Haven't seen the car yet. Will probably get a look this weekend. I know very little other than the mileage (135K). Is this model desirable? I am familiar enough to gauge the condition and obviously what works and does not. Can you guys give me a low to high value and I can interpolate based on the details?
Thanks.

__________________
1983 M-B 240D-Gone too.
1976 M-B 300D-Departed.

"Good" is the worst enemy of "Great".

When I look for a base value, first thing I do is check the sold values on ebay.

Second, check the NADA value (and laugh!).

Traderonline will provide a list of ASKING prices, as will unfinished ebay auctions.

Some people claim this a better mpg car than the V-8s, others say it's a dog compared to the V-8s.

What it was, though, was the least expensive permutation of the W126 series when current, as well as the cheapest for a number of years later, which gives it a higher probability of neglect....

Jim

__________________
14 E250 BlueTEC black. 45k miles
95 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 66k miles
94 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 152k miles
85 300TD 4 spd man, euro bumpers and lights, 15" Pentas dark blue 274k miles

I have a 1989 300SEL with 131,000 miles as a daily driver and I’ve been very happy with it. I seem to get about 21-22 MPG and I don’t think the V8’s can get close to that. True it’s a bit of a dog, but I rarely notice it as I pass the gas stations and enjoy the spacious interior. Same engine and engine management system as the 300E so there are plenty of used parts available. Also, I feel the six costs less to maintain then the eight’s. No hydraulic rear suspension to worry about as on the V8 126 cars. As for value, around my area Minneapolis/St. Paul they would ask $3500 to $4300 for a good 300SEL with similar mileage. There is what looks to be a very well kept one currently on Craigslist for $4200 with 134,000 miles. There was recently a 1991 300SEL with 88,000 miles advertised around here at $6700. As a previous poster alluded to, and I’m sure you are aware, maintenance and upkeep are everything when buying a used Mercedes. I would think at 134,000 miles the head would need, or soon need freshening if it hasent been done. If the A/C is out, or weak, you may be looking at an evaporator core and a big costly job. Also, I think the ’88 was the last year for the older style interior. I know it’s a personal preference, but I don’t like the old style seats as much and it may bring the price down.
Good Luck.

I test drove a 1990 300SEL about 3 years ago and loved it. It was a little slow though and I was not happy with the "scrunching" door panels, which my 85' 380SE was plagued with.

It was a potential trade for my Suburban I had at the time and the owner was not interested and I did not want to pay his $4000 price, especially since it had 172K miles.

FWIW, there was a 1991 300SEL locally for sale here with like 59K actual miles. In MINT shape for $7000. I nearly went to look at it, but changed my mind at the last minute.

Good luck.

__________________
2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4wd
1991 Lincoln Town Car Executive
1991 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1988 Mercedes 300SEL
1972 Chevrolet Caprice Kingswood Estate 9-passenger wagon
1973 Pontiac Grand Ville
(Prior MB's: 1974 240D, 1985 380SE, 1984 190D, 1993 400SEL)

cjlipps, regardless of your familiarity with MB automobiles have a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) performed by a MB-trained tech so you have a professional evaluation of this 1988 300SEL BEFORE making an offer. It's always best to get a car on a lift so the undercarriage can be inspected.

__________________
Fred Hoelzle

Thanks for all the advice! I'll try to get a look at the car this weekend. The numbers are higher than I thought. I might just make him an offer.
I'll post findings.

__________________
1983 M-B 240D-Gone too.
1976 M-B 300D-Departed.

"Good" is the worst enemy of "Great".

It's worth what someone will pay for it.

300SE's and SEL's are a great deal because most 126 buyers are looking for the V8 variants. I personally am not a big fan of the V8's as they are mostly around to appease the American market. Look at most of the early classic MB's and you will see them powered by inline 6's including the "legendary" 300SL Gullwings. The V8's do cost more to maintain and are not really "that" much more powerful. A head gasket job or anything requiring the removal of a head costs you twice as much on a V8. For example my S320 is a 230hp inline 6. The S500 of the same vintage is 275hp. The difference is 45hp with a lot more fuel cost and service costs.

A well maintained car is something to pay a premium for. But someone made a valid point in a previous comment. Being the lowest cost model you may find a higher number of not very well maintained vehicles.