1992 600SEL - worth the trouble?
 

Found a 1992 600SEL w/ 117K for $2600. Haven't had a chance to look at it close. Cosmetically OK. Guy says runs and drives great, but I'll be the judge of that!! Would you even bother?

The price is right, what are the problems?

For that price.....yes

You know what they say....'A cheap to buy Mercedes, usually becomes an expensive Mercedes to keep.' Chances are the seller's "KNOW" something needs attention/work, but should they just be clueless about the the retail value and/or if there are any issues with the car, it will be up to YOU to look for ALL issues that either have been addressed (hopefully) or will NEED to be addressed (expensive): Wiring harness, evaporator, complex ADS front suspension/shocks, rear shocks and/or accumulators, transmission slippage, and most any and all suspension bushings (these car HEAVY vehicles). Good Luck

i understand about cheap mercedes... none of mine have been inexpensive to maintain or fix but i do enjoy them. especially the 560SEL... that's a smooth ride.. but pulling the heads, replacing timing chain and guides etc. was not cheap!! by the way.. was not due to broken guides or chain slip or break. mechanic told me engine locked up due to extreme carbon buildup between piston and head! maybe it had something to do with car only being driven 53K miles during it's first 21 years of life

i can say without a doubt, i've easily spent what I paid for each car within the first 12 months...

Absolutely amazing how inexpensively you can buy 12 cylinder Mercedes!
Constantly blows my mind.......and tempts.

However, the repair costs of these marvels ??!!!!

There's a reason why they're so inexpensive to buy.
So.....buyer beware! At the very least...A PPI by the dealer or indie specialist is a must!

You guys should see how cheap E32 750iL BMWs go for... I have seen them for under $1000 in great physical shape, and to imagine they were $90000 when new in 1988.

No way I would purchase that W140 without extensive records along with the love and enjoyment of wrenching yourself (the reason I still have my 750iL).

Paying someone to keep it up and going would be foolish. Why put $5k into a car that only has a resale of $2500?

300sdlguy is right on the money.

If you are interested in driving a car with the performance and luxury capabilities of a V12 W140 chassis car getting into that club at the 5K level is a steal. I've driven a couple of these cars and I've got to say they are quite an amazing ride. Unlike the big-dog 6.3 and 6.9's sedans dthese cars are still potent performers when viewed by modern standards and they are still new enought (IMHO) to be used as a daily driver.

IIRC these cars went for 130K when new, you can now find them in the 4-6K range all day.

But as others have pointed out there is no free lunch - there is a reason these cars have depreciated to the 5K level. You better be a very capable DIY'er of have very deep pockets.

Or both.