1996 Mercedes-Benz S500

Vendor supplied images

Highlights

Just over 51,000 miles on the clock
Only 2 former keepers
Valid MOT until October 2024
Impressively detailed service history with up-to-date service book and invoices available

The Appeal

The W140 S-Class first hit the market in 1991, and comfortably settled as Mercedes-Benz flagship for the next six years. Luxuriant comfort, classy styling and ample performance made these one of the dominant forces of executive motoring for the company, and they continue to attract admiration today.

This particular 1996 car is a fine example, with a scant 51,000 miles on the clock and a remarkably fine cabin sure to charm any discerning enthusiast. That 5.0L V8 powerplant is still burbling comfortably away, the car is backed by an impressive service history and, to our eyes, offers a superb prospect.

Beautifully finished in Mercedes Benz Brilliant Silver Metallic on the outside, with a grey leather cabin, this 1996 Mercedes-Benz S500 has had just two former keepers from new. Combined with a remarkably low mileage, it's a car that appears to have led a very pampered lifestyle - and will no doubt provide many years of comfortable, luxurious motoring in the way that only a superb Merc can.

History and Paperwork

Registered in 1996
Originally sent to the Western Automobile Company, a Mercedes-Benz dealership in Edinburgh
Sold new by Bramshaw Garage, an independent garage in Bournemouth
The purchase price was an impressive £72,298.97
The DVLA records only 2 previous keepers
The car spent a reported six years at a BMW dealership near Gatwick between 2011 and 2017, during which time it wasn’t used
Seller is a classic car collector, this car forms part of the collection in heated storage
It was eventually purchased by the previous owner who kept it until October 2023.
In current ownership since November 2023
MOT valid until October 2024
Car is back on original registration of N992 DSX
Paperwork file includes:
- V5 document
- Up-to-date service book and multiple invoices
- Original manuals and handbooks
- An impressive set of Mercedes-Benz magazines
- A selection of MOT certificates
Service history:
- 15.01.1996 – pre-delivery inspection by Western Automobile Co. Ltd.
- 06.02.1997 and 7,649 miles – service by Jackson of Bournemouth
- 27.01.1999 and 13,413 miles – service by Jackson of Bournemouth
- 25.01.2000 and 15,745 miles – service by Jackson of Bournemouth
- 09.01.2001 and 17,911 miles – service by Jackson of Bournemouth
- 18.01.2002 and 19,740 miles – service by Jackson of Bournemouth
- 22.01.2003 and 20,623 miles – service by Regal Motors of Poole
- 05.02.2004 and 21,158 miles – service by Regal Motors of Poole
- 14.03.2006 and 23,074 miles – service by Regal Motors of Poole
- 16.08.2007 and 24,816 miles – service by Regal Motors of Poole
- 23.11.2018 and 30,765 miles – service by INAUTOS, independent Mercedes-Benz specialist
- 03.09.2020 and 41,068 miles – service by INAUTOS, independent Mercedes-Benz specialist
- 03.09.2021 and 45,428 miles – service by INAUTOS, independent Mercedes-Benz specialist
- 02.09.2022 and 48,727 miles – service by INAUTOS, independent Mercedes-Benz specialist
- 07.11.2023 and 49,013 miles – major service by JB Automotive, during which all the filters, front droplinks and the sparkplugs were replaced.
The vendor highlights that no major works have ever been required, only minor maintenance

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The Condition

Car appears in very smart
Metallic silver paintwork in excellent order with some very small stone chips that have been professionally retouched
Panel fit appears fine with no unusual gaps we can spot
Original alloys have been kept clean and unmarked
The tyres are Triangle Advante SUV on the front wheels and Continental Premium Contact 6 / Roadstone Eurovis on the rear axle
The seller tells us it has been undersealed at some point in its life, and it certainly looks very solid
Minor wear to the driver's bolster, but otherwise the interior looks smart
We can't spot any rips or tears to the luxurious grey leather upholstery
Door cards are clean and well-presented
All instruments present well
Original cassette player is still in situ
Wood veneers are clean and nicely kept
Carpets look in good order
Light wear to the footwell mats
Complete with glass sunroof

The Mechanics

5.0L V8 powerplant
Automatic transmission
Engine bay looks in very good order
No reports of any mechanical issues
This is supported by an advisory-free MOT and the car's superb condition
Everything ultimately looks in fine fettle, and ready to drive
Ultimately, this is a remarkable example of a much-loved car, and is likely to get plenty of interest

BEFORE YOU BUY

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