94 Sl320 Purchase Question - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

sean 300D · #1 11-16-2005, 03:13 PM

Hi forum! I'm here visiting from the diesel forum! I've got a BMW Z3 that I'm thinking of trading in on a super-clean 94 320 w/90k mi., one owner, full service history etc. My question is: I'm a diy'er, and don't really want the car if I can't work on it myself. I can't find any good sources for service manuals for this car. I have bentley manuals for my z3 and my '85 300D...but they don't make them for the SL's. Does anyone know of any manuals out there for these cars. I've tried the CD rom ones for my other cars and I wasn't too impressed. Should I be scared of this car? I've heard they eat head gaskets and have wiring harness problems. Thanks in advance for any of your help!!

sean

LeaUK · #2 11-16-2005, 03:32 PM

Hi Sean

Welcome to the SL-side

The SL is such a serviceable car you wont believe it. I have access to a garage granted (my father-in-law owns a garage business) however if you have the basics, this forum (boy are the people knowledgeable here), the willing to learn and read a little and of course a level of common sense you'll be fine.

I've owned my SL500 for over three years now and admittedly have had several problems! However with the help offered by members here, my determination and a variety of web sites these have all been resolved. My car is now immaculate - not my impression mind you as there's always something to do, but that of those around me who always comment

Remember that there's plenty of room in the engine bay - unlike many modern cars - and that these engines are almost bullet proof (bar the V12) and the majority of big issues have already been covered by many here before.

Regarding service manuals, if you ask the right people you can pick up the Mercedes WIS, EPC - MB's own software products for franchises (detailing repairs, servicing and parts) the R129 DVD (available to the public from USA MB franchises) and Star Finder. Also www.datadiy.com is an excellent place to begin obtaining good info, schematics, operating conditions, explanations, component locations etc.

Go for it

Lea

sean 300D · #3 11-16-2005, 04:11 PM

thanks Lea. I'll check out that site. My Z3 is a '97 with only 49k....but those damn 129's sure hold value well....even here in Kansas where we're trying to "re-define science"....

thanks

LeaUK · #4 11-16-2005, 04:20 PM

For 1000GBP my '93 now looks like a '99 (almost). New front/real lights (OEM) and all lower panels colour coded. Done - ok maybe Xeons and subtle bumper and wing mirrors changes still required but close.

I love the fact that the SL still looks as good in the 'modern' market place as a modern design. Many a time do I walk across the Supermarket car park and the SL simply stands out - a great roadster in my opinion anyway

Enjoy
Lea

Pete Geither · #5 11-16-2005, 06:26 PM

Love my SL also, and have tackled the few problems I have had with help from this great forum. The 104 engine is a sweet piece of machinery and could not have the issues that you would run into with the V8 or

the V-12.

Mike Miller · #6 11-16-2005, 06:45 PM

I just talked to a MB mechanic there other day. He is looking for a good 320SL himself. His reason: They are so easy to work on". That's from the horse mouth. The R129 is a little more complicated, but I love my V8. GO-4-IT.

iwrock · #7 11-17-2005, 12:08 AM

The 129 is timeless and will always remain timeless. It looks modern, even today in the world of modern machinery.

That SL320 will get you from point A to point B in style, not necessarily the fastest, but it will be fairly inexpensive to maintain as it is just an M104 6 cylinder. It will be a fun car, and without the headaches that accompany some V-8's and some V-12's.

Yes, I have had problems with my SL600, but most of it was just routine stuff like a hydraulic top piston leaking fluid, and a broken window switch. Still though, it is going to take alot to pull me away from my SL.

elau · #8 11-17-2005, 12:42 AM

My annual maint on my 129 so far is for the oil change. That's it. However, the hood pad needs replacing but I read it here in the forum that the pad only costs $40 on eBay plus the glue.

deanyel · #9 11-17-2005, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PJG56

Love my SL also, and have tackled the few problems I have had with help from this great forum. The 104 engine is a sweet piece of machinery and could not have the issues that you would run into with the V8 or

the V-12.

There it is again - the assumption that the six is less trouble than the eight. I just don't see how it could be true. The HFM 104 motor has several problems - e.g. wiring harness, head gasket, engine actuator - that are worse than on the V8 or don't exist at all on the V8. And these are not insignificant problems. I've had several of each and it seems to me the V8s are less trouble. Not that I would suggest that a SL320 is a bad car - I just don't think it has fewer issues than a 119 motor.

elau · #10 11-17-2005, 01:09 PM

Well, it really doesn't matter if it has 104 or 119 engine. The main thing is whether the car was well cared for by PO.

LeaUK · #11 11-18-2005, 04:02 AM

Having been a member here for some years now and after reading most the responses to similar questions - typically repeated every 3-4 months - the consensus from those in the trade is the V8 is the sweet spot in terms of reliability and of course performance.

I believe that MB haven't had one M119 engine returned within warranty (compare that to BMWs recent history of the E36 engine) and it's virtually bullet proof.

The 6, V6 and V8 are all very accessible, whereas the V12 is a trifle more restricted but still workable when compared to that of the modern V6 shoehorned into many of modern hatch-back vehicles.

I'm personally pleased with choosing the V8 over the V6 (took much deliberation) as the performance is in my opinion required for this weight of vehicle. The power simply compliments the styling and look

Lea

bwheitman · #12 11-19-2005, 06:42 PM

I have a 96 SL320, I love the car. I have not had the wire harness issues, not the head gasket issue. The only engine trouble I had was leaking gaskets because the crankcase was overfilled. (manual says 7.4, but it only takes 6.5)The engine is powerful enough for me, I don't have any problem with the 225hp, but I used to drive a diesel 140. If you get an SL 320, get the early manufacture of a 96 model. The reasons are the wiring harness is good (OBD II) it has the improved fuel injection, the spring loaded belt tensioner, and the reliable transmission. In 95 you had the improved fuel injection, but the frustrating tensioner and the bad harness. In 97 they went to that trans that has the switch on the shifter W/S and requires synthetic fluid and I have heard more problmetic. The 96 is the updated model and has side airbags, updated interior and bose sound system. I looked for an SL for a year and learned all about the different models and engines. The V8 is an awesome trouble free engine as well, but I drive my car everyday, I love the average city/hwy mpg of 22-25. I also love the fact I can work on it without busting my knuckles. There is a lot of room in there. Good luck, take your time when looking, and do your research. I have 140k on mine now, no failures, just maintenance.
Happy Benzing!
Brian