This vehicle was traded into me by a retired Engineer for a 2002 Ford Thunderbird. He purchased the vehicle in January 2012. That's as far back as I have on the history, so no records.

It ran when I purchased it but not very well. The vacuum lines looked old and nasty. I had my mechanic perform a tune up and replace the vacuum lines. Ran alot better, but still idled rough. Compression check was performed and we found our answer. 3 cylinders were around 80psi, the rest 120. Squirting oil in the cylinder does not change the readings. We surmise it needs heads swapped or a valve job. No smoke on start up at all, likely no issue with the bottom end. I cannot tie up my mechanic for a big job like this, as I have many other cars needing smaller things to be retail ready. So I'm passing this one along as is at a very cheap price.

The car drives great. Totally smooth at 70 mpg or any speed. Excellent oil pressure. Transmission shifts perfectly. Seems to run at just over at 100 degrees, but did not overheat on the 40 mile drive I took it on last week with normal highway and stop and go traffic. No strange noises, engine and accessories quiet. Some seepage showing underneath but no big leaks. Suspension and brakes feel excellent. Car tracks straight. Tires look fairly new.

Another big plus is the overall condition. The only rust is some bubbling around the soft top cover, totally invisible with the hard top on. All quarters, rockers, and floors look good. Paint is original and in nice condition, could use a buff and has some dings and scratches. Interior is very clean, with only the arm rest needing attention and a small spot on the passenger seat. Hard top has some chipping and scratches likely done to it while in storage. Soft top is torn around the windows.

Cruise is inop, the driver's side window switch is broken, and the climate control does not work. Blower fan and the AC do not kick on with the ACII switch. Radio is an old Sony that lights up but does not work. Wipers, signals hazards, passenger window, lights all fine.

This car has alot of things going for it, and you can really drive and enjoy it right now. Perhaps the most cost effective way would be to find a used motor from a donor and swap in, or if you want to tear into the engine a good machine could make the heads like new for a decent price. There's lots of rusty 116 450SELs with good motors that could be had for cheap. I also have fantasies of a 617 diesel swap. Same scenario there. Lots of rusty donors.

I have the car on craigslist for $2500, and will wait a week or so to lower the price and renew the listing. I've had lots of phone calls and 3 lookers. 2 were clueless, one was hoping the idle was a simple fix and flip. I know I'll have no problem selling it at this price, but I'm happy to give a forum member first shot at it. There's alot of potential here, being a mostly rust free, original paint, clean interior car. Photos below, as well as a video of the car running.

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1985 500SL Euro w/ AMG bits 130k
1984 300SD Turbodiesel 192k
1980 240D Stick China 188k
2001 CLK55 AMG 101k
2007 S600 Biturbo 149k Overheated Project, IT'S ALIVE!!!

Obvious correction shown in the photos. Mileage is 164k. odometer works but trip does not.

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1985 500SL Euro w/ AMG bits 130k
1984 300SD Turbodiesel 192k
1980 240D Stick China 188k
2001 CLK55 AMG 101k
2007 S600 Biturbo 149k Overheated Project, IT'S ALIVE!!!

I don't see the video link.

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85 300 SD ~ 115K
82 500 SEC Euro ??K
78 450SL 164K

last pic is the link

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0o==o0

James 4:8

"...let us put aside the blindness of mind of those who can conceive of nothing higher than what is known through the senses"
-Saint Gregory Palamas, ---Discourse on the Holy Transfiguration of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ


Centrally located in North East Central Pa.

OK thanks. My bad.

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85 300 SD ~ 115K
82 500 SEC Euro ??K
78 450SL 164K

pm sent

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85 300 SD ~ 115K
82 500 SEC Euro ??K
78 450SL 164K