

This 1997 Mercedes-Benz S500 was sold new in California in July of 1997 to seller’s uncle. It’s remained registered in California since new and the seller acquired the car in 2017. It now shows 160k original miles and is finished in Black (040) over Black Leather (261) with power provided by a 5.0-liter V8 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. Factory equipment includes a power sliding glass sunroof, Xenon headlamps, 19" AMG Monoblock wheels, a Becker head unit with Bluetooth integration, soft-close doors, self-leveling rear suspension, heated and power-adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and a Bose audio system. The seller notes extensive records are included in the sale and notes recent services to include a comprehensive oil service, a comprehensive transmission service, primary O2 sensors, a coolant flush, a brake service, suspension service, new mounts, a suspension refresh, an alignment, and much more. A complete list of recent services can be found in the listing. This W140 is now offered for sale by the current owner with thorough service records, a clean Carfax report, spare steering wheel and grille, and a clean California title.
The long-wheelbase body is finished in Black (040) and exterior equipment includes a power tilt/slide glass sunroof, Xenon HID headlamps with heated washers and wipers, heated power door mirrors, remote central locking and soft close doors. The included Carfax report shows a history free from accidents or damage and the seller reports the hood and front bumper were repainted due to rock chips while the rear bumper and quarter panel were repainted due to scuffs. Thorough paint meter readings are included in the gallery.
An authentic set of 19" AMG Aero II monoblock wheels are fitted and come wrapped in a set of Michelin tires showing 2023 date codes. The tires measure 255/40 at all four corners and show good tread. The wheels show some curb rash and delamination around the lips while the faces still show well. OEM center caps are mounted. A spare wheel and jack are located under the trunk floor.
The cabin is upholstered Black Leather (261) with Burl Walnut wood trim lining the center console, dash and door panels. The burl walnut wood shows well with rich color and no cracks. An S600 steering wheel was added by the seller and shows matching veneer at the top and bottom. Both front seats are heated with 14-way power adjustability. Additional features include heated rear seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, a power adjustable steering column, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a Bose audio system linked to a Becker head unit with bluetooth capability and a CD changer in the trunk. Detailed photos of the cabin are included in the gallery.
The S600 steering wheel fronts analog instrumentation including a 160-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, an analog clock and gauges for fuel level, economy coolant temperature, and oil pressure. The digital odometer currently shows 160k, all of which have been added by single-family ownership.
This W140 is powered by a 5.0-liter DOHC M119 V8 which is rated for 315 horsepower and 347 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a five-speed 722.6 automatic transmission. The seller has provided thorough service records along with comprehensive lists documenting services in the last 15k miles and the last 5k.
Services and parts include:
New parts in the last 5k miles:
-Engine oil and filter
-Engine oil pressure sensor
-Engine oil level sensor
-Engine oil pan gasket
-Engine air filters
-Camshaft adjuster magnets
-Primary oxygen sensors
-Coolant thermostat and hoses
-Coolant flush
-Full transmission service with new fluid, filter, magnet, gasket
-Transmission shifter linkage seal
-Transmission shifter bushings
-Brake master cylinder
-Front and rear brake rotors
-Front and rear brake pads
-Brake fluid flush
-SLS system service with new fluid and filter
-Front lower control arm bushings
-Front ball joints
-Front and rear sway bar links
-Front and rear sway bar bushings
-Tie rods and steering center link
-Steering damper
-Alignment
-Power steering return line from gear box
-Power steering gear box lower seals
-Engine mounts
-Transmission mount
-Front and rear flex discs
-Differential fluid change
-Rear right window regulator
-New Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 tires
-New battery
-A/C service
-Windshield wipers
New parts in the last 15k miles:
-New Camshaft oiler tubes replaced with original early metal variants
-New Upper timing chain guides
-New Valve cover gaskets
-New Front shock absorbers
-New Rear shock mounts
-New Spark plugs
-New PCV hoses
-Vacuum hoses
-New Coolant reservoir
-New Fuel filter
The Carfax report shows registration history in California from new. Linear mileage updates are shown with no accidents or damage reports since new on the Carfax. This S500 is now offered for sale by the current owner with thorough service records, a clean Carfax report, spare steering wheel and grille, and a clean California title.
The seller has included videos showing various functions, driving in different conditions, a cold start, and a walk around.
There are very few Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts who don’t appreciate the beauty, engineering, and overall quality of the legendary W140. Mercedes seemingly had an endless budget for development when creating the ultimate S-Class. This example is immediately attractive in timeless Black over Black, reminiscent of the W140 ad material and brochures that we used to fawn over. Adding to the appeal, the facelift body work and 19" AMG monoblock wheels create the perfect period look. While 160k miles isn't the lowest mileage we've seen the single family ownership coupled with those massic service records seemingly make the miles feel irrelevant. This later-year model 1997 S500 has decades of life remaining and still commands classic curbside attention today with superior quality compared to modern day products. You'd be hard pressed to find a higher value vehicle anywhere close to a W140 with uncompromised comfort.
Open Transit:
Enclosed Transit:
The winning bidder will receive an email with the quote and option to proceed with shipping.

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1 Comments
Really impressive example and recent work is what you're also buying here. Tasteful upgrades and ready for many more miles. Well done seller.