This 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL is a European-specification example that was imported into the US more than two decades ago and was acquired by the current owner in 2017. Previously listed on BaT in August 2024, the car is finished in Signal Red over black leather and powered by a 5.0-liter M117 V8 paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. Additional equipment includes 15″ Gullideckel alloy wheels, heated power-adjustable front and rear seats, a Becker cassette stereo, automatic climate control, a sunroof, and cruise control. Work in preparation for the sale included performing a paint correction and applying a ceramic coating, rebuilding the head unit, replacing the shifter bushings, and performing an oil change. This W126 500SEL is offered on dealer consignment in New Jersey with manufacturer’s literature, a stamped service booklet, partial service records, a clean Carfax report, and a clean Maryland title.

The car is finished in Signal Red with gray lower cladding and retains its European-specification flush headlamps and bumpers, the latter of which were slimmer than their US-spec equivalents. Other features include a power-operated sunroof, a power antenna, dual exhaust outlets, and bright window and bumper trim. Paint meter readings are viewable in the image gallery below and are said to indicate prior paintwork on the left-rear and right-front doors. A paint correction and ceramic coating were carried out in preparation for the sale.

The 15″ Gullideckel alloy wheels are mounted with Michelin Premier A/S tires. Braking is handled by power-assisted four-wheel discs. Bilstein shocks are installed at all four corners.

The heated power-adjustable front seats and rear bench are upholstered in black leather. Appointments include a Becker cassette stereo, automatic climate control, burl wood trim, cruise control, power windows, vacuum-controlled central locking, and a trunk-mounted Alpine CD changer linked to a steering column-mounted display. The Becker cassette stereo was rebuilt and the shifter bushings were replaced in preparation for the sale.

The four-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel frames a replacement 160-mph speedometer, a tachometer, an analog clock, and supplementary gauges. The six-digit odometer shows 57k miles, approximately 1k of which were added under current ownership. Total mileage is unknown.

The 5.0-liter M117 V8 was factory rated at 245 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. An oil change was performed in preparation for the sale.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission.

Manufacturer’s literature including a stamped service booklet is included in the sale.

The Carfax report shows no accidents or other damage and lists registration history in Indiana, Missouri, and Maryland from the first entry in 2002.