1991 Mercedes-Benz 420SEL - Similar to BMW, Jaguar, 560, SEL, SL, W126

1991 Mercedes-Benz 400-Series Base Sedan 4-Door Additional Info:

With as much experience as I have had with the Mercedes marque (specializing in their repair/restoration) and the cars I have seen with both low miles and high, I have found that not a single one has escaped the need for time related repairs. That is not the case here. This example is likely the only truly turn key, perfectly functioning, nothing needed W126 available. Due to the fact that I specialize in the marque and I spend a lot of time particularly on this era of Mercedes from W116, W123, W126 and W107, this W126 has spent more time in the air than on the ground in the last 5 years of the 8 I have owned it.
Being in the restoration business and already having owned this car I restored it as a showpiece to build my business' reputation for quality/fit and finish. It presented what we could do in the smallest details to original standards and was successful in its intended effect. This is a show stopping car, in person it outshines anything you could possibly pick to park alongside it. Pictures do not do the car justice in the slightest. But, I have owned the car long enough and it is time to let it go. This is, however, a true #1 condition car.
162 Pictures are located in my Onedrive at the following link covering... exterior, interior, undercarriage, engine and service paperwork
https://1drv.ms/f/s!AuofIgSrYWdDiSdfFaWQG19Hu5Bf
This is most of the recent repair/restoration work completed, I have all receipts since I bought the car which come with it. I also have the dealer history. I have certainly missed stuff that was done, but know you will not have to do anything to this car except maintain it.
Starting with the cosmetics:
Completely stripped of all trim, chrome and glass. sanded down to the original primer and brought back up from there. A 7-coat show finish with ceramic clear currently adorns the car in the original color. There is no corrosion whatsoever under or over anywhere on the car. After removing the cladding there was some around the trim clips where water collects. Everything was taken to metal where there was an issue and properly dealt with including waterproofing the new clips so this would not happen again. The original finish was faded and had flaws as with any car of the age regardless of mileage. Now this car is truly flawless and looks like it did when new 27 years ago.
Euro Bumpers were procured. Gen IIs for around 3K shipped. The chrome blades were re-chromed and all new hardware was used from the Classic center. Total cost to fit these bumpers was a bit over 5K$, alone the cost of an average W126.
New grille surround and strips from Mercedes. New trunk closing ledge and seal (chrome)
Did not install but included is a new 420SEL badge
All seals replaced including doors and trunk, windshield replaced, front and rear window chrome was replaced with new from Mercedes - all parts were new Mercedes parts.
Wheels are about two years old, LA wheel Chrome with new Michelins at that time. Spare is original Michelin and has never been on the ground. Tools accounted for.
All trim clips, screws, chrome, etc... replaced with new hardware from Mercedes.
Tail lamps and corner lamps replaced with German smoked units which are common in Europe. NOT the cheap Depot junk.
Suspension was replaced with H&R Springs and Bilstein Shock absorbers on all 4 corners. This lowers the car 1"-1.25". This not only makes the car look more proportionate but improves handling drastically without harming the ride quality.
New leather, springs and seat pads on the front seats using original Leather grain and color from World Upholstery. 2500$ project now the seats feel like new.
Mechanical:
This Spring - Oil change Royal Purple 5-40 and Mercedes filter, brake master cylinder and reservoir and brake fluid change. Coolant change. Mercedes battery.
Last fall - New radiator, hoses, all 4 brake calipers, rotors, ceramic pads, front wheel bearings, front wheel seals, all 4 brake hoses.
Last summer - Transmission pan, gasket, filter and 6.5L Mobil 1 ATF, All V belts and rebuild power steering pump and new power steering fluid. Cruise control computer.
Last spring - Oil change Royal Purple 5-40 and Mercedes filter, Exhaust - Factory center and rear muffler and pipes. Oil pan gasket. Wood center console.
Fall 2015 170K miles - Timing equipment - including chain, sprockets, guides tensioner (ALL PARTS Mercedes original dealer supplied parts), cams, rockers, head gaskets, Head bolts (all of them) Exhaust gaskets, valve job with new guides and seals... water pump, valve cover gaskets. Spent $6200 for components and machinist.
Spring 2015 - Oil change Royal Purple 5-40 and Mercedes filter, differential fluid Royal Purple 75-90, cosmetic restoration through summer.
Fall 2014 - Fuel pumps (yes both), filter, accumulator, fuel pressure regulator, fuel pump mount and bracket, all fuel hoses near fuel tank, injectors, injector seals, intake doughnuts, air hoses, idle control valve, injector hold down clamps spent 3500 or so.
Spring 2014 - Air con hoses high pressure, drier, expansion valve. Thorough flushing of the air con and multiple o rings. Refilled with Mineral A/C oil to spec and refilled with R12 - no conversion - ice cold A/C... Also, Oil change Royal Purple 5-40 and Mercedes filter as well as a coolant change and brake fluid change using Pentosin Dot 4 which is all this car ever got from me.
Fall 2013 - Center support bearing on driveshaft, engine mounts, trans mount... New original in the box electric antenna from Hirschman
Summer 2013 - Front suspension guide rods, tie rods, alignment, Springs and shocks, ball joints upper control arms.
Spring 2013 - Oil change with Royal Purple 5-40 and Mercedes filter. Transmission filter gasket Mobil 1 ATF.
etc...
I have a clean title and window sticker. There is nothing whatsoever wrong with this car. Every item works everything operates as it should. It will provide decades of reliable use. Come and see it in person and drive it cross country. There will be no disappointment in any aspect of the car in either the way is presents or in the way it performs.
Questions - call me, Justin, at E.U. Autoworks - 651 342 0928