- Seller: Daniel R
- Location: Elkins Park, Pennsylvania
- Mileage: 160,000 Shown
- Chassis #: WDBCA37D0FA168243
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 5.0-Liter V8
- Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic
American manufacturers weren’t the only companies to build big luxury land yachts, though they did definitely corner the market. Mercedes-Benz has a long history of building stately luxury cruisers and their S-class has long been their go-to model for anyone wanting a land yacht with European styling. The W126 is, in our opinion, one of the best generations of S-class, as they have some modern technology but still retain the heavy overbuilt feeling of older luxury cars. This 1985 Mercedes 500 SEL is a lovely example that needs a few minor things but is ready to drive as is. It’s a very well-optioned car and is being offered here as a no reserve Barn Finds Auction!
If you’ve never experienced one of the cars, it might be hard to understand the appeal, but the experience is a unique and impressive one that stays with you. As soon as you open the doors, you can feel how overbuilt they are. The best way we can describe it is old world luxury. It isn’t flashy or over the top, but rather luxuriousness through craftsmanship. The doors feel solid, as if they were hewn from a solid block of metal. The wood grain is subtle and elegant. The seating is comfortable, but not in an overstuffed LazyBoy kind of way. The touch surfaces, even the plastic ones, feel like they were built to last.
If you want a big luxury car to drive daily, these are a safer option than most. They have ABS brakes, SRS Airbags, crumple zones, and seatbelt pre-tensioners. The seller used it as their semi-regular daily driver and never had any reliability issues. The previous owner, whom the seller has known for many years, owned it for 20 years and was very meticulous with its care. Apparently, the original owner was even more so, going so far as to keep a rag in the car to clean their shoes before getting in. The seller has had the car ceramic coated to protect the original paint. All three owners have kept it in their garages when not driving it. Having covered 160k miles, it’s clearly been used, enjoyed, and well cared for inside and out.
Speaking of the interior, this one presents nicely, although it could use more detailing. As previously stated, it’s a well-optioned example, with power and heated front and rear seats, power windows and mirrors, cruise control, automatic climate control, Becker cassette radio, and all the standard S-class features. The seller has an aftermarket Sony CD player that is included with the car that they never got around to having installed. Also, the odometer recently stopped functioning. It could be a loose connection or might need serviced.
The W126 was offered with several engine options. This one received the top engine, the 5.0-liter M117 V8. These engines are known to be very durable, smooth running, and offer solid performance. The car’s systems, including air conditioning, are said to work well. During their ownership, the seller had the air conditioning system replaced and updated to R134a, the exhaust system replaced, and a complete tune-up performed. Receipts for that work, as well as other service, have been provided. The seller notes it needs some work and has provided the inspection reports from their local Mercedes-Benz specialist, which can also be viewed in the gallery.
With some new tires, a brake service, and some other minor things, this could be an impressive cruiser. It comes with a set of snow tires and the original tool kit. As long as you do the regular maintenance, they can make for great daily drivers and this one has already had the major and expensive repairs completed! Now, it just needs someone who will appreciate and enjoy it the way the previous owners have. So, if you’d love to hit the road in this beautiful Benz, cast your bids below. And don’t hesitate to leave any questions you have for the seller in the comment section.
Inspection Report
Receipts
Bid On This Auction
PeteLaV bid $4,750.00 2025-03-20 06:14:06
phowe bid $4,250.00 2025-03-19 10:17:44
Joe L bid $3,750.00 2025-03-19 09:48:23
tommybak bid $3,250.00 2025-03-15 20:57:31
Grey131 bid $2,750.00 2025-03-15 00:24:02- PeteLaV bid $2,250.00 2025-03-14 19:18:18
- tommybak bid $1,500.00 2025-03-14 18:20:55
- PeteLaV bid $1,000.00 2025-03-13 20:03:14
Absolutely beautiful well cared for automobile.
Beautiful yes, and we’ll cared for. But at forty years old and 160000 miles I wonder if you could be buying a white elephant. For the right price it could be worth it but I heard those Mercedes repairs bills can be eye watering.
All depends on how well it has been maintained. 160K miles is minimal for these cars, they are built like a brick house. The one exception would be the airbags, which have a certain lifetime, and it’s not 40 years.
I mentioned a few days ago when the MB 600 was here that I had a 300 SEL 6.3 about 25 years ago. I replaced the air bags for about $1000 in parts then with my labor. It wasn’t too difficult given my free time. Parts may be double now? This car may be a deal for someone able to do some of his own work.
160K miles on this (beautiful) car is nothing, just broken in. I have a purchased new 1985 300SD , same Color, same interior, etc, with 385 K miles that runs great. These W126’s are tanks. Can’t bring myself to get rid of it
I have other Benz’s but something special about this era. I may have to bid
Last of the good quality Mercedes its all down hill from here shooters this can easily get another 200k miles out of it
Had the 230S when lived in Germany. Great cars. Now have the 230 SLK as a toy. Only have two questions, Regular Unleaded or Premium? See the inspection list, $1700, has this work been done?
Owner: I always used 93. Work on recent inspection list has not been completed, except for replacement of brake light.
Know said had receipts, anything major done in the past? Also, have owners manual? I’m in Lancaster and am drooling.
Owner: Happy to answer any questions; thanks for your interest
Too far away, damn it! I had a 420 SEL and these W126 and W123 are the best built rides that Mercedes ever sold. These were built to last for a long, long time with great reliability and they did. Mercedes started to build cars for the bean counters after these and now we have a side mirror on a new S class costing 3K. They aren’t cheap to repair, but not over the top. Beautiful example. Good luck!
Has owners manual. The major work in past 4 years was the AC unit and exhaust. I’m unaware of anything major before that.
Great deal!