Should I buy this SL500 (R107)?

[hparhar]

I have been looking for a SL500 for a weeks now and have found one which looks reasonable.....

Its 1982 with 65,000 miles for £4,500. The hard top colour does not match the rest of the car. I have been told the car is in reasonably solid condition although a few scratches to bodywork, hence a full body respray might be worthwhile. I understand these can be in the region of £2 to £2.5k.

From what I have read, I understand the biggest problems with these cars tends to be the bodywork and rust, rather than the engine. The owner has told me he has done extensive work on the car himself and sorted the rust problem.

I don't mind spending some money on top (not silly money though, but want a good car at the end of it which I can enjoy.

Does this sound like a good deal?

Thanks

 

[Myros]

sounds interesting

as any half decent 107 with minimal bodywork troubles, matching hardtop and way more mileage than that goes for about 10 k. I'd take along someone who knows these cars and spend a good couple of hours poking about.
Non-matching hardtop can be indicative of previous theft. Check the documents very carefully.
That engine will be coming up to timing chain tensioner replacement time soon. If it's been well-looked after, it will show.
Perhaps I'm too sceptical, but unless there is some simple reason for the bargain price, I'd be suspicious.

 

[hparhar]

Thanks for that

The new hard top I have been told is because the old one was rusty. The thing I am uncomfortable about is the history....

1982 would make it a Y reg. The vehicle was taken to Hong Kong a while back and returned in 1999, but now has an E registration. The owner has been unable to find out about this discrepancy.

On the flip side, the owner does sound very genuine and has been pretty open about the car. The reason for sale is divorce and so the car is 'priced' to sell.

Food for thought.....

By the way does anyone know of any companies I can get to give the vehicle a once over inspection?

Thanks

 

[television]

Put the 17 figure VIN into here including the WDB and you will get the year of the build

http://www.mbclub.ru/mb/vin/index.html?lng=eng

 

[Bolide]

Unless the seller is properly experienced in bodywork and rust repairs I'd keep looking

In general a "cheap" Mercedes always turns into an expensive one if you want to bring it up to a decent standard. I'd buy one that's right at the outset

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[Myros]

The AA or RAC

or any decent Mercedes indie will give it a going over, but it will cost you. I'd save that expense for after you and another knowledgeable mate ahev given it an initial inspection.
There is no rush to buy these lovely cars, they crop up with increasing regularity as the summer puts prices up.
You'll find one quickly enough. Search this site for 107 oriented articles. There was an excellent ad in the for sale section about 2 years ago. It gave loads of detail on what to look out for.

 

[Oof]

I've just aquired a 1984 'B' Plate 500 SL with 89,000 miles on it.

It is grey/blue metallic with a matching hard top, all the provenance and it stands me at £4250.

I thought i had paid too much for it, but given that it is clean, waxoiled and in great nick, i'm beginning to think its a proper bargain

 

[television]

I've just aquired a 1984 'B' Plate 500 SL with 89,000 miles on it.

It is grey/blue metallic with a matching hard top, all the provenance and it stands me at £4250.

I thought i had paid too much for it, but given that it is clean, waxoiled and in great nick, i'm beginning to think its a proper bargain

Welcome with your nice SL. A bad one can be too much to undertake, and some parts can never be made good

 

[JJ-L]

As an ex panel beater I'd say BEWARE home rust repairs!
If the roof needed replacing then the rest of the car must have been in a similar state.
If the owner has not bothered to paint the new roof, might show he's not too fussed in general about the car.
Along with the history
Good Luck
J

 

[hparhar]

Ok thanks people

I think I may steer clear of this one - seems likely I will get my fingers burnt.

On another note, does anyone have any idea how to fix a automatic gear box that is slow changing into higher gear and how much this would cost?

Cheers

 

[Oof]

Welcome with your nice SL. A bad one can be too much to undertake, and some parts can never be made good

I'll post up some pictures when I pick it up next week, we'll see