1991 Mercedes-benz 560sel Base Sedan 4-door 5.6l - 34.7 K Actual Miles on 2040-cars

1991 Mercedes Benz 560SEL.  Extremely low miles (34,770 - may be a smidge higher; I am driving it 2-4x a week).


The Very Good:  This car has extremely low and definitely actual miles.  It is in amazing shape, except the paint's a bit tired.  Interior is like new.  Car runs and drives like a near new SEL should.  Tracks straight.  Drives great.  Wood and leather are the BEST I've ever seen in a Benz this vintage.  But for the off-color passenger side airbag dash plastic piece (see pics), you'd never know it had been in an accident from inside.  Ice cold A/C (updated to take new freon).  Heated, power reclining seats in front AND rear; all work great.  Except as listed below, all options work so far as I know.   Rear self-leveling suspension works as it should; recent gas spheres in rear and new front OEM spec shocks.

Interior is in like-new condition; you'd never know it had been wrecked.  No rips or tears.  No fading (there is some foot wear to driver's side floor mat; rear carpeted footrest triangles are like new and all other apparent fading of carpet and seats in a few pix is from the light outside or from a flash -- interior is primo; looks like a 34k mile Benz would've looked in 1993).  Has one or two minor, hairline cracks in the surface glazing on the wood (not the wood) by gearshift; no deep or even really visible cracks.  Wood looks like new unless you get close enough to see those and even so it looks fine.  It's still the best wood set I've ever seen in a W126.

The Bad:  It was in an accident about 2 years ago at about 17k miles.  As happens all too easily with older cars, it was "totaled" by the insurance company.  So, it has accident history in the history on Autocheck or CarFax.  It was repaired; and inspected by the Maryland State Police, which is required when a cars is bought from an insurance auction and rebuilt.  It currently has a clear Maryland title (at least, I don't see any brand on the title) and is registered, tagged and driven in Maryland.    I bought it last year, thinking I'd use it for parts for my '89 (which has 55k miles and which is also F/S).  But, I quickly realized it is an excellent example of this car.  So, I sorted out a few odds and ends that bothered me (including taking of hideous after market rims and putting on four OEM rims specific to the model with new tires; and have driven it, alternating with my '89).  I've kept it covered when not in use to keep the interior nice. 

Car had like 17 k miles when it was in the accident. Accident was a right front hit.  Airbag appears to have deployed.  Passenger airbag cover was replaced with off color piece.  About 10" of the frame in front of the wheel on the right side was cut out and replaced with a new piece (see pic).  Car is straight (see pics).   Drives straight.  Radiator support was reused and is not perfect, so front pieces don't have OEM alignment.  This could easily be fixed with a fresh radiator core support and some basic competent panel alignment, IMO.  It could use a respray anyway.


Things Not Working:

-SRS light on.  I doubt both airbags are present, but I don't know.
-Radio does not work BUT tape deck does.  I use it with a tape deck adaptor and my iPhone.  Sounds great.  Just doesn't get radio stations in.  IDK why. 
-Locks don't work in sync anymore.  I think my son borrowed it and his GF did not know about Benz locks.  It should be a simple fix.  It did work when I got the car and only stopped recently.  Individual doors lock as they should etc.
-Brights (headlight brights setting) do not work.   Fog setting works fine. 
-May be other odds & ends that don't work right, but that's all I've noticed.  Everything else I've used works great.  And, I've used all the options I know about so I'm pretty sure all the rest works.

This is an extremely low mileage excellent condition example of this car.  The accident was on the Eastern Shore of Maryland; so, I think it was garage kept at some elderly person's beach house before the wreck.  That's the only explanation I can think of for the miles, age, location of the accident and the fact that, based on the condition of the interior (wood/leather), there is no way this car spent any significant part of its life stored outdoors/uncovered.  Interior is in FAR better shape than my '89 with 55k miles that was not always stored indoors, and that car is in excellent shape in side for a 25 year old car.

Car has a reasonable reserve (under $7,000).  Reserve is far less than what I have in purchasing and sorting it.  I will not sell it for less. 

TERMS:  Car is sold "as is" where is with no warranties express or implied. I am a lawyer & car enthusiast, not a dealer and not a mechanic.  Buyers are urged to come see it in person and I will arrange test drives for anyone who wants one;  also, I have 10 cars and my own lift (and a mechanic who works for me 3 days a month).  So, at my house, the car can be put up and inspected by prospective buyers (or I will allow your mechanic to look it over at your expense).   I reserve the right to end the auction early and advertise & sell the vehicle locally at any time.   $1,000 deposit due within 24 hours of auction close.  PayPal may be used for deposit, at buyer's expense on the fees.  Payment for balance due in cash or a bank check payable and cashed by me before car / title will be released.