cooner6

Hi all. Just purchased a 1993 500SL to restore. The only good thing about this car is it's fairly low mileage compared to what I've seen on ebay and other publications. This one has 91K. The fellow I purchased from inherited this one. His Father must have lived in the country with all the paint chips on the front bumper. Engine is real strong, interior is better than average.
I've been working on cars since I was a kid. 77 and climbing. I finished restoring a '70 Chevelle SS454 and sold 5 years ago. Have a '69 Grand Prix SJ428 in the garage fully restored. I'm 2 months into this one and coming along fine. Lots of new parts. Should be in the booth in couple weeks. Black paint with dark red interior. The previous owner didn't like the red top so he sanded it off. Was real proud of how it looked. That will go to black. I've see photos of the red top, don't much care for that color.
Thanks to YouTube, I've gotten lots of great use out of the repair videos they supply on this vehicle.
I'm changing the halogen to HID. Buying the ones made in Germany. A bit more expensive but has a lifetime warranty compared to others with 2 years. Seems to be an easy install.
I can't find any info on what material the top is made of. I think it's aluminum. Any suggestions? Will make a difference how I prep the metal prior to primer and paint.
The previous owner installed a high end Sony radio with all the bells and whistles which I've removed and replaced with the original. Besides it looks better in the console. I'm thinking of installing a Flowmaster. I've read where the original exhaust creates too much backpressure. Besides, I like the sound of a good exhaust. Appreciate any suggestions or comments you might have. James

MB-Dude

Welcome to the forum, James! The SL is a great model and the 5-liter power plant is solid. Lots of good information on the forum and lots of good people to bounce questions off. Wishing you luck in your project.
Cheers,
Jeff

SRHsl600

Welcome to the forum. good prior muscle car experience! As an owner of several Benz I welcome you to the Euro side too. I noted the keep original theme, but wonder if the 2-3K on better lights keeps that OEM thing true to form?
I had a wiring harness nightmare, but after money and poorly informed mechanics all is good! The 1993-95 production models had the "eco friendly" wiring insulation.
Good luck on your project.

cooner6

Thanks for your post. I do not want to take away from the originality of this beautiful creature, but, I'm 77 and shouldn't be driving at night but when I do, I want to be able to see well enough to get back home. It's a safety thing.
The previous owner changed the headlight bulbs from H1 halogen to HB1/9004 halogen. I bought the car 40 miles from where I live, drove it home, put it on the lift, and there is where it's been since. Haven't driven it at night. May not have to change after all. Time will tell. James

'93 300ce

Conner,
I am also a new SL500 owner, 45 days. I am interested in purchasing HID lights for my 2000, any information you have on manufacter / supplier and part numbers will be helpful.
I'm in San Diego, where are you?
Ron