500SEL made in 1982???
 

I have been under the impression that the 500SEL was made in the USA from 1983-1985, or from 1984-1985. There is a local 1982 Mercedes, with a "500SEL" badge on the trunk. It only registers 85mph, which is normal for a USA 1982 Mercedes. It is a USA model, as far as I know. It has the MPH speedmoter. The car is in good condition, with 194K. They are asking $3000 nego for it. I think it is more like a $2000 car. I am a little interested in it, but that 500SEL on a 1982 has me concerned. Does anyone know if a 500SEL was indeed made for 1982? Perhaps the trunk lid was replaced a long time ago, or perhaps someone preferred the 500 badge. The paint looks original, so I do not think that the trunk has even been changed. Any information??

Maybe it's a Euro car check the vin number on the drivers side winshield post if it starts with WDB 126 then it's Euro.I belive they brought out the 126 in Europe(1980 280SE ) a year erarlier than the American counterpart.If it's a Euro car it will have more HP.........

William Rogers.........

Thanks for the reply William. Doesn't the Euro cars have the smaller bumpers? This one has the large bumpers. It does look exactly like a USA 380SEL and 500SEL. I am guessing that it is a 1982 380SEL and someone has changed out the badge on the trunk. I will check that VIN though to see what it says.

almost bought a 82 500sel this year,and it did look like the american version. but had the euro id number. it was a 5.0 motor.
so there are some that look americanized.
did not buy because the euro parts cost more. such as radiator
rich

My 86 Euro 500Se (with Euro 420 engine) has Euro bumpers American headlights MPH speedo all controls in German outside temp in C ,but also has leather and all power accessories it was brought into the country by an Air Force General I bought it from the second owner he had had the 420 engine put in it and the papers from the shop in Ca showed it was a 500 Engine,buyer beware.

At first I was real Pissed when I did a cover off timing chain and found it was a 420 Euro engine instesd of a 500( I should have checked the engine number as I was only familar with the deisels at that time ) ,but after two years of driving I love the 420 it has more than enough power and I am getting 20 + MPG in overal driving of which most is on curvey MT.roads.I rebuilt the front end plus new rotors tires etc and it is about the finest handling car I have ever driven,also parts have never been a problem I get everything from FastLane ..........

William Rogers..........

74 240D
81SD
81SD
86 Euro 500SE
81 2wd Blazer 454 conversion

Thanks for the replies. I stopped and looked at the car again today. The VIN is as follows "WDB CA". It does not have 126 after that. I did not look at the cruise lever, as I read this after I stopped again. Thanks again.

Well if you had given two more digets the car would have been identified.

Oh, I did not realize that. According to the second reply, it did not state that. I think I will pass on this car anyway, because I think that $3000 is steep for a 1982- in this condition, with 194K, considering I can buy a 1986 560SEL with 188K for $3000.

Thanks again.