1989 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Reviews

This one owner 1989 300SE is all original paint and interior, showing nearly no wear.

Mechanical issues: heater required new monovalve - which is common on all W126 Mercedes after 60k miles, new driver's window switch, and a repair to passenger seat headrest lift mechanism (was working, but got out of alignment).

Cosmetic issues: Replaced drivers armrest due to minor nicks, antenna seal from slight cracking, and touch up of minor road nicks.

These W126 Mercedes are built like bank vaults. You are always aware of the weight of the car, even at speed... and speeding is easy to do, as 45 feels about the same at 100.

The 300SE is the 6 cylinder version - getting almost 20 MPG highway/18 city. Its larger brothers - the SEL (4 inches longer in the back seat) with the V8's are less efficient, with the 5.6 litre just drinking the stuff at 12 MPG.

In SWB form, the cabin is still roomy for five, and the car is more fun to drive than the LWB models. Pickup from a standing start is "acceptable", but once at cruising speed, the number of cylinders is of no concern.

The quality of materials used is exceptional. Many consider these Series 2 W126 cars (1986-1991) as the pinnacle of Mercedes quality and sedan design - which has become iconic.

LOW mileage (under 100k) is the key to value, as the cars are expensive to repair both mechanically and cosmetically. Used parts - however - are plentiful on sites like eBay. Nice low mileage examples sell for $10-$12k, which is a bargain considering what they went for originally - and if maintained, they will last 400k miles or more.

In summary - the W126 sedans are a great car and great investment.

Radio never worked.

A/C blew hot.

Heater stopped working.

Driver's power seat broke.

Oil leaks.

Ball joints replaced at 100K.

Head gasket needed replaced at 120K.

OK, the car was 25 years old and bought for under $4000. I knew what was wrong when I bought it.

The car ran like a German panzer tank. Powerful is the best word to describe the engine in this beast. A little slow out the gate, but once it got moving, you couldn't even tell you were going 90mph plus.

My favorite MB body style, just a true German automotive classic. Once the minor issues were fixed, the car it was one of the most reliable automobiles I ever owned. It sucked that I could never get the radio to work, but the sound of the V-6 was so nice I never minded.

Inside was pure luxury. The front captain's seats were like driving from a lazy boy recliner. The back seat had enough room for 3 passengers with room to spare. The trunk was huge.

I loved this car and would own another one. This is what I remember from MB, not the crap they are mass producing nowadays! The body is solid, no rust, and the paint shined showroom new.

I wish MB would go back to the basics when the engine and transmission mattered the most, not all the stupid bells and whistles that make a car dummy proof. In the old days you had to know a little about the car you drove, the mechanics, the maintenance, the smell of the oil. Give me a vintage Benz any day over a new model!

Common reasonable wear and tear: Valve cover, flexdisk, motor mounts, oil seal gaskets, shocks, ball joints, and few minor wear and tear items, which do not require immediate attention.

There are a few things that will need restoration for the age of the car, but not urgently. There is few paint oxidation showing on top of the roof, a small tear on the front armrest and front driver's seat along the left corner edge.

For a short wheel base sedan, the rear and front is reasonably roomy with comfort. The ride is very smooth and quiet.

For a large heavy sedan, the acceleration is reasonably responsive, including braking. Since this is a short wheel base version of the W126 body style S-Class, merging into another lane is relatively quick and smooth.

The car does feel heavy when making rapid sharp narrow turns.

The original Becker Grand Prix factory radio system with the cassette player, sounds crisp and clear for the age.