So the 94 plus 300/320's were much better? I honestly am very concerned with only having 3.0/3.2, with 4200 lbs. of weight. Hopefully I will get to test drive some of these before I decide. I may try and save up a bit more until I can afford a 500, seems like the best thing to do. Keep in mind this is not really a daily commuter, it is mostly a fun car, so I would much much rather have the V8.

Spinedoc, I have a '90 300SL with 5-speed manual tranny. Because I think I may prefer an automatic at this point in time, I have driven several 300s and 500s for sale with automatic gearboxes and have made comparisons.

The power of the 300s with automatic is entirely adequate. The Star magazine from June/July '89 gives an estimated 0-60 time of 8.4 seconds for this model. Not bad at all. I do feel that the automatics are a little sluggish off the line compared to my car, however. And hey. The straight-6 is just incredibly smooth.

Driving the 500s left me slightly disappointed in the acceleration. The difference between them and my 300 simply isn't as dramatic as I thought. Obviously my expectations for the 500s were a bit too high. Still, with a full-throttle induced kickdown the 500's performance is truly exhilirating. If I decide to buy an automatic, I will definitely spend the extra bucks and get a 500.

Finally, you mention a budget of $20K. Not sure about the market for these autos in the northeastern U.S., but in California a pretty decent '91 500SL can be had for less than that. To wit, this car sold outside of eBay for just $19K: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1868153869. I'm in Vegas and plan to scoot across the border to do my shopping when I am ready to buy.

bobterry I would love to find a 500 for less than 20k, but looking inthe auto hunter it seems more like 27k for my area. My last chance is to go to the auction in Manheim PA and see what rolls out.

The 17,900 that is being asked for the 1990 300SL is actually a good price for this area.

If you are used to the solid, substantial feeling of an MB, then I have a strong suspicion that a Corvette won't cut it for you. Have you considered a R107? A good late eightie's 560SL sounds well within your budget and the first-year bugs on this model were worked out when McGovern ran for President!

Spinedoc,

I suggest you be patient and spend some time searching for the car. You can probably find one using autotrader.com as a starting point. By way of comparison, I spent several months looking cross country for my 400 and found the keeper in Rochester. Had it shipped to Washington state and have been delighted ever since. The price was right and so was the car. Enjoy the hunt!

sl500 weak points--wiring
 

Have the wiring harnesses carefully examined slit open the covering jacket and inspect the individual wires on the engine harness and the electronic throttle actuator. Both are failure points on some years, and both are >$1500 to replace.

It seems BOSCH made a lot of wiring harnesses (used in lots of cars with Bosch engine management systems) with biodegradable wiring insulation. Well, they do degrade alright--the individual wire covers crumble to dust, and when jiggled--short out, sometimes taking ultra expensive (>$3000 each!)computer boxes with them.