Mercedes Benz 1983 380 SEL 126 Body 2 Owner car, owned since 1991.
1983 Mercedes-Benz 380 SEL
I have more pics and videos of some of the maintenance details and just finished doing some maintenance stuff I was going to be doing if I kept it. I've done everything possible to insure a properly working car requiring no maintenance or repair. Mileage on the 126s is not as much of an issue as age and care. There's a reason they call them the last of the 'million-mile Mercedes'. The interior plastic parts get brittle regardless of mileage. I have kept up on replacing all of this over the years. For instance, when I replaced the dash (not a crack in it), I replaced all of the diaphragmsand vacuum tubing($500+ in parts)to insure that the ac/heating controls would work for years.
I also just put in a new fan clutch. The other one seemed a bit sluggish, and I replaced the rear brake rotors and pads.
A more complete list of maintenance work and parts done within the last 500 - 2,000 miles is available. I have a video showing all the electronics working (windows, seats - front and reclining rear, wipers, remote electronic door locks* and alarm, new AC systemis ice cold (latest digital readings 51°- 58° in 78-80°+ temps, in a video.* If you're interested contact me and I'll send them.
The electronic door locks have a new vacuum motor, so they 'work' like new. **
The stereo has brand new custom installed speakers (to fit the stock, upgraded 1991 560SEL interior door panels and rear deck), new sub-woofer, and two new amplifiers (900 watts). All the stuff that usually doesn't work on a 40- year-old car works. There was some chipping on the lower door panels, so I just re-painted the bottom gray panels and bumpers of the car (see photos).
More info:
Two owner California car... I bought it in 1991, so it has been 33 years in my care. It was originally sold new to the first owner by San Diego Mercedes. Everything works from the rear reclining seat to the clock. It has an11 speaker (sub-woofer) stereo system with new speakers, 600-watt and 300-watt amplifiers installed with an upgraded 1991 560 SEL interior to accommodate 10 speakers without disturbing a stock Mercedes interior.
Remote door locks and security system. Expertly maintained by professionals.1983 Mercedes 380 SEL new engine (long block -engine#116-962), in 1999, (about 90,00 miles on it. The engine starts from a cold start with a twist of the key in less than a second (video available as well).This is not a complete list of work by far (available), but this shortlist will give you an idea of care and maintenance: Rebuilt transmission 2007(about 30,000 miles on it). Additional $7,026+ in 2017 maintenance (invoiced), even more in recent service. I used to put about 2,000 miles a year on this Sunday driver, sometimes less. I haven't worn out a set of tires in over 15 years. I just replace them due to age.
Lots of maintenance! Complete new AC system (compressor, dryer, condenser, high pressure hose, etc.). New automatic door lock vacuum actuator. Other maintenance: Starter, complete brake job - German parts; calipers, rotors, pads, lines, wheel bearings. Brakes upgraded to 1991 specs and parts (larger rotors and calipers for added safety.) New Bosch fuel pump, new transverse manifold pipe (a $1,300 part) The car passes CA smog. Plus, lots more... weather stripping replaced all around several years ago is good. I’m 77 years old, getting ready to do some traveling in my new motorhome, and my kids won't take care of it the way I do so I'm selling it (Not that they don’t want it! They grew up in the back seat!). Looks and drives great.
Never seen snow. No accidents, Non-smoker, runs well; doesn't burn or drip a drop of oil. If you're looking for the iconic, standard bearer for the classic Mercedes 126 long body sedan style that you can drive with pride this might be it for you. This is NOT a 'restored' car... it is a very well-maintained car. This car is not meant to sit in a garage and look pretty... it's meant to be driven and seen. You'll get stopped constantly and asked about it. (No new real mileage since 2017)
PS.
This is a Paul Rossi “cared for” car since 2005. He’s an old friend, business partner, and an amazing automotive engineer. See him at: https://www.PaulRossiRacing.comto see his incredible career and his stunning Mercedes restoration work. Also follow his historic hall of fame racing career at:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1159795164836517/
A complete list of ADDITIONAL recent 2023 maintenance including paint and various electronic parts replacement, with additional photos, is AVAILABLE ON REQUEST.
Includes pre-emptive replacement of climate control module, complete cruise control system (amplifier, actuator, and selector switch), dash, shifter console, and instrument cluster bulb replacement, and more.
WILL THE MERCEDES W126 SEDAN GO UP IN VALUE?
“With a 40-year-old legacy, the Mercedes-Benz W126 S-Class sedan is one of the most sought-after Mercedes to date. Andit will only go up from here. For many years, the S-Class has been Mercedes-Benz most important model.”Jan 15, 2023
https://www.hotcars.com/classic-mercedes-benz-w126-s-class-worth-fortune/#:~:text=With%20a%2040%2Dyear%2Dold,only%20go%20up%20from%20here.&text=For%20many%20years%2C%20the%20S,%2DBenz'%20most%20important%20model.
“For many years, the S-Class has beenMercedes-Benz' most important model. TheMercedes-BenzW126 S-Class sedan was so groundbreakingthat during the economic crisis, it was much cheaper to maintain than the competition. This car has become a legend over the years,synonymous with luxury and serving as a role model.”
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Comment:
Derek
Facebook Marketing Message Reply May28th, 2023
“I fell in love with European cars after I got out of the military and started my own business working on SATCOM system overseas. 41 countries in 4 years and rode in a lot of w-126s when hailing for a taxi. Not just in Europe, but I saw126s in the Middle East and South America. 3rd world car of choice due to dependability, lol.”
Contact seller for information on shipping the car outside Southern California and the US.
- Make: Mercedes-Benz
- Model: 380 SEL
- Type: Sedan
- Doors: 4
- Year: 1983
- Mileage: 247754
- VIN: WDBCA33A8DA007129
- Color: Black
- Engine size: 3.8L V8
- Number of cylinders: 8
- Fuel: Gasoline
- Transmission: Automatic
- Drive type: RWD
- Interior color: Black
- Drive side: Left-Hand Drive
- Safety options: Fog Lights
- Vehicle Title: Clean Want to buy? Contact seller!