Carson_Kitt

Hi all-

This is my first post on this forum.

I have always been a fan of the SL class Mercedes - especially the SL600.

I found a 1997 SL 600 for sale and had a couple of questions.

What were the additional options available for this car?

How could I find out if this car has the Sport Package.

How would I go about finding the production specs for this car?

It is a '97 Black with Black and Gray with the Leather and Wood Grain steering wheel.

I was wondering how many SL600s were made in 1997 and how many came in this specific color combination?

I apologize for this lengthy post - I am just trying to learn more about these cars.

Best regards,

Carson

ChrisB

In 1997:

1,164 produced. 740 sold in the US.

Stastistics from "The SL Experience".

I think the panorama roof (glass top) was optional.

Link to year over year changes:

http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/u...x.cfm/id/2462/

SandyinMiami

Chris, you are a veritable fount of information!!

Carson_Kitt

Hi Chris-

Thank you very much for the information.

Do you know of a website that breaks down the percentage built per exterior color?

Best regards,

Carson

ChrisB

No website except:

http://www.slmarket.com/

Which is from "The SL Experience" book. Which notes that in 1998 (probably not much different than 1997) the top 10 SL coulors broke down as follows:

1) Firemist Red 25%
2) Black 19%
3) Brilliant Sivler 16%
4) Smoke Silver 9%
5) Glacier White 8%
6) Magma Red 8%
7) Dark Turquoise 3%
8) Mineral Green 2%
9) Obsidian Black 1%
10) Black Opal 1%

That adds up to 92% of the colors being accounted for.

The balance were:

11) Azure Blue
12) Bahama Blue
13) Sunburts Yellow (tied)
13) Aspen Green (tied)
13) Bordeaux (tied)

Carson_Kitt

Hi Chris-

Thank you again for all of your help - it is very much appreciated.

How could I tell the difference between Black, Obsidian Black, and Black Opal - does the sticker on the door have the paint code?

Best regards,

Carson

ChrisB

Black code 040
Obsidian Black code 197
Black Opal code 189

But I do not know how to interpret the VIN.

Chris

Carson_Kitt

Hi Chris-

Thank you for your reply.

I am going to see the car later this week.

I will post more information when I have it.

Best regards,

Carson

HLG600

You can tell it has a sport package by the AMG bodywork and AMG Wheels. Also, on the cutouts above the side skirt, it should say sport if it came with the factory sport package. Good Luck with the purchase...you will love the car.

Carson_Kitt

HLG600-

Thank you for your post.

I found out some more info on the car:

1997 SL600

Black with Black and Gray Leather - currently don't know which black the paint is.

28,000 Miles - the mileage checks out and it has a clean carfax.

The current owner is the third owner.

The car has the stock 16" wheels on it right now - however, it also has a set of AMG 18" five spoke wheels that go with it.

I am still a little stumped on the AMG Package.

Would it be possible to see a pic of the standard side skits and the AMG side skirts - that way I can see if this car has the AMG package or not.

Where would I check for the sport package?

One thing that I can't understand on this particular car: the suspension dampener on the the drivers front wheel has been disconnected - all of the hardware is there - just the fitting is unscrewed.

Any idea why that would be?

The car only has a drew other issues:

1. A small ding on the fender caused by a careless mechanic working under the hood - other than that the paintwork is immaculate.

2. The drivers side headlight is a little loose.

3. One wheel center cap is missing

4. The grill insert for the air-dam is missing.

Aside from that the car is in immaculate condition - both inside and out.

What would a decent price be for the car?

It is a private party sale and not at a dealer.

Thank you again,

Carson

HLG600

You're welcome, I'll help as best I can. Since the car came with the stock rims, I am beginning to doubt it has a sport package. My reasoning is based on the fact that the sport package includes both the bodywork and wheels. Check out the R129 Picture thread. The Silver SL60 AMG has the same bodywork as the sport packaged cars. ChrisB (the desert silver SL) has the stock body kit (his photos are excellent and show the kit in great detail). In regards to the center grill, there are several for sale on eBay (search Mercedes SL in the Parts section). Any idea what happened to the car that caused a missing center grill? As for the headlight, maybe it was taken out and then reinstalled improperly...nothing tightening up some bolts won't fix...I hope they are Xenons instead of halogens. IMHO, xenons look far better but are extremely expensive in the aftermarket so having them already installed is a big plus. Check out kbb.com for fair market value of the car. Mileage is great and it comes with a carfax guarantee, which is also a major plus. Just be sure to have a private MB Specialty Garage examine the car prior to purchase. Aside from that, if you can, please post some photos or a link so that we can check out the car. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask. Good Luck

HLG

Carson_Kitt

HLG600-

Thank you for your post.

I am supposed to see the car tomorrow - will try to get some pictures of it then.

How would I tell if it has Halogen or Xenon lights installed.

The seller is looking for $25,000 with the extra wheels.

I have no idea why the grill insert for the spoiler/air dam is missing.

If the car is as good as it is represented, what do you think of the price?

Thank you again,

Carson

97slsix

It isn't hard to lose the insert. If you park over a curb and catch the bumper a bit the thing will pop out. Happened to me before and almost drove off and left it without noticing.
25k seems fair on the price if that shock thing gets fixed. For reference I bought my 97 SL600 about 6 mo. ago with 60k for 23000. It had brand new AMG rims with tires and was spotless, full records. market sux for these cars right now and there are a lot of deals.

HLG600

Glad to be of help. The difference is visible in the picture thread. The xenons have a circular piece built into them. At that mileage, and assuming no mechanical problems whatsever, the car is a steal.

Carson_Kitt

I went and the saw the car today.

Aside from the issues mentioned above, the car is immaculate.

The AMG wheels are aftermarket - they are incredibly wide!

The sun was out today so it was impossible to get any pictures without alot of glare.

From what I could tell, it does not have the AMG package or the Xenon headlights.

Best regards,

Carson

Carson_Kitt

I just spoke to the seller and found out something very interesting in regards to this car.

The self leveling shocks (I belive that's what they are called) were replaced at some time prior to his ownership.

The car now has standard shorcks.

I believe that is why they hydraulic lines were disconnected.

What does that do to the value, handling, longevity, potential resale value down the road, and safety to this car.

Could the shock replacement be part of the reason the air dam grill insert is missing?

Also, what would be involved with replacing the current shocks with the original set-up - what would the approximate cost be for a M-B shop to do it?

Best regards,

Carson

Pigzmickey

I would give it a miss!

ADS is worth the wait...

Carson_Kitt

Hi-

Thank you for your reply.

Can you describe what ADS does that would make you pass on this car?

Thank you for your help.

Best regards,

Carson

97slsix

the grill insert is missing because someone parked too close to a curb. It's not a big deal.

HLG600

Hmmm, it raises a red flag when the car's self leveling suspention was changed.

mebeJOE

I love R129's, but I wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole with the non-stock suspension and the hydralics disconnected. UNLESS, you get a DEALER quote for fixing it (maybe it is disconnected and changed because there is something else wrong, like the computer or something and it is a $5,000 repair), AND you subtract that from the price . . .

And I'd still be pretty hesitant. Why not look for one that somebody didn't screw up?

Be warned that repairs can be expensive. I had a screwed up Xenon assembly replaced under warranty. It would have been $200 for the headlamp PLUS $1000 for the assembly.

I didn't see where you are located, but there are dozens of these babys for sale in So. Cal. that have been well maintained by rich Beverly Hills dentists and plastic surgeons and lawyers' wives and so forth. You should be able to find a better one for the price.

HLG600

mebeJOE has a point. Even though the mileage is low, a poorly maintained car is still a poorly maintained car. I know, it sounds difficult, but look around. A 50K mile fully maintained SL600 will last much longer than one fooled around with. However, I would still get the car examined by a private MB Professional, one that specializes in MB and is not a dealer. Who knows, the car might run perfectly, but in any scenario, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Carson_Kitt

I am going to see how the seller feels about taking the car for a PPI.

If he balks, then I know everything that I need to know.

I live in VA - nice SL's in this year range are somewhat difficult to find.

Thank you for your help.

Best regards,

Carson

agentMurdoc

I drive the exact model, right down to the color inside and out.