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Originally Posted by 86560SEL
Thanks for the additional replies. I really do not think it is a Euro model. I do not see anything that suggests that. I have the VIN #- can someone read that and be able to tell me just from that?
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Yes.
All US Spec VINs start with WDB followed by letters of the alphabet then numbers and alphabets mixed. Euro Spec cars have VINs that start with either WDB following by the chassis number and then a sequence of alphanumeric characters or the VIN starts with just the chassis number followed by the alphanumeric characters. Confused yet? Just post the VIN and I'll tell you if it is a Euro Spec car or not.
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Originally Posted by 86560SEL
I agree, I think that $5500 is too much, but when I look at 90s Honda Accords, Toyota Camrys priced at least that and more- it does not seem so bad. Also- it seems to be in excellent shape, so for those saying $5500 is too much- is that too much even if the car is in excellent condition & in perfect working order?
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Those Camry's and Accords are still NEWER with better safety features and things like that. Whether we admit it or not, they are worth more than the gas V8 Benz you're looking at. $5,500 is too much to pay for a 500SEL that's in good shape. I paid $4,700 for my 300SD because there simply wasn't any in good shape and with as low miles as mine had to be found anywhere when I purchased it. The 300SD is much harder to find in excellent condition than the 500SEL, at least when I got mine. Also, at this point in time you can obtain many 500SELs in great shape for a lower price. BUT, if you're fine with paying $5,500 then by all means go ahead and buy it.
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Originally Posted by 86560SEL
If I had the assurance of buying this car @ this price- knowing that I would not have any problems with it for at least a year- I would be more comfortable paying that for it.
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Believe me,you WILL spend money on this car in the first year. Guaranteed. At least $1,000. Before I get deep into this, do you have any maintenance records on this car? Because, normally in the first year you will spend money getting the car up to speed on maintenance items. My 300SD, which was in excellent shape when I purchased it, ended up needing two repairs in the first year (alternator and master cylinder) but I did a lot of parts replacements as part of maintenance. I don't think you can easily get away with not spending any money on this car in the first year.
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Originally Posted by 86560SEL
About the timing chain- I phoned one of our local Mercedes repair/sales specialists to get an estimate of a timing chain replacement on one a 85' 500SEL. I have been told here that it is a $1000+ replacement, but I was quoted the price of $493.00 - which includes parts and labor of the chain and tensioner on this car. I have to call another shop tomorrow, as they are checking the price of this for me.
My other main concern is the minor (seeping) oil leak coming down from the front part of the oil pan. It is not dripping, there are no leak spots under the car, but it has a damp look to it. Someone said here it was $1500 to repair? That is why I have not purchased it yet. If I recall when I talked to him last- I think he said it had some clunking with the front suspension, but was planning on having this repaired. Perhaps bad bushings/struts.
The car was moved inside the garage today, as were a few other cars that were also out on the lot. The hood was raised, so perhaps they were changing the oil or something- or detailing it.
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Your price quote on the timing chain makes sense. $1,000 is way too much to pay for that job. Regarding the oil leak, you really have to get a PPI in order to determine what it is. It could just be a minor leak, or an old leak that was fixed but the traces of the leakage were never washed off. You never know. You can only tell from a PPI as performed by someone who knows these cars very well. And you mentioned some clunking in the front suspension: all these tiny issues and you say the car is in excellent condition? Good condition maybe, but excellent? You really need to get a PPI done before you even know if it is something you want to buy. And oh, regarding those NADA figures, they aren't true market value figures. Condition is what sells these cars. We all know they are million-mile machines
so the prices they fetch depend on condition not what NADA says.