1983 Mercedes-Benz 500SE

Update: This car is back up for sale from a new owner with a nice detail and a laundry list of maintenance completed.  Almost no miles were added but the price has been raised to $11,500. Check it out here. 

It is all about the details for me. I have seen enough of the same cars day after day that all look they pretty much look the same to me. Unless of course a car sticks out for one reason or two. It could be a unique color, it could be a rare-spec with interesting options or it could be the entire car is something I haven’t seen pop up for sale. Today’s car, a European-spec 1983 Mercedes-Benz 500SE for sale in California, has the entire package of coolness that I just have to take a close look at it. Judging by the photo above, you can tell this one is going to be good.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1983 Mercedes-Benz 500SE on eBay

Year: 1983
Model: 500SE
Engine: 5.0 liter V8
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Mileage: 116,300 mi
Price: $11,500

Rare 1983 500 SE European Model imported from Germany back in the 80’s by the current
long term owner. Smog checked 4 month ago. Cypress Green, 0riginal Paint , Airbag
Heated Front seats, special wheels with good tires, runs great, lots of power, Clean inside and out.
What is not working now: Air conditioner. radio antenna

This standard wheelbase W126 comes painted in the lovely Cypress Green Metallic with matching SSR Forumla Mesh wheels. I have to admit, I am not much for any kind of aftermarket wheels, but these period-correct SSRs with the giant lip in the rear look great on this car. Another thing to note is that even though that North American-spec bumpers look same as European-spec cars on the W126, the Euro bumpers are actually a tad shorter. To your eye, this makes the car seem much more compact and in my opinion, it makes the entire package look that much better. Inside, you have velour seats with matching door panels that look and feel even better compared to the leather you are used to in these cars. This 500SE even has an airbag steering wheel which wasn’t available on the W126 until the face lift in 1986 for the North American cars. Under the hood, this M117 should have around 240 horsepower compared to the normal 200 you would expect. It is all these little things that add up to make this car just that more interesting, at least to me.

The asking price for this car is $7,900 and I don’t know how I feel about that. This is a really unique car that appeals to a very small group of people who know what is it and are interesting in buying it. Is it worth that? Probably. Will it sell soon for that? I wouldn’t bet on it. $7,900 buys you a lot of cool cars in that area of the country and unless you are a big Mercedes or W126 fan, I think you look elsewhere for your kicks. The real value of this car is to a person who appreciates all these things, not someone who is totally new to these cars. I think eventually it will find a good home, but this likely won’t be a quick sale.

– Andrew