Looking at a 1978 450 SL - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

nh500sl · #1 01-13-2021, 11:43 AM

I possibly found another one to add to the garage. I have not had a chance to view it yet. It’s a 1978 450 SL that has been sitting in the garage for 15 years. It has unknown engine issues. The body and interior are quite nice. If I can’t drive it, I need to assume that the engine and transmission are bad. Then how do I put a value on it? The seller wants $3,000. Any advice?

Sugar Bear · #2 01-13-2021, 06:29 PM

The market value of the car in good running condition minus the cost of a good used running motor minus your labor is about what I would consider fair value. If the body and interior are extra clean $3K sounds in range.

What color combo and how many miles?

nh500sl · #3 01-13-2021, 08:38 PM

It’s powder blue with a tan interior. It has 150,000

Sugar Bear · #4 01-13-2021, 11:06 PM

Look very closely for body rust and also try to determine if the engine turns or is seized. Color combo on those cars affect the value, powder blue won't bring the $ of red, black or white; but, I had a powder blue 240D and loved the color.

Good luck!!!

rowdie · #5 01-15-2021, 02:31 PM

Not running it's a 1K or less parts car. '78-'80 US models are the poorest examples of a 107. Right there with the '81-'83 380SLs.

nh500sl · #6 01-17-2021, 11:07 AM

Is there advice for starting the engine for the first time? Specifically wondering about lubrication of a slumber of 15 years.

Tony H · #7 01-17-2021, 06:22 PM

I think the major concern is stuck rings and scoring cylinders. If a ring breaks trying to turn it over a cylinder will be ruined most likely and need to be bored. Not really feasible. Also you don't know what some ham fisted PO did trying to get it to run. Soaking the cylinders in some type of penetrating oil (several have been mentioned here) would be required. Also if there was some way to pre-lube the engine (maybe through the oil cooler return line?)that would be helpful.

nh500sl · #8 02-06-2021, 11:07 AM

I finally get to look at it today. Wish me luck. Seller has been busy and it has been difficult to get together to view the car.

nh500sl · #9 02-06-2021, 06:33 PM

I finally looked at the car today. Not so good. It was towed in the garage five years ago. It was making a “ popping sound”. Car showed that it did n have coolant, clear coat was pealing, wire wheels were rusted Interior was heavily worn with half the carpet missing. Pretty sad for a one owner 130k car. I’ll pass. Not sure what I would even do with it if I bought for $500.

letank · #10 02-16-2021, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nh500sl

I finally looked at the car today. Not so good. It was towed in the garage five years ago. It was making a “ popping sound”. Car showed that it did n have coolant, clear coat was pealing, wire wheels were rusted Interior was heavily worn with half the carpet missing. Pretty sad for a one owner 130k car. I’ll pass. Not sure what I would even do with it if I bought for $500.

not running will more likely have issues with the fuel distributor... a big headache...

check this site for more

https://www.benzworld.org/forums/r-c107-sl-slc-class.29/