1985 500sl

[Pettifogger]

Greetings!

This is my initial post at your board. My landlord has a 1985 500SL (107.046) that was obtained at an estate sale almost ten years ago. The vehicle has approximately 65k miles and has rarely been driven during the last ten years. He maintains it in a garage and keeps a cover on it. I consider it in excellent/very good shape but certainly not MINT. I've been familiarizing myself with the car at this website and other sites.

He's offered to sale the car to myself or provide a commission if I can find a buyer for it. I realize it is a "grey market" vehicle. Anyone have any suggestions?

Originally Posted by Pettifogger

Greetings!

This is my initial post at your board. My landlord has a 1985 500SL (107.046) that was obtained at an estate sale almost ten years ago. The vehicle has approximately 65k miles and has rarely been driven during the last ten years. He maintains it in a garage and keeps a cover on it. I consider it in excellent/very good shape but certainly not MINT. I've been familiarizing myself with the car at this website and other sites.

He's offered to sale the car to myself or provide a commission if I can find a buyer for it. I realize it is a "grey market" vehicle. Anyone have any suggestions?

what does he want for it

[Pettifogger]

He's willing to let it go for $12,500.

seems a little high for a grey market

[Pettifogger]

I'm primarily posting for information about the 1985 500SL. Most of the threads I've searched on this site are 2 or 3 years old.

I'm fully aware of the bad reputation of the "grey market" vehicles: primarily the high cost of foreign parts and difficulty in finding capable mechanics to repair them.

In what price range are the 1985 500 SL's selling? Any 1985 500SL owners on the board?

[ctaylor738]

I am not a 500SL owner, but I have had several grey market cars. The perception of the problems is much worse than the reality, but perception is what drives the market.

If you want a rough guideline, find some comparable 380SL's on traderonline.com or on eBay, and deduct one-third to get the price for your friend's 500SL.

IMO, the problem is that there are lots of very nice US 107's for his asking price, so why would anyone take the risk of a grey market car? 107 buyers in my experience are not risk-takers. If they want more power than a 380, they can pay more and get a 560.

I have a friend in the DC area who advertised his immaculate 500SL in The Star and on eBay for 12K and did not get a single call or bid.

[Pettifogger]

Thanks for your response. I'll use that as a guideline. Is $10,000 reasonable for a 1985 500SL?

[Strife]

Some of your decision would have to rest on what kind/how bad emissions testing is in your area, and what kind of "import papers" the car has - depending on where you are, passing emissions can range from not having to worry about it at all to the car not passing and not having any resource whatsoever to help you to get it to pass (dealer=no help).

[kbannister]

Originally Posted by Pettifogger

I'm primarily posting for information about the 1985 500SL. Most of the threads I've searched on this site are 2 or 3 years old.

I'm fully aware of the bad reputation of the "grey market" vehicles: primarily the high cost of foreign parts and difficulty in finding capable mechanics to repair them.

In what price range are the 1985 500 SL's selling? Any 1985 500SL owners on the board?

I own a 84 500SL. I am really not aware of a "bad reputation" for these cars. They produce more horse power that the 560s. I have yet to be unable to find parts for it, 380SL for chassis parts, 500SEL for engine parts. Just finished the timing chain maint on it and everything fit like a glove. To give you an idea of availablity, since purchasing it, I have replaced the steering box and coupler, shocks, ball joints, a couple of tie rods, tires, recoverd the seats, rebuilt the seat ratchets, replaced the timing chain and guide rails. And yes, I knew it needed work when I purchased it. It goes in this week for a Cat I got from Fastlane. No reason not to pass emissions.

I agree the asking price is high, but don't think because it a grey market that the value is that much less. The ones sold on ebay have been in the ballpark of 380SLs

[ctaylor738]

Like I said, it's the perception about the GM cars, not the reality. The average SL buyer has lots of cars to choose from and is not all that concerned about performance.

I don't know about your market, but in the DC area, my guess is that $8500 would move the car.

[Pettifogger]

Well, again, if I don't purchase the car myself, I'll probably seek some rent concession from my landlord and advertise it on eBay in May.


Based on what I've read here and elsewhere, I don't think the 500SL is a "problem vehicle." It most likely is beyond my expense level because of the high maintenance cost associated with a vehicle that originally listed for over $40,000 and is now 20 years old.


I appreciate all the input I've received so far. The older threads on the forum have also been very informative. Thanks to everyone for responding!

[el Miguel]

I own a 1984 500SL. No problems finding parts and no problems with the car at 110k miles. These cars have gotten a bad rap. I chose this model for the extra horse power and the uniqueness that it brings. I like the rear spoiler, the euro headlights and bumpers. It had all DOT certification and I have had no trouble getting it inspected. To me it is the best example of Mercedes' high performance and sport of that era. With that mileage and "papers " I would readily pay 12.5K.
Mike

[Pettifogger]

Thanks for the positive response. I like the car too!

[nobby]

The single most important thing about euros is how well the "federalizing" was done. It could be right or hacked. If anybody interested in a 107 really does his/her research, the 500 should be a good canidate if its well maintained.
On a side note...All the parts for the 107 are foreign.....

[Pettifogger]

The VIN for this 500SL is WDB1070461A015591. It was originally imported by:


Automotive Brokerage Service
7311 Muirfield Valley
Houston TX 77095


I believe the exterior is "pearl black." The interior is tan or creme color. Where on the vehicle would I find the exact color code(s)?