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  #1  
Old 12-19-2004, 05:45 PM
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Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: RI
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85 500sel

Hi,
I am going to look at one of these. Has 88K on it and is supposed to be in very good shape. It is at a dealer of moderately good reputation. Can anyone tell me some critical questions I should ask about the car, what I should look for as far as known problem areas. The asking price is just under $9000.00 and I'd be looking to use it a fair amount in good weather. I've got some mechanical skills and own two W123's (diesels) already.
Any pointers greatly appreciated.

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Old 12-19-2004, 08:55 PM
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Join Date: Aug 2004
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rmmagow
Hi,
The asking price is just under $9000.00 and I'd be looking to use it a fair amount in good weather.
I have a 1991 560 SEL with only 104800 miles and I would be more than glad to sell it for $7000. In other words, $9000 for a 85 500 sel is waaaaaaay too much. Or you mean $900.
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  #3  
Old 12-19-2004, 09:10 PM
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Location: east Tennessee (southeast USA)
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Ironically, I was also considering one of these cars. I agree with Bigbenz- $9000 seems way too steep. I think the 85' 500SEL I was considering is also too steep at the $5200 asking price. It too is in VGC and is equipped with the optional driver airbag. I have recently started considering it again, but not at $5200. I have been thinking of offering them $3000 for it, but I have also recently found a 93' 300E I am considering. The dealer with the 1985 500SEL is the same place that wants $12,000 for a 92' BMW 735i with 80K- which is also too steep!

To give some info- I have heard that timing chain replacement is critical and can be costly. $1000 or more? From what I have been able to understand, these cars are virtually bulletproof. Electrical can be a concern, but basically nothing of major concerns.


Good luck!
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2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4wd
1991 Lincoln Town Car Executive
1991 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1988 Mercedes 300SEL
1972 Chevrolet Caprice Kingswood Estate 9-passenger wagon
1973 Pontiac Grand Ville
(Prior MB's: 1974 240D, 1985 380SE, 1984 190D, 1993 400SEL)
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  #4  
Old 12-19-2004, 10:59 PM
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What, Me Worry?
 
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: Sarasota, Fl.
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See if it's a Euro (4 wheel hydropneumatic suspension is a give away among a bunch of other things)

Another member here had one, and to this day, is still glad he no longer has it.

In my opinion, $9k for an '85 is a bit rich. I will sell you my '88 420SEL for less than half (it has 137k miles)

-Larry


PS: You don't get alot of ponies with that 500...you get more with the 420

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