SL/R129: 1992 500SL Prospect
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco
1992 500SL Prospect
1992 500SL Prospect
500SL Owners,
I was in the market for a MB and a family friend is selling a 1992 500SL for:
Price: $8,000.00
Miles: 54,000
Condition: Like New
Serviced: 5,000-6,000 ago
Color: Smoked Silver
Owner: He is the second owner, first is an older lady who owns a winery in NAPA. He bought the car from a Lexus dealership.
Lurking around the forum, this is what I have learned
-If the car has been punctually and properly maintained, we are in good shape.
-Of course, if the car should have issues, parts are VERY expensive, but some research on (how to DIY) + (Civilized Gear Head), I shouldn't be hurt too bad.
My plan of attack:
1) Drive the car around and play with ALL the buttoms
2) Ask for all service receipts done on the car previously. Carfax?
3) Maybe ask to bring it in to the MB dealership for a PPI (Pre-purchase inspection)?
I should be worried about:
1) Engine Wiring Harness??
2) Convertible hydraulic pump??
3) ASR??
I am doing my best not to be a knuckle head before I buy a car out of my league.
Having money to by the car is one thing, but not having the knowledge to own it is another.
Any help and advice is appreciated as this point.
Thank you all.
I was in the market for a MB and a family friend is selling a 1992 500SL for:
Price: $8,000.00
Miles: 54,000
Condition: Like New
Serviced: 5,000-6,000 ago
Color: Smoked Silver
Owner: He is the second owner, first is an older lady who owns a winery in NAPA. He bought the car from a Lexus dealership.
Lurking around the forum, this is what I have learned
-If the car has been punctually and properly maintained, we are in good shape.
-Of course, if the car should have issues, parts are VERY expensive, but some research on (how to DIY) + (Civilized Gear Head), I shouldn't be hurt too bad.
My plan of attack:
1) Drive the car around and play with ALL the buttoms
2) Ask for all service receipts done on the car previously. Carfax?
3) Maybe ask to bring it in to the MB dealership for a PPI (Pre-purchase inspection)?
I should be worried about:
1) Engine Wiring Harness??
2) Convertible hydraulic pump??
3) ASR??
I am doing my best not to be a knuckle head before I buy a car out of my league.
Having money to by the car is one thing, but not having the knowledge to own it is another.
Any help and advice is appreciated as this point.
Thank you all.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
1998 SL500, Pano, Black/Black
Hydraulic pump for the top generally isn't the problem; the 11 or 12 (depending on model) small hydraulic cylinders that operate the top are. Familiarize yourself with their location, operate the top up and down at least three times and look for leaks (from around the sun visors and fore/aft of both rear wheels. Leaks can be a great negotiating tool - get the quote for MB dealer to do the repair, and do it yourself for $50 per cylinder using Dennis Ficken or Top Hydraulics to rebuild your cylinders. Pocket the difference.
Check front strut mounts inside the hood for cracking rubber.
Make sure ALL lights on the dash light up when you start to ensure check engine, ASR/BAS, etc. haven't been removed to cover up a problem.
Check drive shaft flex disks for cracking
Read Brian Clifton's excellent buyer's guide - http://www.brianclifton.com/cars/r129-buyers-guide
Good luck and have FUN - these are GREAT cars!
Check front strut mounts inside the hood for cracking rubber.
Make sure ALL lights on the dash light up when you start to ensure check engine, ASR/BAS, etc. haven't been removed to cover up a problem.
Check drive shaft flex disks for cracking
Read Brian Clifton's excellent buyer's guide - http://www.brianclifton.com/cars/r129-buyers-guide
Good luck and have FUN - these are GREAT cars!
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 473
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, New York
2019 GLA 250 - I am in purgatory right now...
When I got the PPI I asked for the Vehicle Master Inquiry (VMI) but the dealer told me recient privacy laws prohibit them from providing this until I am the owner ?!?! Okay, I heard the wiring harness in the early years are an issue. Make sure it was replaced under warrantee previously, if not It's a costly repair you should look into first. Good Luck and keep us posted!
RickP
RickP
Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 203
Likes: 21
From: North East
04 E500, 00 SL500, 99 SL500, 94 E420, 92 500E, 92 500E, 92 300CE, 06 Lexus GX470
Get owners permission
When I got the PPI I asked for the Vehicle Master Inquiry (VMI) but the dealer told me recient privacy laws prohibit them from providing this until I am the owner ?!?! Okay, I heard the wiring harness in the early years are an issue. Make sure it was replaced under warrantee previously, if not It's a costly repair you should look into first. Good Luck and keep us posted!
RickP
RickP
If the owner refuses then you have a choice to make... it would be an easy one for me
PS: I'm in this forum because like you, I'm in the hunt for a 129 in nice shape, just starting out to do my homework...
GL
Last edited by ohollenbeck; Feb 14, 2011 at 07:32 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Tasmania
92 500sl, 99 Super BlackBird, X-Type Jaguar
On the V8 500 model, you shouldn't have a wiring harness problem on a 92 or earlier model these had the KE fuel injection. It appears the 93-95 LH fuel injection models had the wiring probs.
I would advise a PPI and good service history. The engine and tranmission are bullet proof. Most of the problems are bits deteriorating with age, plastic switches and connectors in the engine bay are a big offender. Most service items and repairs are quite easy to do yourself with help off the forums. They can be costly on repairs unless you search for parts on the net, but are awesome to drive and own and still a real head turner. I wouldn't swap mine for anything.
I would advise a PPI and good service history. The engine and tranmission are bullet proof. Most of the problems are bits deteriorating with age, plastic switches and connectors in the engine bay are a big offender. Most service items and repairs are quite easy to do yourself with help off the forums. They can be costly on repairs unless you search for parts on the net, but are awesome to drive and own and still a real head turner. I wouldn't swap mine for anything.
