1986 Mercedes 300SE

About the 300SE

The 300SE is an S-Class of the W126 range (1980-1991), a car that many enthusiasts regard as the last of the classic ‘over engineered’ Mercedes. Being a 1986 model, it is the first year of the updated Series 2 model, which featured improved engines. It does not have the interior upgrade, as that did not happen until 1988. The 300SE was the entry level S class in most markets (including Australia), with the 260SE mostly focused on markets with punitive taxes for engines over 2.8l. For more information about the W126 in Australia, see this post.

The 300SE is a bit of a hidden gem in the W126 range. Livelier and better to drive than the 420SEL, but half the cost.

About this car

I owned this car from January 2017 to January 2023. I bought it to be my everyday driver. The 450SLC has in some ways filled this role since I purchased it in 2003, but for nearly all of that time I used public transport for commuting (or had an underground parking garage). Circumstances changed and I needed a car that could fit 3 child seats across the back. W126’s are still very reasonably priced and fit these requirements.

This 300SE is an entry level model, without many options. This is perfect for my needs for driving the kids around. Upholstery is MB-TEX, and there is no sunroof orpower seats to go wrong. It does have automatic climate control, but this is how they were all ordered by Mercedes Australia unfortunately. And being a 1986 it can be registered as a classic car, which I would do about four years into my ownership.

The car was purchased from the next suburb to mine and came out of long term ownership. The Signal red paintwork is a nice change from the mostly champagne or white W126’s that are seen around. I have since removed the chrome wheel arch trims that were installed on the car at purchase. I put about 16,000km on the car over my six years of ownership.

Option codes

Option Code	Meaning
233	Foglamp wiring for F/CH/AUS/S/N
240	Outside temperature indicator
259	Becker Radio Grand Prix Cassette Stereo Electronic
286	Luggage nets on front seat backrests
420	Automatic Transmission (Floor Shift)
430	Headrests in the rear
440	Tempomat (Cruise Control)
470	Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
480	Self Leveling Suspension
507	Outside rear view mirror left and right heated (Electric adjustment Left)
531	Automatic Antenna
543	Sun Visors with vanity mirrors, illuminated
551	Anti-Theft / Break in warning system
574	570: Folding arm rest 571: Front seat left, with height adjustment RHD
588	581: Automatic climate control 584: Electric window lifters, front and rear
599	Heat Insulated glass, side and rear window panes, windshield clear
615	611: Courtesy lamps, front and rear doors 613: Lamp unit, Asymmetrical, LH Traffic
625	Version for Australia
677	Tropical battery
731	Wood trim, burred walnut root
806	Model year 1986
812	Rear-mounted loudspeakers
877	Reading lamp in the rear