Like you, I have owned other Mercedes but purchased my first classic in Oct 2018 and while there are many experts with much more knowledge than myself on this forum below is a summary of opinions I gathered before purchasing a 1989 560SL in midnight navy with blue gray interior.

- 1989 was final year of r107 and lowest production of r107 in US.
- 1989 is only year timing chain does not have plastic cover which can deteriorate / chip which can causes issues having plastic pieces get caught in engine area causing bigger issues.
- look for well cared for car vs lowest mileage ... personally, I found a 54K version which had only been driven 100 miles a year for 10 years for $15K and I’ve put $10K into it to make it look and drive great. I likely paid a $2K premium although it was a local car from private seller so no sales tax.
- look for rust free as there are multiple spots to look as drain holes can get clogged if left outside for extended time. Lots of info in other threads on this site.
- regardless of what you buy the first step is to replace all fluids and seals if service records don’t show recent maintenance - about $2K at independent MB mechanic.
- I would look for well cared for original paint bc I’m told a high quality, body off paint job is in the $15-20K range.
- there is real value in a car with several things already repaired - tie rods, bushings, AC conversion, brakes, etc but you can research the list of items on other threads and there is a ton of good info from experts on this site.
- consider purchase from bringatrailer.com as the comments section of these auctions have experts commenting on every detail about each car, requesting additional pics, videos of cold starts, etc plus you can learn a lot looking at past auctions and comments.
- I would suggest calling The SL shop, Bud’s Benz or the MB Classic center and they can all guide you on what to look for.

- personally, I would look for a 1989 560SL or 500SL (euro version) as it’s the most powerful and likely lowest mileage due to year. Sticker price in 1989 was around $60-65K which is $120K in today’s dollars. A great machine and like having 3 different cars with hard top on, soft top up and soft top down. Truly love it as I traded an S430 in and made my 560SL my daily driver.

Good luck.

Sending a few things I’ve copied from other posts during my research ...

1989 560SL - service schedule / preemptive maintenance

$$$$ Timing Chain Replacement - 90K-120K Miles

$$$$ Valve Guides - 175K-250K miles

Standard Service

• Oil change every 5K (or before it sits for extended period) - USE 15W40 OIL
• Brake fluid every 2 years (system flush)
• Power steering fluid every 2 years (drain and replace, no need to flush)
• Radiator Coolant - change every 3 years (use MB radiator fluid only)
• Transmission, Differential fluid - change every 30K regardless of time duration
• Lubricate door hinges, locks, hood hinges / latches (back end 75 oil)
• Grease all areas as needed

When it makes sense ...

• Replace head gasket / valve seals - when it makes sense during other service
• Replace Rubber parts - coolant hose, vacuum line, fuel and power steering lines

Check and replace if needed ...

• Rubber lines
• Mounts
• Supports
• Vacuum connections
• Includes fuel lines from tank to pumps, filters, etc
• Includes steering system, brake lines, and various support mounts (engine, transmission, $$$$)

Buyers Guide

http://nachollacer.com/en/articles/w...-buyers-guide/