1989 560sl purchase advice - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Busch09 · #1 12-10-2007, 11:49 PM

Its a black 1989 560 SL in San Jose thats been sitting for 3 years and has 108k miles on it. private owner

The service paper are more or less complete until 60k then there is a big gap until the current owner, who got it around 100k and has complete receipts.

Then at 104k the timing chain and chain tensioner as well as the valve gasket cover, cylinder heads are new. It had a complete head gasket and valve job and a new oil pump. Oil has been serviced and transmission fluid has been exchanged.

As far as I could see no rust. paint is immaculate. haven't seen soft top yet.

Here is what the MB inspection brought up:
Could you assess the prices at a indepentdent shoppe for each repair and the urgency of repair for me? What can I leave as it is if I can live with it and what definitly needs to be done shortly.

- muffler end pipe, rear part will last another 12-24 months, then exchange

- shocks are a little soft, but sealed tight

- small transmission leak

- sometimes clangs when shifting, so transmission needs inspection

- small leak in steering box

- eninge mounts have collapsed, although driving doenst feel rough

- rear flex disc has about had it, front one is ok. to me that sounds expensive

- spark plugs, plugwires need exchange

- air / fuel mix needs inspection, also the engine misfires from time to time

- left soft top window has a crack

- ac coolant ist he old cfc coolant. Does that need to be exchanged ?

How much it be if the transmission had to be replaced ?

Is it worth buying ? They are asking 15k$ right now. KBB says 13500$.

cheers
chris

uncle dave · #2 12-11-2007, 03:37 AM

I think that you could do much better, especially on the west coast. Take your time and wait for a really good one, for 15g you should find one w/o a bunch of small issues, as they do add up.

ctaylor738 · #3 12-11-2007, 09:22 AM

For sure. This is a $7-$8K car that has obviously had some sort of midlife meltdown.

Look at oursl.com - they have some nice 560's for sale in California.

POS · #4 12-11-2007, 01:15 PM

I agree with Chuck. For $15,000 you could do much, much better. It's as simple as that.

#5 12-11-2007, 03:58 PM

It took me about four months to find my 87 560SL. I shopped want ads and on-line sites. I looked at a few cars and took them to the local dealer for a pre buy inspection. It cost me a couple of hundred of bucks but probably saved me thousands. I visited used lots in my area that handle sport or specialty cars and they put me on to the car I bought (A guy going through a bad divorce who needed cash quickly and quitely. I got it so cheap I'm ashamed - almost.) Find the right SL and buy it. You'll love the car.

JFawcett · #6 12-11-2007, 07:50 PM

A cheap SL is the most expensive car you will ever buy.
This one sounds like just a pretty face.

-small transmission leak

- sometimes clangs when shifting, so transmission needs inspection

- small leak in steering box

I see $3,000 right here.........

Busch09 · #7 12-11-2007, 07:58 PM

So if I could get it for around 8000$ would that be a good buy ?
From the 6-8 89ers I have seen so far, this is probably the best one, so I know I will have to put money in anyone I buy. All others had leaking engines, which I assume to be much more expensive.

Here the engine is good and was serviced 4k miles ago.

How bad are collapsed engine mounts ? Is that something you would immediatly fix or will most 20 year old cars have collapsed egine mounts and you just have to live with it ?

how much are they including hours at an indy ?

Alkraut · #8 12-11-2007, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Busch09

So if I could get it for around 8000$ would that be a good buy ?
From the 6-8 89ers I have seen so far, this is probably the best one, so I know I will have to put money in anyone I buy. All others had leaking engines, which I assume to be much more expensive.

Here the engine is good and was serviced 4k miles ago.

How bad are collapsed engine mounts ? Is that something you would immediatly fix or will most 20 year old cars have collapsed egine mounts and you just have to live with it ?

how much are they including hours at an indy ?

Usually the engine mounts are replaced when the front rubber subframe bushings are replaced. This one likely needs both. The job allows for both to be done as a group cheaper than doing separately. Depending on where you go, figure $500-$800. Do the front shocks at same time, another $250 or so. Makes a big difference in ride and handling.