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1988 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL

Mecum Kissimmee (2020)

Bring A Trailer Auction

Mecum Monterey (2015)

Mercedes-Benz 300SEL - W126

Mercedes-Benz

The history of Mercedes-Benz starts at the turn of the 20th century. The company&#39;s lineage begins with <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/benz-cie/">Benz &amp; Cie</a> and the Daimler Motor Corporation (DMG). Daimler introduced the Mercedes 35hp, an automobile named after the daughter of DMG dealer and associate Emil Jellinek, setting the precedent for the use of the name. In 1926, DMG and Benz merged to create Mercedes-Benz, with their first car released in the same year. In the years since its creation, Mercedes-Benz has become one of the world&#39;s premier automotive manufacturers, known for their high level of engineering as well as their luxury. The company also has a prestigious racing history, have participated in all sorts of motorsport competitions, and achieved notable victories in Formula 1 and Le Mans. Just a few of the company&#39;s&nbsp;storied historical models include the <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/sl/w198/300-sl-gullwing/">300 SL Gullwing</a>, the <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/540k/">540K</a>, the <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/600/">600</a>, and the <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w112/">300 SE</a>. Among the more notable modern cars are the <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/sls/">SLS</a>, <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/slr-mclaren/">SLR McLaren</a>, and <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/clk/clk-gtr/">CLK GTR</a>. Mercedes also continues to push forward with modern engineering, pursuing hybrid technologies with many of their new models, including the upcoming Formula 1 engined Mercedes-AMG Project One supercar.

The history of Mercedes-Benz starts at the turn of the 20th century. The company's lineage begins with Benz & Cie and the Daimler Motor…

300SEL - W126

Mercedes-Benz S

The Mercedes-Benz S is one of the most influential cars ever made.&nbsp;The S is mainly a 4 door luxury sedan, yet has also been offered as a coupe or convertible in certain generations. As one of Mercedes&#39; flagship models, the S has introduced groundbreaking safety innovations, as well as established a standard of engineering and refinement that many other marques measure up to. While only officially christened as the S-Class in 1973, S models trace their origin to 1954. The Mercedes-Benz S lineage is as follows: <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w180/">W180 (1954-1959)</a>, <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w128/">W128 (1958-1960)</a>, <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w111/">W111 (1959-1971)</a>, <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w112/">W112 (1961-1967)</a>, <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w108w109/">W108/W109 (1965-1973)</a>, <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w116/">W116 (1973-1980)</a>, <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w126/">W126 (1980-1991)</a>, <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w140/">W140 (1992-1999)</a>, <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w220/">W220 (2000-2006)</a>, <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w221/">W221 (2007-2013)</a>, <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w222/">W222 (2014-2020)</a>, and <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w223/">W223 (2021-)</a>.

The Mercedes-Benz S is one of the most influential cars ever made. The S is mainly a 4 door luxury sedan, yet has also been offered as a…

Mercedes-Benz S-Class - W126

The second generation <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/">Mercedes-Benz S-Class</a>, the W126, was introduced for the 1980 model year. The updated S-Class featured numerous safety advancements as well as technological and mechanical improvements. As well as improving the model, the W126 introduced the <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w126/c126-coupe/">S-Class Coupe (C126)</a> alongside the <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w126/sedan/">W126 Sedan</a>. Built over two series, the W126 featured a variety of inline 6 as well as V8 engines. The W126 was replaced by the <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w140/">W140 S-Class</a> for the 1992 model year.

The second generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the W126, was introduced for the 1980 model year. The updated S-Class featured numerous safety…

S-Class - W126

W126

Mercedes-Benz W126 S-Class Sedan

The second generation <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/">Mercedes-Benz S-Class</a> Sedan was introduced for the 1980 model year. Known as the W126, the updated S-Class sedan featured numerous safety advancements as well as technological and mechanical improvements. The W126 sedan was built over two series and featured a variety of inline 6 and V8 engines including diesel options. Both standard and long wheelbase versions were sold, with long wheelbase models designated by an &#39;L&#39; in the name (ex: 420 SEL). Over the course of production, Mercedes offered a large number of variants: <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w126/sedan/280se/">280SE</a>, <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w126/sedan/280-sel/">280SEL</a>, <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w126/sedan/380-se/">380SE</a>, <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w126/sedan/380-sel/">380SEL</a>, <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w126/sedan/500-se/">500SE</a>, <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w126/sedan/500-sel/">500SEL</a>, <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w126/sedan/300-se/">300SE</a>, <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w126/sedan/300-sel/">300SEL</a>, <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w126/sedan/420-sel/">420SEL</a>, <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w126/sedan/560-sel/">560SEL</a>, <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w126/sedan/300-sd/">300SD</a>, <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w126/sedan/300-sdl/">300SDL</a>, <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w126/sedan/350-sd/">350SD</a>, and <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w126/sedan/350-sdl/">350SDL</a>.

The second generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan was introduced for the 1980 model year. Known as the W126, the updated S-Class sedan…

W126 S-Class Sedan

Sedan

The 300SEL was a variant of the <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w126/sedan/">W126 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan</a>. Introduced for the 1986 model year, the 300 SEL was powered by Mercedes&#39; M103.980 3.0L inline six engine, and featured both manual and automatic transmission options that sent power to the rear wheels. The &#39;E&#39; designation in the name refers to the 300 SEL&#39;s fuel-injection as Einspritzmotor means fuel-injected engine in German, whereas the &#39;L&#39; refers to the long wheelbase. Production of the Mercedes-Benz 300SEL lasted until 1991, although the variant would continue life in the next generation <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w140/">Mercedes-Benz W140 S-Class</a>.

The 300SEL was a variant of the W126 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan. Introduced for the 1986 model year, the 300 SEL was powered by Mercedes'…

Mercedes-Benz 280SE - W126

The 280SE was a variant of the <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w126/sedan/">W126 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan</a>. Introduced for the 1980 model year, the 280 SE was built on the standard length wheelbase. The &#39;E&#39; designation in the name refers to the 280 SE&#39;s fuel-injection as Einspritzmotor means fuel-injected engine in German. This family of cars was powered by Mercedes&#39; M110.989 2.8L inline six engine, and featured both manual and automatic transmission options. Production of the Mercedes-Benz 280 SE lasted until 1985, when the variant was discontinued.

The 280SE was a variant of the W126 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan. Introduced for the 1980 model year, the 280 SE was built on the standard…

280SE - W126

280SE

Mercedes-Benz 280SEL - W126

The 280SEL was a variant of the <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w126/sedan/">W126 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan</a>. Introduced for the 1980 model year, the 280 SEL was powered by Mercedes&#39; M110.989 2.8L inline six engine, and featured both manual and automatic transmission options. The &#39;E&#39; designation in the name refers to the 280 SEL&#39;s fuel-injection as Einspritzmotor means fuel-injected engine in German, whereas the &#39;L&#39; refers to the long wheelbase. Production of the Mercedes-Benz 280SEL lasted until 1985, when the variant was discontinued.

The 280SEL was a variant of the W126 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan. Introduced for the 1980 model year, the 280 SEL was powered by Mercedes'…

280SEL - W126

280 SEL

Mercedes-Benz 380SE - W126

The 380SE was a variant of the <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w126/sedan/">W126 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan</a>. Introduced for the 1980 model year, the 380 SE was built on the standard length wheelbase. The &#39;E&#39; designation in the name refers to the 380 SE&#39;s fuel-injection as Einspritzmotor means fuel-injected engine in German. This family of cars was powered by Mercedes&#39; M116.963 3.8L V8 engine, and featured both manual and automatic transmission options. Production of the Mercedes-Benz 380SE lasted until 1985, when the variant was discontinued.

The 380SE was a variant of the W126 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan. Introduced for the 1980 model year, the 380 SE was built on the standard…

380SE - W126

380 SE

Mercedes-Benz 380SEL - W126

The 380SEL was a variant of the <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w126/sedan/">W126 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan</a>. Introduced for the 1980 model year, the 380 SEL was powered by Mercedes&#39; M116.963 3.8L V8 engine, and featured both manual and automatic transmission options. The &#39;E&#39; designation in the name refers to the 380 SEL&#39;s fuel-injection as Einspritzmotor means fuel-injected engine in German, whereas the &#39;L&#39; refers to the long wheelbase. Production of the Mercedes-Benz 380SEL lasted until 1985, when the variant was discontinued.

The 380SEL was a variant of the W126 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan. Introduced for the 1980 model year, the 380 SEL was powered by Mercedes'…

380SEL - W126

380 SEL

Mercedes-Benz 500SE - W126

The 500SE was a variant of the <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w126/sedan/">W126 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan</a>. Introduced for the 1980 model year, the 500 SE was built on the standard length wheelbase. The &#39;E&#39; designation in the name refers to the 500 SE&#39;s fuel-injection as Einspritzmotor means fuel-injected engine in German. This family of cars was initially powered by Mercedes&#39; M117.963 5.0L V8 engine, but starting in the 1986 model year, the updated and more powerful M117.965 5.0L V8 unit was used. These engines sent power through both manual and automatic transmission options to the rear wheels. Production of the Mercedes-Benz 500SE lasted until 1991, although the variant would continue life in the next generation <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w140/">W140 S-Class</a> as the <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w140/sedan/500-se-s-500/">W140 Mercedes-Benz 500SE</a>.

The 500SE was a variant of the W126 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan. Introduced for the 1980 model year, the 500 SE was built on the standard…

500SE - W126

500 SE

Mercedes-Benz 500SEL - W126

The 500SEL was a variant of the <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w126/sedan/">W126 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan</a>. Introduced for the 1980 model year, this family of cars was initially powered by Mercedes&#39; M117.963 5.0L V8 engine, but starting in the 1986 model year, the updated and more powerful M117.965 5.0L V8 unit was used. These engines sent power through both manual and automatic transmission options to the rear wheels. The &#39;E&#39; designation in the variants&#39; name refers to the 500 SEL&#39;s fuel-injection as Einspritzmotor means fuel-injected engine in German, whereas the &#39;L&#39; refers to the long wheelbase. Production of the Mercedes-Benz 500SEL lasted until 1991, although the variant would continue life in the next generation <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w140/">W140 S-Class</a> as the <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w140/sedan/500-sel-s-500-long/">W140 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL</a>.

&nbsp;

The 500SEL was a variant of the W126 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan. Introduced for the 1980 model year, this family of cars was initially…

500SEL - W126

500 SEL

Mercedes-Benz 300SD - W126

The 300SD was a diesel-engined variant of the <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w126/sedan/">W126 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan</a>. Introduced for the 1980 model year, the 300 SD was built on the standard length wheelbase, and was fitted with Mercedes&#39; OM617.951 diesel engine. This 3.0L turbodiesel inline five engine sent power through both manual or automatic transmissions to the rear wheels. Production of the Mercedes-Benz 300SD lasted until 1985, although the variant would continue life in the next generation <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w140/">W140 S-Class</a> as the <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w140/sedan/300-sd-s-350-turbodiesel/">W140 Mercedes-Benz 300SD</a>.

The 300SD was a diesel-engined variant of the W126 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan. Introduced for the 1980 model year, the 300 SD was built on…

300SD - W126

300 SD

Mercedes-Benz 300SE - W126

The 300SE was a variant of the <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w126/sedan/">W126 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan</a>. Introduced for the 1986 model year, the 300 SE was built on the standard length wheelbase. The &#39;E&#39; designation in the name refers to the 300 SE&#39;s fuel-injection as Einspritzmotor means fuel-injected engine in German. This family of cars was powered by Mercedes&#39; M103.980 3.0L inline six engine, and used both manual and automatic transmission options to send power to the rear wheels. Production of the Mercedes-Benz 300SE lasted until 1991, although the variant would continue life in the next generation <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w140/">W140 S-Class</a> as the <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w140/sedan/300-se-s-320/">W140 Mercedes-Benz 300SE</a>.

The 300SE was a variant of the W126 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan. Introduced for the 1986 model year, the 300 SE was built on the standard…

300SE - W126

300 SE

300 SEL

Mercedes-Benz 420SEL - W126

The 420SEL was a variant for the <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w126/sedan/">W126 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan</a>. Introduced for the 1986 model year, the 420 SEL was powered by Mercedes&#39; M116.965 V8 engine. This 4.2L V8 unit sent power through manual or automatic transmission options to the rear wheels. The &#39;E&#39; designation in &#39;SEL&#39; refers to the 420 SEL&#39;s fuel-injection as Einspritzmotor means fuel-injected engine in German, whereas the &#39;L&#39; refers to the long wheelbase. Mercedes-Benz produced the 420SEL until 1991, when the variant was discontinued.

The 420SEL was a variant for the W126 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan. Introduced for the 1986 model year, the 420 SEL was powered by Mercedes'…

420SEL - W126

420 SEL

Mercedes-Benz 560SEL - W126

The 560SEL was the top of the range variant for the <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w126/sedan/">W126 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan</a>. Introduced for the 1986 model year, the 560 SEL was powered by Mercedes&#39; M117.968 V8 engine. This 5.6L V8 engine sent power through manual or automatic transmission options to the rear wheels. The &#39;E&#39; designation in &#39;SEL&#39; refers to the 500 SEL&#39;s fuel-injection as Einspritzmotor means fuel-injected engine in German, whereas the &#39;L&#39; refers to the long wheelbase. Mercedes produced the 560SEL until 1991, when the variant was discontinued.

The 560SEL was the top of the range variant for the W126 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan. Introduced for the 1986 model year, the 560 SEL was…

560SEL - W126

560 SEL

Mercedes-Benz 300SDL - W126

The 300SDL was a diesel-engined variant of the <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w126/sedan/">W126 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan</a>. Introduced for the 1986 model year, the 300 SDL was built on the extended wheelbase, and was fitted with Mercedes&#39; OM617.951 diesel engine. This 3.0L turbodiesel inline five engine sent power through both manual or automatic transmissions to the rear wheels. Production of the Mercedes-Benz 300SDL lasted until 1987, when the variant was discontinued.

&nbsp;

The 300SDL was a diesel-engined variant of the W126 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan. Introduced for the 1986 model year, the 300 SDL was built…

300SDL - W126

300 SDL

Mercedes-Benz 350SD - W126

The 350SD was a diesel-engined variant of the <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w126/sedan/">W126 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan</a>. Introduced for the 1990 model year, the 350 SD was built on the standard length wheelbase, and was fitted with Mercedes&#39; OM603.97x diesel engine. This 3.5L turbodiesel inline six engine sent power through both manual or automatic transmissions to the rear wheels. Production of the Mercedes-Benz 350SD lasted until 1991, when the variant was discontinued.

The 350SD was a diesel-engined variant of the W126 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan. Introduced for the 1990 model year, the 350 SD was built on…

350SD - W126

350 SD

Mercedes-Benz 350SDL - W126

The 350SDL was a diesel-engined variant of the <a href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w126/sedan/">W126 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan</a>. Introduced for the 1990 model year, the 350 SDL was built on the extended length wheelbase, and was fitted with Mercedes&#39; OM603.97x diesel engine. This 3.5L turbodiesel inline six engine sent power through both manual or automatic transmissions to the rear wheels. Production of the Mercedes-Benz 350SDL lasted until 1991, when the variant was discontinued.

The 350SDL was a diesel-engined variant of the W126 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan. Introduced for the 1990 model year, the 350 SDL was built…

350SDL - W126

350 SDL

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The 300SEL was a variant of the <a href="MKT:4365" old-href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w126/sedan/">W126 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan</a>. Introduced for the 1986 model year, the 300 SEL was powered by Mercedes&#39; M103.980 3.0L inline six engine, and featured both manual and automatic transmission options that sent power to the rear wheels. The &#39;E&#39; designation in the name refers to the 300 SEL&#39;s fuel-injection as Einspritzmotor means fuel-injected engine in German, whereas the &#39;L&#39; refers to the long wheelbase. Production of the Mercedes-Benz 300SEL lasted until 1991, although the variant would continue life in the next generation <a href="MKT:4361" old-href="https://www.classic.com/m/mercedes-benz/s/w140/">Mercedes-Benz W140 S-Class</a>.

Vehicle	Price	Date
1988 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL Hemmings Auctions Online	$4,200 SOLD	Sep 22, 2020 5 months ago
1988 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL Mecum Kissimmee (2020) Lot #G27	$3,300 SOLD	Jan 07, 2020 a year ago
1988 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL Bring A Trailer Auction	$40,500 SOLD	Feb 15, 2019 2 years ago
1988 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL Mecum Monterey (2015) Lot #T61	NOT SOLD	Aug 13, 2015 6 years ago

1988 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL - W126

Model years for Mercedes-Benz 300SEL - W126 (1986 to 1991)

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