1992 500SL-potential purchase need advice

[Gary Ganaway]

Sold my 95 E420 and test drove a 92 500SL today with 62,000 miles. 2 owner car with the second owner only having it for 7 months and needs to sell due to husband's health problems. Carfax checks out fine and she has service records. Needs just a little cosmetic TLC but I am very particular and could have it looking like a million $$ in short time.( simple detailing) Hard top and soft top in excellent condition. 60K service done at dealer. Only problem I could find was the passenger seatbelt would not extend at all. I know this could be some sort of control or sensor issue but not sure. Maybe you guys with SL's could give me a little knowledge.

They are asking $17,500

[TheV12pwr]

If I spend $17.500 it will be on '96 and up.
Good luck anyway

[deanyel]

The price is probably a little high only because the market is so bad. I would look for a 93 to 95 with LH engine management but there's really nothing wrong with a 92. Not a good idea to buy anything after 95, just too many problems, 722.6 transmission, etc. Also better to buy a car without ASR traction control, again too many problems.

[mapman151]

I bought a '92 500SL w/90k last year for $12,900. It was just a little rough around the edges. But what a ride! I'd say what you pay depends on how long you want to keep it. Mine is a 3rd car weekend warrior. If that's your intent to hang onto for a number of years, paying a little more for 60k, conditon, papers, etc, works for me. Although as mentioned, $17+is still high. By the time I do everything I want to the car, I'll have more than $17k in it, but I'll know the car well and it will be done my way, and I'll keep it for a while.

[deportes]

Bought a 500sl 1992 last month for 7250.00 outside great condition, interior an 8, it needs very small stuff. 200k miles. Hart top exellent, soft top an 8.
I think 17 is too much specially with the price of fuel, it's not an economical car but a great weekend warrior. 4 k was spent on suspension last year.
I saw a 92 clean with 100k in Sfco last week for 10k. Prices seem to be decreasing on these beautiful cars.

[stats007]

Originally Posted by deanyel

The price is probably a little high only because the market is so bad. I would look for a 93 to 95 with LH engine management but there's really nothing wrong with a 92. Not a good idea to buy anything after 95, just too many problems, 722.6 transmission, etc. Also better to buy a car without ASR traction control, again too many problems.

I would say the complete opposite - all the major problems occur with cars pre '95. I have had three SLs with the 722.6 transmission - have never had any problems - nor has anyone that I know of in the UK. I wouldn't even consider buying an early car.

[Mike Miller]

Originally Posted by Gary Ganaway

Sold my 95 E420 and test drove a 92 500SL today with 62,000 miles. 2 owner car with the second owner only having it for 7 months and needs to sell due to husband's health problems. Carfax checks out fine and she has service records. Needs just a little cosmetic TLC but I am very particular and could have it looking like a million $$ in short time.( simple detailing) Hard top and soft top in excellent condition. 60K service done at dealer. Only problem I could find was the passenger seatbelt would not extend at all. I know this could be some sort of control or sensor issue but not sure. Maybe you guys with SL's could give me a little knowledge.

They are asking $17,500

I bought a '92 500 SL a year ago for $11,500, with 145K. I have put $4500 into it including new rear windows in the soft top, rear suspension, brakes and tires. The only thing left is a cruise control issue, which I am slowly gaining on. The car looks, rides and performs great. I love it!

62K miles is very low for a '92. You can go a long way before spending any major $$$. $17,500 might be a little high, but it sounds like a solid ride. Offer $15K and negotiate from there. Good luck and happy motoring.

[Gary Ganaway]

UPDATE: Just bought 1995 SL500, 66K, red w/oyster interior. This replaces my 1995 E420 and now have to sell the 1985 380SE....no room for 3 cars in the family. Will be picking it up and driving it home in a few days: about a 250 mile trip. Does this car really weigh 4700lbs ! ( More than the E420 or the 380SE ! )

[deanyel]

Originally Posted by Gary Ganaway

UPDATE: Just bought 1995 SL500, 66K, red w/oyster interior. This replaces my 1995 E420 and now have to sell the 1985 380SE....no room for 3 cars in the family. Will be picking it up and driving it home in a few days: about a 250 mile trip. Does this car really weigh 4700lbs ! ( More than the E420 or the 380SE ! )

Not quite that bad - MB USA site has it at 4,165.