Time for another of my wistful W126 posts. Although it’s generally seen as less desirable than the V-8 powered 420SEL and the 560SEL, I think the short wheelbase 300SE remains the hidden gem in the W126 lineup (though not for much longer if I keep posting them, I guess.) It’s not quick off the line, but that’s sort of besides the point. These are for cruising along on the interstate at 70MPH in quiet comfort, and a six cylinder model will do that just as well as a V8 while returning slightly better gas mileage (maybe 20MPG on the highway, if babied). There’s nothing quite like the way these feel. When the door shuts with a satisfying thunk like only a 1980s Mercedes door can, and you slide yourself into the helm and stare down the long hood to see the three pointed star at the end, you feel richer than your true bank balance suggests. It’s quite intoxicating.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300SE on eBay
Year: 1989
Model: 300SE
Engine: 3.0 liter inline-6
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Mileage: 124,692 miles
Price: $7,880 or Best Offer
1989 Mercedes Benz 300SE
You are looking at a RARE 300SE in very good condition. The paint looks great and the luxury leather interior shows only minimal wear. This vehicle is in a condition that will leave anyone impressed. The wood trim is also in excellent condition with only minimal signs of wear. Overall I would rate this car an 8 due to the year. The interior definitely does not look like it has 100k plus miles.
This 300SE comes with a CLEAN CARFAX AND IS IN ORIGINAL CONDITION!!! Contact our Sales Staff at 949-791-2167 to arrange a FaceTime video. We can help arrange shipping to your office or home.
For any questions feel free to contact us at 949-791-2167. Thank You
This particular example comes in 199 blue-black over a black leather interior, my favorite color combination, and in the pictures it looks stunning. Dealers often photograph cars under fluorescent light in a way that washes out all the detail, but the seller of this one has taken some beautiful photos that capture the stately lines of the car very ably. The paint shines nicely, the leather looks excellent and the wood trim looks glossy and free of defect. With 124k miles on the odometer, this car really is just broken in.
I called the dealer about this car back in January, when I was thinking of buying a 300SE. I had a chat with a very friendly and knowledgeable salesman who was a collector of older Mercedes. He said he owned a couple of W126s himself (I can’t remember his name, but if he’s reading: please drop a comment to remind me!). He sent me some pictures of the car in natural light, noting a couple of minor scratches, and included some details of recent maintenance: replacement of some belts and hoses, control arm bushings and the valve cover gasket, a brake fluid flush and an AC recharge.
I was a bit surprised to see the car still up for sale today. The price is certainly on the high end for a six cylinder model, and perhaps that explains why it hasn’t yet sold. Since the miles are reasonable not super low, I think somewhere closer to $5,000 is a bit more in line with the market.
– Craig
Very nice car, but unfortunately it is not in original condition as mentioned by the seller. He needs to supply a correct set of rims to get rid of these horrible gawdy chrome wheels. The price is also a bit optimistic. 5.000.– would be a realistic number for a car with miles over 100k.
Lovely car. I completely agree about the 300SE with the M103 engine – wonderful smooth inline-6 with plenty of power for long-distance cruising. I actually manage to get mid-20s on mine after tuning it properly. They are just so solidly built and quite enjoyable to work on. Not sure where prices are at the moment – with fewer and fewer available in good condition I guess there will be a slow trend upwards at some point in the nearer future, just not sure when.
Agree on exchanging chrome wheels for the originals, although that’s a matter of personal taste of course. I would also put some euro headlights on it for far better illumination and looks a lot better, too. Can be had really cheaply.