Recommendations on buying SL500

[nixonrules]

Hi All,

I am new to the forum. I was thinking of suprising my wife with a MB Convertible that she keeps bringing up. A used SL-500 between about 1993 and 1999 seem to be in my price range. Anything to look out for on these models? What is a reasonable number of miles to expect on these cars? Any other convertible models that would be recommended in this price range (up to $25k)? Thanks!

Andy

[Roncallo]

Go with a 96 and up. That will give you the 5 speed trans.

John Roncallo

[Pete Geither]

Read this
http://www.kenrockwell.com/sl/history.htm

[jjrodger]

Buy on condition, not year and mileage.

Lot of changes from 1993 to 1999, principally in 1996 (when the exterior was revised, new grille, softer bumpers, identified by having only two vents in the fender panels) and late-1998 (new V8 motor, some exterior mods, much upgraded interior spec).

These cars suffer from (1) lack of use and (2) lack of maintenance. So regard low miles and low price with caution. Check operation and condition of hard and soft tops, check for accident damage and general neglect, and check the service records. One other thing, it is pointless paying a premium for a low miler if you will do a lot of miles: your premium will be burnt up pretty quick.

[bobterry99]

Wiring in the engine compartment deteriorates on '93-'95 cars, and transmissions fail prematurely on the '96s. 1999 cars got a different engine that gives more power. For that reason I think '99 and later are the most desirable, but for value, you can't beat the '90-'92 models.

[nixonrules]

Originally Posted by Pete Geither

Read this
http://www.kenrockwell.com/sl/history.htm

Thanks for all the replies. This is a treasure-trove of information. Are these cars DIY-friendly? Most of the repair posts I have read seem doable (once the problem is properly diagnosed). Thanks!

[Gary Ganaway]

Working on my 95SL500 not too bad...basically same engine I had in my 95 E420. I have had mine since May and the issue I had was replacing t stat and temp sender. Mine had 64k when I purchased it on Ebay. Yes, I go a lot on condition and records. I like to see low mileage examples but too low is not good either. I would say average mileage of 5-7K per year keeps the car in good condition vs those that average 2-3K. Also a high mileage one is fine too if the records are there and up to date and conditon is good.

[lynns]

I suggest that you try and find a 1999 SL500 with the SL1 Sport and SL2 Value Added packages. A panoramic roof would also be a nice value add.

SL500 Package Options

SL1 Sport Package ($4,995)

AMG designed sculpted lower body aerodynamic enhancements, to include:
Front apron with mesh air intake
Contoured rear apron
Sculpted side skirts with Sport emblems
Halogen projector-beam front foglamps
245/40ZR18 front and 275/35ZR18 rear, low profile Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 high-performance tires.
8.5Jx18" front and 9.5Jx18" rear, staggered-width AMG 5 spoke monoblock alloy wheels.
Front offset 25mm & Rear offset 23mm, with 5x112 bolt pattern.

Note: Suspension and steering calibrations are unchanged by the Sport Package.

SL2 Value Added Package ($1,820)

Xenon headlights w/ automatic level control w/o headlight washer/wiper.
Integrated trunk-mounted 6-Disc CD changer.
Electrically Heated Seats.

Special Order Options
Wood and leather trimmed shift knob
Wood and leather sterring wheel ($1,800)
Multicontour Seats ($780)
Built-in cellular phone ($1,800)
Panorama glass roof ($3,700)

[nixonrules]

Regarding the Sport packages. . . . is the AMG package the same as the sport packages? If not what does the AMG package add?

I really do like the panoramic roof also. Very nice option. Thanks!

[lynns]

The AMG package is the Sport package. Sometimes known as the SL1 Sport package that consists of AMG body parts. BTW, this does not include an AMG emblem. Only a "Sport" emblem prior to 2001. I say this because sometimes you will see 129 cars that have AMG emblems that the owner bought to make it look HOT. The only true 129 AMG cars that were built were the SL55, SL60, SL73 in limited production. These cars all had additional performance improvements.

The AMG Sport package is just for looks. There is only one performance benefit. The larger high performance tires/rims.

In 2001-2002 all of the 129's came stock with the Sport package and no Sport emblem.

[lynns]

Originally Posted by nixonrules

Are these cars DIY-friendly?

Take a look at this forum. It is pretty active for the DIY'er.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129-sl-class/

[leejxxxxx]

Originally Posted by bobterry99

Wiring in the engine compartment deteriorates on '93-'95 cars, and transmissions fail prematurely on the '96s. 1999 cars got a different engine that gives more power. For that reason I think '99 and later are the most desirable, but for value, you can't beat the '90-'92 models.

I always thought the DOHC V8 had more power and the SOHC in 99's and newer had less power but were much lower in smog emissions.

You're right about the wiring and transmission.

Funny thing, I'm looking for a new SL and I saw a 94 SL500 at the dealer and they wanted 26K for it.

Too funny. I'll be using that car in my negotiations for a newer SL600.

[Roncallo]

Originally Posted by leejxxxxx

I always thought the DOHC V8 had more power and the SOHC in 99's and newer had less power but were much lower in smog emissions.

You're right about the wiring and transmission.

Funny thing, I'm looking for a new SL and I saw a 94 SL500 at the dealer and they wanted 26K for it.

Too funny. I'll be using that car in my negotiations for a newer SL600.

I find that kind of nice to know but also scarry.

John Roncallo

[bobterry99]

Originally Posted by leejxxxxx

I always thought the DOHC V8 had more power and the SOHC in 99's and newer had less power...

This is because you are comparing peak horsepower figures that are quoted at 4800 RPMs. Across a very broad range of lower RPMs the SOHC makes considerably more power than the DOHC.

If you drive both cars under typical driving conditions, the difference in performance is quite noticeable. On it's website M-B quotes a 0-60 time of 6.1 seconds for the newer cars and 6.4 seconds for the older.

[jdonnee]

I have a 96 SL500 that I bought two years ago in Florida with 21,000 miles on it. It was owned by the 72 year old lady who had never had it in for a 30K mile major because it never reached 30,000 miles.

Guess what-there was nothing wrong with it, I had a 30K major done and put K&N filters in it and it screams, gets 22 MPH and looks new.

I disagree with the comment about low mileage. I have had absolutely no repairs to this automobile.

My recommendation is to get the lowest mileage car for the price you want to spend.