NO RESERVE! - 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 SE
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HIGHLIGHTS
• Flagship luxury model
• Only 4 previous owners
• 5.0 Litre V8 power
• Service history
THE BACKGROUND
The first generation of the W126 (the Mercedes-Benz internal code) was introduced in 1979 and were fitted with either a 2.8, 3.8 or 5.0 litre engines.
The second generation flagship S-Class (or ‘special’) came along in 1985 and benefited from a decade of production development with sleeker styling, improved aerodynamics, ride quality, handling, and fuel efficiency.
It is also well known for being the first model to be fitted with innovative technologies including drivetrain developments, safety systems and cabin equipment.
It is also well known for being the first model to be fitted with innovative technologies including drivetrain developments, safety systems and cabin equipment.
THE HISTORY
This Mercedes-Benz was first registered on the 21st August 1990 and purchased from Sparshatt Jones in Dartford.
It appears to have resided in the Kent area most of its life before coming to Hampshire, and notably, the last two owners each kept the car for around 10 years.
The last owner always kept it garaged and attended to any maintenance required.
It appears to have resided in the Kent area most of its life before coming to Hampshire, and notably, the last two owners each kept the car for around 10 years.
The last owner always kept it garaged and attended to any maintenance required.
THE PAPERWORK
The V5 accompanies this Mercedes-Benz along with the current MOT certificate which runs until 30.12.21. It passed with no advisories and more recent MOT’s indicate that it has in fact been driven less than 2,000 miles a year. The vehicle is taxed until January 2022.
There doesn’t appear to be an original handbook but there is some garage bills for repairs and maintenance in a folder which also includes DVLA correspondence and the original service booklet which lists 16 stamps (14 of them from Mercedes-Benz main dealers in Kent and Essex).
THE INTERIOR
As you climb aboard this S-Class executive saloon, the simple, but stylish, walnut burr veneer dashboard of this Mercedes is in good condition.
The steering wheel shows some signs of wear as you would expect and the B-pillar trim around the seat belt anchor points is coming loose. There are a few minor marks to the grey leather seats and trim but otherwise the upholstery, headlining, doors and carpets all look terrific.
The steering wheel shows some signs of wear as you would expect and the B-pillar trim around the seat belt anchor points is coming loose. There are a few minor marks to the grey leather seats and trim but otherwise the upholstery, headlining, doors and carpets all look terrific.
The seller assures us that all the electrical switches operate correctly. Being a late SE model, it features electrically operated front heated seats (including head-restraints), electrically operated steering wheel adjustment, cruise control, climate control, central locking, electric steel sunroof etc, etc!. The list goes on…
Other interior equipment includes the rear window blind and the original first aid kit stashed away in the rear parcel shelf along with an aftermarket Alpine sound system and hands-free kit. The massive boot is spotless and contains a usable spare wheel and tool kit. As you can see from the instrumentation photos, the exterior temperature gauge functions, and it was indeed 29 degrees on the day of the photo-shoot!.
THE EXTERIOR
The glossy metallic black coachwork is generally in good condition. There are some light scratches and small chips in various places around the car but nothing major.
The most noticeable is probably the stone chips to the front panels below the headlamps (see photos). There is a small dent on the rear of the nearside wing (see photo) and a small rust patch just above the offside rear bumper side (see photo), however no other significant rust was detectable upon inspection.
The most noticeable is probably the stone chips to the front panels below the headlamps (see photos). There is a small dent on the rear of the nearside wing (see photo) and a small rust patch just above the offside rear bumper side (see photo), however no other significant rust was detectable upon inspection.
The Iconic chrome radiator grille is shiny and the bumpers look very straight and true as do the grey lower side protection ‘Sacco panels’ (named after Mercedes head of styling, Bruno Sacco). The chrome trim is also very good. The underside looks clean and considering the vehicle comes with a current MOT, ought to be in good order.
Any other obvious exterior blemishes are confined to the door mirrors and wheels - the drivers side mirror has tape holding it together at the moment and the passenger side has some scratches (see photos). The original 15” alloy wheels are in good order but are showing their age. The Falken tyres have plenty of tread left on them.
THE MECHANICS
The naturally aspirated 4,973cc V8 Mercedes-Benz engine will waft you down the road all day long and if you wish to put your foot down then the 248bhp will reach 0-62 in around 7.5 sec and get you to 140mph.
The 1990 model was the first to adopt the Bosch KE-Jetronic electronic-mechanical fuel injection system and as it’s a V8 has the 4-speed 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox which features standard, ’S’ and economy, ‘E’ modes.
The 1990 model was the first to adopt the Bosch KE-Jetronic electronic-mechanical fuel injection system and as it’s a V8 has the 4-speed 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox which features standard, ’S’ and economy, ‘E’ modes.
Certainly whilst driving this car to the photo shoot location, the engine pulled well, the auto-gear changes were smooth and the power steering felt tight and surprisingly responsive for a 1.6 tonne car.
The ABS vented disc brakes operated predictably and no knocks or clonks were detected even on bumpy B roads. The independent coil springs and anti-roll bars, front and rear, also did their job efficiently.
The ABS vented disc brakes operated predictably and no knocks or clonks were detected even on bumpy B roads. The independent coil springs and anti-roll bars, front and rear, also did their job efficiently.
Reassuringly, the 500SE also feature traction control and incorporates front and rear crumple zones.
THE APPEAL
The legendary Mercedes-Benz engineering, reliability, safety and comfort that we have presented here should last for many years to come, and with a little care, can only rise in value the way it’s predecessors have.
This statesman like 500SE oozes class from every panel and is a dream to drive. You just know you are sitting in something special!
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Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
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Vehicle specification
- Year 1990
- Make Mercedes
- Model 500 SE
- Colour Black
- Odometer 135,230 Miles
- Engine size 4973
Auction Details
- Seller Type Trade
- Location Hampshire
- Country United Kingdom
78
bids
- ja•••• £7,700 05/10/21
- p1•••• £7,600 05/10/21
- ja•••• £7,500 05/10/21
- p1•••• £7,400 05/10/21
- ja•••• £7,300 05/10/21
- p1•••• £7,200 05/10/21
- p1•••• £7,100 05/10/21
- ja•••• £7,000 05/10/21
- p1•••• £6,999 05/10/21
- ja•••• £6,900 05/10/21
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