This 1991 Mercedes-Benz 420SEL was initially sold by Baker Motor Company of Charleston, South Carolina and shows registration in Florida and currently Atlanta, Georgia. This W126 is finished in Smoke Silver Metallic (702) over Beige Leather (265) and powered by a 4.2-liter M116 V8 paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. Features include heated electrically-adjustable front seats, a sunroof, automatic climate control, Becker headunit, disc brakes, and 15″ wheels. Recent services in preparation for the sale include an oil change, coolant reservoir, and tripometer gears. 3k miles ago this W126 received a top end rebuild including head gaskets, timing chain, timing chain tensioner, water pump, crankshaft oil seals, accessory belts, brake pads, and spark plugs. Now showing just under 143k miles, this 420SEL is offered for sale on consignment with the representing dealer complete with stamped service booklet, manufacturer's literature, original floor mats, a Carfax report, and a clean Georgia title.
This 420SEL is finished in Smoke Silver Metallic (702) with paint matched Smoke Silver Metallic lower cladding done by the owner presumably when the rest of the car was repainted in the original color. Exterior features include headlamp wipers, a power antenna, a power rear view mirror, and a power sunroof. The seller reports some scratches on the hood and trunk lid and some paint flaking on the front bumper, passenger side cladding, and rear bumper. Photos showing exterior paint and trim condition are viewable in the gallery.
Silver 15″ Gullideckel wheels are mounted with a new set of 205/65 Michelin Premier A/S tires showing 2019 date codes rear and Michelin Energy MXV4 showing 2006 date codes on the front. Stopping power is provided by disc brakes stationed at all four corners with brake pads and sensors done in 2013 at 141k miles. A new brake fluid reservoir has been recently installed. The seller comments that there are some clunks coming from the suspension and the front lower ball joint boots are torn. A full size spare is included in the trunk.
The cabin is upholstered in Beige Leather (265) 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, and power accessories. The A/C received a service in 2014 approximately 2k miles ago which includes a new A/C compressor and belt. The seller notes the A/C compressor kicks on and works, but it isn't blowing very cold. Original front and rear floor mats are included with the car. The sunroof is shown to retract in the gallery, but the tilt function is a little weak. The radio does power on and emit sound, but the tuner buttons do not operate and will likely need a rebuild by Becker. All power windows work with some of the regulators having been replaced in 2015. Note the wear on the driver's seat in the gallery and video.
A four-spoke airbag steering wheel frames VDO instrumentation including a 160-mph speedometer and a tachometer with a 6k-rpm redline. Additional gauges provide readouts for fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and instant economy. The six-digit mechanical odometer shows just under 143k miles. New odometer gears have been installed since the trip meter was inoperable.
The 4.2-liter M116 V8 was factory-rated for 201 horsepower and 228 lb-ft of torque when new. It sends power to the rear wheels via a 722.3 four-speed automatic transmission. The rear resonators have a hole in each as pointed out by the seller and there is an exhaust leak near the passenger header. An underside inspection video has been provided. A stamped service booklet comes with the vehicle and the Carfax shows 9 service records hits which go as follows:
8/6/2010 @ 138,445 miles:
The included Carfax report shows an accident in 2005 and the Carfax notes the vehicle wasn’t damaged. Most of the service records included with the car are documented only on the Carfax report. Now showing just under 143k miles, this 420SEL is offered for sale on consignment with the representing dealer complete with stamped service booklet, manufacturer's literature, original floor mats, a Carfax report, and a clean Georgia title.
With most of the focus being on the 560SEL, the M116 powered 420SEL slips under the radar and those in the know realize how much of a bargain they really are. The 4.2-liter M116 engine is fantastic for cruising in town and wonderful on the highway, plus they’re just as tough as the M117. You get all of the brakes, suspension tuning, refinement, and psychotically high quality interior of the flagship models at a fraction of the price. People overlooking the 420SEL are missing out, let us tell you that much. This is a last model year car which we favor over the pre-facelifts. The interiors feel more modern with the updated seat patterns and are more durable than earlier cars. This W126 hasn’t done a lot of miles in recent years, but the associated service records on the Carfax report shows a lot of expensive engine work has been done. A 140K mile M116/117 powered W126 is going to be either one of two things: a money pit or dead reliable. The timing chains like to stretch at this mileage and the guides turn orange and brittle, plus head gaskets let loose on the back corners of the block. You’re in luck – this car has all of those expensive engine issues resolved, so this’ll be one of the good W126s you can drive and enjoy.
Open Transit:
Enclosed Transit:
The winning bidder will receive an email with the quote and option to proceed with shipping.
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