This is a 1990 Mercedes-Benz 420 SEL with 167,000 miles. I bought this car in 2001 to bring home my newborn daughter from the hospital, because I wanted something that was extremely safe, built like a tank, and very comfortable. I am only the second owner. I bought this car from a wealthy collector in Kentucky who wanted to free up a slot in his 12-car garage for something newer.
When I bought the car it had 67,000 miles on it. I have put all of the subsequent 100,000 miles on it over 12 years, a little over 8,000 miles a year on average.
Since I have had it, the car has been serviced exclusively by only three mechanics: German Motorwerks in Ridgeland, MS and Holton Imports, also in Ridgeland, for major service; and Midas in Ridgeland for minor items like oil changes. If you know about German Motorwerks and Holton Imports, you know that Scott Spence and Ken Holton are complete fanatics. They work exclusively on Porsche, Mercedes, and BMW. They are very meticulous and do extremely good work. They don't use cheap parts, they don't cut corners, and they don't let their customers cut corners either.
Like most 24-year old cars, this one has several things that need attention, but there are also some really solid things about it. If you've ever owned older German sedans, you know they represent a great value as long as you're prepared for the maintenance they require, and you'll probably recognize the value this 420SEL represents. I did the math recently and calculated that I've been able to drive this car for the 12 years I've had it for about $118/mo.
The 420SEL is a great car - heavy, safe, comfortable, and great on the open road. They do require more maintenance than a lot of cars, but if you're a fan of German cars you know that already. However, if you've never owned an older German sedan, then this probably isn't the car for you ;)
So if you're still with me...
At 135,000 I had the transmission replaced. It often shifts down into first with a slight clunk. This can be eliminated with an adjustment by a decent mechanic. AAMCO in Jackson did the installation, and they can do the adjustment. The transmission is very strong and easily has another 100,000 miles on it. I just haven't taken the time to get it back to AAMCO and have the adjustment made.
The paint job has seen better days. I live in the Jackson neighborhood of Belhaven, and most of the homes were built before WWII and don't have covered garages. Those that do, usually have room for only one car. I have a one-car garage, but naturally my wife's car gets to live in it ;) However, the paint is dark gray and looks great from twenty feet away. It's only when you get right up on that you can see the imperfections. There are a few very shallow dings from the hailstorm back in March, which are visible only if you get at the right angle in the right light. There is a cover that comes with the car. I covered the car with blankets and then the cover before the hailstorm hit. That should give you an idea of the strength of the storm - 30,000 cars in Jackson didn't fare nearly as well as this one!
Last year I had the ignition system rebuilt by Holton Imports, but in the last few weeks it has developed a rough idle that smooths out within a minute or two once the engine warms up. This is probably a spark plug and/or wire that needs replacing, but the rest of the ignition system is virtually brand new.
I replaced the original radio, which only had a cassette player, with a Sony that plays audio CD's and MPEG-3 CD's. It still works fine and the speakers sound superb. However, the motor that drives the antenna eventually gave out. Since I never listened to the radio, I just had the antenna removed.
The air conditioner has a very slow leak which has been present since I bought the car in 2001. They way I've addressed it is simply to have the coolant recharged. The leak is so slow that I can sometimes go two years between recharges. I never have to recharge it more than once a year. It usually costs about $100, and the A/C blows nice and cold afterward.
The hard headliner around the front of the sunroof is slightly loose, but can be fixed easily. The sunroof works fine and doesn't leak at all. I apply some WD-40 to the rails every spring to keep it opening and closing smoothly. The washer fluid reservoir has a slow leak. Not sure if it's in the tank or the hose, but either way the fix is very inexpensive.
The electric seats work perfectly - even the headrests. There are no cracks or blemishes in the dashboard. There is one tiny crack in the wood around the A/C button panel, but it's not an open crack - just a faint line in the finish.
The floor mats are less than a year old - driver's side floor mat is showing slight wear but the others are virtually untouched.
The front suspension was completely rebuilt earlier this year by Holton Imports.
The brakes were redone a couple of years ago and are in great shape.
The tires are brand new and have less than 1,000 miles on them.
The car has never been in an accident. No body work has ever been done to it.
It has never been salvaged or flooded. It has never been leased or part of a rental fleet.
The 420SEL is known among Mercedes enthusiasts as a great example of the automaker's big sedan. This car cost $70,000 new. It has the exact same chassis and body as the 560SEL, but with fewer gadgets and things to go wrong. I've had several 560 owners of the same vintage tell me they wish they had gone with the 420 instead.
It's been a great part of my life for the last 12 years, and it'll make the right owner a great car for many years to come. I hate to see it go, but my job situation recently allowed me to upgrade cars, so I'm taking that opportunity.
Make me a reasonable offer and this classic Mercedes-Benz can be yours!
$500 deposit required immediately upon winning auction or Buy it Now. Full balance due within 5 days or at time of pickup, whichever comes first.
[I am advertising this car locally, so I reserve the right to end this auction early should I sell it to a local buyer.]
Mercedes-Benz 400-Series for Sale
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Wed, Mar 10 2021
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Fri, Jan 27 2017
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