Used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 560-Class Consumer Reviews
Used 560-Class for sale
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1991 560-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the 560-Class since its last redesign.
Not for everyone, but if you have the means...
WillyP, 07/20/2019
1990 Mercedes-Benz 560-Class 560SEL 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
First things first: be very careful of buying any used Mercedes unaware. There's a saying that the most expensive Mercedes is a cheap Mercedes. The W126 (the Mercedes chassis designation for the 300/380/420/500/560 SE(L), 380/500/560SEC, and 300/350 SD(L) – the "L" means the longer wheelbase sedan) is a very mechanically robust car, one of the best designed and engineered cars you'll find. Unfortunately, a combination of complexity, expensive parts, and careless (and/or over-reaching) owners means that probably half the cars on the road would not be worth bringing back to fully functional/presentable condition even if they were free. That kind of project may be worthwhile to a few buyers, but for the average person, buy the best car you can find/afford. I'd also steer away any new buyer who isn't either mechanically inclined has access to a good independent mechanic who knows these cars (someone named Helmet, or Fritz). Then have a full inspection, and walk away if there's any question. Common problems on the V8 cars are timing chain service (the guides break, and often take the engine with them), fuel injection issues, transmission leaks (not a hard fix when the transmission is out...), self-leveling suspension issues, and "broken toys" (power accessories, sunroof, etc). The basket cases are easy to pick out; with the in between cars, do your homework on the "just needs a..." car. With all that aside, these cars have a look and feel that would cost you $200K+ in a new car. Yes, even the mid-level Merc/Audi/BMW has many more toys and features, but the work of the accountants can't be fully masked. You can sense the difference just opening the door and sitting down inside a good example. That "bank vault" feel is often imitated, but seldom duplicated. The driving style continues that: it's never pillowy, like an old American car. Mercedes of old never translated "luxury" to mean just "soft," and driving around pot-holed city streets, it doesn't feel exceptional. In fact, I suspect a number of people could find the ride either too firm (the old-school Cadillac buyer), or the steering and responsiveness numb (the BMW buyer). Once you settle in on the highway though, you'll understand. The steering is accurate and has just the right weight. Bumps big and small are perfectly damped, and everything from sweeping corners to lane changes feel perfectly composed. I own two of these (an SEL and a SEC), and have made 1000+ mile drives in both; I've yet to drive a car I'd rather make those drives in. At the end of the day, these cars are a screaming value. I'm talking about a well-maintained car – those still don't bring half of what they probably should. That said, they're not cheap even in the best of circumstances, and most are 30+ years old. One would be wise to budget a thousand or so per year towards upkeep and minor repairs, plus having $3-5k in reserve in case of a blown engine or transmission. That said, I've yet to have an engine or transmission go, or even been stranded, in 50,000 miles of driving, both cars having over 200K on them. And then they aren't easy on fuel either (18 is doable in conservative highway driving, but as low as 12 isn't uncommon). Ultimately, to me it's worth the cost. In the long run, for the same money, the closest you'd get is to buy a mid-life used luxury car (take your pick) and trade up every 3-5 years. Those cars generally aren't bad – in fact, on paper they're head and shoulders above – but park them side by side, then drive them, and the difference becomes clear if it wasn't already.
Excellent car.
Dave Vinod, 02/26/2018
updated 09/06/2018
1991 Mercedes-Benz 560-Class 560SEL 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
560Sel 1991 Mercedes Benz. I have been driving Mercedes Benz for more than twenty five years. Before that for twenty years I used to drive Toyota and Volkswagen van. And this is the best car and the model I have. And I like to keep till I no longer can drive. I am 78 years old. I got the car from my dear friend's wife. She had received the car as a wedding gift from her husband. He was a chairman in the Physics department of Harvard University. It was a one owner car. It was not used for almost six to eight years after his death. One day I visited her. The car was in the garage. I took interest in it. She decided to give it to me. I got it when the car had 158,000 miles. Now it has 210,00 miles. It runs like new. I am very happy with its performance. The cost of repair is reasonable if you find an honest private mechanic who works exclusively on Mercedes and European cars. The dealers are very expensive and older mechanics are hard to find, because most of them have died. At the moment my mechanic said that it has sugar in the gas tank. And the car does not start. And he asked me to buy another car as it will be expensive. I would like to hear from other owners what do their mechanics would say about solving this problem. I am a very proud owner of 560 SEL 1991 Mercedes Car.
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1991 Mercedes-Benz 560-Class for sale near you
Showing 3 of 3 listings
- 560SEC CoupeMSRP: $39,900496 mi away
- 560SEL SedanMSRP: $4,990642 mi away
- 560SEL SedanMSRP: $12,495832 mi away
Great Car
cy, 01/11/2004
1991 Mercedes-Benz 560-Class 560SEL 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
A great example of great design and manufacturing prowess, this is a solid car that is safe, reliable, and extremely durable. It's 12 years later and I still see many of them on the road.
1991 300 SEL probably saved my life
Keith Bachmann, 11/10/2017
updated 11/18/2020
1990 Mercedes-Benz 560-Class 560SEL 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Besides being the best MB ever made, this car is BIG on safety. I got T-boned right in the driver's door while standing still at a red light. The other driver had to be going 35 mph. The interior door card didn't even move. The outside of the door caved in but the 1 1/2 " steel bar inside that door did its job. It pushed on the A and B pillars and did not give. No injuries. So I bought another one. This time a 1990 560 SEL.
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Owned 5 W126/SEL Sedans, Best Car Ever by Mercedes
Rich, 08/09/2018
1990 Mercedes-Benz 560-Class 560SEL 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I've owned several of the w126 body style Mercedes. I started off with a 1986 560SEL when I was just 19 years old. After that I went to a 1987 420SEL, 1988 420SEL, 1989 560SEL and finally at 1990 560SEL. All of these vehicles were the best I've ever owned. Nothing compares. Not even my 2011 S550 4Matic could touch the w126 body style. The way they look, the way the hood stretches out in front of you, with the Mercedes star shining at you. I'll forever have a huge love for the big bodied SEL lineup. Such power, comfort, and reliability. I've never had anywhere near the amount of issues on my newer Mercedes that I had on my old SEL's. They were so reliable!!! I'd recommend this car to anyone. If you like comfort and grace, this is still a great head-turner. I always get a joy when I see them still on the road today, because it's a timeless luxury vehicle.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value