1981 AMG 500SL - information required

I have just purchased a 1981 500SL that has an AMG badge on the bonnet, AMG wheels and rear and front spoilers. I know it comes from Hong Kong however I know nothing else about the car, and am looking for sources of information.

Could anyone advise on good sources on information on that model of car? Where can I buy service manuals etc? Would the AMG badge signify anything special?

All help would be appreciated.

Thanks

[mbdoc]

AMG back then meant body trim & or suspension enhancements.

[krigsmakten]

Originally Posted by M.B.DOC

AMG back then meant body trim & or suspension enhancements.

Not correct - AMG back then did extensive engine modifications as well - cams, head work, exhaust systems, 5-speed manual conversions, tweaks automatic transmissions etc.

Without documentation, you really have to know where to look to see if there was performance work done - taking off valve covers to see if the end of the cams (toward the firewall) have AMG stamps for example. An easier way would be to compare how yours drives compared to a known stock vehicle.

[coleyjf]

I thought that the 500SL didn't come out 'till 1986 with the Euro 300 400 & 500SL's?

Jim

[rowdie]

Production ran from '81-'89. I have an '84. Post a picture of your '81. Here is my '84. Body kit, paint, wheels and suspension. I have not checked the cams.


New to Me 500SL

[rowdie]

As far as manuals go you will need a 107 chassis manual. The EPC lists the 500SL and you can find engine and other part numbers there. As far as I know there is no 500SL service manual.

[coleyjf]

Originally Posted by coleyjf

I thought that the 500SL didn't come out 'till 1986 with the Euro 300 400 & 500SL's?

Jim

Sorry - should have done some research - I thought that the 500SL only came in with the facelift model Now see that it was around from 80 ( but only as grey market in US I believe) though quite a different model from 1986!

quote from wikipedia

"The more powerful 500SL with 5.0 liter engine, produced from 1980-1989, was not available in the U.S. through Mercedes-Benz and was popular in "gray market" import before the arrival of the 560SL (only made for the USA and Australian market) in 1986-1989.

Despite the larger 5.6 liter engine of the 560 SL, the 500 SL is recorded as being the fastest production 107 produced (mostly because of the lack of emission restraints, but also late 500 SLs were more powerful than the 560 SL.) The 500 SL was published by Mercedes-Benz as having 0-60 times of 7.4 seconds for a top speed of 225 km/h (140 mph). Torque for the 500 SL is 296 lbft @3200 rpm and for the 560 SL 287 lbft @ 3500 rpm. The 500 SL was not available in the U.S. or Australian markets through Mercedes Benz dealers."

Cheers

Jim