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  #1  
Old 11-21-2000, 12:38 PM
makakio
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Needing advice please. Looking at the 1990-1995(?) years. Advice as to what the sweet years were? Yes, I'd love a 500, but my quite limited research thus far tells me that the 320s can be had for about $8-10k less and I'm seeing prices from $28-$45k. I'd really like to be closer to $30k if that's possible, which could mean a higher-mileage example.

I know virtually nothing about these cars, including powertrain strengths and weaknesses, design changes, major recalls, longevity, disproportionate repair expenses (remember - I have owned Benzes, but cheaper-to-fix models).

My commute is about to gain 12 miles of fast, curvy mountain roads and I'd love to drop the top and feel the breeze. Comments from fans, detractors and techs are appreciated...

Matt

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  #2  
Old 11-22-2000, 01:27 AM
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Makakio,
I am a SL owner and do not even know how to tell you the sheer enjoyment of driving one of these cars. Going point A to B usually takes me starting from A to C to E.....to B. I have a 320 and I think it suffice to my needs. Some people will tell you to get a 500 or 600. You will go a little faster in the 500 and VROOOOOM in the 600, but consider the money you will spend on gas on the massive 8 and 12. The 320 has plenty of ponies for me, and I caught myself frequently going over 100 on the Beltway without even realizing it. The car handles extremely well at high speed. My advise is buy one from a dealer with the Star Mark warranty (extended warranty is even better if you plan to keep the car long)for everything on the SL is EXPENSIVE!! You sure do not want to buy one from e-Bay unless you are very handy to work on the car yourself (I am not). I feel sorry for those poor souls thinking they have a good deal by buying a cheap SL from the e-Bay. I would say this time of the year is best to look for one because not much demand for an open top car, price will generally a bit higher comes spring. Good luck hunting!!

95 R129
98 ML320
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  #3  
Old 11-22-2000, 01:41 PM
makakio
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Thanks Elau - I'm not a DIYer at all so mechanical condition is important. The interesting bind here is that my price point (as researched thus far) leads me to examples with 100k miles or so. Normally, I wouldn't give this a second thought in a Benz (given my past experience), however I'm hoping others that read this post can comment as to powerplant longevity, etc and give me some perspective. Is this the same engine that went into the E320? Does it have some of the head problems that those did but are otherwise exceptionally long-lived motors, etc etc?

TIA.
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  #4  
Old 11-22-2000, 07:56 PM
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if I remember correctly the sl320 was the 104 engine. so I'm assuming anything that applies to that engine would apply to the sl.

Alon

My dad has a 94 sl600, helluva car, wish I had one. I just dont find the seats very comfortable for a tall 6'2" person, they are too upright for me in the back area.

other than that, they drive excellent, I will own one myself one day soon.

------------------
'92 300CE
Metallic Black (Blue Flaked) on Parchment
Clear Corners
94-95 Tail-Lights
Debadged
Black Grille Insert
78.5k Miles

Future Upgrades:
Sportline Suspension
17" AMG Monoblocks or EVO II's
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Performance Chip
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Click here to Go To My 300CE Page
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  #5  
Old 11-23-2000, 12:05 AM
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Makakio,
You are correct. The SL320 does come with the 104 engine. I noticed that the pre-owned SL price has come down somewhat and I think it has a lot to do with the upcoming change of body style. I am pretty sure you can find a low mileage, late model SL320 for less than $50K. I have seen quite a few sitting at the dealership recently.

95 R129
98 ML320
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  #6  
Old 11-29-2000, 12:14 PM
makakio
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I did some further reseach and found that in 1998 the SL powerplants got the three-valve head upgrade as well as the twin-spark upgrade and posted an increase in efficiency and mileage. Any ideas as to robust-ness of earlier models (I'd have a hard time shelling $50k for really new SL when there are sooooo many cars available for that kind of coin - I'm looking in the mid-thirties). Thanks Elau and Ash for the comments. There's GOT to be a tech here (and additional SL owners) with an opinion too. If the powerplant on the 320 is the same as in the E-series sedans it shouldn't be any more expensive to fix, right?

Thanking those with the time to pipe up in advance,
Matt
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  #7  
Old 11-29-2000, 03:49 PM
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As to the "upgrade" to three valve technology, in the case of the 500 it lost power compared to the 4-valve four cam M119 motor.

BTW, which model do you really want? I love V-8s, and will one day own an SL500, but it'll have an M119 motor. And it will be a 93-95 since they by then had inherited the LH fuel injection and were back up to 500E/500SEL levels of torque. Torque's important when you're trying to move 4,200 lbs!
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  #8  
Old 11-29-2000, 04:35 PM
makakio
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Michael - to be really honest I'd LOOOOOOVE the 500 of course! To be realistic, I've noticed a price differential of almost $10k between the two engines and it seems that the best I can afford (keeping mileage in mind) is the 300/320 (read: $30k for a 500 with 175k miles isn't a "deal" to me when I can find 320s in that range with 75-85k miles). I'm just tired of sedans - period. I am also wondering if, like MBZ sedans, the smaller (lighter?) motors create cars that are more nimble to toss around (think E300/400/500 and 190 2.3/2.6). I'd gladly take the hit on raw power in exchange for a lower-mileage, better-condition car if it has a more-nimble feel. Even the 3-series engine will get this thing way over 100mph when allowed so...

Then again I'm responding to an m-shop certified 500E nut. I could say very plainly that I'm okay with only using the steering wheel for input versus a heavy foot and smoking backend. But I'm not expecting your comprehension. Heh.

[Edited by makakio on 11-29-2000 at 04:38 PM]
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  #9  
Old 11-29-2000, 04:44 PM
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Hehe...my reputation preceded me.

I can, however surprising this might appear , appreciate your situation and can honestly say you've got a tough choice; depending on how/where you drive, the SL320's plenty of car and will likely meet your needs.

FYI, according to my 1992 literature the SL500 outweighs the SL320 by a scant 135 lbs., so I'm not so sure the 320 feels that much more nimble. However, I'd look for a manual 5-speed 300SL/SL320, as I know they were offered for a few years and that would change the character of the car quite a bit.

Good luck satiating that Jones!!!
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  #10  
Old 11-29-2000, 05:15 PM
makakio
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See now THAT sounds like a perfect solution! Manual. Hmmmm. Any ideas out there as to what years I might expect these were brought to the US of A?
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  #11  
Old 11-30-2000, 04:56 PM
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5 speed SL

As I understood it, they offered the stick when the car (300SL only) was introduced in 1990. I think it was available for at least 3-4 years, but I'm not sure. I'll ask an MBZ sales buddy of mine and get back to you if he knows.

Good luck on your hunt!!
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"If God had meant for us to walk, why did he give us feet that fit car pedals?" Sir Sterling Moss

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2014 E63S Estate
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1986 Porsche 944 turbo
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  #12  
Old 12-01-2000, 04:05 AM
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Early 90's would be your best bet for finding a manual 300sl, though it'll be tough to find one. they arent too common. Probably harder than finding a manual 300e

Alon
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  #13  
Old 12-03-2000, 09:42 PM
BZP
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I'm with Michael, I too would prefer the SL with the LH injection in 500 form. The twin cam V8's are definitely more powerful than those in the three valve design. Also would stray towards the 320's with the HFM injection and not the hybrid 104 w/103 injection found in the early SLs and coupes. You'll feel the difference. And DONT feel deprived at all with the 104, they still MOVE considering the weight surrounding it. Although I believe that the 5spds were only offered with the 300SL's, 90-93?. TOUGH CHOICE! Eventhough the models are virtually identical, it's what is connected to your right foot that gives you that peace of mind. Good Luck.
Bill
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  #14  
Old 12-04-2000, 12:30 PM
makakio
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All - thanks for the replies! I appreciate the feedback and recommendations. Should anyone else want to pipe in please do - I'm watching this thread pretty closely and I KNOW there's a bunch of experience and opinions to be found here...
Matt
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  #15  
Old 12-04-2000, 12:32 PM
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Makakio,
Stopped by my dealer this morning and saw a '95 SL500 sitting in the lot. Car is in smoke silver with brown soft top. Hard top is in storage and interior is partchment. It has 32K miles on it and the sticker is $46K. From what I can tell, everything looks good and it has StarMark warrenty. If you are interested, I can check it out for you and make sure it rides good. From my observations, there is no dent or scratch, a few rock chips in front but nothing major, clear coat looks fine and I did not see any crack, interior looks good with no rip on seats or crack on dash, wheels have no curb mark and tires are OK. If I were to buy the car, I will ask them to put two new sets on. Engine compartment and trunk look clean. I did not see any oil leak anywhere. One caveat -- no cup holder. Generally its a pretty clean car. The phone number is 410.268.2222, and the dealer is Mercedes of Annapolis. You may even be able to talk them down on price since you are calling from CA. I think the shipping across country is about $1K. BTW, ask for Nick Munz. He is a good guy to deal with. I bought two cars from him and I know he will do you right. If I can help, let me know.

95 R129
98 ML320

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