This 1991 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL was first registered in New York before moving to Florida and later California where it was purchased by its current owner in 2021. Finished in Anthracite Gray Metallic (172) over Palomino Leather (264), power is provided by a 5.5-liter M117 V8 mated to a four-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. Features include power operated and heated front and rear seats, a headlamp wiper/washer system, a power sunroof, self-leveling rear suspension, automatic climate control and ASR slip control. Recent service performed by the current owner includes an AC recharge, a power steering rebuild, new rear shocks, new tires and a full fluid flush including engine oil, coolant, transmission, and brakes. This W126 is now offered for sale by the current owner with 135k miles on the odometer, two keys, the original manufacturer’s literature, a spare tire and tool kit, first aid kit and a clean California title.
The exterior is finished in Anthracite Gray Metallic (172) and features matching lower body cladding with chrome trim featured along the bumpers and beltline. Exterior features include glass headlamps with integrated fog lamps and wiper/washers, heat insulated glass, an electronically heated rear window and a power sunroof. The seller notes a crack in the body cladding on the rear driver side door.
Fitted are the factory 15” Gullideckel wheels which wear Bridgestone Turanza tires measuring 205/65 on all four corners and show 2021 date codes. The current owner had the wheels professionally refinished and fitted with new tires. This 560SEL also features a self-leveling rear suspension and the rear shocks were replaced under current ownership.
The interior is trimmed in Palomino Leather (264) and features Burl Walnut wood trim on the center console, dashboard and door panels. The wood trim shows some signs of cracking near the gearshift. Both front and rear seats are power operated as well as heated with the front driver and passenger seats featuring two-position memory. Additional interior features include a Becker Grand Prix radio, automatic climate control, cruise control and rear passenger footrests.
The black leather-wrapped steering wheels fronts VDO instrumentation including a 160-mph speedometer and a 7k-rpm tachometer. Other instrumentation includes fuel level and economy gauges, coolant temperature, oil pressure, an analog clock and a digital outside thermometer. The six-digit odometer reads just over 135k miles. The steering column is power adjustable and linked to the driver side memory controls.
This W126 is powered by a 5.5-liter M117 V8 which produces 238 horsepower and 287 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. Recent service includes an engine oil and filter change, coolant flush and transmission fluid flush. Additional service performed under current ownership includes a full AC service, a power steering rebuild and replacement of mounts, bushings and links. Parts receipts as well as service receipts are included by the seller. Underbody photos are provided in the gallery.
The Carfax report shows an accident occurring in 2005 along with linear mileage updates since new. This 560SEL is now offered for sale by the current owner in Los Angeles, California with two keys, original manufacturer’s literature, a spare tire and tool kit, first aid kit and a clean California title.
Cold start, interior/exterior walkaround and fuctional demonstration videos are viewable below.
The W126 is some of the best work to come out of the Bruna Sacco era of Mercedes-Benz and this final year Anthracite over Palomino example is the perfect car for anyone looking for a daily driver which provides the ultimate Mercedes-Benz classic car experience. With an unrivaled level of ride comfort and no shortage of wood and leather trim adorning the interior, this car represents what it was like to buy a flagship Mercedes-Benz in 1991. Since the W126, five more generations of S-Class have been sold to the public, yet this chassis still holds its own boasting impressive features such as heated front and rear seats, a power operated sunroof and automatic slip control. We love that this is a final year model W126 which makes it both rare and desirable. The 560SEL provides just enough modern features to make this car comfortable and easy to daily drive while delivering on the Mercedes-Benz classic experience that we all know and love.
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19 Comments
Seems like a great deal at current price. Need a knock out bid!
Car is selling... Reserve is off!!!
$14,500 bid placed by @Vasika
$14,250 bid placed by @P365Lima
$14,000 bid placed by @Vasika
$13,750 bid placed by @P365Lima
$13,500 bid placed by @Vasika
$13,250 bid placed by @P365Lima
$13,000 bid placed by @126boss
$12,750 bid placed by @P365Lima
$12,500 bid placed by @Vasika
$11,500 bid placed by @P365Lima
$11,250 bid placed by @None
$11,000 bid placed by @CMarriott73
$10,250 bid placed by @None
@oldflorida1 The best and most reasonable auto transporter I have found is Windsor Auto Transport. (www.windsorautotransport.com) I’ve used them several times and they are quick and the best price. Two weeks ago I called them when I bought this (almost) identical car, a 420SEL, on a competing site. Within 2 days it was picked up in New York and delivered to me in CA 5 days later despite horrible Winter storms, for $1200 less than two other quotes. I strongly recommend them, AND buying a W126. 😉
$10,000 bid placed by @Prezes84
@smhgator great question. The SRS light was on when I sent the vehicle to Beverly Laurel Automotive. They informed me that the SRS Module (behind the ashtray) needed to be replaced. I was able to source an operating mint condition part. Beverly Laurel Automotive replaced it free of charge, hence why it is not shown on the receipt. The part was purchased cash from a local reliable source and a receipt was not created. Happy New Year!
The receipt for the 2014 service indicates that the airbag computer needs to be replaced, and the receipt from the recent service at Beverly Laurel indicates that the SRS light was on. The start up video shows that it is off. Can the seller comment on the status of the SRS system?
$8,250 bid placed by @vahidberdjis
$8,000 bid placed by @Abdulwahhab
$7,500 bid placed by @VintageJulian
Very beautiful, good luck with the auction!
Anyone ha info on a car hauler -California to Tampa,Fl ?
$7,250 bid placed by @garycapetta
Very nice clean example, although a bit high mileage, looks very well maintained
@Davidsbenz560 The description doesn't say anything about "air ride" or "air suspension". It does, however, mention SLS self-leveling rear suspension (three times). The reason for this is because the W126 NEVER had air suspension. The 560SEL came standard with SLS rear leveling suspension. NOT air. No w126 ever came with air suspension. The seller was correct when he pointed this out to you in an earlier comment. A simple google search should clear up any confusion about this for you.
You say that this car has no air ride, but you description states it has air ride, on the 560 it was standard equipment, has any repairs or replacement been made on the rear or the front end suspension?
$7,000 bid placed by @Parfour
$5,000 bid placed by @Ali63
Additional service records have been added to the gallery. Thank you.
@Davidsbenz560 Thanks for your question The vehicle is equipped with the SLS hydraulic suspension. There was no air suspension on this model. The vehicle was inspected meticulously and worked on by the one and only Beverly Laurel Automotive in Hollywood, CA. They are THE specialists for W126. I have 30+ classic Mercedes in my collection and they are the only one I trust. Vehicle was inspected top to bottom, including looking for suspension, timing, and fuel issues. Attached in the photo galley is their invoice of the work they did. The suspension is in great condition. The interior is an absolute 10 out of 10. Everything on the car works and is in place. The mechanics reported to me that the timing chains and guides were in good condition. Same for all components of the fuel, electrical, and suspension systems. Good Luck Everyone!
Any repairs replacement on air suspension, timing chain, fuel Injectors, are seats firm or are springs broken ? Any thing that's been replaced mechanical?
I had one of these, same year, 1991 in champagne, and loved it. Good luck all bidders!
Paint meter readings have been added to the gallery. Thank you.
Hello all. This is my 1991 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL. I purchased this about a year ago and started slowly making it perfect. Everything works, everything is there, no mechanical or electrical issues. The car wears its original paint, I will upload paint meter readings very soon. I'm an avid collector of W126, W124, & W123. I absolutely love these timeless and classy pieces. Feel free to ask questions. Good Luck Everyone!
All fixed now, thanks!
@EddieFlyW202 - Maybe it’s a layaway plan.
The bidding listing says it’s up for 1 year 13 days.