SL/R129: 1997 SL500 died, sell for parts?
03-23-2010, 11:39 PM
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R129 SL500
1997 SL500 died, sell for parts?
My 1997 SL500 looks like it might need a valve job. I've been hearing tapping noises for a while now, and used Techron to try to fix it, but instead, the car lost a cylinder and the check engine light came on. The exhaust smelled like burnt oil. When I went home, all the spark plugs had normal fouling, but one was all gray (including the ceramic nose). I turned the car on with the plug out, and the sound from the engine was like somebody was smacking the engine block with a wrench.
Does anyone know if this is a valve job? How much am I looking at?
Also, what would this car be worth if I try to sell it for parts? I live in Marin County, California.
Thank you in advance,
John
Does anyone know if this is a valve job? How much am I looking at?
Also, what would this car be worth if I try to sell it for parts? I live in Marin County, California.
Thank you in advance,
John
03-27-2010, 09:46 PM
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Just an update: with advice, I went ahead and got a compression test. The mechanic would only do a dry test, and the result was 135 on Cyl #2, and 145-150 on the rest.
I'm currently posting on several forums, so I'll post any significant updates here....
I'm currently posting on several forums, so I'll post any significant updates here....
04-12-2010, 10:53 PM
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1992 500SL
I would personally have had a leakdown test done at the same time as the compression test. That'll tell the rest of the story.
Where are you located anyway?
As for parts, I have a top controller for sale and tail lights, fyi. PM me on those.
Where are you located anyway?
As for parts, I have a top controller for sale and tail lights, fyi. PM me on those.
06-04-2010, 11:55 AM
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Sorry, I wasn't subscribed to this thread, so I wasn't getting any email notices that the thread is being replied to.
I should update that the car is now working. After replacing 3 coils that the mechanic destroyed (or replaced with known bad ones), and after cleaning all connectors, it's working fine now.
For good measure, after getting it to work fine, I also got all plug connectors as well.
Now that it's working, I'd part with it for somewhere in the range of the KBB with 171,00 miles anjd premium AMG wheels, better than fair, with no rust:
Trade-In
Excellent $8,150
Good $7,525
Fair $6,450
Private-Party
Excellent $10,320
Good $9,570
Fair $8,295
Retail Value
Excellent $12,870
I know that's a big spread, but I'm thinking somewhere in the $8K range.
I should update that the car is now working. After replacing 3 coils that the mechanic destroyed (or replaced with known bad ones), and after cleaning all connectors, it's working fine now.
For good measure, after getting it to work fine, I also got all plug connectors as well.
Now that it's working, I'd part with it for somewhere in the range of the KBB with 171,00 miles anjd premium AMG wheels, better than fair, with no rust:
Trade-In
Excellent $8,150
Good $7,525
Fair $6,450
Private-Party
Excellent $10,320
Good $9,570
Fair $8,295
Retail Value
Excellent $12,870
I know that's a big spread, but I'm thinking somewhere in the $8K range.
