Consider This Before Buying Sl's - Page 52 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

cclake · #**766** 02-08-2009, 06:05 PM

Remember that the milage shown on these cars has been turned back on nine out of ten of these cars. You can't belive the spedometer unless the car comes with complete records. I purchased my 380 sl 5 ears ago { I wanted a 57 Tbird but could not afford it] Over time I have replaced most of the vacuum liles and a ton of rubber as it is 25 plus years old. Other than that I have not have any problems. During the winter I try to drive it at least once a week and every summer I take a trip to Va. the only failure I have had was a voltage regular. I am sure that once you find someone that knows how to repair the car you will really enjoy it. Good luck

deanyel · #**767** 02-08-2009, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oltimer

I tend to agree, one Lil correction: tranny went "electronic" in 97 not 96 along with the extra gear.

Your correction needs two corrections - sixes went electronic (i.e. 722.6) in 1997 but V8s got 722.6s in 1996. And V8s got an extra gear in 96 but some of the sixes (S and SLs) did not in 97 as they were already 5 speed 722.5s.

el presidente · #**768** 01-06-2011, 08:28 AM

MBShop classic thread....

Genbiltstein · #**769** 01-07-2011, 04:15 AM

Quote:

I've talked to 6 sl owners at the dealership while visiting my car. They brag about how much they have spent on their car "THIS MONTH" and seem think its funny. One guys says 'Yeah its usually a few hundred to a few thousand each month, but hey thats just part of the game with these."
I have discovered that these cars are for the wealthy who have not only lots of time for aggravation, but lots of money to spend. Every part they change on this car is a minimum of $500.00

I can understand the rant. Me? I have been in the maintenance field and have extensive experience. I will rip it apart to the last bolt long before I pay a dealership.

PaulC · #**770** 01-10-2011, 06:40 PM

I remember this guy - he bought badly, then took his car to the $ervice center every time the tires needed air...

TAP · #**771** 01-12-2011, 12:02 PM

Back in the summer I took a trip to the supermarket and found the local Corvette club was having a show and meet. I parked my recently detailed black 87 560 and ran inside. When I came back there were at least a dozen of the Vette owner's looking my car over. The general comments were all the same, "I've always liked these cars."

A sharp SL will turn heads no matter were you go, no matter what other cars are around. And that's why we drive them.

strelnik · #**772** 01-12-2011, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TAP

Back in the summer I took a trip to the supermarket and found the local Corvette club was having a show and meet. I parked my recently detailed black 87 560 and ran inside. When I came back there were at least a dozen of the Vette owner's looking my car over. The general comments were all the same, "I've always liked these cars."

A sharp SL will turn heads no matter were you go, no matter what other cars are around. And that's why we drive them.

I started reading this thread at the beginning and I'm sure the originator is now happy with a Lexus or something. The several prior owners of my 380SL had diiferent attitudes toward the car. The last one did no maintenance and when it wouldn't start, he sold it!

He did spend a little money on it because he had to, but the car is a good runner, and just needs attention, not neglect.

The only problems that car has are worn seats and a slightly leaking PS hose. Does it needs maintenance? Yes, but it starts and runs each time I need to move it or take it somewhere.

As I finish the storage facility, I'll baseline the car, taking a day to do that.

TylerH860 · #**773** 01-12-2011, 04:32 PM

I've only put probably $15,000 in the last 10 years and 18,000 miles.

The Valve job and suspension rebuild were the biggies.

AlanTbird · #**774** 02-07-2011, 08:34 AM

I rescued mine from a warehouse estate sale and it was dead in the water. It gives me great joy to tinker with it and it was only about a month till I had it running. It gives me hives to even think about EVER taking it to a dealer. There's a one man show a few miles from home and there always bens's, jags and even rolls from time to time. I will be giving him a visit soon to make sure we see eye to eye. At the 1st sign of me feeling taken advantage of I BAIL!
When I do use a shop I always have MY list of whats wrong and what I want fixed and I insist they price out the parts and give me a change to buy them on my own.
The Volvo Dealer here is a DREAM and I don't mind taking it to them esp. since they have serviced the car from new! The waiting for something to break scenario applied to the 85 V-12 Jag I had up until 6 months ago, but I knew what I was in for and had it for 5 years with no regrets! I have LOVED every German car I have owned in the past 33 years for the consistencies and all of them being pretty bullet proof. I make happy noises each time my 75 starts right up, even on a single digit morning. She moans a groans till all the fluids are fluid but I don't ask too much of a car 2/3 my age.

dnthomas · #**775** 07-03-2011, 05:02 PM

I have a 1989 560SL, purchased 5 months ago. 1st time in shop was last week for 45K scheduled maintenance. All maintenance done, 3 bulbs ordered for interior lighting and new set of keys ordered ($50) also oil and filters. Total price was $274. I have printout from the Mercedes dealership where purchased new in Arizona and maintained from 1989 until I bought it and a folder full of receipts for all work and parts ever done/purchased for car. Not a lot spent in 22+ years so far. Guess I was fortunate and I made sure it had been maintained before I bought it. If in the market for an SL, the money spent to join OurSL.com saved me thousands when I was looking

whunter · #**776** 03-17-2013, 03:08 AM

for fun.

joselu43 · #**777** 03-17-2013, 11:25 AM

Great idea. This was one of the first threads that I read when I first joined. It was great fun to follow. We could use one like that now to revive the site.

82380sl · #**778** 03-17-2013, 12:51 PM

Hi folks -- new to sl conversations but have had extensive experience dealing with early Porsche 911s (65-73).
Like attractive women, cars might superficially look good but be possessed by evil spirits. I tested my recent 380sl purchase by driving the hell out of it yesterday, just daring it to go wrong so I could get at its character. But it did not let me down, although there are issues to address. For those vehicles no matter what you do to them cannot lead to satisfaction. And like articulated in some previous posts, a new owner can get into the trap of path dependency -- the idea that one has too much money into it to let go.
You have to go into this sl thing with your eyes open. Old cars, expensive parts if you pay dealer prices, high labor costs. See this car as a challenge -- what must I learn to keep costs under control -- what can I fix myself and where can I scavenge parts at prices that make dealers look silly? You are working on yourself as much as on the car! If you just want to be seen driving an old pretty car, I have no sympathy for you if things go wrong.