i just came from local dealer,he had a one owner trade in with all records,serviced through 87500, in really nice shape,it has 87000 miles,asking $12000.00 (i think high)
my question is are these good models,am i going to have high $ repairs,can members give me pro's and con's on this model?

thanks in advance
eek

A few things come to my mind, for what they're worth.

First, for grins, try the Kelly Blue Book website, kbb.com, to see what THEY say the trade-in and retail values are.

Then, what was YOUR impression of the car? Did you drive it? Is it the right size, have the right options, etc... The much-talked-about "gut feel" is important.

I now have vehicles with a lot of miles on them, and none were purchased new. I have had to do the normal maintenance, and also "hang parts" on all of them, but I keep records and spread the cost of parts over the miles. So far, all have been reasonable.

Hello from the greater Detroit Metro Area, and BCingU, Jim

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'96 E300D 56kmi
'95 Audi 90 118 kmi
'92 GMC Suburban 138 kmi
'85 300SD 218 kmi

THE 500 SEL is a death trap.. esp if it is a Euro model.. belive me repairs are high.. everything is high.. if u are considering a car from the 80's get a MB Desil.. preferbly a 300SD.. those are exelent cars and run forever.. most can go upwards of 400K miles.. and will give u exelent gas milage..

--jivesh

I have a '84 500SEL Euro and I'm the 3rd owner. I've only had it for about a year now and haven't had any major problems on it except for replacing the tranny, alternator, water pump, fuel pump....only kidding! I did have to replace the voltage regulator and the associated relays that it fried. Other than that it has been reliable (knock on wood).

I too have heard that the mid 80's 500SEL's are money pits. So far I'm pleased with it.

My other vehicle is a 1985 300D Turbo Deezel (we haven't heard much from him lately. Is he ok?) This car is a workhorse. It's built like a tank and runs forever.

Overall I'm pleased with my MB driving experience.

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FrankieZ
84 500SEL EURO 87K
85 300D 267K (and still goin' strong)

[This message has been edited by fz500sel (edited 08-09-2000).]

My 91 500SEL must be one of the last ones built ( Feb 90 )It took a bit of tidying up when I got it a f ew months ago but now runs like a fream. Dont touch the Euro ones with the hydraulic suspension, there are plenty of old ones, covered in dust, flat as a pancake languishing in garage yards all over the UAE.Go for real springs and if you need decent A/C, check the spec, Janaese stuff is the best. 117 engine should run sweet as a nut with no timing/valve clatter. Plenty of regular oil changes and plenty of TLC ( tender loving care 0 and you will have a car to be happy withg. Good luck, and enjoy !

really must learn to use the spell checker first !

they do need money but they can go forever my 85 euro 500sel i am coming up on a tranney rebuild and a gasket job. i put a set of rims and a paint job it is buteful email me i will send you a pic.

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Dan Younes
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1985 euro 500sel 220k
1981 300sd 278k sold
1979 240d 298k sold
1983 300sd 272k sold
1989 chrysler 2.2l Turbo
Leabaron 130k
1989 Dodge Carvan Se 285k
1996 C220(hopefully soon)

Well, I'll tell you... I am the 3rd owner of this "Beautiful" wolf in sheep's clothing... just kidding, what can I say? the car is 20 years old, that usually means sooner or later things need to be replaced. When I bought it in April, the previous owner kept saying over and over, it's got 2 brand new cats, and that was the first thing to cause problems for me. If I had a chance to do it over again, I wouldnt have. (only because I could work on my toyota myself, but MB's are so foreign to me mechanically) and because the parts are way pricey... but it is a beautiful car.

87,000 miles is not a lit of miles for one of these cars. If properly maintained they run a long time with little maintenance. With that said, you can also pour more money in than you could ever imagine. Parts and service for these are very expensive. I bought a Euro SL 500 with the same engine and 93,000 miles but have had to do a lot of work to cure some problems that have cropped up. I am kind of particular about the way the car runs and rides so I have spent almost $5000 in parts and another $1700 in professional service since 1999 to get it to 128,000 miles. It still needs a lot of work and parts. Lifters are my next job. I do my own work so it could be worse but if you have to depend on a dealer it could cost you dearly. If it turns into a money pit, are you prepared to take your lumps? Is it your only car for daily use? If your answers are no and yes respectively, you could have a problem. It is really a crap shoot. If you can’t afford to lose, you can’t afford to gamble. The price seems a little high too because the 1996 to 1991 560 SEL may be a little better car, especially the later ones and they can be had for the $12,000 if you look. If you are dying to have it try to make sure the motor runs quietly, that it idles well hot and cold and the trans shifts very smoothly. Also make sure the climate control works right and the vents all open and close as they should. Read the owners manual to find out. Check all the windows and door locks and the sun roof, if it has one. Interior parts are expensive on those so be sure it is in nice condition. Good luck.

__________________
Steve
1985 Mercedes 500SL Euro (Gray market)
1995 BMW 520i Euro (Gray market)
1992 BMW 525it Wagon
1994 Honda Del Sol Si