[bec]

Hi Folks, I am new to the forum and to Mercedes. Considering buying this old car (1990 300SEL) but having a hard time tracking info on it - as well as blue book. Can anyone tell me:
1. models it most compares to from 1992-1993 (so I can compare blue book prices),
and any other info about it that would be useful to a newbie like me.
Thanks so much!
Bec

 

[rumb]

It compares to any gen II 1985-1991. there are plenty of models with different engine sizes. Many like the 300SE for it's better fuel economy, other like the largest 560 engine. all are nearly the same body and interior though there are a few more bells on the big ones.

Mercedes-Benz W126 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

and search this forum for buyer's guide.

post the link or pictures of what you are looking at for a better analysis.

you can get a great car for $3000 - $6000, it all boils down to condition though.



also please add your location to your profile, it helps us help you.

 

[fanboy]

I have a 1990 300SEL. It's a wonderful car. The engine is arguably the best Mercedes engine ever.

But the car's value depends entirely on the condition and maintenance. It could be worth $100 or $10K+, depending on condition.

KBB doesn't tell you anything, because these aren't handled by dealers, and KBB only tracks dealer sales.

Prices you see here on benzworld for-sale are a bit on the high side, because the cars offered here tend to be well taken care of, and because we're a bunch of fetishists.

Two non-obvious things to check: air conditioning (looking for evap failure) and reverse gear (looking for rear clutch drum failure).

 

[wilson1010]

^^ Agree. Marvelous car. Also agree that the M103 is the best Mercedes gasoline motor ever made.

Don't scrimp on condition. As you will note from the threads in this forum, one cannot really economically restore a W126 car as far as cosmetics are concerned. It makes more sense to buy the $10,000 one in pristine condition than the $3500 one that needs a little TLC. Mechanical items can be fixed. Paint, interior, rust, wood, etc., not so much.

 

[Michael Pillay]

I had a 1990 300SEL as my daily driver for almost 10 years. Great car.