looking to purchase a '91-94' SL

[takman]

So whats the low down on these cars? Any areas i should pay special attention to while looking to purchase one? Any specific model year better than the others? Known reliability issues?

A bunch of questions, but if you can answer even one of them it'd be really nice

Thanks

[deanyel]

90s and 95s are rightfully in that group. Try a search - a number of threads on this subject in the past. One of your primary questions is engine preference, i.e. do you have one - six, eight or twelve cylinder, which may require doing some test drives. Personal preferences differ but they are all pretty good cars, although the twelves can be a bit maintenance intensive.

[aam]

Check the wire harness 94-95 have to be replaced.
Regards.
aam.

[johnathan1]

Seems like the Engine wiring harness and the Hydraulic Tops are the most problematic areas from what I've read on here...

[lynns]

Originally Posted by johnathan1

Seems like the Engine wiring harness and the Hydraulic Tops are the most problematic areas from what I've read on here...

MY93-95 are known to have biodegradable wiring harnesses that can be very costly to repair. As well as the soft top hydraulic cylinders. The HC's can be rebuilt at $40/each plus ship by Dennis Ficken. What a deal! The only problem is getting at the ten cylinders in the rear. The front two cylinders are an easy DIY. We have found that the front cylinders last about 8-10 years on the average.

Test the hard/ soft top release several times. Especially the soft top and roll bar then check under the rear of the car for oil as well as above the front interior sun visor for oil leaking.

Best way is to look for a car that has receipts that show that ALL electrical wiring has been replaced and HC have been replaced, etc.

With the prices where they are at why not consider buying a low mileage MY99-02? Have it checked out buy a trusted INDY for $100.00. And put an additional $3K on the side for anything that comes up. Don't buy an extended warranty.

[deanyel]

It's nice to find a car that has a new wiring harness but it's not that big a deal. It's about a $600 once in lifetime repair - not a top ten repair on such a car - and not something that should keep you from buying an otherwise nice car.

[lynns]

Originally Posted by deanyel

It's nice to find a car that has a new wiring harness but it's not that big a deal. It's about a $600 once in lifetime repair - not a top ten repair on such a car - and not something that should keep you from buying an otherwise nice car.

I have seen where it can drive a new SL owner crazy, with intermitant problems, until he finds out what is causing it. And finding the parts can also be a problem.

[C280 Sport]

I use to have a 1996 600SL V12. From past ownerships I have always noticed the A/C is the first thing to realy ever start to go wrong. I would also make sure that what ever car you are buying you get a full service history. I had the V12 and it was a very reliable car with very minimal issues(Besides the A/C acted weird a couple of times)

[lynns]

Originally Posted by C280 Sport

I use to have a 1996 600SL V12. From past ownerships I have always noticed the A/C is the first thing to realy ever start to go wrong. I would also make sure that what ever car you are buying you get a full service history. I had the V12 and it was a very reliable car with very minimal issues(Besides the A/C acted weird a couple of times)

I have had two R107's(MY88-89) that had various climate control issues. Especially non-functioning center vents. The accuators need replacing. Now that I have a MY00 R129 I have had no climate control issues but others have.

That's why I suggest that you consider buying a MY99-02 SL500 , low mileage. The car cost $95K when new and now you can get one for $25K-$30K, pending mileage. I always look for less than 30K miles. Have it checked by a knowledgable service technician for $100 and see if you can get a MB Service Advisor to run a VMI that will print out all the work that MB has done on the car. Or make sure that the seller can display ALL records and Owners Manuals with two IR Keys. Otherwise the dealer will charge you $200.00 for a key.

[ctaylor738]

My .02 is that for not much more money, you can get a '96, which gives you OBD2 diagnostics, the electronically adjusted cams, and the 5-speed electronic transmission. Plus you avoid the dreaded harness problems.