1988 Mercedes 420SEL 90k miles

1988 Mercedes-Benz 400-Series

1988 Mercedes 420SEL for sale. 90,500 original miles. This car is for someone who appreciates the pinnacle of Mercedes engineering and style. If you're married, make sure your spouse is prepared to hear "they don't build them like this anymore" over and over (my wife loves it). If you're not married, this car will certainly help woo dates.
I have additional pictures--if you are interested please message me and I will send the album.
I purchased this car a few years ago with approx 60k miles. I am the third owner but the second owner only drove the car 1500 miles. I have used it to travel back and forth to our summer home in Maine and have maintained the car as a daily driver with extra care (oil changes every 3,000 miles, 93 octane gas, etc) because the car deserves it. Car is originally from Georgia and I have rarely driven during the winter (only driven in winter to keep lubricated and never in inclement weather/salt). Garage kept at all times (wife's new acura sits outside).
Inside, the car has that classic Mercedes smell. The grey leather power seats are flawless except for one pleat on the passenger seat that has come loose (see picture). We drive 600 miles to Maine and you step out of the car without a sore back--classic Mercedes luxury and comfort. The upholstered floor mats are in perfect condition and the carpet mats underneath still have the factory plastic attached to them (see pictures). If your passengers don't have enough legroom in the rear seat, then you have freakishly tall passengers.
Every option works--sunroof, cruise control, a/c, climate, radio, antenna. The factory radio and cassette player is the most balanced sound system in a Mercedes that I have ever heard--which is a bold statement if you know Mercedes. I use a tape adapter for pandora and it sounds great. The simplicity of the electronics is what we all love in these cars. This is one of those rare cars in which you can drive 80mph on the highway with the sunroof open.
The 4.2 liter V8 is smooth and refined. You aren't going to win any drag races, but power is there when you need it and the drivetrain is geared for cruising. The suspension and handling is amazing for such a heavy car. The steering is classic Mercedes/european stiffness, and is capable of avoiding modern obstacles (eg bad drivers). New Michelin tires within last 5k miles.
A couple of flaws:1) When our dog was 3 months old and slept in the center console, she bit the console when I wasn't looking. She regrets her actions and we have forgiven her, but the small teeth marks still remain. Please see the picture. The picture is worse than in person.2) There is a two inch scratch on left rear quarter panel that the prior owner touched up with mercedes touch up paint. Please see the picture. The picture is worse than in person.3) This car had the original paint applied 28 years ago. It is in great condition, but there are typical minor imperfections that usually disappear with a good wax job.4) The car probably needs new brakes and possibly rotors. My wife accidentally left the parking brake applied for 10 minutes this summer and there is now a slight vibration from the brakes. She also regrets her actions but I and the car have forgiven her. The car will soon be stored for winter and I will put new brakes on in the spring if there are no interested buyers.
Car is in great condition and I don't know of any issues, but it's 28 years old so it is being sold as-is. The most "serious" repair that has been done is the replacement of the EHA valve and the O2 sensor. Otherwise the car has only needed normal wear and tear items repaired (rubber suspension parts, etc). I have all service records during my ownership and most of the prior owners.
If you are a fan of Arrested Development, this is the same color as the Bluth family s-class.

• Condition: Used
• Make: Mercedes-Benz
• Model: 400-Series
• Type: Sedan
• Year: 1988
• Mileage: 90,500
• VIN: WDBCA35DXJA418941
• Number of cylinders: 8
• Power options: Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Power Locks, Power Windows, Power Seats
• Fuel: Gasoline
• Transmission: Automatic
• Drive type: RWD
• Interior color: Gray
• Safety options: Anti-Lock Brakes, Driver Airbag
• Options: Leather Seats, Sunroof
• Vehicle Title: Clear
Want to buy? Contact seller!