wahnsinn

I am poised to buy a 1997 SL500 AMG with 129K (see attached). I would like to have in hand a list of 10-15 things specific to this model that I should check before buying. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I am new to Mercedes-Benz, btw.

1997 SL500 AMG

thealien

First question is how many keys come with the car they've been on back order with Mercedes from months with no idea if they will ever return.

Check all the plastic parts the mirror arms surround, the vanity mirror covers, operation of all vents all these plastic parts get brittle and break over time and can be expensive to repair or replace.

Are there any service records that come with the car what has been done in the last couple or few years.

Check the soft top for Operation the Roll Bar, do the windows drop down do they come back up at the end. Are any of the cylinders leaking if you do a search there's many discussion showing how to see many of the cylinders.

Is the tool kit included with the lug wrench and the soft top tool.

Is the owner's manual included the Jack the spare?

Can you get under the car to check for leaks some weeks can be very expensive to repair.

Are you mechanically inclined or do you know a good independent that could work on this car.

Even with good do-it-yourself skills it wouldn't be a bad idea to bring it to a trusted mechanic to have them give a good pre-purchase inspection.

wahnsinn

Thanks very much for the detailed checklist. It proved to be very effective. I only got through the first three items when the transaction went off the skids. I learned that the car had one key, no service record, tap water in the radiator and a misfire in cylinder 8. The owner--the 10th one--agreed to let a mechanic check it out but for no longer than 10 minutes. You (and Carfax) spared me a world of financial pain. I plan to use the list again seeing I am, unfortunately, still looking for a car. Will report back when I have found one.

Jimmy Chen Shib

If you are new to MB, especially SL, I suggest you look for one over at the BAT where you find SL500 now and then. You would be much better off there with more knowledgable inputs and you learn more of the car you are interested in.

By the way, I doubt there was any SL500 AMG made.

wahnsinn

Thanks for the advice. To reply to the AMG question, I am going by the trunk badging: SL 500 (l), AMG (r). I believe the AMG Sport Package consists mainly of larger rims, not retuning. I have seen 1998 SL 500 AMGs for sale as well.