Highlights
- Attractive Diamond Blue over beige leather
- Lots of recent mechanical work by specialists
- 2024 repairs to power steering, suspension, exhaust, timing chain and propshaft
- Large history file of ongoing maintenance
- Well preserved original interior
- Scope to add value by improving the bodywork
The Appeal
In the late 1980s, Mercedes-Benz cornered the market in big, luxury grand tourers. Its C126 makes a strong case for being the best four-seat coupe of its generation, if not subsequent generations. Exquisite engineering, handsome Sacco styling and torquey V8s continue to make these cars highly appealing to collectors.
Here is a chance to bag one a 500SEC and add some value. Smartly finished in Diamond Blue metallic with well-preserved beige leather cabin, it is a relatively low-mileage example that has had considerable recent investment in its mechanicals. Recent work in 2024 includes power steering and a/c systems, exhaust repairs, propshaft refurbishment and suspension work. The timing chains were done in 2023 along with a full service and other mechanical work.
The bodywork would benefit from remedial work to bring it up to the standard of the mechanicals and interior. Buyers should get some reassurance about the body and structural condition from a recent January 2025 MOT that showed no structural advisories.
For the right buyer, here is a chance to get into the C126 experience with a car you can drive and improve as you go.
The vendor says:
“Drives beautifully and smoothly through gear change. Good power and v8 burble. a lovely iconic luxury cruiser.”
History and Paperwork
- UK market RHD car first registered 22nd January 1990
- Seven registered keepers
- Current keeper since August 2019
- Extensive works list available as shown in photos
- Recent service and timing belt change in March 2023
- Owner reports circa £8k spend on mechanicals between 2023-2024
- Further maintenance work shown in photos
- Two magazines
- MOT expired 5th January 2026 with an advisory to note
- V5C present
- Car will need to be trailered as the MOT has expired
- Pair of OEM front wings available at a separate cost from the seller
The Condition
- Factory correct two tone Diamond Blue metallic paintwork in fair condition for age
- Paintwork shows some deterioration, including delamination, chips and marks
- Bodywork as shown with deterioration to area below rear screen and front wings
- Underside as shown with no structural advisories on last MOT in January 2025
- Vendor advises that car would benefit from a respray
- Fitted with deep dish lattice-style BBS alloys showing some tarnish
- Beige leather interior with walnut veneers in very good condition
- Vendor states interior has no wear, rips to upholstery or damage to controls
- The headliner is loose around sunroof and requires re-sticking
- All instruments are working apart from the LCD bleed on the digital display, we are told
- Central locking only works from the passenger side, but doors can be locked individually
- Specification includes electric sunroof, heated seats and adaptive cruise control
- Beige carpets with some light staining to note in photos
The Mechanics
- 4,973cc M117 V8 engine
- 4spd 4G-TRONIC automatic transmission
- Extensive recent work detailed in photos and summarised above
- Serviced and timing belt changed in 2023
- Said to drive well with smooth gear changes
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