Newbie looking at R107 SL's

[b11ocx]

Hi,

Firstly, I apologise for what will no doubt become a series of pathetically dumb and simplistic posts to which you guys have almost forgotton the answers !

I am in the process of discussing the possible purchase of an SL that I have seen, currently, only photo's of. The car ticks all of my emotive boxes, but of course condition is difficult to judge remotely. Given the car is in Dundee and I am in Manchester, I dont want to travel until I have got a better view of condition.

Before I spend money on a proper inspection, I would like to ask the seller a bunch of good questions to get a bit deeper into the condition. Currently, I have the following details from them, in addition to photo's

90k miles
500SL 1985
New Front Wings, non MB
New Back Exhaust
No "visible" rust on the exterior or sills. (Hate that word !)
Last service 12 months ago
11 Months MOT
Good condition hood and hardtop

What should I be asking them, and are there any photo angles, particular shots that I could ask them for that are particularly revealing.

Thanks in advance

Jon

 

[jaymanek]

What you could ask for is a look inside the hoot compartment and wells of the boot.
Also sills are worth a look as they always tend to rot.

Just remember that if its under 10K ish then you will have to expect some remedial work..

 

[wobbly]

No "visible" rust on the exterior or sills. (Hate that word !)

There is a problem with the 107, and rust, that cannot be easily seen!

The problem is the bulkhead, it rots and once this has happened the car is virtually a write off.

 

[b11ocx]

Thanks for that. I have asked for some photos of the specific areas before I even think about spending money !

Still fully intend to have a professional inspection if I was to move forward, and expect to spend money on general improvement and upkeep. Would just like to know what I am getting into up front

 

[jaymanek]

Dont bother with RAC or any other genral inspections..

Id suggest a local mercedes specialist look over the car.. they will know what they are looking at..
RAC and the like just look for generic stuff and you end up with a list as long as your arm making it very difficult to decipher what is a real issue and what is expected.

 

[b11ocx]

Thanks for the advice. Will look for a decent independent in the Dundee area.

 

[b11ocx]

Well, got all of the photos, including sills, bulkhead, wheel well etc, and it all looks pretty OK, so now to get an inspection. Any recommendations for anyone around the Dundee area ?