What to look out for: '88 sl - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BobK · #1 11-19-2002, 07:51 AM

Ok, I'm looking into an SL for wife for Christmas (if she can put up with me-she deserves it!). Right now about to look at '88 560SL, belongs to coworker. Has about 120k miles and had a transmission awhile back. What do I want ot watch out for? Big buck things that like to pop up? I already have an ''87 560SEL (and a few other models-all old),so I am used to some of the mechanicals. SL is a new venture for me. Thanks in advance.
Bobk

suginami · #2 11-19-2002, 12:21 PM

I'd just make sure the timing chain and guide rails have been replaced.

If not, I'd do it.

maheath · #3 11-19-2002, 04:39 PM

Definitely the timing chain... And check to see if the valve stem seals have ever been replaced.

The most important thing when looking at a used Mercedes is it's service history. If it doesn't have one, it's worth a lot less than one that does.

Tom McMenamin · #4 11-19-2002, 11:56 PM

About 6 Months ago I posted a complete list of items that you will have to deal with when you buy a used 560! The things i listed got agreement from most of us who have purchased one regardless of the miles.

Figure on $3000 investment after purchase without doing the Chain!

Unless you can do most of the work yourself.

Do not! I repeat Do not do any cosmetics until you get the mechanicals completed. The bucks I am talking about is just standard services that need to be done and mechanicals that are required. Most people who own these cars have or had a few bucks. they seldom drove them and seldom did maintenance because they only drove them to the golf course on Saturdays!

If you find a nice one spend the money on the maintenance. i did and I wouldn't part with mine for alot of money!

It is one sweet car and it moves out and handles great. I would give up whiskey and women before I would give up my roadster!

Good Luck!

Tom McMenamin · #5 11-20-2002, 12:08 AM

New 560sl owner questions

BobK · #6 11-20-2002, 07:30 AM

Well, I do my own mechanical work, so the costs are a little less. This car had fairly good maintenance, but not by a dealer shop. Tranny was already replaced awhile back and that kinda worries me since they usually seem to be more reliable than that (car only has 120k now). Haven't had a chance to ask all the good questions yet (I'm betting original chain). Everything I hear about these models is pretty much wonderful so I have high hopes. I certainly like my 560SEL.
Car maintenance has been expensive lately. 560SEL needed an axle shaft and stuck a rear caliper plus I think it wants a set of injectors, daughters 300D got a new chain and rails, wife's 190E got this and that, etc. I've been on the lookout for an SL for the wife for awhile. Saw a pretty red one-pretty till you got up close and saw how bad the rust was at the jack points. Talked to dealer parts guy/buddy and he said I/she would be happiest with the 560 series, if it was to be daily driver. I love the looks of an old 230Sl but I hear that's not the best choice for everyday use. Bumped into buddy with 560 the other day, remembered he had one that he didn't drive much and was thinking about selling, and well, the light came on over my head! Most of what you all have mentioned sounds like standard MB stuff (like chains/rails). Hopefully I'll be able to join your ranks within the month. Thanks .
BobK

#7 11-22-2002, 04:24 PM

You're getting some good advice on this one. I picked up an '86 for my wife in July, asked the same questions and got the same answers for the most part - things went as predicted.

The $3K is a good number to count on; I'm a little under right now but there are some more things I want to make right before I get over the initial burst of enthusiasm. I don't think anyone mentioned the suspension (front end is my next move); my reading indicates that you get considerable bang for the bucks spent in this area in terms of driveability.

Don't be afraid to let loose of the cash to reach a point where you are confident in the car; these things are screamers when you twist their tails a little.

Best of luck.

M from Ft. Worth

BobK · #8 12-09-2002, 07:21 AM

Well, time for an update: Keep this all under your hat since it is a surprise for Christmas. I was able to pick up the '88 I was looking at. Not perfect, but not bad. 121k miles. Needs a few things. Glove box must be replaced as some lower life form tried to break into it and managed to put a screwdriver hole it it. Top looks great on the outside, but not so great on the inside. Probably get a new one in the spring. I can do the install so only cost is the parts. Small pieces of wood trim are missing from the band that runs all the way across the dash. That could be tough, maybe someone knows where to get those pieces. Only rust I could find on whole car is at the mounting points for the trim that runs along the rocker, below the passenger side door. My body man will have a look at that as soon as the locals quit sliding into each other. Everyone said to expect to spend a few grand after I get the car and that looks to be about right from what I have seen. Car is safely hidden in the parking garage here at work until Christmas. Price $9,300. Thanks for the input.

sublettd · #9 12-09-2002, 07:05 PM

Bob,

Suggest you check eBay for the trim parts. I see them on there occasionally. FYI, I'll usually go there and look at what will expire in the next 24 hours and then look at the most recently listed items for the last 24 hours. Usually takes about 20 minutes or so to scan them.

Have picked up several "niceties" off there for decent prices.

Regards,