1985 500SEL..... I want this car very much and then want dump my 85' 380SE, but since I recently bought a fairly new truck, so..... it may not be possible @ this time. I really wanted a SEL before I bought my SE anyway, because I like the longer wheelbase.

Its a local, white w/blue interior car, with 120K. All records and in excellent conditions. $3900 is the asking price, which seems reasonable. Perhaps I can get it for $3K? That would be nice!

Oh, decisions, decisions. I think it may be better to buy this car, as to pump more money into my 380SE.

If you do, check that timing chain.....you have a soft spot for the grand SEL.

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"It's normal for these things to empty your wallet and break your heart in the process."
2012 SLK 350
1987 420 SEL

I'd do it. 500SEL. One of my dream cars growing up. I have one in my complex I'm keeping an eye on too. Beautiful machines. What's the mileage?

- Peter.

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2021 Chevrolet Spark
Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S

Around 12OK I believe. Just getting broken in.

Absolutely. I do not want to go through that "wondering" again, as I have with my 380SE.

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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)

My father-in-law is no longer driving and has given his 1985 500SEL to my husband and I. It literally just passed the 60,000 mile mark. Wondering whether to keep it or not, I've been tapping in to a forum or two, when I was lead to this location. A huge help to me. I'm a Mercedes beginner...yet, understand the quality.

The only thing wrong with this car is the exterior paint that is in need of buffing and the chrome polished. Mechanically it purrs. Interior is fabulous. Are these car over-the-top expensive to paint?

Honestly, I have been a bit worried and intimidated that we'd run this gently driven car in to the ground (we drive much more than the father-in-law ever did) and I certainly don't want to do that, but I've heard nothing but positive things on the craigslist auto forum. It's not my first choice of color (olive green) but with a few personal touches I might be able to give it some personality. Call me crazy, and believe me when I say that I'm grateful, but keeping this means my husband will take over the Cherokee (my baby) as he drives a great distance daily.

I'm gonna miss my Jeep...is that bad?

Dani

Every car is "over-the-top expensive to paint," if you want a decent job. From your description, I'd claim that it's worth more now than after a cheap paint job.

It's OK to miss your Jeep. And to keep missing it.

Being its a 22 year old car, eventually something will break in the 500SEL and you will be in the same pickle you are in with your existing car. You either have to be a competent DIYer or pony up the big bux for professional diagnostics and repairs (if you can find it). There's no escaping that reality. In addition to the purchase price, you should budget in 1-2K a year for maintenance, then decide if its still worth it.

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1985 380SE Blue/Blue - 230,000 miles
2012 Subaru Forester 5-speed
2005 Toyota Sienna
2004 Chrysler Sebring convertible
1999 Toyota Tacoma

No offense but you don't seem all that hot to trot to put the kind of money into these cars that they demand. I mean the 380 has a zipping timing chain, and a bunch of other typical W126 issues.

Would you be willing to spend $1,400 to change the chain on the 500? What about the $2k or so a year worth of stuff its going to need? The 500 may be in better shape, but its still going to need everything your 380 does now, and then some. 500's have SLS.

Its just an obeservation but I think if you really want a MB you should look at a much later model that you can just drive.

I'd bet that 95% of W126's for sale at this point need at least $2k worth of work.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I'd go for a 420 or 560 instead. Although not a giant leap forward, at least a good sized step forward, evolution wise. Plus, I think that parts would be harder to come by for a 500 than a 420 or 560. (there I go thinking again)

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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