1991 Mercedes-Benz

W126 Sedan

8 Cylinder 4.2 Liter

Automatic

WDBCA35EXMA581277

Gasoline

Air Conditioning

1991 Mercedes-Benz 420SEL Graphite Grey Over Black Leather W126 Our particular example was an immaculate car owned by a wealthy woman who paid $65,000 in cash in 1991 to get it with all available options, including the car phone, which was pricey at the time, to say the least. She pampered the car as it deserved to be. I love Benzes. To me, they represent the apex of status, luxury, engineering, and performance. Even the oh-so-solid sound of slamming the door sounds and feels precise and, well, just so right. Whereas many other makes and models feel like they were made of thousands of parts, panels, bolts, and so on, a finely-crafted Mercedes-Benz, particularly the S-Class, gives you the impression that it was carved from a single block of steel. The 4.2-liter V8 supplies more than adequate power for this almost two-ton car Acceleration is instant and effortless, even at high speeds. This car is silent: inside you hear nothing, and outside you hear a unique, low “hiss” thanks to the precision-tuned muffler (at first, I thought it was a pressure leak!). At idle, it really doesn’t even sound like a gasoline engine. Another random note: the SEL designation (as opposed to SE) denotes the longer, more elegant wheelbase option, even though in my book, you should think of it as a necessity. Inside, you are treated to a living room on 16-inch alloy wheels. The model year 1991 meant an update for the S-Class, with less chrome usage externally, but larger engines (380 and 500 models turned into 420 and 560, respectively) and a better dashboard console. If there’s one thing that I never liked about older Benzes up to that point, it’s how rudimentary the stereo and air conditioning controls look in comparison to the rest of the dashboard. To me, they really were almost an eyesore. 1991 revisions changed that, and the result is a much more unified look and feel. Supple leather and luxurious real wood covers the entire interior, including the firmly supportive, yet comfortable, front and rear seats. Power seat controls are manipulated through a little representation of the seat in the door panel; slide the seat forward, and your actual seat reacts the same way. Push the little headrest up, and yours does too. This logical system has been emulated in several cars by other manufacturers in recent years. The interior is cavernous; rear legroom is never at a premium. Oh, there are a few quirks about driving a 420SEL, besides the typical big-car understeer. Benzes around this age tend to have a peculiar feel to the accelerator, whereas it doesn’t start to go until depressed halfway, then it takes off like a rocket. When switching between cars, this can take a little getting used to. Also, a byproduct of the almost-too-smooth ride is that at high speeds you literally feel like you are floating. This type of numb ride is acceptable, even desired and appreciated, when cruising, but on interstates this can be a bit too relaxed, causing over-acceleration if you aren’t careful. All in all, there is no equal in my eyes for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. If you ask anyone for their idea of the definitive luxury automobile (or “luxury-liner” according to my mother), most will invariably agree with me in indicating the venerable Benz. Everyone should be as lucky as I have been to drive one. The car of your dreams might not be out of your reach after all! Overall Condtion: Mechanically it runs excellent. The face plate radio is missing. It is wire for ipod intergration which is located in the center console. The body has a few areas where the paint is bubling. 1 spot on the A frame rail, second by the fender where it meets the bumper and third by the Driver's side molding. the interior is almost in mint condition. Very solid car and original condition. Gauge cluster was replaced by previous Dealer do to malfunctioning gauge. Miles not actual. If you have any other question regarding the mercedes, please feel free to contact me. Good Luck Bidders!Please contact for further questions 847 867 7887 or email@ mas.net@hotmail.com