Maybe a New MB - 96 SL500?

[lkchris]

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/M119OilGuides

[Gusfazekas]

I have a 1995 and the problems you are likely to have include wiring harness replacement: the engine harness, the starter alternator harness, and posssibly the electronic throttle actuator and harness. If the first two are bad (the wiring gets brittle and disentegrates, shorts out) the latter surely will cause you problems. This is a known defect in the early to mid-90's SLs. Your evaporator will likely leak and cause major financial headaches for you (24 hr job to remove and replace dash and components) If you can do the work yourself or find a MB mechanic to help you "off" the books, buy it. Be prepared to spent a ton of time and money to upgrade the car the longer you own it. Unless you are the most savvy of bargain hunters and extremely patient finding replacement parts, they will cost you a bundle. The radiator necks crack and a replacement can cost $500 before install. I fixed mine for $6.00, but it took some ingenuity. Steve

[mowoc]

Well, I found one.

A 1996 with 84k on it. This one was much cheaper ($9500), and it seems all the records are in order.

I checked with the two previous owners and found no issues with the transmission. Everything works according to the mechanics who worked on the car as well.

Wish me luck.

I did have a couple of other questions

1. How long should these cars last? Is there a typical mileage?
2. What types of major repairs develop first?

[bobterry99]

Originally Posted by mowoc

A 1996 with 84k on it. This one was much cheaper ($9500), and it seems all the records are in order.

Seems to me you've done well.

Originally Posted by mowoc

How long should these cars last?

I will guess that the engine is good for at least 250K and possibly many, many more miles; the service life of the transmission is around 150K. Again, these are guesses.

Originally Posted by mowoc

What types of major repairs develop first?

The hydraulics for the top may develop a leak in an hydraulic cylinder. This is an expensive repair at a dealer; it is an inexpensive repair if you do the job yourself and use Dennis Ficken's repair service. Google his name if you have the need to learn more.

[mowoc]

Thank you.

If I remember correctly, the rebuild for the transmission is like 4k, right?

Another question I had was about service manuals. I do like working on cars, but hesitate when I don't have a shop manual. are there any available for this car?