duron

Hello,

I have a 93 400E sedan and am considering an SL. I wanted to know how you felt about yours and any maintenance issues that you have had so that I will know what I am getting myself into with this model.

Things like common issues with the top mechanism, suspension, drive train and any other things that I should keep a special eye out for when buying and during ownership. Also, if you had it to do over, would you own one?

My 400E has been a great car, but like any luxury auto, there have been some expensive repairs. Don't get me wrong, I don't complain about that because if you can't take the maintenance (repairs, gas and insurance,) don't buy the car!

I would be looking into a 92 and doing updates within reason to resemble the last model before the body change which I think is '99. Have you dug deep enough to know exactly what those changes are? I know the the side panels, front and rear bumpers, mirrors and lights on the exterior are different. In the inside, the door panels, wheel, shift knob, A/C, radio and the mileage and trip odometer are different. What did I miss if you know?


Any information would be helpful and appreciated.


Thanks,

akbro93704

The R129 is a very reliable car...my grandma(im only 15 lol), has had four R129's since 1990, and none of them have ever had any suspension or mechanical problems. Her current one(a 2001) has had some creaks from the doors, and squeaking softop when raising up, squealing brakes,and a rattling exhaust manifold. She never drives on the freeway however, and puts very little miles on her cars.

In 1999, the engine did change to the SOHC 24 valve V8, tele-aid became standard, the leather was upgraded to Nappa leather,instrument panel gained chrome rings around the gauges(Also plastic surround became the interior color), new radio/cd controls, steering wheel change,gear shift change, wood trim added to the gear shift selector panel, ASR changed to ESP(changing the button from "ASR off" to "ESP off"), button that allows tow away added, body color door handles, restyled tailights, upgraded 17" wheels, and new matte black exhaust pipe finisher...

In 2001, the AMG body styling became standard as did the 18" AMG wheels, and a chrome exhaust tip was added

In 2002, the Silver Arrow edition was added...

hope this helps! I think an R129 would be an excellent choice, what price range are you looking in?

duron

Thanks for the good info. I am looking to pay around $15k for a good 92 model.

Duron

Teal 92 500SL

I just bought my 92. 97,500 miles, immaculate. The original window sticker and all paperwork through last windshield wiper purchased was included. Wind screen, hard top, HT stand, HT cover, full car cover, ****pit cover, all keys (including original key box) and even the owners manual supplemental video, all for $17,400.

Book on this is $24,900 and original asking price was $21,900. Owner was motivated so I got it for a reasonable price (about what a dealer would have given him on a trade).

It is an amazing automobile and I absolutely love it!

ransen

I too love the car however my experience has been less then postive. Few issues the foillowing parts have a tendencey to "Break" Rearview mirror, cost $1000.00 (yes 1K ), visors expecially the mirror cover break off, center counsele and side vents. Hard to believe they are all cheap plastic and break off easly. Major issues Transmission , raditor and most expensive harmoic balance together the add up to to 15K

ChrisB

We bought our first convertible and MB in Dec 02. It had 22,800 miles on it.

22 months and 13,800 miles later, we are very happy with the decision.

I had no idea how much enjoyment a convertible could add to our lives.

The sporty handeling and power are a constant source of ammusement for me as well.