1992 500SL opinions.

[deportes]

Found a 1992 500SL in good condition from the pics i've seen.
$8,000.00 , 200,000 miles what is the lifespan of the top end on a 500sl
I know the bootm end last forever. What about wiring harnesses like the 300E I had and wiring problems that the wires covers burn up and desintegrate.

Thanks for your opinions.

[page62]

Go check out the car in person. Photos can be VERY deceiving. I've learned this from experience...

[tecqboy]

Unless the vehicle has been maintained like an airplane, 200,000 miles is probably the life expectancy of this machine. So, does it have all the records of what services and parts have been replaced? I surely wouldn't buy this car and expect to drive it away without a host of issues, particularly reliability. Another thing to keep in mind; these older high mileage vehicles are often worth more parted out. I'd bet that selling off this vehicle piece by piece on e-bay would bring in more than $8000. Geez, a good used 129 grill is worth $500. So, if you're looking for an expensive "toy" which is also very expensive to keep running, it's the perfect car. Otherwise, seek out something with half the mileage. A private party in my area recently sold a 1993 SL500 with 87K miles for $9500. I saw the vehicle and it needed a new rag top ($1000 installed) and probably another $2000 in paint and small ding body work. It did however run well and was generally "clean" with good records, so it was probably priced about right.

[deportes]

what kind of fuel efficiency you get from the 500sl?

[jjrodger]

In theory, if it has been expensively- and well-maintained (preventative maintenance and fixing everything as soon as it goes wrong) it should be OK, but you will have to continue to maintain it expensively and well. Things will fail at this mileage, expensive things. Transmission must be borderline by now, if it hasn't been replaced/rebuilt already. Suspension will need overhauling for the second time. It's the roof I'd worry about. All that said, there is somebody floating around on this forum with 384k miles at the last count....

Fact is, this one may be OK, but you can probably get a better, younger, lower mileage one for no more dough.

[Mike Miller]

Juan,
I own a 1992 500 SL with 157K on the clock. I bought it with 145K. Yes, our SL Forum pals are all correct. It will take some TLC and Doe Rae Me to keep that beauty running like it should. Mine has a really strong engine and tight transmission. I replaced the rag top windows ($400) and windshield wiper relay ($500). Today I put all new shocks, tower mounts, brake pads, rotors and tires on it. The Cruise Control has never worked properly and will cost a fortune to fix. I paid $11,500 a year ago for the car and have dropped in an easy $3500+. Is it worth $15K today? Who cares!!!! I drive it to work every day. And every day I get a kick out of it from the time I turn the engine over. This is my "Aint I Somethin'" car!

Go see it, drive it (exercise the Cruise Control!!) and look at the records. If it feels good, GO-4-IT!

[deportes]

Well Gent's I am the proud owner of a 92 500SL. What a grrrrrrreat car.
The car is in great shape considering it has 208kmiles on the clock.
$7250.00 was the final price. Charcoal balk and grey interior, shiny paint one small scratch. Soft top needs new side windows sawn in.

Last year she spent 2100$ on the rear suspension last year. Control arm camber struts R/L, thrust arm, pushing link R/L, Pulling link R/L, lateral stabalizer rod, rear suspension control, axel hub,
2800$ on power steering pump, steering gear, tie rod assblies R/L
600$ center support, rear axle, intermediate brg, RR drive shaft.
600$ on injector holders, 1 ,injector, 2 air distribution hoses, injector seals, etc. in order to pass smog test.
340$ motor mounts
thermostat, radiator replaced 1999
Tranny module 1000$
Cruise works fine, there is a 6 year old a/c compressor and dryer 1800$

Tires have 70% tread left. Interior is pretty clean,
has new sony cd player
I'll post a pic as soon as I can.

Worried about no electrical repair receipts, wiring harness, OVP etc.

Will see how it works out. Best car I've driven, gas mileage will not be a plus but thats' the price you pay. I only commute 10 miles to work.

[jjrodger]

Well it certainly sounds like the maintenance has been kept up. So that's what I've got to look forward to. My wife would go nuts if I spent $10k in maintenance in one year!!!

Enjoy! Only one piece of advice: make sure she's well warmed through before ragging her. And post some pics, I want to know what mine will look like five years' hence!

[Mike Miller]

Juan,
I get 15-16 mpg around town and 20-21 on a trip keeping her around 70 mph. That suits me fine knowning that when I want to call on the 330 horses sleeping under the hood, they are there and raring to goooooooooooooooooo!

BTW. My new shocks and tires make it seem like I just bought a 2006! What a difference! I am on a high all over again!

[LeaUK]

My '93 gets 31MPG on a stretch - measured ;-)

Congratulations on purchasing a wonderful car - you'll love it. In my opinion the 500 is THE choice even if it's just when someone says to you 'is it the big one?' you can rightly say yes. Fuel consumption between the 500 and 320 is similar almost identical when averaged out, but the 500 has the power a car this weight needs

Mine has had around 2000GBP spent on her over 4 years but 700 of that was for colour coding the bottom half.

But this summer I need a new soft top - whoops there goes another 1500GBP!

Enjoy...

BTW - This is my "Aint I Somethin'" car! too.. nicely put Mike.

[deportes]

Thanks for your replies, the car is in pretty good shape. Love every minute I drive it, that's worth something.
The lady before me had the front bumper cover replaced for 1800 but the paint is pitting off, probably not painted thick enough. How hard is the cover to remove and have someone paint it?
Where is the ON board led readout for Ca car code retrieving?
I would like to change the orange turn light leneses for the clear ones, who sells them?
Today i will change oil and filter.

[tecqboy]

The front bumper skin is easy to remove. A small 10mm socket ratchet is all that is necessary. It's not heavy and one person can do it alone. Remove the sound shield ( the plastic sheet under the engine; like when you change oil ). Remove the plastic innner bumper liners in the front; one right, one left. Unscrew and carefully push the temperature sensor out the back side; let it hang. From behind, remove right and left 10mm nuts on each side rail. Slide bumper skin forward and off. When you actually get under there and have a good look, it will all become self apparent. I had mine painted / reconditioned by a local indie body shop for $250. It looks as good as new. I am told 3M makes a stone strike clear vinyl kit for the 129 bumper and grill. Anybody have any experience with that?

[waybomb]

My local body shop added some kind of additive to the paint to make it softer, I believe. He did my C280 front bumper over a year ago and still no chips. He did all the gray on my ML and made it all black to match the rest of the ML. No chips yet. I do not know what the stuff is, and you can not tell that anything is there other than paint.

I had the C280 previously redone about 5 years ago by a different shop. No additive, and chips started showing within a few months.

[deportes]

Thanks again for your replies. I will make that a future project. Removing the front bumper skin and having it repainted. That is.