BAS/ESP & ABS lights on, how much $$ to fix? - Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum

Qingchong200 · 11-20-2012, 09:33 PM

Hello everyone,

Nice to find such a specialized R129 forum here! Just wondering if I can refer to your expert opinion on repair estimate of a R129...I am very limited on knowledge of mechanics

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Recently I am tempted by a 1995 SL320, thinking of driving it as a weekend car:
-160k miles, soft top, exterior/interior in good shape;
- Price is $5k, seems right to me;
- Both BAS/ESP and ABS warning lights on when engine started;
- Power break is fine; power train normal;

Wondering how much will it cost to fix the BAS/ESP & ABS, will it be costly?

Also, is it worthwhile to keep this car just for recreation, will the maintenance cost be high? The R129 looks like a dream...so tempted...so tempted........

Thank you very much!

MercedesTheBest · 11-20-2012, 09:57 PM

what i have found with the R129. i have a 1995 SL500, is that things can be very complicated and costly to fix. and sometimes things can be a simple little clip. if you are thinking of buying it i would get a mechanic to look at it before you buy. i always do that and it is a good way to get to know the car a bit better. my mechanic make a complete list of every little thing. just something i would do before buying.

but back to your question. it could be costly, it could not be. 50/50 chance. but a big complaint with Mercedes in general.

tdoriot · 11-20-2012, 11:33 PM

Welcome ! Fill out your profile and you'll get a lot more help. That's rule # 1. The second rule is if there are no pictures, it didn't happen, or doesn't exist !
These cars are amazing. You can't beat the value. That being said, as per above, things can be simple or very complicated. These cars were cutting edge technology when new. At 15 to 20 years old, you can expect things to go wrong. With 160k on the clock, various things are on borrowed time. If the previous owners took care of maintainance you might have a great car for the money. If not, you might have tons of deferred maintainance itemd. If you have to take it to a dealer each time, you better have deep pockets. If you can study the forums, post lucid questions make reasonable deductions and turn most of your own wrenches, you'll probably fare well. As recommended, a good pre purchase by a good Mercedes shop is essential. At least you'll have a beginning work list and be able to decide what the potential buy in might be ! Good luck, keep us posted !

Qingchong200 · 11-21-2012, 12:28 AM

Hey MercedesTheBest,

Greetings to fellow from BC

What a small world!

Qingchong200 · 11-21-2012, 12:45 AM

Thank you for your comment, tdoriot!

Here is the car: Repo.com - Details for 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL320 Convertible

No, don't have a deep pocket....basically looking for a fun car to drive around during the weekend, with reasonable maintenance cost.

elkabe · 11-21-2012, 06:13 AM

Every time I have seen these lights on it had something to do with my voltage being low. It may need a new battery or something to do with the voltage regulator.