SL/R129: Purchasing a 1992 SL500
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: New Mexico
2003 ML320
Purchasing a 1992 SL500
I am looking at a 1992 SL500 located at the auto-galleria in Scottsdale Az. What should I be looking for and asking re the auto and what have others experienced dealing w/ auto-galleria. Thank you for all info.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Miami, Fl
500SL
1992 500SL Purchase
After my 1992 went out of warranty I’ve spent over $ 12,000 in repair bills over a four year period. Some of the major parts to look for are:
The AC evaporator if it has not been replaced will fail, mine did: Repair $ 2,670
Power Steering pump assembly: $ 833.
The original radiator is prone to fail: $ 720.00
Water Pump: $ 320.00
Shock Tower mounts: $ 200.00
I’ve replaced the belt tensioner $ 500
I’ve replaced the motor mounts twice: 900.00
Distributor caps & Dist. Ignition Rotor: $ 589
Crank sensor: $ 280
Top hydraulics latches: $ 900
Ignition Tumbler & Steering Lock Assy: $ 896
Trunk Infrared Sensor & RF Door Lock: 660
Central Locking Pump Assembly: $ 751
Electrical Accelerating Unit Computer: $ 1,800
A/C Main Air Flap: 280
ASR Motors & 2 Fuel Injectors: $ 1,680
ASR Sending Unit: $ 700
I am just including the major repairs; it does not include your regular maintenance, brake pads replacements, etc.
So please very sure that you either have an extended warranty, or that the part I’ve listed below have been changed or do not show excessive wear.
When I purchased the car back in 1992 you could not get one even at $ 97,000 sticker price, now it’s probably worth $ 25,000 at best. I treat my car like a baby but it’s unbelievable the cost to repair these cars once the go off warranty.
I am going to place an order for a 1994 SL55 AMG and with all the new electronics in that car I hope the offer 200,000 miles or 10 year warranty.
The AC evaporator if it has not been replaced will fail, mine did: Repair $ 2,670
Power Steering pump assembly: $ 833.
The original radiator is prone to fail: $ 720.00
Water Pump: $ 320.00
Shock Tower mounts: $ 200.00
I’ve replaced the belt tensioner $ 500
I’ve replaced the motor mounts twice: 900.00
Distributor caps & Dist. Ignition Rotor: $ 589
Crank sensor: $ 280
Top hydraulics latches: $ 900
Ignition Tumbler & Steering Lock Assy: $ 896
Trunk Infrared Sensor & RF Door Lock: 660
Central Locking Pump Assembly: $ 751
Electrical Accelerating Unit Computer: $ 1,800
A/C Main Air Flap: 280
ASR Motors & 2 Fuel Injectors: $ 1,680
ASR Sending Unit: $ 700
I am just including the major repairs; it does not include your regular maintenance, brake pads replacements, etc.
So please very sure that you either have an extended warranty, or that the part I’ve listed below have been changed or do not show excessive wear.
When I purchased the car back in 1992 you could not get one even at $ 97,000 sticker price, now it’s probably worth $ 25,000 at best. I treat my car like a baby but it’s unbelievable the cost to repair these cars once the go off warranty.
I am going to place an order for a 1994 SL55 AMG and with all the new electronics in that car I hope the offer 200,000 miles or 10 year warranty.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,447
Likes: 14
From: UK
SL55 AMG
I think you've been unlucky. My SL600, 96, 65000 miles has only ever had one non-standard replacement item - the ADS control valve, about $1200 to buy and fit.
I don't share your optimism that the SL55 is going to be much more reliable over the long term. There's much more to go wrong to start with and component repair is impossible - that ADS control value failed because one of the 4 solenoids developed a short, mayvbe a $20 component but of course you had to buy the whole thing and the SL55 will be just the same.
These cars are expensive to maintain because they are much more complex than the average car. Just hope the roof doesn't go wrong... that hydraulic pump sitting underneath the spare wheel costs a small fortune.
I don't share your optimism that the SL55 is going to be much more reliable over the long term. There's much more to go wrong to start with and component repair is impossible - that ADS control value failed because one of the 4 solenoids developed a short, mayvbe a $20 component but of course you had to buy the whole thing and the SL55 will be just the same.
These cars are expensive to maintain because they are much more complex than the average car. Just hope the roof doesn't go wrong... that hydraulic pump sitting underneath the spare wheel costs a small fortune.
