There are many online guides about MB paint and interior codes. I can link you some if you want. I certainly didn't have that info in my head...all I know is 334 and 355, my cars.

When you get around to it, post some pics of this car if you can.

Gene sent me some pics of the 500SE. As you can see, it's really a Euro car, with the velour and climate control and bumpers and lights, etc. Apparently it has been off the road for about 10 years. Doesn't look too bad really.









Gene: I replied to you, but my emails bounced back.

I can never understand why the dual climate control system was not adopted here in the US. The push button thing is a nightmare.

__________________
With best regards

Al

Hello- I just purchased a A 1981 non-USA Mercedes 500SEL with the Vin#WDB12603712006051 I was wondering if anyone could tell more about this vehicle. It was purchase for $3600 with 133K miles with it. Just planning to use it as an everyday commute car.

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Here's a summary based on VIN

Your car would benefit greatly from Euro lights. You can even see the holes in the bracket between the light and the bumper where the wiper used to be. It'd look 10 times better with them. It's a good investment for a 126.

Based on production number (6051) I would guess your car was made late in 1980 or even into 1981.

Appears to be a highly optioned car for a Euro model...as Euros were sold very basic in base form, and you had to pick options ala carte.

VIN WDB12603712006051
Model 500 SEL
Chassis 12603712006051
Engine 117961 12 006208
Transmission 02 035741
Order 0 0 513 19296
Lights BOSCH
Cab 01264
Dealer Belgium (513)
Interior Unknown code (931) (I will guess dark grey/blue)
Paint 877 blue green metallic (also called petrol blue/green)

Options

207 owner's manual and service booklet 3 (tire pressure instructions 3)
221 left front seat, electrically adjustable
222 right front seat, electrically adjustable
256 rear axle with limited-slip differential
410 Unknown code
434 headrests in the rear and elimination of safety belts
440 tempomat (cruise control)
470 anti-lock braking system (abs)
488 Unknown code
504 outside rear view mirror, right, electrically adjustable (l.h.d.)
taxi version, f.r.g, and outside rear view mirror on the right
532 automatic antenna without radio set
561 front seat, left, reinforced
570 folding armrest front w202/210 stowage box front with armrest
581 automatic climate control
592 heat-insulating glass, all-around, heated rear window pane (laminated glass), band filter green heat-insulating glass all round, heated rear window, laminated safety glass - tinted strip
603 headlamp wiper unit and oil for rear axle with limited-slip differential, in canisters and containers
640 15-hole light alloy rims
656 Unknown code
812 rear-mounted loudspeaker
870 Unknown code
871 Unknown code

Thank you so much for the valuable information. Yes!!! you guess right, it has the gray interior. I'll certainly look into investing the EuroLights. I'm going to be investing in getting the motor/fluids/filters tuned up/replace in the short term. Do you know if any mechanical/electrical issues associated with this model?

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No problem. Your car looks very clean inside, too, pretty nice. A 126 is a great highway car, so I am sure you will enjoy it.

Any electrical issues are similar for any car of such age. I know the complex locking system can go awry, and as in any old car, the power windows and seats might crap out, but they shouldn't be horrible to fix. And as mentioned above, the climate control sustem (with the wheel) can be a bear to get right, and even when it is in perfect working order, it is still weird. The cruise control is another common failure, but isn't hard to fix if you need it.

I am not too sure about the mechanics, as my 126 is a 6cyl and is very different. But I am sure someone else knows more.

Mechanical issues? Yes! Check the timing chain rails for condition. Replace asap, or you could spend another $3.6k+ on repairs should the guides fail and throw the chain out of time.

BTW, I like your seats...they look comfy.

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It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D

Have you sold it yet or have you decided to keep it?
It looks nice

__________________
Bob Roe
Lehigh Valley PA USA
1973 Olds 88, 1972 MB 280SE, 1978 Datsun 280Z, 1971 Ford T-Bird, 1972 Olds 88, 1983 Nissan Sentra, 1985 Sentra, 1973 230.6, 1990 Acura Integra, 1991 Volvo 940GLE wagon, 1983 300SD, 1984 300SD, 1995 Subaru Legacy L wagon, 2002 Mountaineer, 1991 300TE wagon, 2008 Murano, 2007 R320CDI 4Matic 52K, some Hyundai, 2008 BMW 535xi wagon, all gone... currently
2007 Honda Odyssey Touring, 2014 E350 4matic