Hatterasguy beat me to it.

Other minor things I can think of..

Later 126's will have power headrests, outside temp display and the tilting moonroof. If it has dual airbags you just lost your glovebox.

Early 126's have manual headrests, no outside temp and the more reliable moonroof that does not tilt/vent.

Your not going to find a euro/gray market SD/SDL so don't worry about that. You can find plenty of early gasser w126 euros. 280SE(gray market) is suppose to be nice but the only one I drove was a POS.

Do a crazedlist.org search for "SDL".. The states just south of me have plenty of rust free ones lurking.

Thanks again. Just keeping options open and trying not to be so stuck on a 560. I was planning for an 86 or later anyway. I guess in the end fuel economy is nice although I can afford the gas.. it just ads up.

Decisions... decisions....

What are your thoughts on this ad? Keep in mind that locally these do not seem to sell well and this guy has been dropping price from around $4k down to what it is now. Concern is faded roof top. Asking price is now down to $2700.

Up for sale is my prized Mercedes Benz S-class. This is a 1984 500SEL. This was the TOP of the line automobile from Mercedes, from the early 80's into 1986. This has the 5.0 V8 mated to a 4 speed automatic transmission. This has every option an 80's car can have, and some options not seen on cars today! It has a HUGE, and i mean HUGE moonroof, power front seats, AND power rear bench! Heated front seats, AND heated rear bench, three ashtrays, all with cigarette lighter, automatic climate control, electric mirrors, power anntenae, cruise, emergency kit, full size spare, and Mercedes roadside took kit. This car has been services 2000 miles ago, I had the oil changed, and the transmission flushed, i had the engine scoped, and they found no vaccum or oil leaks in either the engine or transmission. This was the award winning reliable high milage car if its day, much like the Lexus's of today's era. This was a florida car for 24 years, and is actually the Euro spec model, featuring less restrictive exhaust, and better looking front and rear facia. the dealership that owned it before me, replaced all shocks struts and ball joints, as well as fixing the common high idle issue caused by the idle control unit. I personally love this car, there is NO better car to drive DAILY, it makes every grocery store, or errands run SOO comfortable. This is the SEL, L meaning long wheelbase, there is SOOO MUCH room, not only in the front but the rear. the rear seats have an unlimited amount of foot room its almost rediculous. Ive never owned a more comfortable car to drive personally, and ive owned corvettes camaros lincolns etc. It just passed over 160k, and from my knowledge of w126 chassis mercedes, this has a good 40k or more until transmission work needs to be done, and even more for engine work. I am selling this to pay for college sadly, but I know i will own another vintage S-class ASAP! MUCH MORE CHARACTER than any newer car you can own. One thing about this car, it has the features, comforts,and power of modern luxury cars, however the beauty and character is limitless! definately the best car to own in this price range! the only issues i know of is the power antenna doesn not work, and there is slight fading on the roof, considering it is a Florida car, i would have the faded roof, and NO RUST, over no fading, and rust.

Here is the list of work done, with reciepts:
AT 121k miles tires were replaced 3/13/01
Coil replaced 4/12/08
Steering joint and control arm 11/27/09
Thermostat 1/21/09
Distributor 11/07/07 at 140k miles
Tie rods, shocks,8/28/08 at 139k miles
new tires again 5/1/08 at 147k miles along with new valve stems
Fuel pump 5/12/09 at 155k miles
That was all done by the previous owner, he spent a lot of money.
I had the oil changed and tranny fluid at 160k 3/31/10 which was right after I bought it, they also replaced the lower ball joints. I was told I need uppers done, with a quote of $500
I also have the red triangle in the trunk, the first aid kit, the tool kit, and all the original manuals

If I were you, it would have been mine by Noon today - after checking it out in person.

Personally, I would avoid this car. It appears to be a continuing money pit to me, FWIW.

The upper ball joints are easy. They come loaded on to a upper control arm. The arms are like $80 a piece(been awhile since I bought them). You can swap them both out in an hour.

Go check it out. Offer $2000 if you like it.

EDIT

Finding engine parts on graymarket car can be hard.

It might not be gray market, it doesn't really look like one. If it is the vin will start with WDB126 if I remember correctly.

It needs paint, and will need the timing chain taken care of if their are no records of it. For $2k plus $3-$4k you might have a decent car if the rest of it is solid.

The 500 SEL was available in the US for the 1984-1985 model years. Personally, I would go for a newer model, particularly as 1986 marked the year for certain upgrades to the w126.

I agree. But there are so few MB where I am at. And I dont want to drive 6 hours just to take a look. My biggest concern is rust. Now this one *may* have been a florida car, but that could mean little. Paint fade is not a huge deal to me. I would rather have some paint fade then have a rust bucket.

And yes its a 500, not a 560 which I prefer. I have another 560 in the cards, but the gold color is not my ideal choice. I will probably check both of these out.

Still not in a huge hurry. But really dont want to pass up a rust reduced car. Mechanical work I am 100% confident I can tackle myself. In fact, I will want to dig into things and replace a few items that may be prone to fail.

A good option here it look on the forum for a car. Most of the cars sold on these forums are enthusiast owned and the descriptions are generally detailed and honest so there is a good chance that you'll know what your getting yourself into.

And they also ask for a prime price! Been there, done that. :) And I avoid dealerships too. All about private party with a vehicle I can see in person. I dont think any forum members are even around my neck of the woods.

That is why the "prime price" is justified. Whereas some want "prime" on-the-cheap.

That ain't gonna happen with a car that's been gone over with a fine tooth comb, and ALL issues fixed/replaced - books, records, and complete profile/narrative history on said car.

If you buy a car from me (mine's for sale elsewhere on the Net) - I know the car inside and out, have ALL books, records, history since new and close to perfect appearance. Which is what I would expect when considering ANY car purchase.

Thats you, but not me. If I wanted a perfect car, I would buy new! :) I enjoy working on cars and expect to do some work with any MB I pick up. Never said I was looking for prime, I am just looking for a "great deal". Great deal being an MB in great condition for a great price being sold by someone who probably does not know the car could fetch a higher price. This is also why I am not in a huge hurry to find a 126. But I also know if I wait for the right one I may never end up with one.

Oh, here is that ES I mentioned a while back. Not bad, but a second look revealed some rusting around the front end. Back window area showed none. I like the color though.

$100 says it been wrecked.

And what is an "ES" over "SE"? Confused. VIN says S-Class. Badge, which looks aftermarket, says ES as you can see. Mistake?

VIN: WDBCA24D5LA513082