1992 Mercedes 300SL 24v

[cdgregory]

Hi

I am currently looking to buy a 300SL, similar to the above description. I have seen some between 90,000 and 105,000 miles.

Never being the owner of such a quality car before I have always stayed away from cars of this mileage. Can someone tell me how well this engine will cope going forward, should I be concerned that a 100,000 mile car is going to start having engine problems at any point soon??

Thanks for any advice on the above.

CDG

 

[stats007]

Is there any reason why you're after a 300-24? Apart from head gasket, oil seals and wiring harness issues they're quite rev happy and generally reliable. I would personally go for an SL320 from '94 if I were in the market for a six cylinder car of that era.

 

[cdgregory]

To be honest I'm looking at 300's, 300 24's or maybe a 500SL - I have not seen many 320's in my price range. Is the 320 a 5 speed auto and what is the horsepower?

Thanks

CDG

 

[stats007]

What is your price range? The 5-speed auto was introduced with MY1996 though was available as an option on the 500s before then.

The 300-24 was available as a manual as well if that's your thing.

I've had three V8 SLs - wouldn't touch a six cylinder car myself - the 500 is probably the defining engine for any 'modern' MB.

 

[cdgregory]

So how would the 300 24v and 500SL compare. I understand the spec and power are more in the 500 but I thought I had read that the 4 speed auto was not brilliant?

Is the 500 a better, longer life, less troublesome engine. You mentioned head gasket issues with the 300?

I am better staying away from a 300 and finding a good 500 or 320 i nyour opinion because either way it will be slightly higher mileage and the reliability is the main factor?

I would like an automatic and have a Budget of only £12,000 (at the moment!).

Thanks again

 

[television]

There are a lot out there.

http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/to...rds=100&source=0&photo=1&sort=3&search=SEARCH


Malcolm

 

[Flying Scot]

So how would the 300 24v and 500SL compare. I understand the spec and power are more in the 500 but I thought I had read that the 4 speed auto was not brilliant?

Is the 500 a better, longer life, less troublesome engine. You mentioned head gasket issues with the 300?

I am better staying away from a 300 and finding a good 500 or 320 i nyour opinion because either way it will be slightly higher mileage and the reliability is the main factor?

I would like an automatic and have a Budget of only £12,000 (at the moment!).

Thanks again

BEST NOT drive a SL 500 or you wont like any of the smaller engine ones my SL500 has over 150K on the clock and it is as sweet as could be. The 5 speed auto IS NICE and i did fancy one with that gearbox but then i heard they were more trouble than the 4 speed auto and what would you know a 4 speed auto fell into my hands LOVE the car.

 

[cdgregory]

Excellent, some good ones there!

Looks like its between a 94'ish 500SL or a 95'ish SL320.

Again - I think I need to understand the main advantages and disadvantages of each.

Power is not the main factor, I want to use it daily, I want it to last for a long time and take it on long distance drives and be mechanically amazing, thats all!

 

[stats007]

For £12k you should be able to get a nice SL500 - I would buy on condition not mileage. There are some horrendous examples out there so go and see a few before committing.

The M119 V8 has a few niggles (ignition etc) but should be a much better prospect for higher mileages. The 4-speed auto is fine with the V8 because of the abundance of torque.

If you can stretch to a '96 car it would be worth it - cared for mint cars are up for about £14k now depending on mileage / options FMBSH etc.

 

[stats007]

These are rare - you either love them or hate them I suppose but worth considering pushing the boat out a little?

 

[cdgregory]

Thanks all, you have pointed me to some great examples.

I will have a closer look over the next couple of days and will be back with more specific questions no doubt

Thanks again

 

[television]

As Stats, the SLs are the one car where the condition is the most important thing. If you would like any advice on one that you find,do come back. The one that Stats put up was nice, and the last thing that you need is one that has been messed around with.


Malcolm

 

[cdgregory]

Ok, I am looking at a 1996 SL320 (90,000 miles) and a 1995 SL500 (75,000 miles). Both are in lovely condition and are blue & black (I prefer the darker colours).

Please have I have peoples opinions on the pros and cons of each car - any advice much appreciated.

Regards

CDG

 

[stats007]

Have you been through the service history of both? It's hard to gauge just on figures alone. Depending on previous work 90k would be a bit high for my liking - the 500 should have fared better.

If you think they're mechanically sound and looked after -then I'd go with colour / options / residuals depending on how long you want to keep it. The '96 should be a facelift so do you have a preference - does it have the digital climate control? Panormaic roof etc?

 

[cdgregory]

Hi

I have not been through the SH as yet. 90K is a little high and I only realistically will have the car for about 2 years. The 96 is a facelift with climate.

In the back of my mind I worry that the 500 will cost more to run, service and insure, can anyone verify that? Again I want to use this car daily, and although it will be driven with care would the 320 be a lot more practical? Does the 500 return a good MPG if driven carefully?

Can I ask, are both these models the same size? I do need the rear seats for a small child and I myself am 6'1"? On that point can you get (or do you need) an MB child seat that fits the rear seat?

Thanks again

 

[stats007]

They are all the same size and all come with rear seats unless deleted in favour of Bose sound or storage bins.

The 500s cost little if no more to run than the sixes - if driven sensibly! Mpg will be about 26 at best cruising - 15 in town. Expect a few more with the 320. Servicing is the same bar spark plugs - even the oil capacity is the same on the later cars. Insurance I have no idea as all circumstances are different.

 

[Shambolic]

Hi

I am currently looking to buy a 300SL, similar to the above description. I have seen some between 90,000 and 105,000 miles.

Never being the owner of such a quality car before I have always stayed away from cars of this mileage. Can someone tell me how well this engine will cope going forward, should I be concerned that a 100,000 mile car is going to start having engine problems at any point soon??

Thanks for any advice on the above.

CDG

Hopefully pretty well try it in reverse too!!

Only kidding enjoy your search!

 

[Socrates]

Full Service History, prefferably specialist or main dealer, is crucial. I have a 1990 300SL that's not the 24 valve so not quite as much torque or power as the SL300-24. This engine has 110,000 on the clock and is as sweet as any you could imagine (exept for the old Lexus in-line six). It is an engineering truth-of-art that in-line sixes are the most balanced of all engine designs, all others having to have extra balancing shafts and such like to stop tearing themselves apart. What I'm trying to say here is, unless you're a speed freak and need to overtake at 90, the 500s aren't the best bet. Check out the service charge on a straight six from a reputable independent - service 'B'; sixes = £280; V8s = £500 (George Fraser, Alperton). My choice was also influenced by the gearbox. The early 300SL comes with the 4 speed auto box which is brilliant and bulletproof, whereas the 5 speed is reputed to be less durable. A further consideration is that there are many reports of problems with the wiring loom on the 93 and 94 cars. Then there's the fuel: 500SL; urban 17MPG, 56Mph = 27MPG, 75 Mph = 23MPG. Furthermore there's the price. If you can find a 300-24 at a good price go for it, but I'd consider the 300SL 1990-1992, get it checked over by the AA or an independent specialist. If you dont want to get arested the sixes are teh real thing - honest.

 

[Socrates]

Also, forgot to answer your core question - teh engine is just about run in at 100,000

 

[Socrates]

There's another serious problem I've just noticed for you. You say that you want to cary your child(ren) in the back. Teh law has just changed to mean that children under 135cm tall must sit in a booster seat and my guess is that there is not room for one. If the child(ren) are over 35 cm tall and you are 6' 2" you are going to have dificulty geting the child to fit. I am 5' 10" and there is only 3 inches between the back of my seat ant the front of the ocasional seat. Try and get some firmer advice, borrow a booster seat and try it out, take your kids on the test drive, but I think that the new law may have put paid to children in the back of 2 seaters even though it doesn't say as much. Non-compliance costs £500.