SL500 - H / 82' - Advice

[sbk1972]

hi all

Wow, what a great website. Im used to scoobynet / e36coupe.com and was pleased to see an equal involving mercs.

So, about to look at a SL500 H plate. Done around 50K, 2 owners, white / biege leather. Full merc SH, good nick.

So, what sort of price do you reckon trhis would go for ?? The dealer has it rather high, so I reckon anyway.

Also, what are the common faults with this car ? Things to look out for ?? Do they suffer from HG ? Cooling issues ? Diff issues ? What sort of gearbox checks can I do ?

Cheers for your help.

SBK

 

[stats007]

H plate I assume you mean 1992?

An early 500SL wouldn't be my first choice as I prefer and have owned two of the later M113-engined cars. Solidly built but always buy on condition and history. A concours car would be around £12k, however the colour isn't very popular. Early car will have a 4-speed auto and twin distributors which suffer from a few faults. Later cars (1995on) got coil packs - stlying changed in 94 from two-tone and also a facelift in for MY96 and MY99 with the new engines. Have a search on here as this is a very common topic.

My best advice would be to go and drive a few (early and late cars) and see what you think. Don't buy the first you see!

 

[sbk1972]

Cheers for your advice.

The car does look in great condition, from the many pics the guy has set me. It;s had the last owner for 19 years, and has only done 49K, just been serviced, includes the white hardtop, and is priced at around £6.5K

Im thinking £5K. Ive seen that there are subtle difference between the newer models, visually, didnt realise there were big engine changes too, i.e. the 2 x distributors etc etc.

What do u check for when you drive it ?? Does these engines suffer from common faults ? Whats sort of mpg would this type of engine return ?

SBK

 

[stats007]

Predomninatly electrics - especially the roof mechanism however the gearboxes seem to be suffering at later mileage (won't select reverse etc) and require rebuilds though 50k is quite low.

As mentioned have a search - R129 buying advice should really be a sticky by now!

 

[sbk1972]

Just done a search, read some much and love the fact that most posts turn into a pi55 taking session inbetween users hahaha

Stats, you've been on this site for a while I liked the pic of your old black sl, looked lovely ! I loved that black / biscuit leather combination.

SBK

 

[EDZ649]

Cheers for your advice.

The car does look in great condition, from the many pics the guy has set me. It;s had the last owner for 19 years, and has only done 49K, just been serviced, includes the white hardtop, and is priced at around £6.5K

Im thinking £5K. Ive seen that there are subtle difference between the newer models, visually, didnt realise there were big engine changes too, i.e. the 2 x distributors etc etc.

What do u check for when you drive it ?? Does these engines suffer from common faults ? Whats sort of mpg would this type of engine return ?

SBK

I would say between £4500 - £5000