port haus

Found a clean local low mile one (under 50k)
What to offer, black/black

KBB in excellent condition shows 3300 is that right?

What kinds of issues did these have what to expect?

WHat kind of shock/brake steering systems do they have are they crazy money to repair

Thanks in advance.
Mamas Bday is coming up and has the car disease like the rest of us

Merc Mania

Wow 50K is VERY low miles for that year of a R129. My 1991 has over 300k miles, by way of comparison, so the car you have spotted is an exceptional example. The M119 engine that powered the 1990 500SL did not have the wiring harness degradation issues that began in 1994, and came with metal, and not flimsy plastic cam oiler tubes.


I would buy that car in a heartbeat. The timing chain, chain adjuster, and plastic chain guides will all need to be replaced, if that has not been done recently. In a pinch you can use the existing timing chain and chain adjuster that came with the car, but you MUST replace all four per side of the UPPER the plastic timing chain guides, for the old ones are CERTAIN to be fractured or fragmented already, as expected for a M119 engine of this vintage.

You may need to replace the shocks with a set of Bilsteins, but they cost the same as for any other car. Go for it, unless of course you find a 1997 R129 in similar good shape, in which case the 1997 would be a better bet.

The hydraulic cylinders that lift and retract the canvas roof will need overhauling by Klaus at Top Hydraulics, IF you intend to take those Summer drives with the top down. If like me you prefer way the R129 looks with its metal roof, then you can skip the convertible roof fix, and leave the canvas roof stowed away.

In trying to beat down the price, mention of the cost entailed in refurbishing the convertible roof could be a good bargaining chip. If there is no sign of accident or rust damage on this unusually low mileage R129, I would offer $2,500 if I were in your shoes, with the expectation of meeting the seller halfway somewhere in the area of $3,500.

port haus

High KBB on it is in the 4000 ish range he wants 8800 (wait maybe that was a 99 I saw?)

Id be willing to pay hi book as it is very clean but double no way

What do those items you listed typically cost to have done?

Werent the electronics on those dicey or just the earlier models

Merc Mania

The chain guides you can buy for less than $200, but if you opt to replace the chain and chain tensioner, figure on spending a further $300, for a total parts cost of $550 or thereabouts.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/...ENGCAM_pg2.htm

Labor costs at your indy mechanic will of course be additional.

If you decide to remove all the hydraulic cylinders to be overhauled by Top Hydraulics, figure on another $500 or more for that.

New shocks all round will run $500, plus the cost of shock mounts and such.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/..._pg1.htm#item0

port haus

Thats not too terribly bad so I take it 50k these items should be done?
The owner of the 1990 wont respond.
Spotted a 99 with 102k that is pretty mint...hes stuck on 8k or so seems high? Comparing it to KBB

Merc Mania

If you go with the 1999 model, the timing chain and components do not need replacement, since those models are powered by the next generation V8 motor, the M113, which did not suffer from timing chain issues like the earlier M119 V8 engine that ran until 1998.

port haus

Thanks...is 8k out of line for a clean 99 w/100k on it? Books out at half that he wont budge on price. All stock untouched
Looks well kept but who knows. Wish I knew more about these cars.

Merc Mania

Yeah 8K does seem a bit steep for a 1999 model with 100K miles, but maybe other drivers of this car who visit this website or the other one, would have some thoughts to add on that asking price.

In the meantime, there is no harm making your best offer, and leaving your phone number with the seller. He might climb down on the price after you have walked away.

port haus

i just went by what excellent KBB showed wiht the same mileage hes about double...same with an e320 that she fell in love with. Double.

So many neat cars out for cheap...if I had it my way I would have come hom ewith another truck, a 70 SST Javelin and an 02 SS Camaro. Got the disease bad guys.

Maybe I should go look at that civic which makes sense.

Nah.

Merc Mania

Sooner or later a Mercedes SL that is reasonably priced will show up on the radar, Port Haus. Keep us updated as events unfold.

port haus

Thanks your right just have to be patient too many things going on at one time. Its a buyers market...dont mind paying for "good" but no sense in sheer ignorance and paying a ton. Its not like its a collector car;classy looking ride it is though