[peg0r]

Hey Everyone, I am considering buying a 1991 W140 500SEL with 170k on the clock. It has no history!. But the car is 3500 dollars, and spent much of its life as a wedding car.

The car is extremely cheap, I know the guy who is selling it, and prior to its purchase i'll be taking it for a 100mile test drive, so, I was wondering if you guys could give me any advice.

I want the 500 for the v8, however, I would wait and get a 320 if you guys advise against it.

I am not against doing work on the car. I spent time training to be a MB panelbeater and I have many friends who will work on the car cheaply when I can (MB Tech's) and I will be able to get a lot of OEM parts at trade.

The car is rust free ( a problem here in the UK) and aparantly runs and drives spot on. It leaks no oil, or uses coolant. I doesnt pull left or right when driving/braking. The gearbox works correctly and the ATF is cherry. I am working on the basis that the car drives well. If it does not, I will leave it.

It has a new MOT (our annual saftey inspection) and it passed without fault. It is of the age that it doesnt need a cat by our law so I can remove this for a straight through if needed.

It has original indicators and has not been debaged, and looks clean. I am of the belief its a reasonably unmolested car.

All the windows work along with the sunroof and heated seats and the rear blind.

The faults are;

The seats/Mirrors/wheel adjustment dont work. Aparantly there is a relay box in the boot that stops all this from working when it breaks. I've been quoted 200pounds (370 dollars) for a replacement.

The Central locking doesnt work. The pump is suspect. I assume this as the rear parking wands dont work along with the headrest. I've been quoted 650 dollars for a replacment.

It has had the becker taken out and a cheap radio installed. I will install a CD headunit. Is this a nightmare to intergrate with the speakers (it has the 10 speaker setup)

I am prepared for these costs. Even with them done it will still be a cheap car.

I am worried about what other costs a car of this type will entail. I am aware its a 140 ( I had a 126 Coupe before) and that consumables like brakes tyres fuel etc are $$$.

What should I look out for when buying this car. I appreciate this is not a good 140 and could easily turn into a money pit. I'd just like to know where. If I get 20,000 miles out the car I will be happy. The car will be lucky if it does 50 miles a week. It will be solely city driven.

Any advice would be fantastic. Thankyou.