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#1
05-02-2003, 08:50 AM
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1983 Euro 500SL... value? Give me your gut feeling!
What's your gut feeling:
1983 500SL Low mileage (20,000 though as yet unverified) Appears to be in very good condition (ebay photos) Euro bumpers, headlights... no airbag, has climate control (yuck) What would be a reasonable RANGE of price on something like this? I currently own a 1986 560 with the lovely RAILROAD TIE bumpers and the QUIXOTIC climate control... 
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#2
05-02-2003, 12:44 PM
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I have an 83 Euro. A lot of people think Euros are nicer looking than the US version, and the larger engine probably makes it more appealing for that year model. However, they're harder to keep running right because of the add-on smog control. When I was looking 3 yrs ago, there didn't seem to be any difference in asking price between US and Euro, but if I had it to do over, I'd pay less for it. Actually, I'd probably go for a later model 560 (and steer clear of the Euros). Also, don't expect any improvement in the climate control.
I'd want to take a close look at the brake pedal, floorboards, seat wear, etc. before I accepted the odometer reading as fact. State inspection records definitely don't tell the whole story. Around here (Dallas), 83's are only going for 9 or 10 thousand right now.
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#3
05-02-2003, 01:50 PM
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In fact, this car is in Addison outside Dallas. Like I said, this car has euro headlights and bumpers... is it a given that it has smog conversion stuff... what does that consist of... is there a catalytic coverter? What kind of difficulties have you had, specifically... how long have you had yours?
Thanks
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#4
05-02-2003, 04:16 PM
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I just went through the smog issue with a euro motor.
You will probably not pass the 15/25 mph dyno test because of the compression and the hotter cams. So you need to find out what you will have to spend to get a waiver. If you can license it somewhere w/o a test, you're OK. Are you sure that the mileage isn't since the speedo was replaced for mph? The Europeans tend to drive their cars.
__________________
Chuck Taylor Falls Church VA '66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe
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#5
05-03-2003, 12:20 PM
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If it's an 83 Euro, it came with conversion package, which included the smog stuff. Under the hood on top of the fan you'll probably see the conversion badge. One of the top MB mechanics around here (Rodney Herson over on Davenport in Plano) told me the smog stuff absolutely never works right. That doesn't mean you can't get them to run right and pass inspection--it just makes it a little harder. My NOX hose has to be disconnected for it to run right, but has to be connected to pass inspection (it just wasn't designed to be there). Also, I get a lot of rich fuel mixture smell out of the tailpipe. I get 10 to 12 mpg in town, which I hear is not too far off, especially considering its a 5 litre.
Having said all that, I now have a mechanic who makes it run like a dream. Also, I get a lot of compliments on the looks. One other thing is that the VIN really confuses the insurance companies. Many won't write a gray market car because some of the parts are more expensive. Ericdee in LA, it sounded like you've got a really good one--I'd enjoy hearing your thoughts on all this. Do you work on the engine much?
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