The guides are not meant to be dead on. They are a benchmark. Like you, I would likely pay more for a forum members car vs. one off of a lot or ad. Even then, I would have to have the car undergo a very thorough inspection prior to purchase for any hidden problems that they may not have been aware of. If you do put an ad in the paper, that estimate will be what you will be having to compare to on any perspective buyer that will be researching their purchase.

Even in your case, $8,000 is still over $3000 higher than private party value. The drivers side seat looks worn, and that prevents giving the car the "outstanding" mark on the appraisal, as it counts towards reconditioning, same as the worn cloth in my Euro.

I'm not knocking your car as it looks beautiful. Silver is my favourite color, and the rest of the car looks nearly perfect. If I were in the market for a W124, I would be seriously considering your car. You just may want to reconsider the $8k asking price.