What do you guys think of this SDL I might buy tomorrow? (good amounht of pics)... - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Alan Hamm · #16 12-21-2004, 08:47 AM

My opinion, don't!.

When I bought my SDL I brought one that looked much like this to my mechanic friend and I was beaming, thinking it was a great deal. He talked me out of it because he knew that I would want all the little things fixed over time. Trust me, those switches and door handle repairs add up. If you are content driving a car that is abused, then this is fine. I just could not do that with an SDL.

Take your time and get this car checked out. Even if the engine is good, you could easily spend $3-4000 the first year getting suspension issues resolved and other simple stuff. I spent over $5K chasing problems on my 300D.

I think if you spend $4-5K on a nicer one you would be happier in the long run. If you don't have $4-5K, RUN from this car.

Brian Carlton · #17 12-21-2004, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goldenbear

I'm going to try and find some time in the next couple of days to take some detail pics, inside and out, of my SDL. Most of you have seen my engine, but I'll post some more for grins.

Don't do it. We will all get too jealous.

Hatterasguy · #18 12-21-2004, 10:17 AM

That door sill pulls right up, look under it before buying it! That one looks slightly worse than mine, my seats and interior are in good shape and the body is pretty decent. So for $2,500 you can find better. From the pics I would expect $1k up front just to have a reliable driver and fix what needs to. For example the engine should not rock back and forth, $80 for new shocks. The seat switches can be cleaned but they might not be the problem. It would be a good driver, give it a good cleaning and just fix what has to. Have a discount tire store throw on a set of cheapo's $250-$300. Figure $200 for brakes, the discs probably are to thin.

goldenbear · #19 12-21-2004, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

Don't do it. We will all get too jealous.

Here's a teaser.

It's only exterior. I took this pic Sunday after a two hour trip to SF with 5 adults loaded...very comfy.

WANT '71 280SEL · #20 12-22-2004, 12:12 AM

He's had it maintained by an independent MB mechanic. I have the mechanic's number and will call him tomorrow. He has had the tranny fluid, etc. changed on a regular basis. Really, the interior parts that are brken will be bought used from a guy 45 minutes from me. his is the same color combo. Are the seat switches easily cleaned? One doesn't find many SDL's by me, in fact this is one of the first I've seen for sale none the less for 2k. Oh yeah, he also had the CC fixed last year. He seems to have actually taken care of it. It is from MI and the rust that is there is minimal considering other MB's from MI.

hatteras, where is the rust on your car? Do you have any up in front of the windshield by the sway bar brackets? I thought I'd fix the rust on the driver's door sill myself with POR-15 and touch up paint. I'll just pry that piece up and lookk further. Do the rockers on 126;'s rust very easily? You can't see them, but I didn't know.
Thanks
David
Thanks
David

Hatterasguy · #21 12-22-2004, 09:44 AM

No mine doesn't have much rust around the front sway bar, a little from the battary acid eating the paint, and a little peeling of the undercoating on the other side. I ground down and painted both spots last spring and so far nothing is coming back.

now you can see the rockers, pop open the jack point plates on the plastic rocker cover. That is where they rust, also around the jack pads. Look under the rear window gasket they rust back their to. That door sill should not have rust under it, I have had all of mine up and few times and it looks like new under their.

I guess maybe he took care of it but it sure doesn't look like it. Is their any writen records? Was any suspension work done recently? Mine is at the same mileage and I have started to do suspension works as parts wear out. 240k +/- seems to be when parts start to die alt, tie rods, shocks ect. I did take apart my seat switches and cleaned them but it is very hard to do. Lots of springs and balls to lose.

I don't know from the pics it doesn't look so hot and cheap SDL's have left a sour taste in my mouth recently. If the guy took care if it, why isn't it a little cleaner?

WANT '71 280SEL · #22 12-22-2004, 02:04 PM

I talked to the place that has done the work since '92. He's always had the oil changed there and the lady said they all knew the guy. Most recent repair was a heater valve diaphragm? He just had the b. joints replaced and it rode pretty nice though the tires need balanced. I'm afraid the condensation is from water getting in in front of the windshieild like it did on our old 420. I guess I'll just have to take all that stuff apart and grind it down then POR-15 it.
Thanks
David

Hatterasguy · #23 12-22-2004, 08:53 PM

So are you going to go for it? What is the head casting number? Did you check for that?

WANT '71 280SEL · #24 12-24-2004, 02:15 AM

I don't care about the casting number. It has a new radiator 3 years ago so I don't plan to overheat it. Really, I guess if it cracks I'll fix it, I'm not going to turn it down because of the casting though. I know it has the old style vacuum pump which will just have to stay and I'll cross my fingers.

I am going to go for it though. I just need to find the time and a person to go with me. My girlfriend will go but she'll ride back with me in the SDL. I think I'm going to make Tim (Tim's__Benz) go with me. He hangs out in vintage discussion. I send the seller an email giving him my phone number and I said I'd call him tomorrow with more details about picking it up. I told him probably today but i ended up working all day and I got a $100 bonus in cash so sorry uncle sam!
Now I need to concentrate on sellng my SD. Anyone interested at $1400? PM or email me for more info but it has had a TON of work!
Thanks
David