sl r129 anyone taken the risk on a 3/4k car
Discussion
Condition always the priority but I dont agree with the M113 statements. It's a good motor but figures can be misleading. It develops less torque below 2000 rpm, more between 2-3500 rpm and less above 3500rpm. Headline torque and power figures favor the M119. All pretty academic in the torque rich 5 liter cars imo. Probably of more relevance is the latter motor is a fairly mundane driving companion in comparison to its soulful quad cam predecessor.
Right. Of the four cars I've looked at properly there's one best car on condition, aside from the Edward Hall car which is good but not 22k to me (central locking lights not working, Becker present but not tuning in or playing cassettes so an expensive ornament) as I am looking for a driveable example.
So, with the best car - the roof was A1, bodywork excellent, interior good, previous keeper before the current 'dealer' had it since 1999 and I think was an enthusiast. Looks and feels garage kept etc. No ADS - even SS Motors in Weybridge who are prepared to take on the system said "we'd steer you away from getting that"
Faults
-The electric mirrors, seat and steering wheel adjustment only worked when the car was parked and doors open, the heated seats are inop, the cigarette lighter assembly was missing. Those could all be related. They could be difficult.
- The ASR warning light and the associated {!} symbol in the dash didn't light up at test with the ignition on.
- The underbonnet insulation is going.
ASR light is the worry. Anyone have any experience of this going badly wrong?
All of the cars are imperfect somewhere and I have a war chest for improvement.
So, with the best car - the roof was A1, bodywork excellent, interior good, previous keeper before the current 'dealer' had it since 1999 and I think was an enthusiast. Looks and feels garage kept etc. No ADS - even SS Motors in Weybridge who are prepared to take on the system said "we'd steer you away from getting that"
Faults
-The electric mirrors, seat and steering wheel adjustment only worked when the car was parked and doors open, the heated seats are inop, the cigarette lighter assembly was missing. Those could all be related. They could be difficult.
- The ASR warning light and the associated {!} symbol in the dash didn't light up at test with the ignition on.
- The underbonnet insulation is going.
ASR light is the worry. Anyone have any experience of this going badly wrong?
All of the cars are imperfect somewhere and I have a war chest for improvement.
Zonergem said:
Right. Of the four cars I've looked at properly there's one best car on condition, aside from the Edward Hall car which is good but not 22k to me (central locking lights not working, Becker present but not tuning in or playing cassettes so an expensive ornament) as I am looking for a driveable example.
So, with the best car - the roof was A1, bodywork excellent, interior good, previous keeper before the current 'dealer' had it since 1999 and I think was an enthusiast. Looks and feels garage kept etc. No ADS - even SS Motors in Weybridge who are prepared to take on the system said "we'd steer you away from getting that"
Faults
-The electric mirrors, seat and steering wheel adjustment only worked when the car was parked and doors open, the heated seats are inop, the cigarette lighter assembly was missing. Those could all be related. They could be difficult.
- The ASR warning light and the associated {!} symbol in the dash didn't light up at test with the ignition on.
- The underbonnet insulation is going.
ASR light is the worry. Anyone have any experience of this going badly wrong?
All of the cars are imperfect somewhere and I have a war chest for improvement.
The ASR light may be a simple fix (hopefully!), as the wheel sensors gets gummed up with dirt, non use etc. removal and cleaning the sensors etc. Sorted mine out, when I had a similar problem with the ASR and ESP. So, with the best car - the roof was A1, bodywork excellent, interior good, previous keeper before the current 'dealer' had it since 1999 and I think was an enthusiast. Looks and feels garage kept etc. No ADS - even SS Motors in Weybridge who are prepared to take on the system said "we'd steer you away from getting that"
Faults
-The electric mirrors, seat and steering wheel adjustment only worked when the car was parked and doors open, the heated seats are inop, the cigarette lighter assembly was missing. Those could all be related. They could be difficult.
- The ASR warning light and the associated {!} symbol in the dash didn't light up at test with the ignition on.
- The underbonnet insulation is going.
ASR light is the worry. Anyone have any experience of this going badly wrong?
All of the cars are imperfect somewhere and I have a war chest for improvement.
A scan with the STAR tool, would at least give you some guidance.
ADS is not the end of the world, an ADS car can be converted to conventional springs and shocks relatively easily.
Edited by QuantumTokoloshi on Tuesday 25th October 14:47
Zonergem said:
ras62 said:
I keep learning about these cars. I thought the facelift cars all came with the later lcd climate control system (my 97 does) yet both the red and silver cars on those links have the early system fitted.
The roof button swapping sides is another one. I thought, following the lead of authoritative threadists, that it was on the right of the gear selector until MY1993, maybe when the model designation for 500s moves from 066 to 067. But the 1992 Edward Hall 500SL in black has the roof button on the left.Zonergem....I would want all of those faults rectified before buying.
I agree, plus an inspection. But it's more like a private sale even if the guy claims to be a trader, and he's a bit of a nightmare to deal with, plus booking inspection and fault finding with any of the better and more convenient London indies is a week or more away due to lead times. I've chipped him down a monkey on price and just want the car now. Weak and feeble I know, but there we are.
I've had an HPI check and the car is fine, has had at least two private plates on it in the past. The MOT history is good and it's the only car that has a set of MB spare light bulbs in the trunk. That has to be a good sign.
I've had an HPI check and the car is fine, has had at least two private plates on it in the past. The MOT history is good and it's the only car that has a set of MB spare light bulbs in the trunk. That has to be a good sign.
Zonergem said:
Apologies for having steered this thread so consistently off-topic in the last few weeks.
I have not taken the chance on a 3/4k car. I've bought something spotless with a fat history file and which the previous keeper had for 16 years.
And I love it...
Great choice of colour...looks like it has a cream leather interior too although difficult to be sure from the photo.I have not taken the chance on a 3/4k car. I've bought something spotless with a fat history file and which the previous keeper had for 16 years.
And I love it...
As regards your apology I just checked when this thread started and it was just over four years ago. I suspect the 3/4K car that was being considered then is more likely to be a 6/8k car today so perhaps you haven't steered this thread so far off topic? Sure you will enjoy it. I hope so as you've put the hard yards in and deserve to.
SSL said:
Great choice of colour...looks like it has a cream leather interior too although difficult to be sure from the photo.
As regards your apology I just checked when this thread started and it was just over four years ago. I suspect the 3/4K car that was being considered then is more likely to be a 6/8k car today so perhaps you haven't steered this thread so far off topic? Sure you will enjoy it. I hope so as you've put the hard yards in and deserve to.
Pearl Blue 348?As regards your apology I just checked when this thread started and it was just over four years ago. I suspect the 3/4K car that was being considered then is more likely to be a 6/8k car today so perhaps you haven't steered this thread so far off topic? Sure you will enjoy it. I hope so as you've put the hard yards in and deserve to.
SSL said:
SSL said:
Great choice of colour...looks like it has a cream leather interior too although difficult to be sure from the photo.
As regards your apology I just checked when this thread started and it was just over four years ago. I suspect the 3/4K car that was being considered then is more likely to be a 6/8k car today so perhaps you haven't steered this thread so far off topic? Sure you will enjoy it. I hope so as you've put the hard yards in and deserve to.
Pearl Blue 348?As regards your apology I just checked when this thread started and it was just over four years ago. I suspect the 3/4K car that was being considered then is more likely to be a 6/8k car today so perhaps you haven't steered this thread so far off topic? Sure you will enjoy it. I hope so as you've put the hard yards in and deserve to.
Yes, pearl blue 348, listed on the data card at the back of the Service Schedule as primary and secondary colour. But it does have darker Sacco panels - I've seen references to the list of two tone colour codes somewhere on Benzworld so will have to hunt out.
Grey leather interior, just very moderate wear to the driver's bolster. Dark blue soft top. No rattles or squeaks - a tendency to pull slightly to the left (alignment? tyre pressure?) and the aforementioned existing faults. Needs a new aerial grommet before too much longer but the power operation works. Parked up underground for now, off to Wayne Gates in Harrow for a health check in a week's time, then moving to North Yorkshire and into storage until the spring.
Insurance was silly cheap, or so it seemed to someone finally reaching middle age and moving out of London. Classic car policy, 3000 miles a year, 12k value. £158.
My wife has given it her seal of approval. But best of all was this evening, when my 17 month old daughter - who came to the viewing in her pushchair and was looked after by her Lotus Esprit-driving godfather - pointed at a picture on the laptop and said "Aaaarrr! Beep Beep"
Grey leather interior, just very moderate wear to the driver's bolster. Dark blue soft top. No rattles or squeaks - a tendency to pull slightly to the left (alignment? tyre pressure?) and the aforementioned existing faults. Needs a new aerial grommet before too much longer but the power operation works. Parked up underground for now, off to Wayne Gates in Harrow for a health check in a week's time, then moving to North Yorkshire and into storage until the spring.
Insurance was silly cheap, or so it seemed to someone finally reaching middle age and moving out of London. Classic car policy, 3000 miles a year, 12k value. £158.
My wife has given it her seal of approval. But best of all was this evening, when my 17 month old daughter - who came to the viewing in her pushchair and was looked after by her Lotus Esprit-driving godfather - pointed at a picture on the laptop and said "Aaaarrr! Beep Beep"
A question - was ASR optional? I don't have cruise control and seeing the description of this ECU at a breaker's yard is making me wonder.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-0155454432-ECU-...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-0155454432-ECU-...
Zonergem said:
Yes, pearl blue 348, listed on the data card at the back of the Service Schedule as primary and secondary colour. But it does have darker Sacco panels - I've seen references to the list of two tone colour codes somewhere on Benzworld so will have to hunt out.
Grey leather interior, just very moderate wear to the driver's bolster. Dark blue soft top. No rattles or squeaks - a tendency to pull slightly to the left (alignment? tyre pressure?) and the aforementioned existing faults. Needs a new aerial grommet before too much longer but the power operation works. Parked up underground for now, off to Wayne Gates in Harrow for a health check in a week's time, then moving to North Yorkshire and into storage until the spring.
Insurance was silly cheap, or so it seemed to someone finally reaching middle age and moving out of London. Classic car policy, 3000 miles a year, 12k value. £158.
My wife has given it her seal of approval. But best of all was this evening, when my 17 month old daughter - who came to the viewing in her pushchair and was looked after by her Lotus Esprit-driving godfather - pointed at a picture on the laptop and said "Aaaarrr! Beep Beep"
Great news all round. Grey leather interior, just very moderate wear to the driver's bolster. Dark blue soft top. No rattles or squeaks - a tendency to pull slightly to the left (alignment? tyre pressure?) and the aforementioned existing faults. Needs a new aerial grommet before too much longer but the power operation works. Parked up underground for now, off to Wayne Gates in Harrow for a health check in a week's time, then moving to North Yorkshire and into storage until the spring.
Insurance was silly cheap, or so it seemed to someone finally reaching middle age and moving out of London. Classic car policy, 3000 miles a year, 12k value. £158.
My wife has given it her seal of approval. But best of all was this evening, when my 17 month old daughter - who came to the viewing in her pushchair and was looked after by her Lotus Esprit-driving godfather - pointed at a picture on the laptop and said "Aaaarrr! Beep Beep"
Drop me a line when you move to North Yorks if you wish, and I'll put you in touch with some trusted specialists etc. I've had mine fitted with three point rear seat belts too, which may be of interest.
I hope the SL is everything you expect - they are a wonderful, wonderful piece of machinery.
ASR was optional on the earliest cars. It became standard on the 500 SL some time between September 1990 and April 1991.
The more I look at that car, the more I like it. I recall an early 129 starred in TV mini-series about a naughty barrister which caught my attention way back in about 1992; it was this colour. Sadly life does not imitate art. Or, perhaps, gladly.
The more I look at that car, the more I like it. I recall an early 129 starred in TV mini-series about a naughty barrister which caught my attention way back in about 1992; it was this colour. Sadly life does not imitate art. Or, perhaps, gladly.
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