The $4,700 price tag on this big Benz may seem steep at first, but when you realize how much car you are getting for the money, it may just seem like a bargain. Not only is this a large car, but it’s a quality one. There plenty of power on tap too because there’s a V8 out front. It’s located in Trenton, New Jersey and is listed here on craigslist.
This thing has 136k miles on it. That would typically be toward the end of the lifespan of an average car, but these things are built like tanks. The drivetrain is durable and will normally outlast the bushings in the suspension. Luckily, the suspension has been gone through and a complete tuneup done. The timing chain and guides were even replaced so that shows us that someone planned on using it for a while.
According to the seller, they found what they really wanted so they are ready to let this go. It still needs a little work though. The ABS and AC are not currently working. According to the seller, the things needed to fix those two areas are a compressor and some plugs that go to the wheels. Seem minor if that’s really all it needs to be a dependable daily driver or a comfortable highway cruiser.
Seller here – happy to answer any questions, get more pictures etc. if you’re interested in the car!
Question for those in the know: What are the advantages of listing on Craigslist instead of EBAY, other than CL is free.
Depends on what you’re selling. I list on both. With ebay I’ve sold cars to people in South America, and ship parts world wide. Craigslist is more local and regional (in my opinion). I mainly use it for items I don’t want to bother shipping and would rather people drive up and pick it up. I currently have a car listed on both but most of the offers I’ve received are from CL. I have all of my parts listed on ebay though because I want a worldwide audience. If you want more detailed info let me know.
Craigslist is explicitly and exclusively local. It is a direct violation of their terms of use to post non-local content.
Yes, Craigslist is local, but there are search sites out there that allow for national Craigslist searches. I’ve used this to pick up items from sellers across the country that are taking advantage of the fact that Craigslist is free and easy to post items on.
I completely disagree with this being a bargain. The Benz the other day was a bargain. This is way over priced for what it needs. I’ve seen A/C repairs easily go north of $1000 on these. If ‘all it needs’ is a condenser then put it in and charge the system. Same for the ABS system. Usually the main unit is triggering the light and not some simple cheap part. And only a handful of photos?? How about one showing the rear bumper… which usually has a deformed rear bumper from a bracket that always breaks on the 126 sedan bodies. How about close ups of the typical rust areas for these cars??? Being from NJ and that many miles I’m pretty certain it has some rust issues. $2500 would be a more appropriate price for a 380SE.
Hi, happy to provide more pictures. I thought I put them in the listing. Here’s a picture of the rear bumper you mentioned. Car has no rust issues, this is according to my mechanic who was surprised with the condition. He was also the one who told me it was the speed sensors that needed replacing after all of these years. I’d rather not invest more money into the car after having the front suspension, timing chain & guides completed. And if that means taking a hit on the sale price I’m ok with that.
Thanks Trevor for the nice reply. I wasn’t trying to be mean but have had a few 126 chassis’ and know the problem areas. And I’ve dropped over $1k on A/C problems before, and I know you’ve dropped some $$$ doing the timing chain and tensioners because that was never a cheap repair either. While your price isn’t a bargain :) at the same time I wouldn’t deter much from it either. These cars are long lasting tanks and a absolutely great first car for young driver that you want to keep safe.
I’m not sure about the cost of the compressor as I understand that they used GM units at one time. Per- haps that has changed?
BUT! On the ABS system, depending on the issue and it almost ALWAYS is the sending units at the wheel, it CAN go over a grand easily. Very easily. I’m not saying this is the problem but it certainly could be. I just recently changed out the sensors on a 2008 Impala and REBUILT units and labor took it to $1200.00.
That’s my 120,000 cents, for what’s worth. With those issues ahead of you, the price of $4700.00 is too high. For that kind of money it shouldn’t even need tires.
Not exactly a giveaway price, but worth more than $2500 if it’s as good as it looks.
I agree with Fred W. Seems a fair price, although I’d want a mechanic to check out the ABS issues before buying.
But I also agree with the seller; I want something smaller than an S-Class boat to row around in. I’ve driven several of these, and they are simply too large for my taste and needs. Downsizing to an E-Class makes all kinds of sense to me.
Absolutely, I never wanted an S-Class, but the previous owner was telling me how he was planning to chop/channel this one and I couldn’t let such a clean example run into that fate, which is why I bought it. I definitely was surprised at the difference in driving dynamics between this and a W124….in hindsight that was a “well duh” moment.
The best driving dynamics on a 126 is full AMG mods to the engine and suspension. I had no idea a full size luxury car could smoke nearly any sports car on the road until I drove one. Nothing like having the luxury of a full size car and embarrassing a Corvette all at the same time. My bucket list when I’m done paying child support is 500E.
All in, a $1500 car. Get ready to spend $3000 for your first series of repairs. Better fall in love before, as you wont be in love for long.
I disagree, though obviously I’m biased lol. Cars at that price in my location are basket cases. While mine isn’t perfect, it is now a reliable daily driver with a pristine interior. Of course I’m open to other offers.
Trevor’s asking price is more that fair.
http://www.nadaguides.com/Classic-Cars/1985/Mercedes-Benz/380SE/4-Door-Sedan/Values
Well, no one is more experienced than me when it comes to trying to reconstruct the golden days of fixing things cheap. Nothing on the 124 series is cheap, and in 30 years age will have made everything on this model crispy, weak gearbox, servo problems, etc. It’s not a pre-1969 Mercedes that has a cost effective edge. One service at Mercedes will be shocking, let alone the real repairs. One servo for that air conditioning can be $2000. Power window break – $500. Engine…….forget it. These cars are now the cars Kings…. in Africa where they can fix things. The repair cost in the USA are $120 per hr labor, and parts sourcing on a discontinued model…:( . Don’t get me wrong, it was a great car, but operationally cost ineffective for how it drives and what it is today. I drive a 2008 280 CDI 4 matic with 130,000 miles, and it’s worth $4500, it’s last repair bill was $4000. It’s still a $4500 car. Some cars are just disposable. The 380SE is one of them. Who am I to Judge !
You are wrong, look at the NADA values. Your “Opinion” doesn’t count for anything.
As a former Mercedes Tech , I agree with everything you say.
Repairing this car will be very expensive and at the end of the day it is just an
old Benz with little value.
I am sure the owner spend thousands fixing it and I am sure it needs thousands
to make it all good. That’s why he is selling it, can’t blame him.
Them vacuum servos inside the dash are difficult and expensive to fix.So good luck with that.
But what do I know?
I only fixed and repaired hundreds of these and yes I did own an 85 380se.
AMXsteve you should buy it and tells us how you love it 3 months later.
Guys, it’s just a car no need for us to be snapping at one another. I’m not selling it because of any work that needs to be done, I just so happened to find exactly the car that I wanted and my spouse prefers to drive new cars. This car has suited me well, and I’ve priced it according to what I could see in my local area. And I don’t think many people are buying these for “value” they’re buying it because they like these cars.
Afternoon,Morning, 5:30 somewhere gene. I have a 1991 420SEL Benz that has been in my garage for over 4 yrs. I drove the Benz for 3 years when it developed an overheating problem. I did not “cook the motor” but,,,,,,, if everything goes to hell , re-man or re-build existing motor??
Thanks for your time.
We’re not snapping at one another… we’re conversing. :)
Oh…well by all means, carry on :-)
The 380 was a poor engine compared with the 450-560 and diesel lines. It was mostly aluminum and had a very high rate of warranty claims, I have seen many realitivley new cars in wrecking yards because the cost of engine repair exceeded the value of the car. They were trying to inject a fuel efficient gas engine into there line and it was not there best effort. As for A/C…..you can’t do much with A/C these days for 1000.00, I would assume 15-1700 and feel lucky if it was less. As for big performance sedans……..you have obviously not been around a 6.3……my 1973 does 0-60 in something like 6 seconds. It will brake the tires loose at 60MPH on the highway if you ask it to.
Dave you seem to be a man of money and cars… did you ever have a 6.9 in your stable too?
I bought one last year but another guy wanted it more than I did…….so only owned it for a few weeks. They have always lived in the shadow of the 6.3 and US values have remained low but a worthwhile magnificent car in its own rite. The US cars were too smoged up…..but a dry sump 6.9 Lttr V8 has to be cool. I think they are a very good buy here. I looked at one for sale at the factory classic sales in Stuttgart last year……I will try to upload the information. Makes them look like a great bargain in this country. Sorry for the sideways photo…….don’t know why it did that.
I put a few hundred thousand miles on the later 560SEL and when in the shop I got to use the 380 Shown here. It felt much shorter and more maneuverable to drive then the SEL. I can not comment about the engine but as for the other big Mercedes of the era my car had almost 400K miles and drove and looked as if it was brand new. The parts can be in some cases very expensive the chances are if you care for it well you will never have to replace them again with the possible exception of breaks, suspension bits, and the occasional valve job ever 100K or so.
Mine was destroyed in a very bad accident where the road collapsed out from underneath me and destroyed the suspension, transmission and flattened all four tires. The car was totaled because of the high mileage only. I miss it, not the fastest, quickest or most maneuverable but you could feel the quality.
The cheapest Mercedes you ever buy will be the most expensive one you’ll ever own. You are better off buying one with no issues than one that has issues. This one with an ABS malfunction could be an easy fix or one that potentially cost you thousands. The AC unit being down is easy. A new compressor is a couple hundred and hopefully it’s going into a modern day system and not one with R12 in it.
FWIW, I own several of these cars already. .1 is a 1984 300D and the other is a 1977 450SEL 6.9.
Cheap and in great condition, nothing not to like here http://www.craigslistadsaver.com/view.php?name=1985MercedesBenz380SE
Quite a few 560s on Craigslist Chicago for about the same money.
Gee folks, this is usually a place for car guys with more than a few tools in their collection. Replacing an air conditioner compressor is only expensive if you rely on the pros. I have nothing against professional shops, but they have the added costs of maintaining their brick and morter and keeping good employees. When my cars were new, they went to the MB store exclusively – till they broke the 100K miles mark. after that I became the chief wrench. In a sub $5K car, lots of stuff can be done on your driveway including compressor replacement.. Same for the wheel sensors. Its a dirty job, but if you can change tires, you can replace the sensors. Costs are high for new OEM parts, but there are lots of sources for aftermarket parts from reliable manufacturers. I have two MBs, and both of them have way more mileage, and I bought both of them new. I think Trevor is offering a very nice and well kept car at a fair price. Someone will get a very good value in this purchase.
Thanks John, with all the negativity surrounding a vehicle that the owner appears to be representing honestly, at what appears to a fair price, and seems to have some “thick skin” it is nice to hear a clean/clear reply! I do not understand why at almost every turn, a small group has to gang up and berate the car/seller? Granted, some are begging for it, in general, most are just trying to sell a car/truck/whatever. Most didn’t even ask to be on BF!!! So they get pummeled without any say in it!!!
At the end of the day, I believe we are all just car guys, with a LOT of knowledge!!! How about sticking with what you know, which helps educate others, (I have learned SO much since finding this site) and try to keep the negativity to yourselves.
My 1/2¢ worth. Let the bullets start flying my way…………………
Yes, this site is horrible in that sellers come here and get blasted for whatever. Or a car is posted and the writers get blasted for posting it or using a wrong word or whatever. Really takes the fun out of it. Yet I keep coiming back. Rolling my eyes a lot at the negativity. Dang, if you don’t like it, just move on. Someone out there does like whatever is posted.
Now if you have something constructive to add about a potential problem is one thing, but just blasting a seller or a price or a car just because you don’t like it is ridiculous.
I personally would love to own a nice Benz of this vintage (I say ‘Vintage’ because this one has aged like fine wine) regardless of what past owners and MB techs have said. It looks like it was well taken care of, enough so that any costly repairs wont be necessary for a good while (if properly taken care of, of course). As almost every one I find out here in Nor-Cal has every issue past owners and techs have reported as well as high mileage and substantial wear. If it were closer I would jump on it even though my wife prefers we buy a new Renegade DesertHawk. Good luck on the sale Trevor.
Here is an archived version of the CL add: http://www.craigslistadsaver.com/view.php?name=1985MercedesBenz380SE