Buyers who wake up one morning and decide they need a V12 coupe immediately encounter good news; choices are limited! That simplifies the mental or literal spreadsheet of the costs, options, and problems common to each. This 1993 Mercedes Benz 600 SEC in East Brunswick, New Jersey looks well-kept inside and out, and the currently non-operative German super-coupe comes to market here on Craigslist. The spartan description suggests the SEC will need a “toll truck,” presumably meaning a tow truck, “or maybe just transmission oil.” Either way the $9000 asking price for a computerized German autobahn burner that starts but does not drive might be enough to frighten off buyers who like the idea of a sub five-digit masterpiece but lack specific knowledge of this model. Thanks to Mitchell G. for spotting this sidelined supercar.
Mercedes leather and switchgear commonly goes the distance, weathering time and use better than most. Purists may cringe seeing those aftermarket vent-mounted cup holders; Germans view driving as a privilege that should not be interrupted by a double-froth half-caf mocha latte with nutmeg or a 1200 calorie Big Gulp. While driving the autobahn at 129 MPH (top end of our company car) and observing how German drivers consistently signal, head-check, and move as far right as possible, I shared my admiration for the experience with my German colleague who replied, “It is the privilege of all Germans to drive fast.” Reality hit hard upon my return to America where drivers think it is their birthright to drive anyway they want in whatever lane is most convenient.
The largest MB coupe of its day, the SEC looks great from every angle, and a sprinkling of V12 badges assures everyone knows you’re a high roller. Sadly the array of pictures managed to avoid the engine compartment. Check out these internet pictures for a look at the dorm fridge-sized mill. The 6.0L beast makes 389 HP in a year when the Corvette made 300. Sure, it’s slower and guzzles more gas than today’s V12 cars, but this ’90s powerhouse differs mainly in ways that real drivers can dismiss.
Though best enjoyed by two, the SEC offers rear seating as well. Few cars broadcast excess like the 5000 lb SEC 600, originally priced near $150,000 according to Car & Driver, about $332k today. That $9000 seems like an amazing value! Personally, I’d hold out for a non-black / white / silver model with no gray or black interior. Would you take a gamble on this nicely preserved ’90s cruise missile?
Sounds like a thrill driving on the German autobahn Fitch. 😎 🏎
Yes Sir! A thrill and a privilege indeed. I had my foot on the floor for at least two minutes, during which time at least two faster cars roared by just going about their business. Everyone should experience what it’s like to share the road with people who work together so everyone can get where they are going at their own pace.
Yes they seem to have a more adult approach to high speed driving but still you better be entirely focused at those speeds, competent cars and beautiful autobahn not withstanding. Several times in our travels in Germany we came up on high speed wrecks, with parts scattered maybe half a mile down the road and clearly no survivors. Stakes are awfully high at 120 mph.
If my experience with an 850 from the pre-internet era is any indicator, run, do not walk away from this car. That the BMW solution was to treat the V12 as two sixes may not apply but certain traits seem common to all German engineers and being 32 years old and non-op as the Californians call it makes this (pardon the pun) a non-starter. Lop off a zero and split the shipping and we might have a deal. Too bad they are such good looking beasts. Now this would be perfect for the proverbial LS transformation. And lose the badges.
Maybe off topic but theses are the last of the hardtop cars available with another model form BMW.
Why theses are made that way?
Why is the american market stopped making cars with thses lines?
I know just enough about these cars to I know I want it and I also know that would be right near the top of the list of dumb things I have done because I fall in love with cars. Fortunately my bank account limits the number of stupid things I can do!
So glad it’s not in Texas. The price is in my stupid range. I’ve spent more on bigger mistakes than this. But I was younger then.
I fear the 9K is just the general seating admission price. This will make all but the thickest wallets cry. Not many things are more expensive than cheap German high end cars.
Despite that, it’s beautiful and I can hear it whisper my name.
General rule of thumb: NEVER buy a complicated German Autobahn missile from an owner that lives in an apartment building in New Jersey.
That was my 1st thought when I noticed the auto parts store embellishments. It definitely has been in the hands of someone that was not the “optimal custodian”
93 C140 cars have the biodegradable wiring in the engine harness, and drive by wire throttle bodies. 722.3 transmissions contribute to the fuel consumption issue. Best to find a 96 or newer W140/C140 car with better wiring and the 722.6 transmissions.
Finally..I’ve been looking for a motor that will power my 25′ pontoon party barge. The pontoons will be plus as gas tanks. I’ve got the 2:1 final drive gearbox and a 16″ brass speed pitch prop..anyone looking for a 93 MB 600SEC needing a motor and control module(s)?
I can see it now..👀
You take the V12 for the pontoon boat, I’ll convert this SEC body to running all-electric with a Nissan Leaf powerplant. Together, we can piss off EVERYONE!
Yah Sullivan, after reading Wayne’s comments, maybe my pontoon idea will pass as did the Titanic. Unless however I insure the hell out of it and loan it to a bunch of unsuspecting illegal immigrants who have committed crimes against our neighbors and friends.
Did I mention that I live on the coast of the western United States?
Several years ago one of my customers (the same one who owns the DeLorean I wrote about the other day) Brought in his Mercedes V12 Coupe. In the morning it would run rough and turn on the check engine light. Once it warmed up it ran good but not great. Since The Reno and LasVegas counties (Washoe Clark) have smog checks it would it would not pass an inspection. I knew nothing about 12cyl. MBs. But he trusted me, so I started looking around. (New vehicle to him and no maintenance history) Spark plug inspection revealed massive wear. Changed all 24 expensive spark plugs. Ran great and once he got it home, called and thanked me because the car was running great. The next .morning the miss and the check engine light was back. He brought it back and said keep it until it’s fixed. (He was not mad, just disappointed) Diagnostics with my “American” equipment was a waste of time. Two of the fuel injectors were making lots of noise, so he gave the go ahead to replace them. Everything now quiet, but the same problem existed. Wanting to solve my customer’s problem and not wanting to waste any more of his money, I took his car to my buddy service manager at the MB dealership. Bottom line as explained to me. This 55,000 mile car needed an engine overhaul. The engine wiring uses a tightly sealed system to keep out moisture/corrosion and also keeps crankcase, pressurized oil from external leaking. There are “reservoirs” built into the engine to trap the blow by oil. But when these fill up, then the pressure starts travellings into the wiring connections and control systems. Evidently according to him, this is quite normal for V12s and AMG cars built for Autobahn usage. As these engines are built with larger tolerance for continual high speed usage. Taking the control units off, cleaning out the oil only “fixes” the issue for a very short time.
I would pass on this car.
,
And then we are amazed by theses V12 cars…
I had a customer who had a later Merc V12 twin turbo. Metal convert. He bought new, for over $140k then had it chipped, and god knows what else, for $$$ it only had 6k mikes on it. But was now 10 years old. He rarely drove it. As he had lots of cars and big bikes. So it mostly sat. It was a battery killer, as everything was computer controlled. Including suspention. So even with tenders on it. Everytime he wanted to use it. It would be sitting there with one side of the suspention collapsed, or a running issue. Or fail to even turn on. And charging the battery would not fix it. Had to have it towed to dealer and have the computers reset. Plus whatever was wrong that time. It cost an average of $5k everytime he drove it. He sold it for $15k although he had well $150k in it. I looked them up. Loads of them just like his, super low miles, great condition. They were all $12-15k. RUN away
For car guys, this is the very definition of “Attractive Nuisance”.
From the angle photo I thought for a second this was some kind of cut Cadillac DTS by the look of the headlights.
KBB has the value at $3k.