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Tag: Sonderklasse

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1990 Mercedes-Benz 500SE

1990 Mercedes-Benz 500SE

Published June 3, 2016 by Paul

Two weeks ago, I was taking a stroll around Helsinki on what turned out to be a fine Saturday afternoon. While sitting outside a cafe, an automotive oddity passed by. A short wheelbase Mercedes-Benz W126 with a big engine, in this case the 500SE with its 5.0 liter V8. Here in the US, we received two V8 S-classes from 1986 through 1991, the 420SEL and 560SEL, both long-wheelbase models. Apparently the product planners at Mercedes-Benz didn’t think there was much of a market for a big Benz with a large engine but smaller backseat. I always enjoyed the proportions of the 300SE that we received, the short-wheelbase W126 with the venerable M103 inline-6. But who doesn’t like a little bit more juice? This 500SE for sale in The Netherlands in Nelken (Willow) Green over green leather is cresting 40,000 miles and is the perfect cure for someone who still pines for the good old days of Mercedes-Benz.

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1989 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL

1989 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL

Published May 11, 2016 by Paul

Moving on from the low mileage 560SL we saw yesterday, let’s take a look at that car’s sedan contemporary, the 560SEL. Germany has always been renowned for large luxury sedans, but the standard bearer of this segment for years has been the S-class. Of all the S-classes to have come and gone, my favorite was perhaps the one from the era of my childhood, the W126. Combining the durability of a W123 with the stateliness of a presidential limo, these cars were really in a class of their own for over a decade. Even when production ended in 1991, they were still at the head of the class when it came to safety, performance and luxury. Sure, it might have looked a little dated in the early 1990s, but looking back, this Bruno Sacco design has aged quite well. If I was about to take the W126 plunge, I would probably stick with the ministerial look and choose black. This 1989 560SEL for sale in Florida is quite mint, though, showing only 52,000 miles on the odometer. It does, however, remind me why I would never move to the Sunshine State. I don’t have enough white belts. Or cars.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1989 Mercedes-Benz 560EL on eBay

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1991 Mercedes-Benz 350SDL

1991 Mercedes-Benz 350SDL

Published May 3, 2016 by Paul

Halfway through the W126 S-class production run, the diesel engine was upgraded, from the familiar and reliable OM615 inline-5 to the OM603 inline-6. The first W126s to employ the OM603 experienced teething problems, something unthinkable from Mercedes-Benz at the time. Heat from the diesel particulate filter, a part integral to the emissions control system, would cause the aluminum heads to fail. In some cases, debris from these filters would damage the turbocharger. After two years, Mercedes stopped selling the diesel S-class, but it would return once again in 1990 for the final two years of S-class production. Mercedes debuted a larger version of the OM603, displacing 3.5 liters. However, this engine had its own set of problems, as the larger bore led to head gasket failure and passage of oil into the cylinder bores. In addition, failure of motor mounts could cause screws to loosen in the crankcase which would lead to another set of issues. It was reported Mercedes-Benz replaced a number of engines in these cars, but never issued a formal recall.

If this didn’t scare you away from a late-model W126 diesel, then read on. The 350SDL was not the sales leader of the W126 pack, as most opting for a large Mercedes on these shores wanted V8 power. This 350SDL in Florida has seemingly escaped the wear and tear most of these diesel powered Benzes, showing less than 60,000 miles on the odometer.

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1974 Mercedes-Benz 450SE

1974 Mercedes-Benz 450SE

Published March 28, 2016 by Paul

In the annals of S-class history, the W116 of the 1970s doesn’t get too much respect, with exception of the mighty 6.9, one of the largest engines ever to find a home in a post-World War II Mercedes-Benz. If you’re not after one of these thirsty beasts, perhaps target one of the lesser engined variants, if you could consider the 450SE “lesser” engined. This short-wheelbase 1974 example for sale in The Netherlands spent most of its life in France. Looking resplendent in Silver-green metallic over a rich and inviting velour interior, I think it’s about time we start taking this seventies S-class a bit more seriously.

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1988 Mercedes-Benz 300SE

1988 Mercedes-Benz 300SE

Published March 13, 2016 by Paul

I wasn’t an ordinary kid growing up. While most of my contemporaries were lusting after souped up Hondas and breathed on Volkswagens, I had my eyes on another car: the W126 S-class. Specifically, I was a fan of the 300SE. Ever the practical person, I realized that it might be more feasible to run the lesser engined S-class, with its durable inline-6 and slightly shorter length. This 1988 300SE for sale in Florida looks sharp in its black over saddle combination and is showing only 85,000 miles on the clock. With a low starting bid, I have a feeling this one is going to see a lot of action with bidding.

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