Viewed my first r129 500 today Tempted but nervous

[Tricksum]

A trade sale.98 special edition 63K full history stamped in service book.Panoramic roof and what looked like fantastic condition.The car has been mot'ed every year but only covered 5K in the last ten years but regular oil and filters.
The soft top initially would not operate and was manually raised before my arrival but did finally operate perfectly a few times.
The engine was very hot on my arrival which I didn't like.The engine bay was mint.
The shut lines were not equal where the bonnet meets the wings which raised a eyebrow.
Slight oil leak from the steering box which to be fair was mentioned on the last MOT advisory.
On the underside the front suspension and calibers were quite crusty and rusty.
The rear wishbones were also quite crusty as well.These crusty rusty areas to the underside are probably quite normal as I don't really know what I'm looking at.
This car is the model I want and I am very tempted to go for it.The price is 16K
Any pointers would be appreciated.

 

[BTB 500]

Do you have a link? Uneven shut lines would certainly suggest frontal damage, engine pre-warmed is suspicious, any issues with the hood are potentially serious. Check the mileage done each year on the MOT history website - consistent low usage is OK but a year (or more) with no use could suggest it was off the road being repaired after a shunt. £16k doesn't sound like a bargain price ... I would definitely suggest looking at a few more examples if you can.

 

[rockits]

I would say with the issues you mention then 16k is not a bargain price.

When you say trade sale what does that mean as you can only buy a car trade sale from a dealer if you are a dealer/trader.

Also what special edition is it?

Any link to the ad or pics/details?

With all those issues and if you arrived and the car was warm, the hood didn't work initially, and panel issues the alarm bells are ringing. I would ever considered going further without a specialist PPI.

Where is it located as there may be a local specialist who can give it the once over for you. If the seller won't allow a PPI I would walk away.

Even an R129 SL500 can eat many k very quickly. I'm just getting mine finished off for sale and mine was very good to start with. I have spent maybe 5-6k over the 4 years I have had it. I have had servicing and much work done by PCS and done a few jobs myself as well.

It is a 1999 car with 2 previous owners and 73k miles and will be under 15k to give you an idea in comparison.

 

[rockits]

Did you know the plate as you can check a fair bit from there often. I use Cazana a fair bit, then the MOT history check site. Also make sure you get an HPI check to check for outstanding finance and/or accidents/damage/stolen register.

What is the exterior and interior colour?

Does it have ADS suspension and if so does it work fully/correctly?

Does it have the wind breaker and cover?

Does the Pano Roof colour match the exterior and interior?

Many questions to ask!

 

[Tricksum]

Thank you all.Here is the link.
If the wind deflector is stowed on the vertical face in the boot it is missing.

1998 Mercedes SL 500 Convertible 40th Anniversary Special Edition - Keystone Performance Cars

 

[rockits]

Would it be this one possibly?

Mercedesass 5.0 Sl500 Convertible 2D 4973Cc Auto - 20995169 - ExchangeandMart.co.uk

 

[Tricksum]

YES SIR!

 

[rockits]

Thank you all.Here is the link.
If the wind deflector is stowed on the vertical face in the boot it is missing.

1998 Mercedes SL 500 Convertible 40th Anniversary Special Edition - Keystone Performance Cars

LOL...thanks just found it....at completely different price.

Looks nice from initial looks. If it is Ringwood that isn't far from PCS. I would be getting them to do a PPI on it if you're serious.

They can't sell it trade though unless you are a trader/dealer.

 

[E55BOF]

The solution seems obvious; Tricksum, buy Rockits' car. You know it makes sense...

 

[Tricksum]

I'm a private buyer.
S991 DGC is the reg number
I offered 14K 17K was the best they would take.

 

[Tricksum]

Of course!how silly of me.ha ha

 

[rockits]

Just had a look on Cazana and MOT history. Looks like it has done most of its miles in the first few years of its life then not much for the last 12 odd years.

With the comments on rust/corrosion on the underbody I would suggest it has been left sitting for long periods in either a damp garage or outside maybe but hard to say for sure.

With a PPI and a few k spent it could be a god buy but would need to be much cheaper IMHO.

I can't see them selling that for anywhere near that money as it is. Maybe if they fixed it up a bit but not as is.

How did the trade sale bit come about as this would raise a concern to me as if they were trying to offload it quickly with an attempt at absolving any responsibility? Of course they can't do this by law anyway.

Could be a nice car and a good buy but would need more digging,.some work and a cheaper price.

Did you go for a test drive and if so what did it drive like?

 

[BTB 500]

Thank you all.Here is the link.
If the wind deflector is stowed on the vertical face in the boot it is missing.

The wind deflector is shown in the pictures, attached to the rollbar.

 

[BTB 500]

Looking at the pictures further ... no heated seats, which is a strange omission on a special edition car?

 

[rockits]

The solution seems obvious; Tricksum, buy Rockits' car. You know it makes sense...

Thanks, very kind to think of me but I'm here to help the OP with the car they mentioned. Of course your more than welcome to look at my car even if it helps as a comparison to this one your are looking at. Mine is not quite ready for sale yet but nearly there.

I'm in no rush to sell but more than happy to help you find a good car. Mine or others.

This is my third R129 SL and many including BTB 500 know a fair bit about these cars now so we are all here to help. PCS know R129's very well so would be a good option for a PPI and ongoing servicing/works.

Where you based? I'm Bell Bar, Hertfordshire.

 

[Tricksum]

Cross wires about the trade sale.Im a private buyer the car in question is for sale through the garage mentioned.No funny business at all.
Regarding the blue soft top which was in excellent order,surely one that has not been operated for some years might initially struggle a little.
I spent a good while looking around the car but didn't drive it as I knew it was over priced.
It was in spanking condition but as I said this was the first car I have looked at.
I don't really want to spend 5k on a 16-17k car putting anything right.
I did make a bid though shows how a bit of bling can make you weak and crack.

 

[rockits]

Looking at the pictures further ... no heated seats, which is a strange omission on a special edition car?

Indeed....weird as most have heated seats. Looks like a pre facelift M119 does it not?

 

[Tricksum]

I'm near Brighton.Thanks again,nice to know there's a community here.

 

[rockits]

Cross wires about the trade sale.Im a private buyer the car in question is for sale through the garage mentioned.No funny business at all.

Understood, sorry misinterpreted your trade sale bit. That is better then.

Maybe let them sit on it for a bit and go back after a while to see if they want to take your 14k [emoji6]

 

[Tricksum]

Maybe.I know I repeating myself but it was immaculate.
Do the rear suspension components cause a lot of problems?