1984 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL

1984 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL(Please note: If you happen to be viewing this 1984 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL on a site other than GarageKeptMotors.com, it's possible that you've only...

1984 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL

(Please note: If you happen to be viewing this 1984 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL on a site other than GarageKeptMotors.com, it's possible that you've only seen some of our many photographs of this vehicle due to website limitations. To be sure you access all the more than 195 photographs, including a short walk-around-and-startup video, as well as a link to its clean, accident-free Carfax documentation, please go to our main website: GarageKeptMotors.)

“… the ultimate summation of the Mercedes-Benz quest to make the best car in the world through innovation, technology, safety, and mechanical excellence….” Hagerty.com, Definitive W126 S-Class Buyer's Guide, 2019

Hagerty noted that the W126 series (of which this 500 SEL is one) is often called the “last true Mercedes-Benz.” Less complex and challenging to maintain than the cars that came after it, more sophisticated, refined, and yet with all the legendary build-quality of the series that preceded it, the W126 sedans definitely occupy the “sweet spot” in a long line of Mercedes-Benz automobiles. The praise went on…

“Underneath, the car is essentially a structurally modernized, lighter, and more refined W116 (prior series), sharing very similar engineering. This commonality makes them drivable everyday classics with the same long-lasting and impeccable and durable fit and finish, relative ease of serviceability, and polished driving dynamics.”

“'Compared to the W140 after it, the W126 was always a much better car mechanically,' said (a) former Mercedes-Benz master technician…. 'There's less to go wrong and they're easier to work on and fix.'”

Even a quick glance shows why these cars were a favorite of Hollywood stars, business tycoons, and political power players. The combination of understated elegance, timeless design, and the hard-to-quantify “presence” of this full-size sedan is both obvious and appealing. The notion that “someone important is in that car” is almost a standard-equipment feature. The 1984 500 SEL offered here is a well-maintained example of these “rolling bank vaults of German luxury.”

The black exterior paint is uniform and in very good condition across the car. The characteristic Mercedes grille is undamaged and as impressive as it was when the car rolled out of the Stuttgart factory in October of 1983 before being shipped to the United States. Across the entire car, the chrome, glass, and complementary plastic trim all shows beautifully. The original 15-inch alloy wheels exhibit very little wear and are mounted with newer Uniroyal Tigerpaw radials. All the factory emblems are in place and undamaged. Headlight and taillight lenses are clear and undamaged. The car's condition speaks to consistent owner care and restrained use over the 105,000 miles (only roughly 3,000 miles per year on average) displayed on the odometer.

Inside, the black-on-black theme continues, as does the evidence of careful use through the years. The leather Mercedes used in the eighties could not have been of higher quality, burled wood accents were carefully selected, and build tolerances were exacting. All of that is evident here with only modest patina showing on some surfaces like the console trim. The dashboard is entirely free of cracks, leather trim shows no damage or sign of abuse, and it's highly unlikely many children ever rode in the car's ample rear-seating area. The car's side and rear glass has been tinted. A Rockford-Fosgate premium audio-speaker system has been added together with a Clarion head unit with Bluetooth capability.

Under the hood, the 5-liter aluminum-block V8 is complete; all components are present and properly located. The engine compartment is tidy but not overly detailed. A newer battery is installed. The car's undercarriage is in similarly good condition with minor rust not involving body panels. This is noteworthy in a vehicle that has spent most of its life in the upper Midwest.

The more then 195 high-definition photographs available on the Garage Kept Motors site, together with the walk-around-and-startup video (and Carfax report) faithfully present this 500 SEL from every angle, including from underneath. That said, we always encourage in-person inspections at our Grand Rapids, Michigan showroom by interested parties, or their representatives. We ask only that appointments for such visits be made with us via phone or email in advance. In the same way, we are happy to answer any questions about the car.

Back in the day, Mercedes salespeople showing these beautiful sedans to potential purchasers would always be sure to ask the prospective buyer to sit in the rear seat to appreciate the space and passenger amenities. Once the customer was inside, the salesperson closed the door. The sound of that solid “thunk” was often enough to seal the deal. If you visit us, we'll be sure to offer this same demonstration.