SL/R107: considering a R107 (1974 450SL),seekiung advice and have questions for the experts
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From: McLean, VA
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considering a R107 (1974 450SL),seekiung advice and have questions for the experts
Hello. I am considering purchase of a 74 450SL. The car is relatively clean. Strong engine, and the tranny shifted smoothly (I drove it briefly, and actually fell in love with it immediately - great car!). 
The only issue I could see is that after about 5 minutes of driving, the car starts to sputter as if its running out of gas, then shuts down. The car started up fine immediately the first time, and idled pretty loudly for about 3-5 mins, then calmed down (assuming that's normal?). Also seemed like it needed new brakes and the turn signals worked, but would not stay on (i.e. I had to keep my hand on the stalk for them to stay on). The car has rarely been driven in the past 3 years, and definitely needs a major tune up.
The seller claims the car has only 90K miles, but I have no way of verifying. Also, he says the fuel thing is a minor problem, and says it could be a fuel pump, bad gas tank, or it might need new cats. How expensive are these items to replace, and how much is a brake job? Any thing else I should look at before going through with it? Any advice is appreciated. I will definitely get it checked out by my mechanic before shelling out any cash for this car, but the seller seems reluctant to let me do so and is looking for a quick sale.
I've always wanted one of these and this seems like it may be a good car, but at the same time, I don't want to get stuck with a money pit that will be more of a headache than it will be enjoyable.
Thanks in advance.
The only issue I could see is that after about 5 minutes of driving, the car starts to sputter as if its running out of gas, then shuts down. The car started up fine immediately the first time, and idled pretty loudly for about 3-5 mins, then calmed down (assuming that's normal?). Also seemed like it needed new brakes and the turn signals worked, but would not stay on (i.e. I had to keep my hand on the stalk for them to stay on). The car has rarely been driven in the past 3 years, and definitely needs a major tune up.
The seller claims the car has only 90K miles, but I have no way of verifying. Also, he says the fuel thing is a minor problem, and says it could be a fuel pump, bad gas tank, or it might need new cats. How expensive are these items to replace, and how much is a brake job? Any thing else I should look at before going through with it? Any advice is appreciated. I will definitely get it checked out by my mechanic before shelling out any cash for this car, but the seller seems reluctant to let me do so and is looking for a quick sale.
I've always wanted one of these and this seems like it may be a good car, but at the same time, I don't want to get stuck with a money pit that will be more of a headache than it will be enjoyable.
Thanks in advance.
Last edited by moa4r; Jul 24, 2007 at 02:33 PM.
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From: Texas
1966 250SE Cab, 1985 500SE Euro, 1985 190e 2.3-16 AMG, 1986 300E LeMons Car
I'd suggest searching here, www.mercedesshop.com forum, and www.benzworld.com forums. I like MBWorld, but it's geared more towards modern MBs, and the other two sites are more geared towards older MBs.
