1994/5 R129 500SL...with few MOT type 'rules'

[ian11]

I've always hankered after a 500SL

I'm in the gulf at the minute and occassionally some straight looking cars appear. The going rate is about £3-5k.

Theres a fair number of imports and original gulf 500sl but most have long since left the merc dealerships and have been maintained by some particularly crude 'guy on the corner' type garages.

I don't have to get the car through a MOT as you know it...I just need to keep the car drivable. I don't mind getting under the bonnet and the 'guy on the corner' can usually source scrap spares and fit for about £30. I know that will hurt some peoples ears but its how old cars chug on out here.

I've seen half a dozen so far. Beautiful bodywork, wheels and interior but emission lights and clunks.

My question is...if I shell out a few grand on a tidy but 16yr 150k mile 500SL...in the absence of a killer MOT...do you think I will be able to keep it in a 'safe to drive' material condition on a toy budget? Or will I be obliterated by the first black box/brakes/engine issue?

I've also seen concours 500 and 600s but they make reasonable money (8-12) and have the same issue if something goes wrong (dealer is staggeringly dear)...spending a bit more to reduce the odds.

Reading and enjoying the rest of the R129 posts (I've stalked this site occasionally for years).

thoughts??

Thanks

Ian

 

[ian11]

addn:

Found a 94 with only 55k miles on clock (2 owners, first for 14yrs inc FMSH)

Few bits of tatty minor trim but electrics all work. Having hardtop removed (apparently hood has only been used a few times in cars life) to check hood later & car on ramps for a once over.

Engine was strong and ride smooth, box felt old fashioned fine but brakes felt vague....I don't really have a basis for comparison though

Equivalent £4500 with some bargaining to be done. Shame plate 'S500' is not included...

In answer to my original email, I doubt I'll see many more in this spec.

 

[BTB 500]

If you get one that looks tidy and has everything working then it should be a reasonable proposition I think.

5-speed gearbox (standard from '96 facelift onward, option for a little while before that) drives better.

 

[ian11]

Thanks Bill,

I did buy it. No immediate issues, everything works and it drives beautifully. Really classy car for peanuts.

I'm going to take it into the Merc main dealer (small palace on a hill) and get a minor service and full report, with the FMBSH only running out 2-3yrs ago I'm going to try and bridge the gap. I can get any safety stuff done and then make a longer term plan for any big ticket stuff, naive not to think there won't be a couple hidden.

There are a couple of really aggravating trim items like the cover for the front toweye grrr. Does anyone have any good minor parts links?

My first SL drive today, big smiles. I've driven a few v dear cars and quite a few big Mercedes but even with this old one I see what the SL fuss was all about

Ian

I think it took about 60 litres of super unleaded for £12.20. I hope the £ improves to make it cheaper...

 

[BTB 500]

Sounds good. Towing eye cover may be tricky to replace ... check with a dealer to see if they are still available for that year car (the front bumper changed in '96, and again in '99). Otherwise finding one at a a breaker may be the only option.