W126s sold here in Australia

[c107]

From what I gather the following were sold new here

Gen 1:
1981-1985: 280SE
1983-1985: 380SE
1981-1985: 380SEL
1982-1985: 380SEC

Gen 2:
1986-1992: 300SE (1992 cars produced in 91)
1987-1992: 300SEL (as above)
1990-1991: 420SE
1986-1991: 420SEL
1986-1991: 560SEL
1986-1991: 560SEC

By Generation 2, Mercedes Australia learn't their lesson that not bringing in the more powerful models just results in a big grey market.

Cars commonly seen here as Grey Imports

Gen 1:
500SE / 500SEL
500SEC

Gen 2:
500SEC

cars I have not seen here in Australia at all:
Gen 2 diesel models (300SDL, 350SD, 350SDL)
260SE
560SE


I think I have seen all the others over the years for sale, although the 300SD I saw it wasn't clear if it was a real one, or another car somebody put a diesel into.

 

[Michel]

Great research Bryce.
One of the things I have learnt over the years is that many South Africans who migrated to Australia during Apartheid were not allowed to take much money out of the country, but could take their cars and personal possessions, hence the flow of many 'grey imports' in all brands of vehicles including MB (lots of 500s) from South Africa.

 

[sean sherry]

Grey imports have a stigma here in Aus. Probably lead by a scare campaign by the dealerships. Without a compliance on my S.L. 280 it took forever to sell.
Even obtaining a Blue slip when I registered it in NSW was a nightmare. The car was in perfect order and I discovered that the listed inspection people were not as lily white as they liked to see them selves.
I would never buy another Car without their precious Compliance Plate !

 

[c107]

I did see a reference to W126 280SELs sold in 1981, but I think it is wrong and is referring to run out W116s. I've never seen a 280SEL with an Aussie compliance plate. Of course it is possible that a few were sold, I have never seen one though.

 

[c107]

Great research Bryce.
One of the things I have learnt over the years is that many South Africans who migrated to Australia during Apartheid were not allowed to take much money out of the country, but could take their cars and personal possessions, hence the flow of many 'grey imports' in all brands of vehicles including MB (lots of 500s) from South Africa.

yeah I've seen a few of those around. Like a SA 200 carby W123 that had a 230E badge on it to try and get it sold!

 

[c107]

since I wrote this, I have seen a 260SE! private import from Asia.
I don't believe there was ever a RHD 560SE.

 

[Michel]

I don't believe there was ever a RHD 560SE.

That would have been a rocket!

 

[c107]

That would have been a rocket!

I think I would seek one out if I lived in a LHD country.