FS: 1991 300SL 75k Miles Columbus, Ohio - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

sldan · #1 02-17-2011, 07:11 AM

I am selling my well maintained, 1991 300SL Automatic with 73,406 miles asking $10,800.00 USD. The color is Pueblo Beige with a matching hard top and dark brown leather interior and the original dark brown soft top. The car is being sold as is with no warranties. The buyer is responsible for any taxes and shipping which are not included in the above price.

I am the second owner of this SL which I purchased in 2001 with 43,575 miles from Crown of Dublin, Ohio. The original local owner purchased the SL from Ed Potters and traded in at Crown of Dublin, Ohio on a new SL.

I have performed all scheduled maintenance and performed repairs as needed. I have kept a log and the receipts of all services and repairs performed since I owned the SL.

The plastic window in the soft top has a crack but the window is clear. All other systems and components are fully functional and in very good condition with normal wear. The AC has been converted to R134. The original manuals, tools, and first aid kit are included. The spare tire is original and has never been used.

Feel free to send me a private message if interested.

sldan · #2 02-28-2011, 03:13 PM

I have had no interest or comments on this 1991 300SL that I have for sale.

I am interested in getting some feedback on why this may be.

TylerH860 · #3 02-28-2011, 03:27 PM

You need to post pictures. Also, this generally isn't the place you'll find a buyer most likely. Try craigslist.

Once the weather improves and people are thinking about convertibles I imagine you'll have some nibbles.

tbomachines · #4 02-28-2011, 03:28 PM

Price is a bit strong right now (although not too unreasonable given the mileage/service) for a 300SL as opposed to the larger V8 model if you are looking to sell quickly. Also don't forget that its been a long cold winter. If you are able to keep the car on the market for some more time, I think you could get your asking price if you wait until spring/early summer (convertible season plus tax returns). The market is also not too great for early 90's Mercedes right now for some reason - check out the w124s, the gassers are going dirt cheap. To sell on this forum specifically, pictures are key. The more pictures the better because we are a bunch of over-scrutinizing MB-heads. Best to get every bit of information out front to us rather than wait for PMs, then it will get the discussion going, etc. Most folks on here would like to see what they are getting themselves into before going and asking for more info. Personally I'd love to have that car but would love more to have $10k in the bank right now

. Just my 2 cents - Good luck with your sale.

pawoSD · #5 02-28-2011, 06:14 PM

The price is a bit steep....even in mint condition blue book on it is only $7800....and thats usually high vs. what the car is actually worth in real life.

My dad is actually considering a 300SL if the right one comes along....

lee polowczuk · #6 02-28-2011, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

The price is a bit steep....even in mint condition blue book on it is only $7800....and thats usually high vs. what the car is actually worth in real life.

My dad is actually considering a 300SL if the right one comes along....

a real nice ce convertible recently sold for 6200...94 or 95... i think it had 112k on it...

market is tough

that said... someone is offering my son 5k for his 93 190 with the 2.6, 74k miles on it...he turned them down.

sldan · #7 02-28-2011, 07:12 PM

I thought I posted photos of the SL in the original post or I did it wrong. There should be photos now.

I have all of the maintenance receipts for all of the work for the last 10 years. A list of the repairs is attached to the original post.

My price is negotiable but I am not pressed to sell the car.

TylerH860 · #8 03-01-2011, 01:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

The price is a bit steep....even in mint condition blue book on it is only $7800....and thats usually high vs. what the car is actually worth in real life.

My dad is actually considering a 300SL if the right one comes along....

KBB has no bearing on reality with older collectable cars. Any car over 10 years or so its merely guesswork with them. Shame people use it as the bible.

For example my 94 Buick Roadmaster with 95,000 books for $4500 and I've turned down $6000 for it.

Then there's the people who call on $5000 cars and wonder why I'm only $2000 below KBB retail. Its all I can do not to immediately hang up on them.

I have never sold a car at their retail estimate, ever. Either wildly above or 20%+ below.

sldan · #9 03-01-2011, 06:57 AM

It appears that I first posted this ad, photos, and service list on the SL forum and I am not able to have those photos or service list attach to this thread.

If you are interested in more photos and the service list you can find them at

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-benz-sl-discussion-forum/294034-sale-1991-300sl-columbus-ohio-post2671406.html#post2671406

TylerH860: Thank you for the comment on values of these "modern classic" cars.

Hogweed · #10 03-01-2011, 08:24 AM

i have a 1990 300sl w/ 85k on it and i had it advertised on craigslist last spring for $6500 and didn't get one call.

TimFreeh · #11 03-01-2011, 09:13 AM

I understand Tyler's points but I agree the price is just way too high. From what I've seen in todays market there are lots of listings of MY1998-2000 year SL's with similar mileage and condition, and most of these get you V8 power, a 722.6 5 speed transmission and factory R134a A/C.

Why should I pay a similar price for the same car that is 9 years older with M104 power and fewer features that spent the first 20 years of its life in an Ohio environment?

sldan · #12 03-01-2011, 10:58 AM

Tim,

Not sure what you think center Ohio is like but your point is well taken about V8 SL's except:

This 300SL has been converted to R134a, has a 5 speed transmission, and other than a lack of drag racing type acceleration, the high torque in-line 6 is a very good road car with better handling than the V8 due to the lighter weight of the 6. Popularity of the in-line 6 is proven by the fact that BMW still produces the configuration. Parts and service also less than that of a V8.

Why does anyone buy a 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 year old anything?

My other car is a 1925 Stutz 693 Roadster.

lee polowczuk · #13 03-01-2011, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hogweed

i have a 1990 300sl w/ 85k on it and i had it advertised on craigslist last spring for $6500 and didn't get one call.

what kind of condition?

i would be interested in seeing a pic or two

natsoundup@gmail.com

sldan · #14 03-01-2011, 11:46 AM

Lee,

Do you want photos of hogweed's SL or my SL?

Dan

TimFreeh · #15 03-01-2011, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sldan

Tim,

Not sure what you think center Ohio is like but your point is well taken about V8 SL's except:

This 300SL has been converted to R134a, has a 5 speed transmission, and other than a lack of drag racing type acceleration, the high torque in-line 6 is a very good road car with better handling than the V8 due to the lighter weight of the 6. Popularity of the in-line 6 is proven by the fact that BMW still produces the configuration. Parts and service also less than that of a V8.

Why does anyone buy a 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 year old anything?

My other car is a 1925 Stutz 693 Roadster.

My point about Ohio is winter/road salt/rust, I fully realize you are marketing this car as a rust-free example that has been garaged since you've owned it but that still doesn't mean the car hasn't experienced Ohio winters and their associated hazards prior to your ownership. As a potential long distance buyer mid-west cars are a big red-flag with me when there are many examples from Florida, California or Arizona around. Please understand I'm not trying to imply your car is rusty, I don't think it is.... I'm just trying to make you see things through the eyes of your potential buyer.

I forgot about the 722.5 transmission but I'm afraid a 722.3 with an overdrive 5th gear assembly bolted onto the back of it isn't quite as appealing as the totally new later model 722.6 box.

I agree about your lighter front end comments, that's why I use a 2000 C230 as my daily driver over a V6 model. That said the later version SL's had larger tire packages than your car so I'm guessing they might in fact out perform your car in the handling department as well.

Parts and service I'm not so sure about, your car is 9 years older than a later model SL, that age difference could make a significant difference in future maintenance/repair costs. That said I agree that a 99 500SL is a more complex car than a 91 300SL.

As for the 'hot-rod' comment according to the www.fueleconomy.gov website the 91 300SL and the 99 500 SL get virtually the same fuel economy. Given the option of 322hp or 230hp for the same fuel economy I'm going for the 322hp every time.

Most people in the market for older two seaters are interested in them for weekends or nice weather driving. This is why so many SL's and SLK's are available in the used market with relatively low miles. The problem you have is that you are asking top, top dollar for a very early W129 example when the market is selling much later W129's for your asking price. I own a mid-series W113 SL and I can tell you the later versions of the W113 sell for a hefty premium over the early ones.

I don't mean to be a pain in the neck here, just consider some of my points if you don't sell the car in a reasonable amount of time. Best of luck.

Tim