SL/R129: looking for some advice
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: denver
looking at SL500s
looking for some advice
Hello,
I have been looking at acquiring a SL500 -
There is a '98 I have been eying - and it looks like a good possibility...
What should I look for as problems areas - and what makes a "good" SL - I checked out your sticky 'reference' material, and although quite glowing - all cars have their foibles... just want a clue on what are some things to look for when purchasing one
And, if I may be rather nosy - what is a fair price for one - AMG package, average mileage (90,000) body and interior in immaculate condition, engine appears good, but I want to find out more about what I need to look at before I invest in a compression test...
Thanks so much!!!!
I have been looking at acquiring a SL500 -
There is a '98 I have been eying - and it looks like a good possibility...
What should I look for as problems areas - and what makes a "good" SL - I checked out your sticky 'reference' material, and although quite glowing - all cars have their foibles... just want a clue on what are some things to look for when purchasing one
And, if I may be rather nosy - what is a fair price for one - AMG package, average mileage (90,000) body and interior in immaculate condition, engine appears good, but I want to find out more about what I need to look at before I invest in a compression test...
Thanks so much!!!!
Last edited by foxpaws; Oct 4, 2007 at 11:54 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 27
Likes: 1
1996 Mercedes-Benz SL500
98 SL500 sport package/AMG wheels = $16000
Check these: engine pressure-top buttons - AC - raise soft top check for tears- seats- leak under engine and trans. - car should run smooth and quiet at idle and RPM-gauge arrow should not jump - Oil dipstick's oil shouldn't be dark and thick.- trans fluid should be clear red - trans. should shift smooth and not kick. Buy 96-97-98 not before 96 or after 98 unless it's newer model.-
ask someone else to start the car and watch the tailpipe for smoke, light initial smoke is OK, dark smoke means car has bad injectors or heads. If you bought one only use full-synthetic oil and use oil-evacuater pump to easily change your own oil for far less(8.5 quarts of sysnthetic+$11 filter =$45) than dealer charges($90).
Check these: engine pressure-top buttons - AC - raise soft top check for tears- seats- leak under engine and trans. - car should run smooth and quiet at idle and RPM-gauge arrow should not jump - Oil dipstick's oil shouldn't be dark and thick.- trans fluid should be clear red - trans. should shift smooth and not kick. Buy 96-97-98 not before 96 or after 98 unless it's newer model.-
ask someone else to start the car and watch the tailpipe for smoke, light initial smoke is OK, dark smoke means car has bad injectors or heads. If you bought one only use full-synthetic oil and use oil-evacuater pump to easily change your own oil for far less(8.5 quarts of sysnthetic+$11 filter =$45) than dealer charges($90).
