edhayes

I recently sold my 82 380SL and I want to get a newer model.
I am considering purchasing a 1995 MB 320SL. It is in great shape and it has been serviced by MB since birth.
I know it is a "six" but I don't need tons of power and the decrease in engine size will decrease my insurance and gas rates.
Can anyone tell me or offer me any opinions on this car?
Anything I should look for?
Anything problematic with this year and model?

Thanks

Ed

Bigdot

biggest thing, miles, and tranny. and i think engine wiring harness, but im not sure.

Mark

MorrisWu

Besides, test the soft top action up-down serval times, also the hard top locking function, looking for hydraulic leakage.
Drive test, see the 5th gear is functional, also kick-down function.
rim&tire: the MB orginal ones is prefer, AMG, BRABUS, LORINSER is OK

joe1388

I agree with MorrisWu; The test of the top mechanism is of primary importance. When mine quit working shortly after I purchased the car it cost almost 2 grand to repair. They had to replace the front locking valves because they were leaking. Imagine what it would cost if the rear ones were leaking also?

MBHustla858

all those 104, inline 6s need headgaskets every 60 k or so..... and the front cover leaks too..... other than that make sure the tranny has been serviced regularly

sl3204me

You have come to the man for advice.You shall get it.First,the SL320 is a wonderful car.Penty of power,easy to work on,and solid.Gas mileage is around 20MPG all around driving.Areas of interest are:instrument cluster,front brakes,mass airflow meter and O2 sensors,full tune up,replacing all fluids and filters,Bose speakers in front doors,condition and operation of top,alternator and voltage regulator condition,and battery.Make sure all are operating efficiently before buying.Then have head gasket checked for leak in left front block area.Next check for leaks in the rear differential seal area,and finally make sure that the main engine harness and the engine compartment body harness have both been replaced within the last 2-3 years.Naturally a complete inspection by a MB trained mechanic is a must.You want a complete set of records,manuals,and keys.If all this is verified and everything is a go,then buy it and enjoy.If not then walk away,or figure on spending $7000 over the purchase price to get it back into semi decent shape.There is no cheap SL.You pay now or you pay later.It is that simple.After having gone through this process the hard way,I recommend getting a Starmark warranty.You will make money over the longer term with it. Either way,you will enjoy driving the SL320.

LeaUK

Don't forget to get the engine sub harness insulation checked alongside the Electronic Throttle Actuators (ETA) and associated wiring - it's a VERY expensive MB repair should you need it.

Please use the search facility to find other similar posts as there will have been many before..

One last thing - go buy an SL, they are indeed the best car ever!


Lea