Thinking about buying mid 1990s SL500 R129

[mikestrivens]

As in title. Any things or known issues I should be looking out for on these cars?

 

[Alex M Grieve]

As in title. Any things or known issues I should be looking out for on these cars?

Hi Mike,

We had a rehearsal on this recently:

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=48680

 

[television]

And I am out today looking at some for a member

 

[mikestrivens]

Hi Malcolm
I'd be interested on your thoughts. I don't suppose you will be going as far as West Midlands but I was going to look at this one:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=320361242390

 

[television]

That looks to be a very good car, a touch on the high side regarding price but too hard to really say without seeing it.

Those wheels will not last, they are from a 98 car.

The ones we are looking at are in Windsor and Croydon, will report back tonight

 

[stats007]

To be honest you'd be better off with paying a little bit more for a 1995 onwards (coilpacks) or 1996 facelifted car.

 

[television]

To be honest you'd be better off with paying a little bit more for a 1995 onwards (coilpacks) or 1996 facelifted car.

Thats just what we are looking at stats 1995 on, for the little improvements that make a big difference.

 

[mikestrivens]

Must admit that I'd prefer a 1995/96 car. I am also looking at a couple from dealers but they seem to demand such a premium.

 

[stats007]

eBay wouldn't be my first port of call for one of these. The Owner's Club Gazette usually has a few to offer.

 

[roofless]

you can find a good selection on this classic car site http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk...rchtype=basicand&justsearched=1&submit=Search

 

[Alex M Grieve]

Hi Malcolm
I'd be interested on your thoughts. I don't suppose you will be going as far as West Midlands but I was going to look at this one:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=320361242390

Nicely presented and, as Malcolm says, they tend not to rust.

Mileage is not excessive, but cars with far fewer miles around, usually with excellent provenance and less wear and tear.

Colour is novel - which alone may limit the market and kept the price down.

It is a lot of car for the money - it will be interesting to see how much money!

 

[television]

Well I went with roscoc180 to see the 1995 car, a metalic black one, late 1995 with all extra's. It was a very clean car, just some blisters on the hard top in the usual places, but the body had never been touched anywhere, just a bent slat on the grill, the hood was good with newish windows, engine was so sweet, clean inside with just a bit of wear on the drives bolster and easily fixed, it drove holding a perfect line, the tyres and wheels were new, and the last owner had it for 10 years. Advertised at £5999 he got it for £5250, and a very nice car for that money.

 

[GAML]

drives bolster

I know I'm not as smart as some - but what on earth is a drives bolster, how do you know if it's worn and most importantly how do yuo fix it?

I've been very impressed by the knowledge on here - hope it continues

Graham

 

[Alex M Grieve]

I know I'm not as smart as some - but what on earth is a drives bolster, how do you know if it's worn and most importantly how do you fix it? I've been very impressed by the knowledge on here - hope it continues Graham

I think it is a slight typo Graham - should read driver's bolster - part of the driving seat. So its an upholstery job, but not difficult or expensive.

 

[television]

All MB have a large bolster on the seat for support, getting in and out can wear the outside section on the back rest, there are cellulose based ones for earlier cars and and water based for layer ones, easily applied, but always do it before the leather loses its face. It is very easy to respray the seats

 

[Alex M Grieve]

All MB have a large bolster on the seat for support, getting in and out can wear the outside section on the back rest, there are cellulose based ones for earlier cars and and water based for layer ones, easily applied, but always do it before the leather loses its face. It is very easy to respray the seats

Usually caused by the wallet in the driver's hip pocket!

 

[television]

Usually caused by the wallet in the driver's hip pocket!

Dead right Alex keys,phones, tools, large studied belts, all add to the problem, a nice touch on my SL is that the seat goes back when you take out the key

 

[roscoc180]

While we our on this subject I would like to say a very big thankyou to Malcom for all his help and valuable time, I am now the proud owner of the mentioned car and have been polishing etc for most of the day. TOP BLOKE

Ross

 

[Alex M Grieve]

While we our on this subject I would like to say a very big thankyou to Malcom for all his help and valuable time, I am now the proud owner of the mentioned car and have been polishing etc for most of the day. TOP BLOKE

Ross

Pictures roscoc180 - we need pictures!

Congratulations on an excellent find - and a price to die for!

 

[roscoc180]

Will post towards the end of the week