I don't know. I was over at that dealership the other day getting a part for my pickup and took a cruise of the used lot. I saw the 560 SEC, but I I didn't see the 300 SE. It may just be a "come on" deal and already gone. I've been tempted to go and ask, but I dread their bonehead salesmen hounding me (I guess I could give them a fake number). I may try and go back on Monday when I'm off and take it out for a test spin.

If it's a good one, that is very cheap. It must be super high miles or bad title history or something. I see them bringing at least twice that today. I paid more than twice that for mine.

According to their listing, it has 199,660 miles. Here's the link:

http://www.getauto.com/autolinks_cardetail.html?x_dealer_id=AACQD&vinNum=WDBCA24DXKA468770

Now when this dealership was under old management, THEY SUCKED. I still see some of the same people there today as before, so it's likely not much has changed. It's also very possible that the car isn't even there anymore. Sort of a classic sleazy car dealership "come on" trick.

The car's VIN is listed, WDBCA24DXKA468770. I ran a Carfax on my 420 SEL about a month ago and was thoroughly disappointed (their records only went back to 1991, whereas M-B's went back to the day it was delivered in October of 1987). I don't qualify for another Carfax refund, otherwise I'd run a check (they list 12 records as available).

At that mileage, I guess it could go either way. Properly cared for, it might be a good car, but if it wasn't maintained, it could be a mess. And being sold by non-MB people, I am sure you'd get some funny stories about it. It doesn't look bad, though.

I've never done a carfax on my car. The car was one owner before me, and they kept every receipt. If it got crashed, they sure fixed it perfectly, and the owners kept no records of it. I'll risk it.

Here's a lovely late 126 from ebay. It's my color, and the condition looks fantastic. Certainly worth it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2448484057&category=6332

I did notice what appears to be a "power port" installed on the driver's side near the console and a possible tear in the interior below the dash (both items can be seen in this picture). FYI, the 560 SEC doesn't look as good in person as on the website.



I had fairly complete records of my car for the past ten years, but I was curious as to where it'd been titled, etc. prior to my wife's family getting it (they bought it through M-B's Certified Pre-owned program). M-B told me, but Carfax was unable (actually, I could've saved myself the trouble by looking at what was in the glovebox; it had the original sale papers from Downtown LA Motors along with the salesman's name). Not that I'm obsessed or anything.

That 560 SEL looks gorgeous!!!!

The leather in that 300SE does look like it needs to be conditioned. A high pressure low class GM lot up here had a SEC virtually identical to the one you posted....220K miles, no history, and a big price.

Downtown LA Motors eh....that's where my 300SE was sold, back in May of 89. The previous owners were pretty obsessed/anal about it...I have every piece of paperwork - window sticker, all the little warranty pieces and explanatory sheets about the climate and cruise control, etc. I'll keep up that tradition.

I saw another dark green 126 today, a 300SEL. It was very dirty and unkept looking. I can't see how people let such a car run down.

Well, I went and had a look at the 300 SE and a closer look at the 560 SEC. They've both seen better days, a LOT better in the case of the 300 SE. The 300 SE had a broken antenna (physically broken off), the radio does not power up, some healthy corrosion on the left rear wheel well, the driver's window and passenger side rear window don't go all of the way up, the brake sensor light is active, the oil filler cap is cracked in half, numerous points of corrosion and oxidation all over the body, and numerous scratches from what appear to be keying. It did, however, start right off, though the idle was high (almost 1500 rpm). The little dingbat sales manager said he'd take $2300 (it was listed at $2600) and I countered with $1200. He came down to $1500 and I stuck to $1200 to which he replied, "The only way I could sell it at that price was if I wholesaled it at auction." I'm not sure if he knew that the salesman already told me that their plans were to send it to the dealer auction after the holidays. Knucklehead. The interior was actually not too bad. It appeared that the car had been mostly neglected. I figured if I could get it cheap enough, it might be a worthwhile tinkering project.

The 560 SEC needs upholstery work on the driver's seat. It's all split out on the seams and shows considerable wear. I also noticed what appears to be a repaired place on the passenger door around the rocker panel.

At any rate, I only wound up wasting 30 minutes or so.

I understand about all the short-comings on the 380SE...but isn't great that we live in a land where you can consider buying that car for only 1500. The broken antenna, broken oil cap, windows that don't go to the top are all minor diy type work (for me). The corrosion bothers me...but to own a saintly S Class for 1.5K...Wow! And another thing, I would think it would be wonderful, since you are in the Oklahoma City vicinity, to join the Mercedes-Benz Club of America (if you aren't already a member) and join us, your friends in Mercedes, at our monthly club meetings. Always the 3rd Tuesday of the month at some fine OKC restaurant. Lots of Mercedes talk and fun. That poor 380SE needs a rescuer!

__________________
Jim Sehl
'80 350SL
'80 300TD
'84 190D
'86 300E
'92 600SEL
'94 S420

Actually, it's a 300 SE, but I agree, most of what I saw were minor things. However, if the dealership is going to sell the car at auction for LESS than $1500, then why not sell it to me for that? They avoid the hassle of taking it to the auction and get their money a little sooner. I have a feeling I'll be hearing from them in the not too distant future.

No, I'm not a member of the M-B Club of America. I wasn't sure how active that they were, so I'll certainly consider joining. Thanks.

I'd think that 300SE would be very much worth 1200-1500 if it is roadworthy. The rust would be the most worrisome thing. I have seen some rusty late 126s, but they mainly seem to go around the sunroof and back window, and wheelarches.

And as jfsehl says, that's a lot of car for such a pittance. I bet it could make a good project car. Or maybe I just feel kinda sorry for it.

That beautiful 560SEL ended up at $12100. That's more than 95% of them go for nowadays, but it's sure a nice looking car.

$1500 is tempting, but the sales manager was rude as all get out. I'm thinking about it. I think the car is probably roadworthy, just in need of lots of TLC. Decisions, decisions, decisions......

I've posted this one before. I've had it since Nov 17, 2003 and aleady I've replaced the front brakes, they were warped, the tie reds and now I need a new water pump. So I'll gather all the parts, hoses and radiator, a monovalve repair kit, and anything else I can think of, and get to work.

Attached Thumbnails

 

__________________
Regards

Warren

Currently 1965 220Sb, 2002 FORD Crown Vic Police Interceptor

Had 1965 220SEb, 1967 230S, 280SE 4.5, 300SE (W126), 420SEL

ENTER > = (HP RPN)

Not part of the in-crowd since 1952.

Here's the link to the Open Discussion Forum with my previous posting.

1989 300SE Pics

__________________
Regards

Warren

Currently 1965 220Sb, 2002 FORD Crown Vic Police Interceptor

Had 1965 220SEb, 1967 230S, 280SE 4.5, 300SE (W126), 420SEL

ENTER > = (HP RPN)

Not part of the in-crowd since 1952.

Heres mine 1986 300sdl

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My 126 MB's
1990 300se Black (ZORO)
1991 350SD Taupe (ZETA)