wheels were recently refinished and come wrapped in a set of Sumitomo HTR A/S P02 tires measuring 205/65 on all four corners showing 2018 date codes. Braking is handled by dual-circuit anti-lock disc brakes front and rear.
The cabin is trimmed in Beige Leather (265) with matching carpets, a black dashboard and Zebrano wood trim which lines the center console, dashboard and door panels. The wood trim is in good condition and free of any cracks or fading. Both front seats are power adjustable and offer two-position memory with the driver side linked to the power telescoping steering column. Interior amenities include automatic climate control, cruise control, a high-performance sound system and the original Becker Mexico Grand Prix radio. A new cruise control module was installed by the selling dealer.
The black leather-wrapped steering wheel fronts 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 six-digit odometer currently shows 97k miles from new.
This W126 is powered by a 3.0-liter M103 inline-six which produces 177 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. Additional service items performed by the dealer include new spark plugs, a transmission service, new engine and transmission mounts, a new steering shock and a new rear flex disc. Service history from new is included with the car.
The Carfax report shows the car being delivered to its first owner in January 1990 with California registration reported from new. Linear mileage updates are shown with no accidents or damage reports present. This 300SE is now offered for sale in Burlingame, California with the original manufacturer’s literature and tool kit, complete service history, a clean Carfax report and a clean California title.
A walk around has been provided by the seller below.
Another Sacco-designed masterpiece, the W126 has certainly stood the test of time and continues to standout in a sea of automobiles today. The look is unmistakably classic Mercedes with strong boxy lines and enough road presence that leaders across the globe in the 80’s and 90’s could at least agree that this was the vehicle of choice for such stature. Today, these cars still turn heads and remain highly sought after due to their incredible build quality and drivability. The 3.0L M103 provided owners with low maintenance costs while the short wheelbase variant offers nimble maneuverability but still maintaining S-Class comfort. This example has spent an easy life living in California with great care taken by its previous owners. With just 97k miles on the clock, this exceptional 300SE should prove to serve as an excellent example for years to come for its lucky new owner.
Open Transit:
Enclosed Transit:
The winning bidder will receive an email with the quote and option to proceed with shipping.
Get the best of The MB Market directly in your inbox every day. Subscribe for a curated list of our top market listings and articles!
24 Comments
Thanks to all for the bidding and comments. It takes just a little bit more to own this car.
$10,800 bid placed by @Ferdi
$10,550 bid placed by @callnyc
$10,300 bid placed by @Ferdi
$10,050 bid placed by @thelinks
$9,800 bid placed by @callnyc
Keep in mind that I spent about $5k to bring the car to its current level, cosmetically and technically. A buyer will receive all these documents.
$9,500 bid placed by @thelinks
$9,250 bid placed by @Ferdi
$9,000 bid placed by @Mulberryman
$8,750 bid placed by @thelinks
$8,500 bid placed by @Mulberryman
$8,250 bid placed by @Ferdi
$8,000 bid placed by @Mulberryman
As a restorer of "Young Classic" Mercedes I have had 6 300SE's. These are wonderful driving cars. Much easier to maneuver in the city and parking lots as it is the shorter wheel base than the SEL's. This example is one of the nicest I have seen in quite a few years. For those interested, besides being beautiful, it has all the service history and that is priceless. This car shows pride in ownership from day 1. This one should fetch $12k if not more. Where you going to find another one? Buy it and drive it.
@Smyth Should be fine. The car has been carefully inspected and serviced and is ready for touring.
$7,750 bid placed by @Slade30306
$7,500 bid placed by @thelinks
It looks and sounds great in the driving video. Any reason to think it couldn’t handle a day-long 500 mile drive to a new home?
$7,250 bid placed by @Slade30306
@@Davidsbenz560 My broker estimates $1,700 open and $2,550 enclosed...
$7,000 bid placed by @Sportcarpr
$6,750 bid placed by @Slade30306
@Davidsbenz560 I haven't heard from my shipping broker but I would estimate $1,600 open transport and $2,200 enclosed to NJ.
I just uploaded a driving video for this 300SE.
$6,500 bid placed by @Sportcarpr
$6,250 bid placed by @Slade30306
Just a few hours to go for this lovely fully documented California from new 300SE. Feel free to contact me with any questions.
@Smyth The Bedker Mexico AM/FM Cassette was MB's most sophisticated radio at the time.
Can you tell me shipping cost to NJ , 08057, thanks
$6,000 bid placed by @Sportcarpr
@Davidsbenz560 You'll have to direct message me. I don't think MB Market allows phone #s to be exhanged via comments.
$5,250 bid placed by @Carguy2003
$5,000 bid placed by @ahmedalshujairi
What makes that radio a “Mexican Grand Prix” radio? Looks pretty basic. Nice, but basic.
Can u send me ur # I'd rather call u, [email protected]
A walk around video of the car has been added to the listing.
Thank you and appreciate it and look forward to any videos
@Ferdi Images 20 and 23 show the complete right and left quarter panels. These two panels were painted at some time in the car's life based on my paint depth readings this morning. Not much to see because the work was done well regarding color match and texture. Hope this helps.
To all. After measuring paint again this morning, I find that the deck lid has NOT been painted but both adjacent quarter panels have been painted. This was my error when describing the car during the listing process. The rest of the car's paint depth readings indicate original paint.
Thanks for the quick response. It’s hard to tell him places where the paint has been redone. Could you please send some close-ups of where it has been done please?
@Ilovebigtoys Thanks for the note. I'm a 33 year classic MB dealer handling the entire range of unique MBs, from 300SL Gullwings to...300SEs. You're welcome to contact me privately via the Contact Seller link and I'm happy to assist with any other questions you might have. @Ferdi I'll have a video up in a few days. It's a two owner California car.
Would you be able to put some video up? All one single owner?
@mbheritage You have “owned” 75 of these cars? You mean as a dealer flipping them or actually owning the privately and driving them? So, with that experience, if this car is so great, then why are you selling her? Are you simply buying and selling these cars(flipping them)? Do you have other cars of the same mode for sale, maybe a 560?
$4,750 bid placed by @Ferdi
$4,500 bid placed by @Ilovebigtoys
$4,250 bid placed by @Carguy2003
$4,000 bid placed by @Ilovebigtoys
$3,750 bid placed by @Carguy2003
$3,500 bid placed by @Ilovebigtoys
@Davidsbenz560 Thanks for the note. AC is ice cold. None of the typical seat sagging. All feels correct. I've owned at least 75 126s so I'm sensitive to this.
How's the AC ? Do any if the seats sag ? Any seats springs broken ?
$3,250 bid placed by @Carguy2003
$2,500 bid placed by @Ilovebigtoys