Buying Advice - 1985 Mercedes 500 SL

[Doylum]

Hi all,

Over the weekend I went to view a 1985 500SL. It had all it's MOT's and Service history, 86k miles and 10+ owners.

I'm no expert and have wanted to buy one of these models for a while. I looked it over and the body work looked sound, the wheels arches were ok too (no rust), the guy selling seemed to take care of it having just spent £600 on new cams and timing chain etc.

The car fired up first time but it was warm. I got taken out for a spin in it and it seemed smooth, changed gear well and had plenty of pull. I couldn't hear any clonks or other nasty noises.

The only down sides is that the carpet was a bit grubby, the driver cloth seat was a little worn and there was some corrosion on the bumper - apart from that it looked and felt straight to me.

The guy wanted £9995. So, what do you guys think from the information given. Does it sound like a fair deal?

Thanks for reading and I look forward to your advice.

Cheers,
Doylum

 

[dinoy]

most important to get to start it from cold rev it up heavy see the smoke or if it chokes, obvious other w107 , btw there is a very rare one on ebay with custom kit

 

[wobbly]

As it a 1985 car is it early or late 85.
The 107 had a facelift this year, the later cars are regarded as a being more refined and better car.

The mileage is ok, leather seats are a better option than cloth, bumpers are very expensive to replace, carpet are no loger available from MB.

Wouldnt want to say if its a good deal or not, without seeing the car.

 

[219]

Check the carpets for damp , the 107's sometimes rot in the plenium chamber , under the air vents in front of the windscreen , and this is costluy to put right , damp and grubby carpets are a giveaway .

Check carefully .

 

[Doylum]

Hi,

Thanks for the help so far.

From what I can see it looks like it has the older style alloys. I think it mightbe a non facelift model.

What is better about the facelift models? All I know it that they have better rustproofing.

I have a budget of 8-10k and need a 4 seater SL. Any thoughts on the best engine to buy?

Thanks,
Mark

 

[wobbly]

Slightly more than better rustproofing.


The list of post 1985 enhancements



1. The springs have a different spring rate, front and rear.
2. The front stabilizer bar has a 26mm diameter instead of 25mm diameter.
3. The shock absorbers are shorter and have a harder rate.
4. An additional polyurethane bottoming spring has been added.
5. Some model 124 front end parts are used on the front end - the following parts are redesigned:
Front axle carrier, lower and upper control arms, Steering knuckle, Steering knuckle arm, front wheel hub with bearing. The front axle carrier has a newly modified contour, can be used on older model 107s.
6. Limited slip differential
7. The rear axle carrier mount has been offset by 124mm to the left.
8. The rear carrier front rubber mounts are not interchangeable, marked with L and R, have different stiffnesses.
9. The rear axle center is now elastically mounted to the rear carrier both at the front and rear mounts.
10. The rear axle shafts are provided with CV joints similar to model 126 coupe.
11. New light alloy wheels similar to model 201, new mounting screws.
12. New propeller shaft center mount, similar to model 124, not interchangeable with older 107s.
13. Four piston brake calipers on front.
14. Light alloy Master cylinder.
15. Double diaphragm brake booster.
16 Redesigned steering gear, designation 765.707 (LS80), NOT interchangeable with old unit, reduced travel for redesigned front end. Code letter R stamped into the housing. (The 560's turning circle is not as short as previous cars, less "sensitive" steering.)
17. Power steering pump relief pressure changed to 82 +-5 bar.
18. Sheet metal floor under fuel tank changed, mounting positions of tank and filler neck changed.
19. Outside Temperature indicator changed from Celsius to Fahrenheit.
20. Exterior lamp failure indicator added.
21. Fuses and electrical feeds changed.
22. BODY SHEET METAL CHANGES:
Radiator mount changed, hood changed, firewall changed, side-member connecting point front right changed, A-pillars changed, doors changed, B-pillars changed, main floor changed, rear floor changed, cross-member under the driver seat changed, sheet metal shrouds changed, various stiffeners and small parts changed.
23. Door handles changed, similar to model 126.
24. Door lock and striker changed.
25. Central locking system changed, electric vacuum pump similar to models 126 and 201.
26. Fuel tank flap actuating element and guide bushing changed.
27. Outside heated rear view mirrors.
28. Rear high mounted stop lamp added.
29. New Grand Prix radio - larger display indicator with tone setting and more sensitivity - three levels, but returns to least sensitive when turned off.
30. Front bumper and spoiler.
31. Front bumper inner fender liners added.
32. Front seats changed to include lateral support similar to model 124.
33. Hood- a depression was added to the hood reinforcement to clear new brake booster, previous hood will not fit on car.


I might be biased, but only a 500 will do.

 

[bpsorrel]

For the same money, you could get this

Classic Mercedes SL 107 for sale - Vehicle Showroom - Mercedes-Benz 500 SL 107

I've heard good stuff about these guys and if I was after a 107, I'd definately look at this!