ruleman

Hello All,

I'll admit it... this is my first post in this forum and I'm already asking for something without having offered anything in return.

I am the proud owner of a 1967 250 SL euro (Italy) version with a 4 speed manual and I'm extremely happy with it. I've had my car for about 2 years now after buying it from the second owner and I have to admit that it does require much TLC, but it also gives plenty of satisfaction in return.

I have recently been presented with a unique opporutnity to get another SL, a one owner, 26K miles 1978 450 SL. The car is 180 Silver with a Red MB Tex interior (pretty sure it's not leather) and I simply cannot believe how well kept it is... the original spare is in the trunk unused, the manual has all the stamps and service records from the original dealership... the current owner inherited the car and has no wish to keep it, so he's decided to make some money out of it.

I have read the R&T article on the car, and have some experience with Euro versions of this same car, but with the 6 inline engine which seemed to be a completely different animal when compared to this one.

The car is in perfect exterior condition with only two flaws on the paint surface, both of them on the softop cover lid, which are a little rust bubble (smaller than a penny) and a small dent probably caused during an unsuccessful attempt at placing the hardtop on the car (Picture below). The rest of the paint is all around flawless.

The interior of the car is in very good overall condition, but these were some of the defects I noticed:
Very minor fading of the red piping around the headrests
A somehow darkened/flat steering wheel
Faded plastic center console (the wood trim is fine)
An interior map light (the one under the passenger side sun-visor) that is hanging halfway out.

Other than that, everything is there, and it all looks and feels perfect.

Mechanically speaking, the car feels very well and runs perfect. I had the chance to put almost 30 miles on it and there was nothing at all that could be considered wrong or suspicious in the transmission, braking or engine department. I did not like the tires on it, but I'm sure I can get plenty advise on that right here.

Here are my observations and where I'd need some advise:

1 - There is a sound coming from the steering column when "sawing" the steering wheel left and right. I noticed this when playing with the steering wheel at a standstill, and sounds as if there were a joint in there that has a little play. Nothing serious in my opinion, and cannot be felt while driving. Is this something to worry about?

2 - The HVAC unit did not operate correctly. Although the temperature setting wheel was placed at the 65º mark, the only thing coming out of the vents was scalding hot air... heater basically was on all the time. It would only turn off if I put the HVAC system into full off position. I suspect this can be an expensive fix, but do not know if it will be a bank breaker or something affordable (thinking $750 and below is acceptable - more seems a bit steep - over $2000 would be very expensive).

3 - The hood would not open (cable seemed stretched) but the owner said he'd pay for it to be fixed by the local MB dealer before closing the deal.

4 - The owner said he'd pay for the AC conversion to new standards, or knock off a few bucks off the asking price... is it worth even considering, or is this AC never going to blow cold anyway?

The asking price is $17K but the owner is flexible on it.

Please feel free to offer any advice, comment or suggestion. I am considering closing the deal this weekend, and I want to make sure I do not overpay nor do I want to insult the seller with a lowball offer as he seemed to be a very standup and straighforward guy.

In all... should I buy? or run away?

Here's the car's pictures (provided by the owner)

ruleman

Some additional pictures

abiby

1 - There is a sound coming from the steering column when "sawing" the steering wheel left and right. I noticed this when playing with the steering wheel at a standstill, and sounds as if there were a joint in there that has a little play. Nothing serious in my opinion, and cannot be felt while driving. Is this something to worry about?

Steering coupler is probably a $300 repair at indy. Part is under $100.

2 - The HVAC unit did not operate correctly. Although the temperature setting wheel was placed at the 65º mark, the only thing coming out of the vents was scalding hot air... heater basically was on all the time. It would only turn off if I put the HVAC system into full off position. I suspect this can be an expensive fix, but do not know if it will be a bank breaker or something affordable (thinking $750 and below is acceptable - more seems a bit steep - over $2000 would be very expensive).

This particular automatic climate control can be a b***h to repair, not to mention expensive.

3 - The hood would not open (cable seemed stretched) but the owner said he'd pay for it to be fixed by the local MB dealer before closing the deal.

Probably not a big deal

4 - The owner said he'd pay for the AC conversion to new standards, or knock off a few bucks off the asking price... is it worth even considering, or is this AC never going to blow cold anyway?

Rough question to answer.

The asking price is $17K but the owner is flexible on it.

That's good, since though it looks like a beautiful car, its worth substantially less, IMO. Do internet searches for similar cars that have actually sold, rather than asking prices. Beyond that, value is very subjective so do what you feel is right. Good Luck

ruleman

Thanks for the quick reply Alan. I have done my homework on pricing to a certain degree.
I checked the SL Newsletter and the asking prices on this particular model are all over the place, but not necessarily realistic. What I found that actually sold in the past 8 months is a little lower priced than what he's asking for it.
I was thinking the value of the car should be more in the 13/14K range, minus the expense to deal with the mentioned visible issues.

Am I right on this estimation? The car really is in a great shape, but to be honest, the 280 I was familiar with offered a more spirited drive feel, so I'm not sure if this will just become a less pleasant car to drive.

Cheers!
Andres

abiby

It's a low mileage car so maybe that's a good estimation of value.

Though it's low miles, it's high years and there's possibly tons of deferred maintenance. All the suspension rubber, tires, hoses, brakes, fluids..etc..

Do you have any of the maintenance records available?

Part of my reasoning when buying my 129 was maintenance the car could be expected to need at that age that had already been done.

OTOH, buying my 107 was just on a whim and it turned out OK.

ruleman

Hello Alan,

I believe some of the records are available... but I was not able to see any

I am sure that if I press a little more I will find out about this, so maybe I will. The owner did mention the rubber bushings were replaced not long ago (3 or 4 years) and that the car was driven about 2000 miles in the last two years.

I guess $13.000 is the right price here, so now it will be a matter of strategy on how to get to an agreement on that specific price, particularly considering he's asking $17K for it now.

Thanks all, I'll let you know next week when I am able to talk to the owner.

Andres

abiby

Good Luck

ruleman

Well, it seems that just wasn't the right car. It sold on Sunday to a guy who paid the full asking price sight unseen... I was there to check out the car and drive it again (the owner had gotten the hood opener cable fixed, when the new owner arrived with a transport to pick up the car.

I guess some people do a little less research than others.

Thanks for your help.
Andres

abiby

There are a lot of good well cared for 107s out there so you should be able to find a nice example in time.

For now I guess you'll just have to make do with your 113...

casinogoer

I just bought mine last nite, 78 450sl black w/ red interior. we'll have to compare notes...

casinogoer

Should have scrolled down more ! Just why I wrote the check and stuck a fork in it!

eaanensen

Hi.

I bought THIS 450 SL in Nashville brought it to Miami and shipped it in a container to Norway.
One word: FANTASTIC.
Only 26.000 miles.
I am a member of mercedes Club and veteran car here at the west coast. They are amased. I guess it is the finest in Norway.


About price.
Incl freight and Norwegian VAT and taxes ++++ the total cost is abt.
USD 30.000 which is very reasonable in Europe for a car in this standard.
Be aware. A new ordinary 500SL costs more than USD 300.000 in Norway!
The taxes kills.

Two days ago I showed it to the authorities for registration. Everything Ok. The guy at the authorities was amazed.
The AC function well after I took the big serice before shipment.
But now I struggle with the AC Servo unit. It will be expensive .(Part 0008300684)
I have to fix the steering.
The car is garaged. I am due to insurance and law only allowed to drive it 2000Miles per year. Thats fine.

I love every second.

regards
Erik
Stavanger,Norway,

eaanensen

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