After owning two Mercedes-Benzes over the space of a decade, I’ve become a big fan of the marque. However, the current models, much like those over at BMW, don’t really spark my interest as the modern classics do. Case in point, this 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300SE, the last year for the W126. Along with the W123 and the Geländewagen, this is one of those Benzes that have surrounded themselves with an automotive cult of personality, so to speak. Known for their quality and durability, these S class sedans were the gold standard in their day for VIPs the world over. By the time the production run came to an end, the Japanese had begun to step up their luxury car game with Acura, Lexus and Infiniti arriving on the scene to challenge the establishment. Over twenty years since Mercedes pulled the plug on the W126 range, these cars still are an attractive buy for those seeking a classic that can match the safety and drivability of modern cars. This 300SE for sale in California has seen just over 50,000 miles at the hands of one careful owner.
1991 Mercedes-Benz 300SE on eBay
1991 Mercedes 300SE (W126) One Owner, 51,400 miles, Absolute Impeccable Condition. Desert Taupe metallic over Parchment interior. All orig, untouched. Paint is outstanding, interior is literally as it was on the showroom floor, “incredible”. Wheel wells, engine & underchassis are showroom as well. Not one nick or scratch on front or rear bumpers. ALL rubber, door moldings, door jams, dash, rear shelf, headliner, just absolutely mint. Last year of mfg with passenger side airbag, factory CD in boot, upgraded factory Becker stereo, all books & manuals. I have installed an “orig set” of Bosch Euro headlights that where brand new in their orig Mercedes boxes, orig headlights will also be included with sale. Tires are near new with maybe 100 miles on them. Orig rims are in outstanding cond with no curbing, the spare has “never” touched the ground. Orig valve stem caps on all four tires & spare are still intact. Car drives outstanding ! You just do not find a no stories, outstanding timewarp car like this. Perfect Carfax, clear title in hand. Needs to be seen in person. If you’re a collector, this is what you are looking for. Located in Sherman Oaks, California & can be shown anytime.
If this car was on the opposite coast, I must say, it would be a tempting proposition for me. One of the first cars I considered buying after I got my license was a then 14 year old 1981 380SE. While this car offered a bit more power than the 300SE we see here, I would rather have the 300SE, as running costs would be more reasonable. The 3.0 liter inline six wouldn’t make it the fastest car out there, but once up to speed, these are especially pleasant cruisers. The mileage racked up is an added bonus, as it isn’t too low to suggest it has been kept under lock and key for the past two decades. Rather, with one owner, the mileage suggests careful use. Late model six cylinder S classes are running around $7,000 to $10,000 these days, so the asking price here isn’t too far out of line considering the condition and mileage.
-Paul
Perfect. If only you could still buy real cars new.
Is it just me or is at least the trunk off in color?
Wasn’t the ask on this $12K went it first appeared on BaT two days ago? A number of commenters there thought it was overpriced. Seller is asking $10,500 now, which might be getting closer to reasonable.
Not too difficult to picture the type of owner who would choose these colors and the more sedate 6-cylinder 300SE model. Probably well cared for, and not abused. Seems like a great opportunity if someone can grab this under $10K. If not, there seem to be a fair number of these coming across the market recently.
Honestly, I never considered the W126 my favorite S-class, but it’s been growing on me.
What’s up with all the recycled BaT content?
I come here for the less obvious German classics…do what you do best!
Every now and then there will be some crossover between BaT and our site, but I didn’t think it was too much of a recurring problem as of late. I had not seen this 300SE on their site until I posted this and after spotting it on eBay and I couldn’t resist posting another mint W126, as I’m a fan of these cars. If it’s any consolation, I do notice a fair number of cars we feature appear on BaT after our posts go live. We’ll try and mitigate this in the future, but I’m guessing there will always be the errant car or two that appears on both sites. Thanks for reading.
There does seem to be a bit more of that happening lately, Dick. However, in all fairness, when there is crossover, GCFSB seems to scoop BaT as often as BaT scoops GCFSB. Maybe BaT is recycling GCFSB content?
I would make the argument that this 300SE is a better fit on GCFSB anyway. In fact, more than a few people on BaT seem to think this one wasn’t “BaT-worthy” anyway (whatever that’s supposed to suggest).
My two cents, FWIW.
Don’t heed the naysayers, this is NOT recycled content, recycled implies word-for-word. And just because it was on BaT does not mean it is not valid here. This is a great and noteworthy vehicle. My grandfather had a 1989 300E in this exact rich bronze and he kept it for a long time. It’s a great color.
Anyone ever drive one of these? Beautiful to look at and I love the w126 but this car is a bit of a dog if you are used to anything resembling modern power. I remember the engine being at or a bit north of 3000 rpm at just under 70 mph. And getting there takes a bit of patience. Not horrible – people pay ungodly amounts for clean versions of these in diesel format and those are really slow – to the point it is tough to keep up with current traffic, particularly in urban settings. Personally, if you want a w126, hold out for a Euro spec 500 or 560. Those cars are what the w126 should be. Those are more and are worth it, but surprisingly not that much more. This is a sub 10k car for anyone who wants to drive it a bit.