I'm very familiar with this Mercedes. I've ridden in it many times and driven it a bit too. It has quite a story and was special ordered to spec. The color was a special order as well as the fabric seats. The pominent owner and his wife took delivery in Stuttgart, drove it around the continent before shipping it home to Wichita. The personalized plate is a dedication to his wife and it was her favorite car of all they owned over the years. Their personal assistant was my friend and caretake of it for over 30 years. I certify it was very cherished from day one.
Thank you very much for the wonderful stories and history. I drove the car around last weekend and could sense what a special car it is. It’s in beautiful condition but I will make it even better. It deserves all love it gets!
@@euroasianbob9268 Sorry to bust your bubble but this mercedes is a standard european colour (not common for a 500 S though) and the corduroy seat covers were the base line for mercedes S models as they were almost all sold with leather, thus the corduroy seats being more expensive because the production line had to be changed to allow specially for it.... Below corduroy was simili plastic leather which was fine for taxis. The previous "president" is correct: It's a regular factory colour code. Love these cars. Pity the original wheels were changed because it really did look the part with the original alloys - even steel rims with hub caps look better than what's currently on it. Amazing to think that this car is now over 35 years old and yet, compared with many modern cars is still a better car in every way. Marketing goes a long long way when Mercedes want to make a client believe that they have something "special" or one off. It's definitely the ONLY 500 S series that didn't have leather seats. WHY ? You'd better ask the owner before she passes away because it makes very little sense. This a bog standard EU spec 500 SEL with US market headlights. She's "had" you. LOL. Just as Mercedes Benz "had" her with the "made especially" plaque which only concerns the headlights ! Anything to please a client and bring in an extra buck or two.
@@Team33Team33 I had the vin decoded myself to verify. The paint code states “special color 000U”. It is a one off paint to sample car. She wanted the Velour seats because they are more comfortable and cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This is why you see so many euro spec cars with it. I have driven both types extensively and can testify to the added comfort. You never see on US spec cars because Americans see leather as luxury. This is a US spec car. The headlights are factory original and correct.
@@euroasianbob9268 headlights because she asked for them for US market and drove it in Europe for a while. I would usher you to check that vin and "one off" paint to sample with the German Mercedes club, simply because that specific colour - As said by your predecessor M Club President - IS completely "off the shelf" standard ! As for velours seats: The AC and heating in tehse cars is so good that it really is a matter of personal taste. Corduroy - why not, but again it's nothing special. It was standard if you didn't choose leather.
I’m from Germany and this car is a real unicorn. You won’t find anything like that in this pristine condition even in Germany. Congrats on that great find. You should keep it, it’s an absolute time capsule and a soon to be very rare and precious Oldtimer.
My boss in the mid 80's custom ordered a Mercedes just like that but turbo diesel and in a cocoa brown. The interior was the same and it had the name badge. They picked it up in Germany and drove it around Europe for three weeks. Returning to Germany the car was finalized for u.s. standards (different bumpers) and shipped to the local Scottsdale dealer. It was an era of more subtle elegance but it was smooth and peppy for it's size and weight.
Love the story but all European delivery cars were US models. They're not converting to US bumpers before shipping. It was built that way. The only difference I've heard of that they did have to modify before the customer returning to the US with his Mercedes was long ago when Europe still didn't have unleaded gas. It would've ruined the catalytic converter so they would only add it before the car was sent to the US. Additionally, all 300 SD models of both 116 and 126 series were built specifically for the US market and all had US headlights, bumpers, etc. I saw a few running around in Portugal with a Portuguese plate or plate from other European countries but all were US models.
I believe the wheels were upgraded shortly after they bought the car if it wasn't delivered with them. I don't remember a time that it wasn't on those alloys. The tag MEFMD stands for "Made Especially For Marilyn DeBoer". That was her color. They owned a 450SL and a 1952 220B Cabriolet all in that signature colour. It's not just another Mercedes. It is very unique and was kept in impeccable condition at all times. It's a gem and I hope it's preserved as one. Quite an automobile. Of all of the cars that my friend Keven Smith maintained for them, this was his favorite.
Thanks for sharing! Correct, the wheels are aftermarket reproduction copies of the 92’ up S Class. I asked about the original wheels and waiting to hear. Would you know who to ask about where the original wheels are? I want to put back to original.
Love it Bob. I've been lucky enough to have that excitement picking up one of these beautiful Mercedes-Benz. I definitely can relate and tell how special it is for you.
The euro delivery program sounded like a really good deal. You'd get a vacation for nearly free! Not many USA spec cars were had with the velour interior. It was a no cost option. According to LastVin, this car has a custom paint color! (SPECIAL PAINTWORK (000U)) I wasn't aware you could get that in the USA. ABS was standard for the USA market for 85. What a nicely preserved example!
@@euroasianbob9268when I was a kid, my brother and I used to practically study car catalogs, but especially Mercedes. I remember seeing quite a few Mercedes with cloth and velour seats overseas but velour was rare in the US and cloth was unavailable. I also remember velour (which I LOVE) being a no cost option in the US in models with standard leather (SEL, SLC, SEC) and costing the same as the leather option in all those with vinyl standard. Again, that's in the US and it varied in different markets. In Germany and some other countries, cloth was standard and even vinyl was a cost option. I've seen 116 and 126 models with cloth seats and roll up windows. I also saw 116 and 107 with with no AC and manual transmissions. The SL could not have velour. I'm sure it was so that it wouldn't be ruined by rain.
Thanks for revivings some great memories of early 80’s Mercedes. Love the velour interior. Definitely deserves original style wheels. Got to enjoy a 560 SEC and 190 2.3 16V from that time period. Wonderful rock solid cars. I remember hearing $800 for a brake job on a Mercedes at the time.
Hi dad, long lost son here! My old account.... ANYWAY! I LOVE THE COLOUR, AMAZING FIND! You know it does not need cleaning! Right, but I would keep this. If I was in your family circle you would never be able to sell anything. I would have ever one. Because boy, do you find them. Amazing! You are the car whisperer. Which is what I shall call you from now on!
That warning triangle is the unique ECE warning triangle that came in cars delivered to countries like France where the standard red and white triangle was not allowed but the orange and red triangle was.
What an unique car with a nice story. I had done many European Delivery with Mercedes-Benz and was Fantastic. I suggest to get the original Bundt Wheels.
Learned to drive in a 1962 Mercedes. Just bought my actual first Mercedes. 1990 300e. Sat for few years. I drive it daily now after a few repairs. Love to get a wagon or one of these with the V8’s.
I absolutely love this car. Especially the very unique yellow color. The nice tan velour interior is also a surprise. I remember Doug D reviewed a factory yellow Mercedes a few years ago. I'm sure that this car could easily win a Concourse event. I completely agree about the stock wheels. I remember riding in a silver one of these back in the 80's. I know Mercedes made some diesel versions as well. Thank you.
Beautiful, classic 126. Great find! I remember seeing that color on several 123's back in the day, but not a 126. It looks good though, and I've always liked Mercedes' cloth seats; they just look kind of elegant. I almost expected to see crank windows, but I'm glad they went for the electric, and the heated seats. I know what you mean about the cold and snow. I live one state over in Colorado, and it's supposed to be -12 tomorrow night, and snow all night tonight. It's a balmy -5 at the moment. Keep the Benz warm.
13:30 I couldn't help but notice as the car was pulled out, all the drab grey and white trucks and SUV's in the background. The only vehicle that was an actual colour was this Mercedes.
Sooooo pretty!! Want one so bad! Well, actually, the dream car for me would either a 190 in very gods shape (or after the clarity leaves my brain, a model T). Thanks Bob!!
That’s such a coincidence that as you turned on the radio for the first time.. Michael Jackson in the 80’s was playing. He had a 1985 Mercedes 500 SEL in black has it for many years before he gave it to his Aunt who eventually sold it.
I just searched Jack DeBoer, has was a successful hotel/apartment developer. Jack was an aviation enthusiast who set some speed records. Best of all I found a 1953 yellow Mercedes 220 Cabriolet for sale in Wichita, it must be his.
Wow it's so nice inside and out, the silver mirrors and greyish cladding with chrome are an excellent accent to the yellow. Sometimes it looks like a cab though heha
If it were me, I would (1) replace the existing wheels with the same type/style as the spare tire in the trunk, and (2) replace the US-spec headlights with the Euro/Int'l headlights. Btw, from the vid, based on the split windows and rear seats, were you driving a Subaru SVX?
@@euroasianbob9268 I had a friend who named his dog George and this instantly popped into my head - I had to show him the clip of the abominable snowman. :)
Nice car! Sounds like control pressure is too high at the warm up regulator. That's why you are having such hard cold starts. Pressure should start low and increase as it warms up. The control pressure is the restriction on the air meter flap, so the easier it moves, the richer it runs.
Gorgeous example. I'm from South Africa originally and yellow was quite common on Mercedes made there. There were quite a few 116's in yellow and I remember seeing several 126's in the same hues as well when they first came out. Seemed to lose popularity over time and I doubt there were any being made toward the end of production. If I had the money I'd almost buy it just for the color. Completely bored with the standard black, silver, white, and every kind of grey dull earth tone in between on almost every vehicle made today. Especially at the top end of the market
Best built cars in the world. I own a 87 300d and 87 300sdl and love them both. I care for them very well and enjoy working on them. I keep the engine bay spotless on my cars. There is no feeling in the world like lifting the hood to a spotless engine bay and the thud of the doors closing. Too bad mercedes doesn't build good cars anymore 😕
To my knowledge MB will paint your any color as long as it is in the MB catalog, so you could get an SL painted in a unimog orange color. You just have to pay a lot more.
Wouldn’t it have a Mercedes paint name and code though? The paint code for this car is “special paintwork 000U”. The trim had a regular number paint code 75.
Mr Bob : I noticed a red Acura on your lift is it a 87 or 88 I owned one way back then brand new you just don’t see those anymore because of rusting out is that going to be a finished product someday? Would like to know Thanks! From an avid fan
You mentioned 91 non ethanol fuel... I am in the middle if purchasing a very clean, one owner, 2005 S430 with only 91k. The previous owner was an attorney and it's well maintained. I'm interested on what you or any feedback on what type/octane fuel to use????
Later fuel injection systems are designed for modern fuel with ethanol. Just use a quality source 91 octane with 10 percent ethanol max fuel and you will be fine. Cars that sit a long time without being driven suffer more.
Love the colour, also rare for US-spec is the fact that it has rear headrests. Which idiot at MB America decided to spec US cars with leather interiors without rear headrests?
They were standard on the US 500SEL but I agree it doesn’t make sense why rear headrests were left as an option. The US W126 and W124 had them standard from 1986 onwards but left them as an option on W201 even though Canadian W201 models had them standard from 1986 like the other models. Canadian cars also had front heated seats standard on all models.
Check out this special car on our website: www.euroasianauto.com/details/used-1985-mercedes-benz-500-class/100014723 Get your Euroasian merchandise here: threadbear.store/collections/euroasian-bob
3 Mercedes silver 74 450 sel. Black 1985 500 ES. And a brown 1980 450. 1 needs a new motor the others run. All for $3,500. These are for sale close to me. Wonder if they are worth it or not
I buy parts cars like you described all the time. Most would cost more to recommission than what they are worth. If you want one, buy the best example you can find and afford.
@@euroasianbob9268 I work on all of my own stuff as well. I’m an electrician and an instrument technician and so these old Mercedes are fun to work on I think. It’s been fun working on my 300e. Going through the ignition and fuel systems and actually finding the problems and not just throwing parts at it. I got my 300e for $600 and I’m only into at $900 and it’s my daily now for the most part.
@@euroasianbob9268 I’m in Paducah, Ky. 3 hours southeast of St. Louis and 2 hours northwest of Nashville. Right on the Ohio River. Love to travel through someday and see your place. I grew up in a junkyard and love all motor vehicles. My Dad loved old Mercedes and Datsuns. As do I along with anything different