1993/4/5 0r 1996 sl500

[moneyguyforu]

I think my 1992/93 sl500 is about to be written off. I say 1992 because I imported it from Japan and the paperwork says it was a 1993 but Germany is saying 1992......another long story.
Anyway I got into an accident and front end is smucked. The damage is more than the appraised value so I doubt the insurance company will fix. The car held up amazingly well I am very impressed with these machines. My question for you guys that know these better than I is should I get say another 1993 or maybe a 1996 ? Thoughts ? If I import from Japan and it's 15 yrs or older there are no real restrictions to importing to Canada. Plus budget is a factor. I see the 1996 has slightly less HP than say my 1993 but the interior finish seems a little nicer and the transmission becomes a 5 speed instead of 4. I read on here that the 1996 had some problems with that tranny though. I have only driven the last one for about 7,000km (about 4,000 miles for you south of me!)so I was just starting to enjoy the toy when this happened. I am not ready to give up the dream.

[tecqboy]

Don't 94, 95, 96 have issues with the bio-degradable wring harness?

[ctaylor738]

I think the harness issues stopped with the 1995's.

Starting with the 1996 models, you get full electronic engine control - no more rotors and caps on the cylinder heads, OBD2 diagnostics, and the electronic 5-speed transmission. Supposedly, the earlier cars had tranmission issues. The PO of mine put in a rebuilt at 94K.

I am satisfied with my 1996 after two years.

[moneyguyforu]

thank you for your replies.
I am also considering a SL600 instead of the 500. sounds like a lot more car with littel extra price for the older models say 1993-1998. My mechanic said the parts are a lot more and that may be of concerm. The hunt continues.

[500SL4ME]

95's have wiring harness issues as well speaking as a 95 owner. If they have been replaced no big deal. Pre 96 you do get the older 4 speed hydraulic transmission. Not as refined, but also cheaper to repair if there is a problem.

[Maximos]

Yea, '96+ don't have the harness problems and have the 5-speeds. Make sure you get a lower mileage one if you want a 5-speed (around 70k miles) and change the fluid ASAP. Otherwise, a rebuild will be in your future. The SL600, contrary to popular belief, isn't that much more expensive to run... the engine itself is as well-built and reliable as engines get. The M120 V12 only got a bad rep due to the MAF/engine harnesses going bad quickly on them as a direct result of the heat they produce. The same occurs with any other Mercedes of similar vintage, just a bit slower. Usually, it's the ADS system that scares people away from them, but parts aren't that expensive for it.