Very hard decision on next toy: 2002 Silver Arrow or 96 S600
 

2 fantastic cars. I sold a silver arrow 5 years ago and thought it was the most beautiful modern car I had ever seen. On the other hand I've been having withdraws since selling my 1997 S500 and have been thirsting for a V12.

The Silver Arrow has 70,000 miles and the seller is awaiting my offer; he is asking $14500. He purchased it two years ago from the estate of the original owner. Has all records from new and has spent $4,000 since he owned it bringing it out of mothballs and up to snuff for daily driver duty. It was an Arizona car, now in Park City Utah. He does not want to endure another winter with it.

The 1996 S600 is very interesting. It was purchased new in Germany and imported in 2001. He spent $30,000 federalizing it, and ever since every hiccup sent to MB of Miami. He service history is super impressive. At 90,000 miles it's just high enough to have most of the major service items like suspension and coils out of the way. His employee is selling it, says the price if firm at $7000 and he has made an appointment for a full inspection to be done at the local Mercedes dealer for my benefit.

So two dream cars falling into my lap, both at great prices, and I cannot buy both. Which one would you want and why?

Is the silver arrow simpler to maintain?

I can rebuild hydraulic soft tops for under $1500 now. Otherwise nothing to worry about.

600 has a lot more going on and some expensive parts.

It really depends on how quickly you plan to blow out either car. If it's a six-month ownership, a W140 sedan makes more sense in a Kansas winter than a R129 that will never see the top lowered. OTO, a R129 owned over the summer would give you a fair-weather car that would keep you from rolling miles up on the 500SL.

I owned a convertible once. Never again. I guess that would settle it for me.

I'll bite. What is a Silver Arrow?

See pic #1 - a low-production variant of the R129 Mercedes SL.

S600, because I'm a W140 fan and I'm a sedan vs convertible guy.

If its a toy why buy a dated looking 90s 4 door sedan no matter the pedigree?

How different is this from all your other cars really apart from the motor? Id go with the convertible if price isnt an issue.

As a 20 year M/B tech, I wouldn't let you give me an S600.

SL, without a doubt. I wouldn't touch a 600 before 2003. Just not worth it.

Interesting on the w220 600. I eliminated all of them because of the horrible hydraulic suspension.

I'd go with the S600. You already have a nice convertible - your '85 500SL - that you'll keep.

Plus, it's half the price, and more $$$ to spend on any repairs or personal touches.

This is assuming that you'll keep one of them for a long time.

Well, hmm........neither. Both models strike me as boring and overly expensive to maintain.

X2.

First time ive ever agreed with joe on anything, but hes right. Both models are boring and expensive to maintain.
I had forgotten you already had the 85 convertible, which is way better looking anyway.

If im looking for a toy, im looking for something with a clutch and a good power to weight ratio. I thimk you would be better served finding a 5 speed gearbox for the 500SL and installing it