1974 Mercedes 450SL Configuration/Condition Questions

[ColLonewolf]

Found a deal on a 74 450 SL. The owner states that it has a 278ci V-8, and a 150K for miles. My conversion figuring is not so good but does this sound like the right engine for this vehicle? He also list a few issues that I have listed bellow. Does this sound like a deal or a money pit. I know there is nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes but what am I looking at on a vehicle of this type/model? Anything else I should be concerned about? Thank you for your time and efforts.



1974 Mercedes 450sl, first year mass production for the 450sl, good condition, both soft top and hard top, Blaupunkt stereo, ABS Custom wheels, 278ci V-8, at, ac, electric windows, complete. 150K + miles. $2500 or possible trade

I've had the Mercedes 4 years. I bought it from a couple in North Carolina. They were the 2nd owners and knew the person they got it from. They had several maintenance documents, I'll try to attach copies with the pics.


The engine looks bigger than 278ci but that is what it says on the engine compartment plaque. It does have a chunk of paint off the hood, a small amount of rust around the headlights and some paint off of the gas filler door.(see pics) The title is a clean title in my name. To my knowledge, the car has never been wrecked, no signs of different color paint or overspray in the engine compartment or door jams. The soft top is new but has a 1" tear in the passenger side. It has an a/c compressor but I haven't ever had it working.


At present, it needs a fuel pressure regulator or fuel adjustment of some kind. It burns very rich. I have to unplug the fuel sensor on the top of engine to get it running. It will not start and run if the sensor is plugged in.

[Walrus]

money pit... run away. You will not like what you research about the fuel injection issues it probably has (D-Jet).

Oh, approx 60 cu in per litre...

[dugald]

Yes 278 ci = 4.5 litres, which is correct.

Some comments:

The rust is a big concern. When there is some to be seen, there is lots more unseen. Together with the mentioned paint issues, you are looking at spending $4,000 - $5,000 on body and paint.

Fuel injection is electronic and problematic. Not many competent mechanics left for this stuff. Parts hard to find and pricey.

Unless you are looking for a challenge, pass it by.

[rowdie]

The owner is an idiot. With the knowledge he has shown it has not been maintained at all.
RUN away.

Fuel Pressure Sensor??????????????

Is it on CL or something?

[ColLonewolf]

Thank you all for the replies. I will follow the words of wisdom and run, run away fast. The money is probably better spent on improving my SD. Yes it was a CL. Thank you once again.

[cth350]

you can get a nice 450sl (preferrably with CIS) for that same 2,500$ or a nicer 380sl. If you want one, you can find one. Start by offering 2,500$ for a 3,500$ car and see who says "yes".

-CTH

[meltedpanda]

awe , i dont know , offer him a grand. Djets are not bad if you are willing to be a detective, sounds like he is unplugging the sensor on the air intake. That can be corrected, may just need ecu adjustment.]
Rust = bad
That said if you dont want to work on this girl , pass on it

[ColLonewolf]

OK here is the add, but if someone buys it can I have the wheels??


1974 Mercedes 450sl - $2500 (North Little Rock)

Date: 2010-09-17, 2:55PM CDT
Reply to: sale-vw2tn-1959417542@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]

1974 Mercedes 450sl, first year mass production for the 450sl, good condition, both soft top and hard top, Blaupunkt stereo, ABS Custom wheels, 278ci V-8, at, ac, electric windows, complete. 150K + miles. $2500 or possible trade. Call (501) 753-1134
· Location: North Little Rock
· it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

PostingID: 1959417542

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE

[ColLonewolf]

Never mind. Looks like 14".

[ColLonewolf]

Bringing this post back to life as I forgot it existed and as it happens I just acquired a 1974 450SL. Think I got a good deal and she is so pretty. Got her running but rough. Body seems to be in good shape. Supposed to have all new fuel system, new timing chains/guides. Hard top is not original to the car and the soft top has two tears parallel to the rear window. Looks like euro HVAC. A/C belt is not on. Should be a good time.

[ColLonewolf]

Pics

[ColLonewolf]

More

[Graham]

Interesting car. You might try posting on the Benzworld R/C 107 forum. A lot more 107 owners there. That car has the Djet fuel injection system. My 72 does too. Works well, once you get it figured out

[rowdie]

Some people use the wrong fuel pump when replacing. There is only one timing chain.
Why is the hardtop not original?
That is not Euro only heat A/C system. I was used on all 107s through the 1977 model year.

[ColLonewolf]

What is the secret to figuring it out?

Originally Posted by Graham

Interesting car. You might try posting on the Benzworld R/C 107 forum. A lot more 107 owners there. That car has the Djet fuel injection system. My 72 does too. Works well, once you get it figured out