Looking for a good 1990/91 SL 500

[Mikesmerc]

Hi all, currently trying to shift my 99 CLK to buy one of the above. Had a quick look at the UK Autotrader and prices seem to start around the 8k mark and rise to about 11k, most plentiful around London area which would suit me,quick flight over and drive back. Are there any other good sources to search for this particular model in the UK?
Any comments/advice regarding purchasing one of these models would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Mike

 

[Myros]

Mike

try this.

http://www.compucars.co.uk/search.asp?model=556

 

[Mikesmerc]

Couple of nice ones there Myros, pitty they are left hand drive.
Cheers
Mike

Any other good sites out there?

 

[WDB201]

Have a look here.
http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/ww...ords=200&source=0&photo=1&sort=3&ukcarsearch=

 

[Mikesmerc]

Thats the site I have been looking at for the last couple of weeks, lots of choice, but was just wondering if there was anything similar out there.
Thanks anyway
Mike

 

[television]

You have Exchange and Mart and Ebay and that's it. it took me 4 months to find the SL that I wanted. The next couple of months is the best time.

Malcolm

 

[drainaudio]

HI,
Try this website - the prices will be a bit higher but mercseller only seem to deal with the best examples of what is around.
http://www.mercseller.com/
Good luck..
Cheers, Geoff.

 

[Mikesmerc]

Thanks for the link Geoff, Im afraid the prices are a bit out of my budjet, what with VRT etc. Saw a nice 91 SL 500 for £6900 on the autotrader, seems very cheap. I suppose you would have to see it in the metal really, some pics can be misleading.
Rgds
Mike

 

[drainaudio]

HI Mike,
I'm not sure that's the way to go..
Spend the extra and get a really good car with all the history etc etc..
If there's one thing I've learnt from my MB experiences thus far it's that saving some money in the short term will cost you dearly in the long term - no doubt that is especially true with an SL.
Speak with Malcolm, he seems to know a lot about the purchasing and potential pitfalls of these cars.
Good luck, Geoff.

 

[gfern]

Mike

I am in Dublin, it took me a while to find the right car but it is worth the effort, I would have preferred an Irish one but they are just not available from those years, in 1990 they were over a 100 grand and pre celtic tiger not many people could afford them. I eventually got one through the guys who serviced my merc for years here in Dublin. It was easier in the end and I got someone who knows the cars to advise on the right purchase. These cars are not cheap to run so buy the best not the cheapest, as per the advice from drainaudio. If you get the right one you will not be disapointed but put the effort into double checking everything before parting with the money. I think the VRT quoted by the revenue was between €4 and €6000 depending on condition. Best of luck

 

[television]

When you buy check the following first.
static
check that the hood goes up and down. £1500
when hood up check condition and windows £1000
test climate control and that all fan speeds work £1000
electric seats all functions £750
Try all switches on consul

Engines have know known real problems
Under bonnet
Check wiring harness where it goes into fuse box
A harness repair well done is OK
Look inside oil filler cap for grey sludge
start engine check no smoke from oil filler, put hand over top to feel any crank case compression (rings,bores) or if smokes when running
Let engine tick over a few mins, then rev up, any smoke (valves)
To test gear box watch rev counter or feel the changes for all 4 gears should be in top at 40mph light throtle
body
check doors have not droped at back edge,should close and not touch sil
test central locking and alarm
If happy , spend £40 on HPI to check Stolen/ HP/ or damaged

Malcolm

 

[Mikesmerc]

Thanks Malcolm, very useful info, will keep it in mind when purchasing. Checked out the VRT on a 1990 500sl on the net and came back at 2500euro. Is there something Im missing Gfern.
Thanks to all for the advice.
Got a call tday from 'Vehicle Center Uk' about my CLK Im selling. Sounds like a bit of a scam, anyone know anything about em?
Mike

 

[gfern]

Make sure that you get a quote on the model and spec. that you are buying for the VRT, the 500sl is loaded with extras that give an enhanced value and the boys in the revenue know how to value them. The website is a rough guide only. They are quite helpful if you contact them though and will give you the parameters of what to expect to pay for the spec you are importing.

 

[R129]

I have been running a September 1989 500SL - one of the first into the UK at the time for the last 4 years, initially as a daily driver and now as a Summer car.
When I was looking for a car I did encounter some absolute wrecks going for silly money so I would advise using the services of someone who knows their stuff. Also it would be very handy to get a crash course in car electrics as at the time they were the worlds most sophisticated car and are full of electronics. Niggling faults can end up costing a fortune if you have to rely on someone else to find them.

Surprisingly some of the lower mileage examples seem to have more faults due to infrequent use. When used for short journeys or when allowed to warm up in the garage every few weeks as some people choose to do the special coatings on the cylinder walls can be worn out very quickly.
Most obvious sign of this is a rough idle, almost like on an American V8. Mercedes 4 cam V8 engines purr and then roar when the revs are up, not like the Yank tackle which chuggs along.
Just realised I could go on for hours with this, so if you need any specific info drop me a line or if you see anything advertised around the Nottingham/ East Midlands area you would like a second opinion on I would happy to have a look for you.

 

[Mikesmerc]

Will check it out Gfern, you would think it should be fairly accurate as I entered this particular model. Thanks for the info R129, as you say someone who is familiar with the model would be more than useful.
I might just contact you if I see anything promising around your area as pics dont tell the full story and this could end up costing me a fortune in flights.
Thanks again
Mike

 

[Lewis]

Hi, i have a 91 500 for sale. See my add here
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/55451.htm

Regards
Mark

 

[squealinneil]

There's one in the next Baron's auction. Don't know anything about it, but here's the link.
http://www.barons-auctions.com/

 

[Mikesmerc]

Thanks for that Guys, still havent shifted my CLK, must be a bad time of year to sell. Im just torturing myself.
Regards
Mike

 

[Lewis]

I think your right Mike. I am not in a hurry to sell my SL500 but i'm not using it anymore since i bought a Porsche. I still take it for a run every week.
If i don't sell it in the spring i'll probably keep it and sell the 911 as it's such a nice car to drive.

 

[peterchurch]

I have been running a September 1989 500SL - one of the first into the UK at the time for the last 4 years, initially as a daily driver and now as a Summer car.
When I was looking for a car I did encounter some absolute wrecks going for silly money so I would advise using the services of someone who knows their stuff. Also it would be very handy to get a crash course in car electrics as at the time they were the worlds most sophisticated car and are full of electronics. Niggling faults can end up costing a fortune if you have to rely on someone else to find them.

Surprisingly some of the lower mileage examples seem to have more faults due to infrequent use. When used for short journeys or when allowed to warm up in the garage every few weeks as some people choose to do the special coatings on the cylinder walls can be worn out very quickly.
Most obvious sign of this is a rough idle, almost like on an American V8. Mercedes 4 cam V8 engines purr and then roar when the revs are up, not like the Yank tackle which chuggs along.
Just realised I could go on for hours with this, so if you need any specific info drop me a line or if you see anything advertised around the Nottingham/ East Midlands area you would like a second opinion on I would happy to have a look for you.

I will second that my 10 months with my 1999 SL cost me almost as much as you are looking to spend on your car in total DON'T do this on the cheap, you will pay the difference in the end
By the way Its possible to get your windows replaced for £300 and there are a number of good firms out there MB offered me the price of about £2000 for a new rear panel!!!!