Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL W126

Year of manufacture 1984 - ein echter Oldtimer

Full restored condition!

Description

For sale is an exceptionally well-preserved Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL (W126), whose history is just as fascinating as its present condition. Acquired in 1992 from the Mercedes-Benz dealership BERESA by its current owner, this flagship S-Class fulfilled a long-cherished automotive dream. In the years that followed, the owner initially commissioned various works and drove the limousine regularly – always with great care and the firm intention of maintaining the car in first-class condition.

In 2008 he then decided to subject the 500 SEL to a comprehensive restoration – once again entrusting BERESA, the original supplier, with the task. This decision reflected his uncompromising stance on quality and originality. Over a period of two years, the car was meticulously restored with the utmost attention to detail, achieving a condition that is virtually indistinguishable from new. Approximately €81,702.50 was invested in the process, which was completed in 2012. The entire body was extensively refurbished and restored. Inside, the door panels were renewed, the seats reconditioned, and the sunroof fully replaced. The dashboard was restored, and the instrument cluster replaced with a new unit. A GPS module, sound system, and theft-warning alarm system were installed. The exhaust system and rear window were renewed. The original engine was completely rebuilt and overhauled, while the transmission and torque converter were replaced with a factory original automatic gearbox. Every technical component was either reconditioned or replaced. With particular regard to the assignment of historic registration plates, great importance was placed on ensuring that repairs and restoration were carried out exclusively with genuine Mercedes-Benz parts. Nothing was left to chance – every component, every screw, every step of the process was documented.

That the owner is a true perfectionist is evident not only in the restoration itself but also in the documentation: all work is supported by comprehensive Mercedes invoices, the restoration is accompanied by a complete photographic record, and even after completion every subsequent service, refinement, and enhancement has been scrupulously logged. To date, a further €20,000 has been invested in maintenance and elaborate cosmetic treatments, such as professional paint correction and detailing. Every appraisal – whether for the modified wheel-tire combination, the historic “H” registration, or any other certification – has been carefully filed and forms part of the comprehensive documentation supplied with the car.

Prior to the restoration the car had covered around 117,739 kilometers, barely run in for a Mercedes V8 of this class. Since the rebuild it has been driven only sparingly and with the utmost care, covering just 19,184 kilometers. Today the odometer reads 136,923 kilometers in total. The 500 SEL thus presents itself in a condition that is not only technically but also cosmetically truly outstanding and likely unique.

The specification further emphasizes the character of this vehicle. In addition to the extensive factory options typical of the S-Class of that era – including electric sunroof, full leather trim, climate control, and much more – the car has been professionally enhanced with high-quality additions. These include a Webasto auxiliary heater, a Wurm catalytic converter, a modern stereo system, a PEKASAT Easy GPS and GSM tracking system, as well as a custom immobilizer cutting off the fuel supply. For improved driving dynamics and aesthetics, the wheels were upgraded from the factory-fitted 205/70 R14 to 225/60 R15.

Two appraisals are available: one dated 19 August 2011, and a second from April 2025. The most recent report, from April 2025, awards this 500 SEL the top grade of 1–, confirming what is apparent at first glance: this is a vehicle that has been preserved, maintained, and documented far beyond the ordinary.

The combination of a complete BERESA restoration, unparalleled documentation, exceptionally low mileage since the rebuild, and an overall condition that truly deserves the description “near-new” makes this Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL a genuine rarity. This is not merely a classic car, but a piece of automotive cultural history that has been preserved with the same devotion with which it was originally built.

A car for collectors, connoisseurs, and enthusiasts of true substance – and an opportunity unlikely to present itself again.

The vehicle can be viewed at any time by prior appointment, to ensure it is available at the appropriate location.

The car is offered on consignment. All details are provided without guarantee. Errors and changes excepted. This description serves only the general identification of the vehicle and does not constitute a guarantee in the legal sense of a warranty. The information provided is not exhaustive and is supplied without liability. Details published online are non-binding descriptions. Input errors and mistakes excepted. The stated details do not constitute guaranteed characteristics but will be recorded in the purchase contract.

Special Equipment

Outside temperature display, theft-warning system, GPS, walnut burl wood trim, automatic climate control (Thermotronic), light-alloy wheels, Becker Cascade Pro radio/navigation system, trip computer, electrically adjustable individual rear seats, headlamp cleaning system, heated rear seats, electrically adjustable driver’s and passenger’s seats with memory, power rear headrests, rear footrests, ashtrays and cigarette lighters, onboard computer, electric sunroof, rear headrests, ABS, electrically adjustable right-hand side mirror, automatic antenna, illuminated vanity mirrors, front armrest adjustable, heat-insulating green glass all round, heated rear window, door courtesy lights, fire extinguisher, rear reading lights, Wurm catalytic converter (reversible, with certification), central locking with alarm, leather steering wheel, power steering, spare wheel. The car underwent an elaborate two-stage polish in March 2025 and was finished with Swiss Oil wax sealant.

Miscellaneous

Subject to potential errors and changes.
In spite of great dilligence, mistakes in the advertisement cannot be ruled out.