carlosamg

Hi guys i need your advice / opinions on a choice for my new benz. I currently drive a 98 CLK320 with amg pack but i am becoming quite interested in the SL.I have 2 choices at the moment. Choice 1 is a 1991 SL300 in black with beige leather int, amg wheels and in nice condition. Choice 2 is a 1992 SL500 in silver with black leather int and amg wheels again. I really like the black one and they are the same price so i am not sure what to do. Is there really that much difference performance wise between the 300 and 500. I was thinking the 300 will perform very much like my CLK. I am not a super fast drivewr but the extra grunt would be nice. What do you guys think ?. Also is there any mechanical / electrical problems known at thus age that i need to look out for. Both cars have 80,000 miles with service history.

blueSL

The SL500 is alot quicker than the SL300 which was only made for a short period. These cars are old and a single unscheduled repair could cost you a significant proportion of what the car costs. If I were you, I'be be looking to buy a car of 96 or later.

sl3204me

Go with the SL500 making sure it has been meticulously maintained,body in prefect condition,and all fluids having been changed in the last 12 months and I do mean all fluids.If the car has over 75,000 miles,make sure that the 2 main engine wiring harnesses have been replaced aong with the instrument cluster,alternator,and alternator power harness.Check the top for proper operation and check the air conditioning system also.Plan on $3000 per year in upkeep costs to be safe.Good luck....

carlosamg

Thanks guys, i made a mistake with the mileage on the 500. It actually has 108k miles on it so it is a lot more than the 300.I am not sure i would use the total power of the 500 as i like to cruise and enjoy the looks the car would get.I was hoping the 300 would be good enough in that respect. I have owned V8 cars before and have found them very thirsty.Wow these cars need a lot of service work each year then. How can i tell if the wiring harness has been changed ?. The black SL300 24v looks really nice and has lots of receipts / bills to back the history up. The roof is in good condition and operates fine. The only issue is a scratch on the body which actually may polish out. Both cars are for sale at £10,000 UK which is not bad money really although the 300 is a little highly priced. The seller says he has done this because it reflects in the condition of the car. I think i will go 300 guys, do you agree. Will i regret changing from my CLK320.

gocargo

The 1991 300SL does not have the wiring harness problem

Good luck in whatever you choose.
//Brett 1990 Black 300SL

carlosamg

That is great news and a big relief, thanks bud. It looks more and more like the 300 is going to be my choice.

baco99

So, what did you choose?

MorrisWu

I am a new member far far far from TAIWAN . I own my white 92' 300SL-24 for 1 year.
I like it very much, and want to drive it every second! People say the SL500 is the best model in R129, I also agree that, But since there is a big gap of the tax between 3000cc and 5000cc engines in my country, the better choice to me became the sl300-24. It has only 78,000 KM on the clock with a nearly new MB original soft top, 722.5 5- speed transmission, just good for fuel economical. Engine, Transmission, Body, Interial every parts are in good conditions, except the soft top cylinders. There are 3 cylinders leaking, and I am trying to fix them myself. I have to replace the seal and o-ring inside the cylinder, but they are special dimension. Has anyone done the replacement before can give me some information?
By the way, how to post the picture?

b4mmy

I love my 500 but it's a lot of engine, and lots of very expensive parts... so make sure you can afford to fix it, or you'll end up leaving it in your garage for quite a long time.

Pictures? When you post a message look below the message you are writing, and there is a button in the next pane that says 'Manage Attachments'. Click that, then click 'choose file'. Find a picture (.jpg) on your pc, and then click 'upload'. Wait a few seconds. Click 'close this window'. And 'submit' your message.

Here's one for you.... on a ferry from Ardrossan to Arran in Scotland. My little guy wanted to drive... and who can blame him.

Chris