Most to pay for 83 500SEC?
 

Ok, Im contimplating buying an 83 500SEC, its high mileage 224K probably wont smog, its euro

QUESTION: I hear good and bad about the euro cars. Whats the bad? Whats the good? Do some 500SEC's have 5.6 engines? I thought I saw some advertised that way.

Is Euro car and gray market car same thing?

What do you think would be the minimum you could pick one up for that is running but yet a resto project, in other words, you could drive it around for six months or so, then when I would be done with my house, could turn my attention to it and restore it. Something not needing body work, ok mechanically, and the interior and little things not working, like switches etc, etc.?

No.

Usually it is unless it was brought in from another country that required detuning of the engine for emissions but that is unlikely.

If it's in bad shape, dont walk away......RUN!!!!! These cars are really not worth the cost of restoring. Maybe if you just want to throw money away but that'd be up to you. To replace all the weather stripping in the car you will spend over $2,400. The cost is not too bad until you get to the seal on the top of the door that runs from front to back. The drivers side and passenger side, two pieces, cost over $1,600. I'd offer $2,000 at the most for a car that you could tool around in but when it breaks you can sell the parts and recoup your purchase price.

I second the idea that it is more cost effective to buy what you want than to build it.

If you want it for a beater and to use as a parts car later it may fit the bill.

I usually think of a car as mechanical, interior and paint. If two are exceptional it may be worth working with one. If two need work you are probably better to keep looking unless you can buy it for salvage and want it for that.

These things are not cheap to restore. If you want a mint SEC spend $20k or so on a perfect 560SEC and enjoy it.

The 5L and 5.6L are the same engines both M117's. In 1985 MB changed most if its models and engines.