So I was browsing Craigslist...

My eye caught an ad... I gave the seller a call, then went to go take a look at it.

Here is what he said:
He bought the car 2 years ago from an auction for $1800. He drove it for a while and then it developed a problem. He had his 'mechanic friend' work on it. He walked me over to the trunk popped it open and there was a fuel distributor with an EHA attached, air intake plenum assembly and a small black electro-vacuum valve. All parts are intake related.
The only way to have the car remain running after you start it is to have this wire attached to the metal bar that runs across the intake plenum and hold down the air intake plenum plate. (The circular plate that is visible after removing the air cleaner lid.)
He reconnected the battery and cranked the engine which fired after about 2.5 seconds of cranking. It roared to life and was firing on all 8 cylinders.

I fell in love with this car the second I saw it... I really did not need to hear an M117 running 2 feet away from my ears... I got bitten by the W126 BIG ENGINE LONG BODY BUG!

I came by myself in my 300E, the 560SEL has no registration sticker, expired inspection. I could not get it right then and there and doubt it was drivable with a wire holding down the air plenum, so I also regained my senses.

I told him I needed to think it over a bit and see if I can arrange for towing.
After arriving home, I was quoted $85 from a recommend towing business. Then I decided the hassle was not worth it for now.

If I knew someone with a truck and trailer or owned the combo myself, I would love to take this car as a second project car, especially since my 1st one is almost finished.

I did not want my efforts to go to waste and decided to share the details with you all in-case anyone else is interested.

PRICE: He wants $800. He has a title in hand.
CAR: 1990 560 SEL
MILEAGE ON ODOMETER: 156,9XX
COLOR OF OIL ON ENGINE DIPSTICK: Clean Golden
COLOR OF OIL ON TRANS DIPSTICK: Clean Red
REGISTRATION STICKER: Not Present
LOCATION: Arlington, TX (Northern part)
COLOR: BLACK INT, BLACK EXT
KNOWN ISSUES I SAW: Center console wood (around shifter) is cracked and loose from its mounting, speedometer needle jumps up an down between 0 and 30 when cranking the engine. Fuel pump cover is missing on the underside of the car. (Air intake problem described above.) Unknown transmission condition aside from fluid color, did not get a chance to test drive it. (Which I would do before finalizing the transaction.)

Please PM me if you want the man's number, he really wants to sell it.

__________________
2006 BMW M5 "Heidi" @ 109,000 miles
2005 MBZ C55 AMG "Lorelai" @ 165,000 miles
1991 MBZ 300E "Benzachino II" @ 165,000 miles
1990 MBZ 500SL "Shoshanna" @ 118,000 miles

(On the hunt for a good used M103 engine as of 6/10/23, PM me if you have one to sell!)

This car has been on cl for a while. At one time he stated it had transmission issues. That and the hack job engine repairs indicated this is an expensive parts car. Also, wasn't there clear coat peeling from the trunk or somewhere???
Shame to see it end up in this condition.

I had nothing else better to do today in this blistering heat so, we took a drive to see this car. I've always wanted a late 560SEL black on black.
I wish I had my wasted day back.

Paint is badly chipped, car needs a coplete paint job to be presentable.
Oil looked as though it was a diesel, NOT golden. Plus it appeared to be overfilled.
Obvious dead miss and ticking on one cylinder when it eventually started. (This miss was the deal killer for me.)
Spare tire well was dented, pushed up about a foot. WTF did they run over???
(This is NOT a jack point people)
Rear suspension issues... bad spheres.
Front end brake bushings loose.
And, the big negative... title is NOT in the sellers name and transfer has been dated over a year ago.

I made, what I thought was, a fair offer, he says no. I walked.
His asking price was much more than $800. No deal even at that.

Damn, it was hot today...