300SL/SL320 questions

I'm seriously looking at a couple of the above used cars and wanted some input from those of you who know them better than I. My main interest is in a '93 300SL with a five speed stick shift. Car has 64,000 miles, asking price is $30,000. Car has had all its services done at MB dealers, came back with a clean Carfax report and carries a MB Starmark warranty for another couple of years. I was able to take one quick test drive and observed a couple of things that concerned me a little. The steering wheel gives a little click when moved left or right of 12 o'clock. Sounds like it's coming from right in or just behind the steering wheel. The other thing I noticed is that the underhood foam pad is beginning to disintergrate. Is this a comon occurance at this age or is this a sign of an overly hot engine bay? I have a 240D that I had to replace the hood pad on, but it seems to me like it went a lot longer than this one before replacement was needed. My guess is that both of the above would be covered by the warranty, but I didn't want to eliminate there being other problems.

Also looking at a '94 with an automatic transmission, 70,000 miles, asking $29,000. Haven't seen or driven this one yet, but will this weekend. Are there changes made over the model years that would make one year better than another or are there years to avoid?

Thanks for your help. Glad to join your group. I've been a member of other MB groups for over five years, so I'm sure I'll see some familiar "faces" here.

Len
'83 240D 322,000 miles
'59 220S Cabriolet

Hi there -- I recently purchased a starmarked '95 SL320 (55K miles) -- here are few responses:

1. Hood pad - was replaced by dealer when I purchased the car (the original pad was starting to crumble -- dealer explained that the padding material used in the SL usually has a life span of about 5 to 7 years before wear and tear begins to kick in).

2. Clicking sounds associated with steering wheel movement - I noticed these sounds too before I purchased the car -- dealer simply lubricated the relevant steering wheel components and I haven't heard a single click since.

3. Changes from '93 to '95 -- I think there were a few minor updates (other members of the board probably have a lot more expertise on this subject matter than me):

- updated climate control system on '94 to '95 models (digital readout on temperature control)

- different wheels

- different engine (larger displacement, from 3.0 liter to 3.2 liter)

- better sound system (bose acoustimass)

- different turn signal lenses (mixed clear and orange on front, with the same in the rear)

4. Things to watch out for when purchasing an R129 of the vintage you're considering (based upon my own experience with my car, which is, fortunately, StarMarked):

- brake system (I just had my brake master cylinder, brake booster, and brake pads replaced -- for some reason, my brakes felt spongy compared to my '99 528i -- my dealer replaced everything under warranty after I notified them of the same)

- rear plastic windows on the soft-top (mine was slightly hazy, with a few subtle wrinkles on the side windows -- fixed all the haziness with clear plastic cleaner)

5. Final recommendation -- although I love my car, if I had to do it all over, I would probably purchase a '96 or '97 sl instead -- as you probably know, the later model years have the current interior design (revised door panels and seats), and revised exterior panels/lights. The only problem is, you will have to pay a steep premium for either a '96 or '97 -- I essentially paid $37,900 for my low mileage '95 (with 3 years of StarMark coverage), compared to asking prices ranging between $46K to $48K for similar mileage '96 or '97 models.

[G-Benz]

The hood liner on my 500SL looks brand new...but the car has less than 35K, so it may be condition of the vehicle (wear and tear) rather than age.

Check the operation of the driver's side seat, motorized positions and seatback release lever. Mine were a problem since the day it was purchased but never discovered until months later. Not covered under warranty unless the motors flat out quit. Fortunately, both are easy fixes.

Stubby fuel hoses near the fuel pumps may leak at the hose clamp (vibrations, I guess). When they start to leak, the catch pan can hold a lot of fuel before dripping out of the drain hole, so you will REALLY smell that one if it ever happens. New hose or clamps will fix that.

My rear window wasn't even close to being hazy, and it cracked across the width of the window once when raising the top. The part of the window that folds when down may be a fatigue point, so be wary of that. Also not covered under the Starmark warranty, but MB rep approved the dealership to fix it and assumed most of the cost, but we still out $340...this was six months after the car was purchased.

[elau]

The '94 SL actually has one more hp than the later model even with bigger engine displacement (229 hp @5,600 rpm vs 228 hp @5,600 rpm). The '94 model year also was the highest priced 300SL/SL320 at $85,200. Otherwise, all SL are very good cars. I love mine and recently retired my SL to a "pet car" status from daily driver, I now only drive it in special occasions. Things I would watch out for is oil leak on the head gasket as 104 engine tends to leak as it gets older, but to fix it is no problem. Especially with Starmark. Make sure the top operates smoothly and align with the windshield effortlessly. The other thing I will caution you is to check the battery. Mine just died and it costs $170. It was the original battery with the date stamp 1995 on the post. Insist to have a new battery if it is the original one (I don't think the dealer will lost a sale because of a battery). Some battery will last that long, but as soon as you take the car home it dies. Just look the car over carefully and make sure it has all service records. At least have the dealer provide you with the Master Service Record which lists every service performed on the vehicle. Remember that it is a used car and just like all used cars, if it was taken care of by previous owners, it will last for a long time. You will love the SL, I think it is the best car I have ever owned. Good luck.

87 W124
95 R129
98 W163

[BobH]

I purchased my 1990 300sl about 18 months ago with 25,000 miles. The hood pad looked ok when I purchased the car but began to disintegrate shortly thereafter. In the past 18 months and 10,000 plus miles, the car has really been trouble free. I'm somewhat puzzled that no one mentioned how difficult it is to find a really nice five speed. I think the car you're looking at is rather rare and may be a real find. Good luck.

[elau]

BobH,
We had actually discussed how rare it is to run into a R129 with 5 speed. I have only seen one in the Annapolis, MD area over a year or so ago. It was an earlier model, probably 91 or 92 vintage. I have never seen another one ever since.

87 W124
95 R129
98 W163