any bad historical data for this type of car. i could get it for a bargain but am concerned about maintenance cost. your views.

The only bargain in my eyes would be a free one that was made of pure gold. Then you could melt it and get some money in return. All joking asside, The cost of maintaining this car is astronomical. Sorry!!

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
LEAD TECHNICIAN FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

I just bought a 85 500SEL. I am wondering what you mean by maintaing it is astronomical. I agree that the air filter , sparkplug wire set and dist cap is a bit expensive. But I just changed mine which I beleive to be original parts at 145000 miles.
Is there something I have missed that would be regular maintance?

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Gary
85 500SEL

Gary-
Is your 500SEL a "gray market" car that has been converted or the US version?
I think that makes a BIG difference.

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'98 E430
MBCA-Peachtree

I too just bought a 1985 500sel, and luckly for me it was well maintained (new trans, excellent body, engine had been serviced, compression was right on). Since I got it, I had a MB person do a front to rear check on it, and I had to do the following:

1: New water pump
2: New front wheel bearings
3: New hood liner
4: Replaced interior lights
5: Rotor button
6: Remove dust shield (only one, strangly enough) from front
7: Fix broken vacum line
8: Change transmission fluid
9: Fix rear seats heat and motors

All in all, with the inital checkup of the car, I've spent $1700. Now I don't have a car payment, the vehicle has over 200,000 miles on it, and I don't ever plan on getting rid of it, so I think it's cheap so far.

Of course, I didn't have to replace the timing chain, and I'm looking at a new rear main seal, new fan clutch and maybe a steering gear box sometime this summer. Ask me about money then!

Good luck if you get the car!

James

I do not believe that my car is a GREY market conversion. Is there any easy ways to tell? I still would like to know why Benzmac considered the car costly to keep up.

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Gary
85 500SEL

I have a 83 500sel
my recomendation
if u were going to buy this Car:

DONT
ITS A MONEY TRAP!!!

if u do want a reiable benz GET A DESIL!!
like say an 84 300SD

STAY AWAY From the 500SEL 's

GOOD LUCK !!