91 300SL opinions - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

elchivito · #1 10-15-2012, 02:45 PM

I know there's a CL thread.
12.5K dollars? What are these like? How would it be as a 40mpd daily driver?
I see rave reviews on Edmunds.

1991 Mercedes Benz 300sl-24

Jim B. · #2 10-15-2012, 04:03 PM

That Panzerwagen would be underpowered with the 6 cylinder, the 500SL is the best balanced one, and the 600L 12 is front heavy and way complex, BUT those r129 SL's ALL have superb build quality, QC, and last a long time. About forever if you take care of them....

Out here they can run about as cheap for a '90 or '91 that is decent, for just $8,000 or $9,000 which is bargain for what you get for the money 9they cost youabout 485,000-$90,000 new), though I'd check the maintenance booklet is fully stamped, no evidence of air or water leaks with the hardop on- which it had better have if I bought one- and the color was ok...and no evidence of rust or collision repair.

Check out the condition of the soft top, the re window can look like crap and so can the fabric, after some years...

They are really "boulevardier" cars, for just cruising, and NOT built as hi-po sports cars, and most lived early lives as NOT the only family car, so low miles ones are common...

In fact many were bought as fashion accessories, the last thing some spoiled beech would "put on" before heading out to the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel or the Palm Sprngs Tennis Club.....

If ou buy one if these, make sure it has not been neglected by some 4th or 5th tier owner that let the maintenance go.

And you will probably need to buy an aftermarket SL hardtop hoist or a hardtop stand, should you plan to enjoy top-down motoring in the summer....

I'd encourage you to have your wife participate in the shopping, espdcially in the choice of the exterior and interior colors that are acceptable. Nonenthusiast females love to select colors, and the SL models, (especially the old w113 pagoda roof 1963-1971 and the r107s - the 1972-1989 SLs tend to enchant women), who perceive them as beautifully styled and eternally fashionable.....

And so whie theone you are looing at looks pretty good, except fr the hoid aftermarket cromed wheel arches (which might hide rust at the drill holes and for sure the paint under them will likely be a different shade after 21 Phoenix summers)

He's trying to sell one with a pretty "blah" almost "biege" color your wife might not like - but if there are enoug time an not mileage based oil changes - let's say twice a year that you can verify, then maybe, after a qualified Mercedes Benz mechanic gives it a flying colors"pass" on a complete pre-purchse inspection, a MUST with *any* Mecedes Benz THAT old, you could star driving it breezily safely and comfortably on a 40 mile round trip every day. But make sure te AC works ice cold. A must n Arizona, and the HVAC on these are notorious for problems; and R12 refrigerant in the car is better - not r134, for which the factory plumbing is not designed to be used with.

Buena suerte, chiquito bebito....

engatwork · #3 10-15-2012, 05:43 PM

I've got a customer that has one and I think they are good cars. The six cylinder provides enough power to achieve speeds to get thrown in jail. As Jim B said, try to get service history. Personally, they don't have enough room for me for it to be comfortable as a daily driver. The seat does not go far enough back in my opinion (6'-2").

JohnM. · #4 10-15-2012, 05:57 PM

Is the market that sweet for R129's right now? Four or five years ago I feel the market was pretty soft for these.

I can get a 65,000mi black 94 500SL with hydraulic issues for about $4-5K. I know the hydros are expensive, but if I can get 12-13K for it.....

Delibes · #5 10-15-2012, 06:10 PM

The R129's are great. When I worked for a Mercedes shop, we only got them for routine maintenance. In any case, definitely check for the soft top hydraulics, they tend to fail with age.

The 300SL, well, has the M103 engine. They are pretty reliable, but definitely check for records on the head gaskets, as they tend to fail. I recomend the SL320, which is a bit newer, more powerful and slightly easier to service. In that one, check for records on the wiring harness. The SL500 is not bad either, and the SL600 is one of the best Mercedes I have ever driven, only second to the big 600 limousine.

$12.5k is too expensive for any Mercedes from 1991. If you want to spend some big money, I would pass on that one and get a 300SL that is slightly older...

And for those who are curious how the gullwing drives, the cool factor wears quickly. Steering is heavy, you have to change the oil every 1,000 miles and you are way too worried about how expensive it is to enjoy driving it like it should be driven. The "cockpit" factor is unique, but for a 6'2 guy like me it's very troublesome.

spdrun · #6 10-15-2012, 06:14 PM

Am I also correct that the 300SL Gullwing has sealed windows, other than the vent wings? Must be a sweatbox in summer.

Delibes · #7 10-15-2012, 06:19 PM

I do not mean to hijack the thread, but yes. Windows are sealed and they only have a little flap at the front. Not the best engineering in case of an accident or something as simple as paying the toll...

MTI · #8 10-15-2012, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delibes

And for those who are curious how the gullwing drives, the cool factor wears quickly. Steering is heavy, you have to change the oil every 1,000 miles and you are way too worried about how expensive it is to enjoy driving it like it should be driven. The "cockpit" factor is unique, but for a 6'2 guy like me it's very troublesome.

The Gullwing owner's club just had their annual meeting, this year in Palm Springs, a couple of weeks ago. Many of the owners drive their cars to the annual meeting, other do trailer, but nearly all drive their cars around during the event.

Home | Gull Wing Group Palm Springs Convention

Jim B. · #9 10-15-2012, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnM.

Is the market that sweet for R129's right now? Four or five years ago I feel the market was pretty soft for these.

I can get a 65,000mi black 94 500SL with hydraulic issues for about $4-5K. I know the hydros are expensive, but if I can get 12-13K for it.....

*THIS* is considered the ultimate evolving price guide for them:

John Olsen's SL Market letter, it comes out monthly and is highly detailed and informative for SL buyers sellers and prospects.
Includes extensive breakdown as to each model and year and engine, and prices based on condition #1 through #5.

The SL Experience

Hatterasguy · #10 10-15-2012, 08:46 PM

Great car, but get a 1997 or newer SL500 instead.

TylerH860 · #11 10-16-2012, 05:38 PM

Way high price. I sold a 2002 Silver arrow SL500 with 70k for around $15000. My opinion that is the best of the R129.

The 300SL got a different transmission from the 300E, and it was weak. Head gasket is going to be a certain repair on that engine, and if the top hydraulics are original, watch out.

Benz Fan · #12 10-16-2012, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TylerH860

Way high price. I sold a 2002 Silver arrow SL500 with 70k for around $15000. My opinion that is the best of the R129.

The 300SL got a different transmission from the 300E, and it was weak. Head gasket is going to be a certain repair on that engine, and if the top hydraulics are original, watch out.

Regarding the R129, is it a case of newer = better? Did MB decontent or otherwise water down the spec of the R129 during it's run, as they did with the w140?