1999 SL500 Purchase

[callen]

Seriously considering purchasing a 99 SL500 45K miles.

Any items I should watch out for....have looked at previous posts. Purchasing from individual so no warrantee.

Thanks for any input.

Callen

[G-Benz]

What is the owner's motivation for selling? Runs too well?

Seriously, these cars present few, if any problems, especially a low-mileage example.

If the owner isn't getting rid of it because a financial crunch or because he/she already has five just like it, then I would consider the possibility that a mortgage-crippling repair is over the horizon...like an A/C evaporator.
But take this with a grain of salt. A dealer quote for some repairs is FAR higher than the actual repair would entail.

There is also the possibility for collision damage. Some types of structure compromise cannot be made right.

[Carlos Serrano]

Get a carfax on the vehicle make sure is not a wreck
You will be looking at replacing the hyd cylinder on the windshield for the top locking mechanism , everybody goes thru this that owns one if they haven't been change already they are about to start leaking. Check the brake pads and rotors, check the climate control ,make sure all the vents open and close, check the last time it was serviced, full syntetic oil change about 7500 miles , flexible service, check the overhead switches,knobs , buttons etc. less than 50,000 barely broke in ,the engine and trans. are about bullet proof, and check roof operation.

[callen]

Great info....it does have the sport package and AMG wheels so it's a beuty...hope wife will let me borrow it from time to time.

[230/8]

Callen:

Word of caution here.., sounds like some of the potential problems could be costly for anyone who may need to depend on a dealer for service. So, don't fall in love with this car before you buy it. Check it out first, then if it's a good'un, you'll have plenty of time to fall in love with it.

230/8

[jjrodger]

This is what I said when this issue came up recently; I stand by it:

I've used my 99 SL500 as a daily driver, putting 20k miles a year under the wheels. It is OK on fuel (20-25 imperial mpg) and not too expensive to maintain (I am fastiduous and spend about GBP1,000 a year). Tyres last about 15-20k miles depending on driving style. I worry in case anything major goes wrong, because parts for this car are expensive, but so far it has been a dream.

These 129 cars are very cheap now, cheaper than good condition 107s. If you can stomach the risk of something expensive going wrong (and, touch wood, that risk is small), then I recommend a 129 SL500. I love mine.

I spent six months finding my 1999, which had 49k miles on the clock way back in March 2003. Check the bodywork very carefully for accident damage. Check the service history. Check the operation of everything. These cars are extremely well made, but in the highly unlikely event anything goes wrong, they are pricey to fix.

[callen]

Originally Posted by 230/8

Callen:

Word of caution here.., sounds like some of the potential problems could be costly for anyone who may need to depend on a dealer for service. So, don't fall in love with this car before you buy it. Check it out first, then if it's a good'un, you'll have plenty of time to fall in love with it.

230/8

Am currently owner of several BMW's...and have done all work myself..which will be the same for the SL. The two things that do make me sweat are diagnosis and parts......with my BMW's I belong to BMW Car Club of American and get 15% off at dealer.....is there such a program for Mercedes's?

Checked out car today...everything is operational and could detect no body damage...also ran Car fax that came out clean.

[elau]

Yes. You will get a parts discount from the dealer if you belong to the MB club.

I bought my car from the dealer and they gave me a life time discount VIP card, 15% off for parts and 10% off for labor. It really comes in handy when I need to have work done by the dealer.

[benz4le]

With V8 5.0 problem is when engine start early in the morning it make slightly noise.it cause by valve lifter damage.To check by carefully listen at right hand side at engine bay.Hope it help

[deanyel]

Remember the 99 model is the 3 valve 113 motor - the one they told us was better but told Wall Street only cost half as much to make as the 119 motor.