Some advice please: SL280

[emilybee]

Hi All

I'm new to the forum and have been reading for the majority of the night.

I'm looking to purchase an 'L' plate 1994 SL280 in very good condition for its age. The asking price is £6500 with 98k on the clock. I'm due to view the car in the next couple of weeks.

I have a few concerns based on previous information and from reading on here:

"There is a problem with the remote locking, probably the battery." Should I be concerned that this is an IR issue and if so, how much will it cost?

I have always driven manuals and am unsure about driving an automatic. I understand that this vehicle will probably have the 4 speed gear box, not 5. Should this be a concern?

I have seen that people consider the SL280 as a waste of space (to put it a nice way). Considering I currently own a 1.8T Beetle, should I be worrying that the power won't be sufficient? I understand that the torque is far better on the Merc despite the BHP being lower. The Beetle also has a lot of bodywork added. Personally I can't quite believe I'm even considering a 2.8 at a time when petrol prices are only due to increase. Surely a 320 or even a 500 would be a silly idea. Please remember that I'm only used to the Beetle. . . surely the SL280 would feel like for like at the very least. . . ?

Assuming that the paintwork is sound for the year of the vehicle and that the mechanics are sound - would this be an okay sum to pay? The value checkers don't go back to this year.

Other queries I have, I will ask the seller direct and see what he has to say.

Thanks in advance for any information you have to offer and for the enjoyable read so far

 

[stats007]

Welcome to the forum .

The price seems fair, however as you've mentioned the 280 isn't the most desireable of R129s. Coming up to 100k miles I would ask whether the timing chain tensioner or chain itself has been done, head gasket and usual items for an M104 engine.

The central locking could be a number of things - vacuum, alarm module or sensors etc - costing it would be quite hard to do but allow £500 for a worst case scenario.

The 4-speed should be fine - they did make a manual gearbox for this car as well if you really wanted one.

As ever the price reflects the condition and history. They are expensive to put right - especially trim and roof parts so spending a bit more on the outset for a good car is always advisable. As this is the base model it may well be down on options. I personally would go for an SL320.

 

[grober]

As STATS has already said.+ The early cars with the straight 6 engine and 4 speed hydraulic box are much simpler to look after- some DIY maintenance is a distinct possibility to keep costs down. The early SL's were very well engineered dating back to their 1989 introduction. You want to carefully check all the electronic gismos are working---at least that all the warning lights come on when the ignition is first switched on and then go out after a few seconds-people have been known to remove the bulbs! Main things are the ABS/traction control system and the automatic roll over bar- which I think you can manually raise??? Stats will maybe confirm this. Make sure the car automatic soft top mechanism works faultlessly-- you should be able to raise and lower it without problems several times in a row-the car having a good battery helps here! the fabric roof and rear window should be free of damage- expensive to replace. There should also be a hard top of course-check the seals where it fits on the body. Look for road grit scoring on the side windows since they go up and down a lot. A well looked after 280 will allow you the authentic Mercedes SL experience where you may find sheer performance isn't necessary to enjoy the cars other qualities. If you are looking for sheer "grunt" buy a v8.

 

[hawk20]

Hi All

I'm new to the forum and have been reading for the majority of the night.

I'm looking to purchase an 'L' plate 1994 SL280 in very good condition for its age. The asking price is £6500 with 98k on the clock. I'm due to view the car in the next couple of weeks.

I have a few concerns based on previous information and from reading on here:

Considering I currently own a 1.8T Beetle, should I be worrying that the power won't be sufficient? I understand that the torque is far better on the Merc despite the BHP being lower. The Beetle also has a lot of bodywork added. Personally I can't quite believe I'm even considering a 2.8 at a time when petrol prices are only due to increase. Surely a 320 or even a 500 would be a silly idea. Please remember that I'm only used to the Beetle. . . surely the SL280 would feel like for like at the very least. . . ?

IIRC it is 10.2 secs for 0-62mph and the 320 is about 8.4secs. But always seems faster in a sports car.

Amazing how these things have changed. The legendary Steve McQueen Ford Mustang in what many see as the greatest car chase (in the film Bullitt) was a V8 and had 5.7 litres. It had a top speed of 115 and a 0-60 time of 10.8 seconds. Virtually identical to my A class (A180cdi 2 litre diesel). But they are all fun to drive.

What the SL has is real style.

I would ensure that the seller gets the central locking fixed professionally before you even think of buying.

 

[c955]

I think Stats will usually add that you shouldn't buy the first one you see!

I've been watching the market for R129s and they're a whole load of car for the money right now; I think this will only improve given current economy/petrol prices, so don't think this SL280 is the only one available

Fuel cost/consumption really shouldn't be a significant factor if you're only doing a few thousand miles a year. Do the sums on an annual basis and the difference is very small!

Good luck with whatever you get.

 

[stats007]

I think Stats will usually add that you shouldn't buy the first one you see!

No-one ever listens so I've given up!

You can buy the first car you see provided you've gone back to it after looking at four or five others .

 

[emilybee]

Wow, thanks for the replies!

I have been looking around. I actually went to view an SL320 quite near to me yesterday but the plastic in the hood had a hole in it (it was due to be valetted so I was viewing it in its sorry state and it clearly hadn't been looked after) and the garage said they wouldn't be repairing it as it wouldn't be economically viable for them - so they'll be selling a car with a leak from the offset?!

There is an SL320 I'll be viewing and test driving tomorrow. It's £6995, 1996, with a few extra features e.g. heated seats and air con. Obviously these are just extra things that could go wrong but it seems the remote locking is fine on this one. Down side is that it's blue and really I wanted black or red. A respray would be expensive and a bit silly. I'll then test drive the SL280 next weekend so I can compare.

The others I have seen just don't meet my expectations so I don't really see the point in spending the time and money viewing them. They're either visibly dirty, have too many miles, have expensive and/or long-term issues or just out of my budget.

If anyone would be prepared to look at the two I have in mind via PM then please let me know. A second opinion would give me more confidence when viewing and would be much appreciated.

All the suggestions you have made will be printed off and I'll take them with me on each viewing.

Thanks again for all the input

 

[stats007]

To be honest for the money you're looking at spending you're going to have to compromise a little. A mint example, low owners, FMBSH and low mileage would be around £10k.

eBay maybe worth a look. I'm happy to look at adverts or see a car if it's local.

 

[emilybee]

Hi Stats

I just realised, I probably can't PM as I'm too new. I'm just off to the first viewing in a minute but here are the two ads if you wouldn't mind casting your eye over them.

Next Weekend

Today

I re-read my post and it does look like I'm asking for people to come along. Apologies for that, I would never expect someone to do that, but an honest opinion of the ads would help me out no end

Thank you for the offer to come along if it's local, that was very kind of you indeed

 

[stats007]

The first one you can skip a lot of the waffle - some of the facts are incorrect but irrelevant.

Rust on the wing needs attention, as does the rear window which is not a £50 trimmer's job it will be £250 - the soft-top has to come off to do the rear windows properly. Leather looks a little worn and cracked. Lowest spec possible. It does look all original - a lot of cars have facelifted grilles and lights fitted or different wheels etc.

Whilst it looks nice it obviously has had a valet to get it in this shape. Check over it thoroughly - door edges and bottoms, all seams and sills for rust etc Lift the carpets for signs of damp, check rubbers for splits and signs of overspray. Operate the roof a couple of times with the engine running and also the aircon. For the money it seems fine. I prefer the Almandine car with the black interior next to it.

The second car hard to tell. Leather looks worn, brown dash isn't my first choice. No mention of a full service history or the number of owners.

I would go and see and drive both even if you have no intention of buying. It will give you an idea of the '96 model year changes, the differences in power and also condition of varying cars etc. Essential at this price as there will be some horrendous examples out there.

 

[glojo]

Stats is extremely knowledgeable and hopefully we are all a friendly bunch that will be only too willingly to do what we can. My sole advice is to have a very open mind regarding engine size.

Providing your not too young then the insurance should not be too much of an issue for any of the SL range and usually the larger powered vehicles tend to have more options. There will always be exceptions to this and you might find a fully loaded 280.

If the car is dirty and appears neglected, then I would walk away; there are lots of very nice examples out there and all it needs is patience. The first one you look at might be perfect, or it might be the 31st but do NOT settle for second best. Do NOT let the seller talk you into liking something. If a seller cannot be bothered to repair a broken rear window, then what else has been neglected?

I totally agree about buying the best, most looked after vehicle as in my opinion it is usually the 'cheap' car that is the most expensive.

Today might be a quiet day for advice as the gang are going to the Midland GTG. (sad face cos I can't go)

Good luck
Regards
John

 

[BTB 500]

For post '96 facelift cars (i.e. all with 5-speed auto box) the figures are:

SL280: 23.2 MPG (combined), 9.9 secs 0-62
SL320: 22.6 MPG (combined), 8.4 secs 0-62
SL500: 19.8 MPG (combined), 6.5 secs 0-62

I wouldn't recommend the 280 if a 320 is an option. The 500 is a nice unstressed engine, I get near to 30 mpg from mine on the motorway with the roof up. As Stats said, be aware there was a major facelift for the 1996 model year. Post-facelift cars are generally seen as being more desirable ... that's not to say don't buy an earlier one, just make sure you know what you're getting! The interior door panels are quite different ... that's probably the most reliable way to tell.

 

[Doodle]

I'm with Bill on this one (but then I would be) - I got about 28mpg on the run to the GTG today, and that's despite giving it some stick and having the older 4spd box. I did borrow a 320 for a few weeks and found that there wasn't much difference in the fuel consumption for me, but that might be because I was used to the grunt of the 500 and therefore making it work harder.

I've just finished recommissioning mine after an 18mth lay-up, and have found the prices of interior parts can be variable...some are very reasonable, some aren't. If you find a car that is otherwise good but has a couple of damaged trim pieces, do not necessarily be put off - go and check the replacement prices first.

 

[emilybee]

Thanks again for the replies - yes, you are a friendly bunch

I went to see the SL320 today and for the second time this week I've been told I could test drive on the phone, then driven a fair few miles to be told I can't. I'm starting to get pretty pee'd off That said, the interior wasn't great. Funnily enough, I felt a better feeling sitting in the wreck the other day than I did in the better version today. The sales guy reckoned I would be better off with a more modern car but I still have a soft spot for the SL and think I need to get it out of my system.

I'm a little gutted that the SL280 might not meet my expectations. I know it doesn't have the extras but I felt the guy was really trustworthy (and would still like to think so) but not sure if he'd agree to a reduced price based on the hood issue and the 'bubbling'. The alloys also have a little scuffing. As the car is not top spec, I was considering spending some money on an entertainment system to make it feel a little more modern.

I've been looking at other cars, including other makes and nothing is really grabbing me. I was hoping to find some mercs for sale here, at least I would know the source is trustworthy but you all seem to be holding onto yours

PS: He's also selling the Almandine

 

[stats007]

Whay can't you test drive a a dealer car?

Personally I'd invoice for them for petrol costs if they'd agreed on the phone.

 

[emilybee]

He was the only guy manning the office. Maybe I spoke to a junior yesterday, Do you think this is fate that I shouldn't actually buy an SL?!?! I'm beginning to wonder

Regarding the car I'm seeing next week. . . What did you mean by "some of the facts are incorrect but irrelevent"? Do you mean that there are some points made that aren't factually correct but that don't affect the sale of the car either way? Sorry, I just didn't understand that bit

 

[stats007]

Yes - misquoted technical info.

Don't worry, you'll find one. The worst thing you can possibly do is rush into it so be patient .

 

[mattc]

No-one ever listens so I've given up!

You can buy the first car you see provided you've gone back to it after looking at four or five others .

I've been listening

 

[stats007]

Glad to hear it Matt . If you're interested there's a 1996 SL60 AMG with 85k on the clock up for sale in the MBOC Gazette for £15k.

If that's a bit hairy then a nice looking '95 SL320 for £10k.

 

[Natalie]

Glad to hear it Matt . If you're interested there's a 1996 SL60 AMG with 85k on the clock up for sale in the MBOC Gazette for £15k.

If that's a bit hairy then a nice looking '95 SL320 for £10k.

Yes yes yes pppppllllllleeeeeeeaaaassseeeeee Matt! Either one would be nice, so long as it's the AMG first!!!!