1989 Mercedes 500SEL 10k miles, Japanese, ECE engine, like-new condition

1989 Mercedes 500SEL Japanese/Euro model

10,600 miles

WDB1260371A442450

Factory 300hp M117.963 with Tri-Y factory exhaust

Mother of Pearl over black leather

I bought this car last year when it had 9800 miles on it (yes I drive it - it's impossible not to). For me, t's the pinnacle - lasts forever, arely breaks, rives new, mells new, nd with rare factory options. Originally in Japan (Classic Center says they think probably an Embassy car - who knows?), mported through Canada, hen into Oregon, hen to me in Texas.

When I got it, he AC was weak, nd I discovered that it had been converted to R134 at some point. So I had the AC redone - new compressor, new drier, new expansion valve, ull flush, illed with R12 and tested with leaks with a sniffer. AC is seriously cold - even in the Houston heat of the summer.

Exterior condition? It's about damn-perfect. All the paint is original; I put a paint gauge to it. No dents. No door dings. No scratches. No bumper rubbings. Note the notch on the lower front bumper (see last pics); that's the only body flaw. It is a 10,000-mile car so it should be near perfect. Always garaged and of course, o rust anywhere. Currently lives under a car cover in a garage next to a covered w111.

Interior condition? Even closer to damn-perfect. No smells. No stains. No scratched bolsters. No de-laminating windows. "New condition" would be the way to describe it. The roller blind only goes up halfway - the only interior flaw. The interior is amazing; still looks and feels brand new. Smells like it too. Switchgear all new-feeling with tight clicks when you use them.

Mechanical condition? Perfect. Looks new underhood - not even specs of dirt/debris in the deepest corners. Runs like new. Steers like new. Brakes like new. Starts quietly, dles smoothly like a new Lexus, nd runs like a beaten dog after 3000rpm. It's nothing like the US-version cars with the restricted M117 - it is way faster. Has the Tri-Y factory exhaust. New Michelin tires; no funny vibrations. Ever drove a brand new w126 in the '80s (I have!)? It drives as tight as one of those. Like it should.

Selling because I'm done with classics; I've owned a lot of them, nd I'm just burned out.Mental states change, guess. I am keeping a w111 cab and a 1958 Isetta 600 to restore someday. But the four-car garage only holds four cars and anything that doesn't fit needs to go.

This car is bonkers; it's for the crazies like me who love Mercedes and want an excellent original one. Yes, ou could buy a 70k-mile one for $13k, nd put $6000 into it fixing wear items and making it more non-original along the way, ut I prefer the "buy the best one you can" theory and just enjoy it. That's why I bought this one - this is museum quality kind of stuff.

I have been a Mercedes enthusiast since 1984 when I turned 15; an MBCA Member since 2004. Clear Texas title in my name. Car is on west side of Houston. You can drive it away or transport it away - the car is ready for anything. It's been a pleasure to have spent time with it - it's absolutely amazing.