Mercedes-Benz 500-Series SEL (1986)
Sale price: US $560.00 Make an Offer
| Condition: | Used |
| Year: | 1986 |
| Make: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | 500-Series |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Drive Type: | RWD |
| Engine: | 5.6L Gas V8 |
| Vehicle Title: | Clean |
| Mileage: | 176286 |
| Fuel Type: | gasoline |
Eau Claire, Wisconsin, United States
Vehicle description
Great bones and no rust on this 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEL! Approximately 176,286 miles (believed to be actual), with about 7,000 added since purchasing in early 2018. Based on CarFax, likely a Seattle-area car most of its life. I drove this nearly nonstop from WA to WI when acquired and it performed flawlessly. Critical timing chain/guides/tensioner/cam oiler service performed at 172k miles in 2019 by trusted Mercedes experts at Black Forest Benz in metro Milwaukee, WI. At the same time, Black Forest also replaced both fuel pumps, fuel filter and fuel lines between pump and gas tank. Rear self-leveling suspension (SLS) lines, valve cover gaskets, coolant/thermostat, and various engine hoses replaced as well. They then performed a very inclusive post-purchase inspection, with many issues addressed since. Front and rear flex disks replaced. Center bearing not yet addressed, I"d suggest replacing in the off-season. SLS accumulators and fluid changed. Generally rides smooth, bushings and other rear suspension hardware not changed, so typical W126 “clunks” noted from rear when going over larger bumps. Video of cold start: https:/ youtu.be/xv-dE_Zi2mQ Video of driving: https:/ youtu.be/4_YyChfIEeQ Upper ball joints were replaced, will need lower ball joints and idler arm, drivable as-is. Aftermarket Sony stereo works, but not surprisingly, the Hirschmann power antenna does not. I sourced a period-correct ("85-"86) Becker deck but have not installed; it"s included in the sale. I"ve made road trips of several hundred city and freeway miles without incident. Originally rated at 12/15 MPG by EPA, Car still delivers comparable mileage with non-ethanol premium fuel in mixed driving (although 18 mpg average recorded in 2020 on 600-mile round trip). Original Midnight Blue paint (code 904) is worn, with fade on hood/roof/trunk, and clear coat peeling on sections of passenger side. Other body flaws include plenty of dents and scratches but I find no evidence of accident damage/repair. Gray leather interior showing its share of wear also, with Zebrano wood veneer trim fading and separating in areas. And yes, the famous power rear seat does still recline! Despite cosmetic needs and non-functional items (sunroof, probably A/C, et al.), this car is still an enjoyable cruiser with excellent bones. It"s very solid with a strong engine and a transmission that shifts properly. The typical 560/W126 “heavy lifting” is largely done and it"s an excellent entry point into the model. This was acquired with the intention of a rolling restoration. Due to career change and relocation, I can no longer advance the process and I believe it deserves more. Located in Eau Claire, WI; approximately 90 minutes from Minneapolis/St. Paul. I will do my best to accommodate in-person inspection. Unable to ship but I will assist with third-party arrangements if buyer does not wish to drive it home. CarFax notes “gross polluter” status from prior owner"s CA smog check. According to Black Forest Benz, this may be due to primary catalytic converter being replaced with a straight pipe. Buyers in smog-check states should take note. In the interest of disclosure and karma, here are the other items known to be non- or semi-functional, in addition to what was mentioned: Right rear door check strap sticks Slight exhaust leak Fuel gauge slow to respond after filling. Does read properly after that and low-fuel light functional Engine and trans mounts worn Will sometimes sputter on startup, likely due to Electro-Hydraulic Actuator (EHA) wear noted in post-purchase inspection Occasional high idle as is common with these cars, mitigated with regular throttle linkage lubrication Headlight wipers not believed to function and headlight wiper blades worn Windshield washer fluid bottle removed due to leak and has not been replaced Cruise control and clock work intermittently Front passenger door does not open from outside. Same door’s lock does not accept key, presume handle/lock replaced by PO Air conditioning presumed non-functional. Cannot tell if/when compressor engages and does not blow any cooler Left rear window regulator plastic guide broken, motor and switches functional Airbag service is not confirmed Black Forest noted issues with transmission starter lockout switch; is not a problem unless not driven for over a month or so Door seals worn, as automatic car wash reveals interior leaks and inner trunk lip had minor deformation at unknown prior point, allowing water into trunk Rare reflective warning triangle included but inner trunk mounting piece missing Non-original/missing screws in headlight/headlight wiper trim; lights function properly Unknown whether rear defrost is functional Headliner trim sags at very rear in center due to period cell phone wiring and antenna (the latter removed) Front seats have typical Mercedes spring sag and seat mesh is sagging also. Heat and all power functions for front and reclining rear bench seats are functional Windshield appears to have been replaced previously and has bullseye chip in lower driver’s side corner, all other glass appears original First aid kit missing, as are the tire jack and tools. Spare tire is outdated and alloy Gullideckel rim shows gouge in outer lip Oil pressure sending unit faulty, reads high at all times (common) Dash lights cannot be dimmed but illumination functional; combo button shared with trip odometer does work Seatbelt warning light and gear panel lights non functional; warning buzzer functional Wear noted around center-mount brake light and inside of rear indicators, possibly due to higher-wattage bulbs installed by PO Slight deformation in exhaust tip, cause unknown but does not inhibit flow Hood insulation solid but coming unglued, will need regluing/replacement Thank you for looking! Please contact me with any questions you have.