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  #1  
Old 03-30-2011, 06:20 AM
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Realistic SL expectations? (thinking of buying)

This would be my first Benz, lonnnggg overdue (for those of you that don't know me I used to be a moderator here, and was an MB Master Tech in 2000, but now just drive a bus).
So thinking on a 96 or newer SL320, mostly for my wife to drive. Parking will be a consideration though, in summer and winter. (In the summer I would leave my truck sit outside, but will need a storage place for a 3rd car in the winter).
Thinking on budgeting (saving up) $10,000-$13,000 and hopefully getting one with under 75K miles on it. I keep looking around on eBay and other sites now, but will be saving probably til next spring.
I have a BMW K1200Gt that I recently paid off so that's helping the saving a bit.
I think the 96 had all the most significant upgrades done, correct? Been away from them for awhile so it gets a little foggy. But I always loved the 129.
A SL320 wouldn't be very pricey on insurance would it?
Gilly


Last edited by Gilly; 04-02-2011 at 04:35 AM.
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  #2  
Old 03-30-2011, 08:47 AM
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I just picked up a 92 500Sl with 100k for $8k. Car has original polar white paint, saddle leather, and is the best 90-93 I've seen in years - which is the only reason I bought it. This is my 5th Benz. Personally Gilly, I like the 90-93 because they are the original look, blocky and just like the first time I saw one in high school. Then again, if you want a 6cyl, the 722.6 trans will be a huge help. 2nd gear start is hard enough on a V8...

Anyway, on a 96 I'd suspect a lot of those haven't had the major age-related work done yet - but may very well need it soon. Case in point, mine has 6 of the 8 hydraulic top cylinders rebuilt, new soft top and headliner, AC evap replaced, and a host of other issues - those being the main ones that will HAVE to be done at some point in its life. If you're still wrenching yourself, shouldn't be a big $ deal, but the top and headliner run about $800 iirc.

Hmm.......am I helping any?
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  #3  
Old 03-30-2011, 08:47 AM
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OMG if I had the cash right now, course I'd also need a airline ticket (ONE way though!)
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/cto/2289829101.html

(note that it has THREE tops, LOL)

Only fault is my wife's least favorite car colors are red and white. But I could probably talk her in to it due to the pano top!
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  #4  
Old 03-30-2011, 08:48 AM
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Will copy and paste so people can still see it after the posting expires:

1997 SL320 Mercedes Convertible 2 Door - $11500 (San Diego – Crown Point)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 2011-03-27, 1:32PM PDT
Reply to: sale-juy5w-2289829101@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


1997 SL320 Mercedes 2 Door Convertible
White exterior
Gray leather interior

77,000 miles
Excellent condition; Garaged
3.2L 6 Cylinder engine, 228 hp
Automatic Transmission

Three TOPS:
Hardtop: Panorama removable hardtop made of tinted glass--includes hardtop storage rack.
Convertible: Standard Convertible Black/soft top
Top Down

Clean, scheduled services, great mechanical condition
Smog ready and DMV registered--it's ready to go!
Call Carrie: 916-995-2063

Features and Equipment
• Cruise/Speed Control
• Air Conditioning
• Power Windows
• Power Door Locks
• Tilt Steering Wheel
• Power Brakes Four Wheel Disc
• Four Wheel ABS
• 2 Wheel Rear Drive
• Limited Slip Differential with Traction Control
• Front Fog Lights
• Alarm System
• Rear Defroster
• Dual Power Leather Seats
• Full Spare Tire
• Alloy Wheels
• Active Roll Bar with wind reduction net
• Storage rack for panorama removable hardtop

Call Carrie: 916-995-2063



•Location: San Diego – Crown Point
•it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests



PostingID: 2289829101


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Realistic SL expectaions? (thinking of buying)-3nc3o53p85y55q45r0b3r0681182ea13215a2.jpg  
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  #5  
Old 03-30-2011, 08:50 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gilly View Post
OMG if I had the cash right now, course I'd also need a airline ticket (ONE way though!)
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/cto/2289829101.html

(note that it has THREE tops, LOL)

Only fault is my wife's least favorite car colors are red and white. But I could probably talk her in to it due to the pano top!
That's a great price. Some say 97 was the best year. Apples to oranges but my 97 c230 was the best car I've ever owned..

White's not my fav either, but somehow I keep ending up with white Benzes White on gray is weak and blah to me, but with saddle (mine) it changes the character completely. Mine has a chocolate top, and if the top was saddle as well, it would be a 100% winner.

$11,500 is a great price for that (ass-uming the major work has been done). Buy it!
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  #6  
Old 03-30-2011, 10:20 AM
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97s are all 722.6 transmission, and I believe all ASR - which to me sure points to a 96 or newer. 94 to 96 is 722.5 five speed. 96 is new leather style, but also new ignition (expensive keys) and loss of flash code reading on the 38 pin. 95 is fully OBDII compliant, 94 is partial OBDII. 94 is no standard traction control, 95 and 96 are ETS standard, ASR rare. When considering practicality anything from 94 to 96 SL320 without ASR is as good as it gets for a 129.
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  #7  
Old 03-31-2011, 07:27 AM
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Yeah I'd buy it, if this was next year, problem is I'd probably want to drive it back and this is a busy time at work (main problem is not enough money yet). I'd need a minimum of what, 4 days to fly out there and drive it back. Or I suppose it could be arranged to get it picked up and hauled, eBay seems good about arranging haul away companies, anyone reading this ever have to do that?
The Pano roof really appeals, I forgot they had them that early, I thought those were out more like in 99 or 2000.
The color, for a good deal I guess we really would do any color. I sort of like silver or the "smoke" silver (goldish tan), and they also had some really nice blues and greens.
Deanyel, in your last sentence, why "without ASR"?
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  #8  
Old 03-31-2011, 01:17 PM
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I purchased a car on ebay, and had it hauled to California.

It was about $725 to ship from the seller literally to my front door from Houston, TX to Southern California.
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  #9  
Old 04-01-2011, 12:09 PM
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Hi Gilly -- I bought my 1987 560sl - about 3 years ago - from a dealer in Arizona - Desert Autosport (www.desertautosport.com) -- they sell very nice cars and are a bit expensive -- but they will dicker - talk to Randy. They currently have a very nice 1999 sl500 with 65k miles (http://desert-autosport.ebizautos.com/webdetail.aspx?iid=6918005) that they simultaneously sell on Ebay (its going for $16,995 or best offer). Their cars are expensive but they are usually western cars with no rust.

When I bought my car I was thinking of flying out and driving it back (Phoenix to north suburban Chicago) -- I then figured with air fare and hotels as well as gas it was cheaper to have it hauled. I think I paid $1100 to have it hauled inside an enclosed carrier - car came in great shape. Randy suggested the company to me and he will help arrange shipment.

I recommend all readers check out the inventory (http://desert-autosport.ebizautos.com/website.aspx) of this company -- they take great photos and give great discussions of each vehicle -- its a nice read.
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1986 560SL (52.5k miles) sold 11/24/04

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  #10  
Old 04-01-2011, 06:07 PM
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Thanks Daniel, taking all the advice I can get.
It would be cool to find one locally, like within the WI-IL area where I could check it out before getting serious, I think I definitely remember enough to spot trouble areas.
Rust, now someone here can probably update me, since I've been out of the MB biz for several years, but I just don't recall rust being a big 129 problem, even up here in the rust belt states. Somewhat due to 129s mostly being rich owners summer cars. I know there were rust problems happening already on the 210 chassis, and I mean other than the spring perch problem, but on the same token, these would be year-round cars, which makes a big difference up here.
I believe I did see that 129 you mention on eBay, but maybe not, as I thought the ones on eBay now are all CA cars. I'll recheck that, and also check that site out you mentioned. But again I am in "saving mode" right now and am just sort of sniffing around right now for ideas.
There is a 300SL someone is trying to sell right now in this forum, I did look at that, and I believe that car is more around the midwest. Pretty car but I really think I'd rather have a 96 or newer.
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  #11  
Old 04-02-2011, 11:12 AM
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Rust under the lower door panels is a problem on early 129's, even from salt free areas. Rain water and just washing the car causes water to pool in the bottom of the door where there are no weep holes. Because of the way the sheet metal is folded, you can't see it unless you get under the car. Later years fixed this issue.
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  #12  
Old 04-02-2011, 03:52 PM
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Thanks. I see you are in Milwaukee, maybe when I am a serious shopper I can have you keep your eyes open for one.
I wasn't aware of this problem, did they have it fixed by 96?
I keep debating in my mind if it's smart to go with an SFI car, because of the wiring problems, or go with the CIS (300SL). I like the appearance of the 96 and newer a bit more.

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