[Guest (MBNZ)]

I WILL BE LOOKING AT A 1992 500 SL THIS WEEKEND, ONE WITH 50,000 MILES WHICH IS SUPPOSED TO BE VERY NICE.<br>
<br>
AS I AM NOT THAT FAMILIAR WITH THESE CARS COULD SOMEONE GIVE ME THINGS TO LOOK FOR AND A GENERAL OPINION ON THE GOOD & BAD POINTS OF THIS MODEL.<br>
<br>
ALSO, IF I DO GET THIS CAR WHAT WOULD BE A NICE WHEEL UPGRADE (AMG, ETC.).<br>
<br>
THANKS IN ADVANCE.

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

The amg monoblock aero 2 wheels look really nice on that car and at the same time they fit naturally on the car and give it a nice style. For what is of the car, well, I'm not the reference but here's what I think. First, 1992 is a good year, the engine is more powerfull. Look for good condition seats, has worn out leather will bug you on a daily basis and are very expensive to replace for originals and even more if it's a special color (red/blue,etc). Low milage is always nice. You should run the vin# at mercedes dealer to see the milage when last serviced at a dealer. Might help you find out if it's the real milage or if the car was into an accident. If you can, you should pick one that doesn't have the two tone paint (lower body different color) as it look less modern with the years going by since that option wasn't offered after 1996. Well, that's my opinion, let us know what you end up with..

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

A good set of wheels and tires. I installed a set of staggered BBS RSII wheels 18 X 8 fronts and 18 X 10 rears. They look great on the car. The year model mostly came with two tone paint. Consider having the panels removed and repainted to the same color.

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

good idea, make sure on the other and that the difference in the paint age betwen the body pannel and the lower body panel don't end up showing to much..I know someone who did it, it looks really great. Have any pics. of the car with the wheels.

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

Well I did buy the car over the weekend. It is very nice, 50,296 miles, dark blue, tan interior, both tops. Interior / trunk / engine compartment / both tops like new. Paint very good, needs good light compound buffing. It has the 8 hole wheels, and as spare is same, was this the original wheels ? Brand new Pirelli P4000 tires, not the best but they are new so I may wait to change wheels / tires. What type / weight oil do most people use (I am in New Jersey). Oil filter I bought has two o-rings and a brass washer, what order do these go with the filter. Love the look of that engine. Thanks.

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

No idea for the oil and your location, best is to check with your mercedes mechanic specialist near you (the dealer might help you out) Congratulation for the car, hope you post some pictures.

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

I have always used Mobil 1 5W-50. I haven't taken any pics, but I'll take some this weekend and send it to you if you give me your e-mail address.

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

Congratulations!! Hope you like the car. How much did you pay for it? Did you have it checked by any mechanic before the purchase?<br> <br> Regards,<br> Robert

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

Since the car has only 50,000 miles and they had a authorized Mercedes Dealer do the 45,000 full service at 48,500 miles I took the chance.<br>
<br>
I paid $22,000 and thought that was a very good deal. Thanks. My home e-mail is changing so I will give you my new e-mail address soon.

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

Wow, that's a steal!!! Very good price. Low mileage, records, & full service at MB. People are selling their 91 300SL with 80k+ miles at $21-23k in CA.

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

Thanks, I feel pretty good now. The car currently has the 8 hole 16' wheels with new Pirelli P4000 tires (were these the stock wheels ?), but I am thinking of a TireRack combination of the AMG 5 Spoke #203 Silver 17' wheels with the Dunlop SP Sport 5000 tires (I want to keep a quiet ride). What do you think of this combo ?. Thanks again.

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

Surely you got an extremely good deal. <br> 92 SLs don't have 8 hole wheels. They are either aftermarket or original wheels from 94+ SLs. They look better than 92's wheels and make your car look like newer ones. AMG wheels look great too.<br> Regarding tire selection, you may want to go to www.tirerack.com <br> Just did a search for you, you may want to consider Pirelli P7000.

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

Thanks for previous responses. I was thinking of using 10w40 synthetic oil, but I have heard some talk of the synthetic creating oil leaks. My local Mercedes dealer says they use a conventional 15w40 and synthetics may cause some leaking. Your thoughts on oil to use. Thanks.

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

I also bought a 92 500sl about 8 months ago. Its in excellent condition as well. The paint is pearl black, basically charcoal but the panels are gray. I didn't know that the two tone paint was not offered after 94. Any idea how much it would cost to get the lower panels painted? Also, I notice that the late 90's models have different bumpers with different side air vents. Can those be changed to look updated as well? Expensive to do this? Any other major changes to the body from 92 - 2001?<br>
Thanks for your help.