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#2
05-07-2004, 12:39 AM
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Re: euro headlights
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#4
05-08-2004, 02:16 PM
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Actually, I was being flippant. It's possible it could be a Euro, it just had the head lights changed. The configurations of the cars depended a lot on what state they were first registered in. Arizona, for example, did not require any changes other than the catalytic converter, so it is a great place to look for unmodified Euros. That's true of most Western states except the ones on the Pacific coast. These and other states required headlights and/or bumpers to be changed. Then again, lots of American made ones have been modified to look like the Euros, further complicating things. The real way to tell is by the VIN#. Euros start with the letters WDB, followed by the numbers 107. US market cars will start out with WDB, then two letters, then two numbers.
This one on ebay is a good example of an unmodified 500 SL Euro: here's another one: that is a Euro, but it was probably registered first in California, and has been essentially converted to a US model. By the way, the one on the first link is not to far from where I live in Houston. I'm going to probably be taking a look at it.
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#5
05-08-2004, 03:02 PM
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Yeah, I too have been looking at that auction. Unfortunately I am in NC. I found a really nice 500 on E-bay but got sniped in the last few seconds. I had been the only bidder up to that time. Oh well, I am really learly about buying a car sight unseen anyway. Lots of 380s and 450s around here but I want a 500. Good luck and if you buy it let us know your experience.
Mike
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#6
05-08-2004, 09:51 PM
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DFW area to NC isn't that bad a ride. You could make it back with one sleepover. The miles are high on this car, however Texas drving, if the owners aren't the hot rod types, is pretty easy on a car if it's been out in the country. Its all flat roads and one stop light towns. City cars are a whole different story. If the car has lived its life in the major metropolitan areas its seen a lot of stop and go driving and potholes, probably been smacked once or twice, especially if its been driven in Dallas or Houston. Your usually going to get stuck with front end and brake work on a high mileage car from these areas.
I think the secret on ebay is to contact the owner privately and make a cash on the barrel offer. A lot of them will end the auction early if they think they will actually get paid. The other secret is to be damn careful. Run a carfax, and get it inspected if you can. I bought my 280 SL that way and I ended up with an almost-mint one owner car with 89K for 6700. I've driven it for 6 months without any problems. I love the 107 500 SL Euro. Its not only a cool car, but it also has a race history over in Europe. Right now I'm thinking of selling the 280 to one of my kids to keep it in the family, and getting a 500 while the prices are down. So right now I am just kind of a looker. If I see any you might be interested in, I'll let you know. Are you looking for a cream puff or a fixer upper? What's your price range?
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#7
05-08-2004, 10:37 PM
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Kirk, I would love a low mileage excellent condition car but a restoration with the right conditions also appeals to me. I definitely want an euro model. I would probably go 12-15k on the right vehicle. As I said, there are lots of 450s around here, I looked at a 74 today with less than 90k mileage but word has it that the 73-74s are to be avoided. I know I wouldn't be satisfied unless it was a 500 model though. And, I realize with summer upon us, this is the wrong time to find a cheap, well taken care of SL. There are actually several cars that I am tracking now but all are several states away. Florida is my favorite "haunt" as there seem to be more 500s there and also in CA. I suppose it is best to avoid the "rust belt" when searching for older SLs. I do have relatives in the DFW area and that would give me reason to visit Texas! If you get a chance to look at that car and don't buy it, let me know your thoughts on it's condition. The mileage is a bit high but if the car is in good shape I may be interested. E-mail me at mbjwilliams@earthlink.net Thanks for the input! I really don't know alot about SLs but have owned a MB for 9 years now. You are definitely helping my SL education!
Mike
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#8
05-27-2004, 07:13 PM
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el m, here's a Euro on ebay you might want to look at. You'd have to change the headlights out, but I bet you could buy this one pretty cheap. Its a 75,000 miile, stored in wnters car in a no reserve auction.
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#9
05-27-2004, 07:31 PM
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Kirk, I've just about sealed the deal on a 84 500SL in Miami. Extrememly nice looking car with 99K. Still, some what dubious about online "shopping". I have thought about a 280 SL. Guess I just want more power or headache, whichever. That is a nice looking SL!
Mike is
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#10
05-27-2004, 09:45 PM
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That's a cool car. Let me know how it works out.
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#11
05-27-2004, 10:26 PM
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If you guys want sls look at www.collectorcartraderonline.com
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