Which SL should I buy ?

[tedski]

Hi

Just got the money to afford my dream car MB SL

I want to pay less than £20K

Looking for something like a 1996 SL280 but not sure

Is there much difference pre/post 1996 ?

Is a 320 better than a 280 ?

Is 80,000 miles on a 96 SL280 FMBSH worth buying ?

Any advice greatly appreciated

Thanks

Tedski

 

[plink49]

I'm not sure exactly which models you are referring to, but I do know that pre-merger (with Chrysler) cars are far preferable to post merger ones. The merger was in 1998. So...keep that in mind. Problem areas/quality control seem to have suffered in MB cars following the merger. Have been advised by others that pre-1998 is the way to go! I have a '96 and '92 ('86 as well, trying to sell) and couldn't be happier!

 

[pentoman]

Have a look at this:

http://www.mercedes-seite.de/mercedes/pkw/index.html

to help you make your decisions based on available models.

The 320 (M104) 24 valve straight-six engine is preferable to the 300 (M103) and 300-24v (M104) engined models. I would suggest to the Mercedes enthusiast they're preferable to the later (post '98 ) 320 and 280 V6's too, even if less modern and probably less fuel efficient.
V8's are nice.
V12's expensive to run, but still nice.


Russ