I am looking at a car that looks in great shape, and appears to drive well.

I am wondering what kind of nightmare I could be in for. Mileage is 158000mi.

Without taking it to a shop (buying long-distance) what would you think is a good price? I may be able to get this car cheaply.

IMHO -

You could be in for any number of nightmares. I am not a 450 expert, but with this mileage:

Timing chain is stretched, needs replaced.
Cams have worn lobes.
Climate control or AC dead.
Transmission on way out
Brake rotors worn out
Fuel injection problems

If you can't check the car out or get someone to do it for you, then don't pay more than you can walk away from without regret. You are better off paying more for a good car.

__________________
Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe

Your top concern should be cosmetic (and structural) condition. The car is a unitized body, so structural rust is a VERY big deal. Also, if you don't like something about the way it looks now, be prepared to spend lots more money.

Simple mechanical things, like the motor falling out or the transmission needing replacement are typical of any old car "of that age" and have little to do with it being a mercedes or an SL.

Any competent mechanic can verify that the wheels aren't falling off, that the car can toe a straight line on the highway or that the engine meets emissions spec for that year. (Be sure to verify all three for your piece of mind).

The emissions should be spot on (and most likely won't be) for all to be well. There are some "issues" with the fuel injection system that are best addressed by somebody trained on the vintage bosch D-jetronic equipment. Anybody that worked on old volvos or VWs will understand it just fine. If the system doesn't pass a casual inspection, you can worry a bit. If it's way out of wack, price things accordingly.

-CTH

__________________
- cth350@gmail.com
http://www.111lakeside.com/