[LynnB]

I am new here.

Looking at this car on ebay.

Mercedes Benz SL Class 600 SL AMG | eBay

I am not local to the car, and with only 5.5 hours left, don't have time to send someone to check it out.

I know the pics and description aren't much, but give me all the reasons you can why I should NOT buy this car (other than it is "arrest me red").

I already figured out:
1. has an aftermarket radio
2. I don't care for the aftermarket wheels, and he doesn't have the originals
3. The rear emblem I think should read "SL600" instead of 600 SL, correct?

Also, being an AMG, should it have an AMG badge on the back?

Thanks for any input.

 

[scottejupiter]

Well the reserve isn't met. I would e-mail him after it closes and tell him you would like to see it. Get a pre purchase inspection before buying.

The early years the number came first.

1994 has potential wiring harness issues. You will want to make sure they got changed out.

 

[Fritha78]

Well the reserve isn't met. I would e-mail him after it closes and tell him you would like to see it. Get a pre purchase inspection before buying.

The early years the number came first.

1994 has potential wiring harness issues. You will want to make sure they got changed out.

In 1994 the SL came first, 1993 the 600 came first.

 

[sapphirexae]

I am new here.

Looking at this car on ebay.

Mercedes Benz SL Class 600 SL AMG | eBay

One thing about that car that (potentially) concerns me is that the front and rear bumpers have been replaced. That could be a sign of previous heavy damage. That style of bumper was not available until later 1997.

3. The rear emblem I think should read "SL600" instead of 600 SL, correct?

No. 1994-2002 would be an 'SL600'

Also, being an AMG, should it have an AMG badge on the back?

No. The seller is lying, that is not an AMG car. There is no such thing as an actual AMG car for that model / year.


I would run away from this one!!!

 

[LynnB]

Appreciate the responses.
I don't know that he is lying. I think he just doesn't know.

He bought the car in 1997 and says it has had no paint work during his ownership, but can't speak for the previous owner. However, if those bumpers were not available until 1997, they could have been put on right before he bought it. No way to know how extensive the damage was without a good inspection.

Carfax does not show any previous accidents, but they are not infallible.

Supposedly the car was manufactured and sold in late 93 as a 94 model.

It is very close to meeting reserve. Wish I had more time.

I think I will take Scott's advice and wait it out. If it sells, there is always another car deal. It isn't one of one, right? If it doesn't, then I have someone in the area who can check it out properly for me.

Thanks again for helping a Mercedes noob. I have lots of experience with muscle cars and old bimmers. Haven't worked on a Mercedes since the 80's.

Lynn

 

[LWB250]

Appreciate the responses.
I don't know that he is lying. I think he just doesn't know.

He bought the car in 1997 and says it has had no paint work during his ownership, but can't speak for the previous owner. However, if those bumpers were not available until 1997, they could have been put on right before he bought it. No way to know how extensive the damage was without a good inspection.

Carfax does not show any previous accidents, but they are not infallible.

Supposedly the car was manufactured and sold in late 93 as a 94 model.

It is very close to meeting reserve. Wish I had more time.

I think I will take Scott's advice and wait it out. If it sells, there is always another car deal. It isn't one of one, right? If it doesn't, then I have someone in the area who can check it out properly for me.

Thanks again for helping a Mercedes noob. I have lots of experience with muscle cars and old bimmers. Haven't worked on a Mercedes since the 80's.

Lynn

Please take this in the spirit that it's intended:

You are absolutely, totally, completely batsh*t crazy to consider buying this or any other Mercedes without a proper prepurchase inspection.

The V12 models are significantly more complex than the M119 powered models, and as one might expect exponentially more expensive to repair and maintain.

If you're not familiar with these cars, you better have deep pockets and a good trusted mechanic, or a dependable daily driver for those times when the car is off the road and you're learning how to repair it.

The reason the V12 models are "cheap" (and I use that term loosely) is often due to their complexity and expense to maintain. A V8 model is far less expensive to operate and repair in the event work is necessary.

All together, guys: "There is no such thing as a "cheap" Mercedes!"

There is a lot of information here in the stickies. Read it, know it, if you don't understand something, use the "search" feature in the forum.

But for G-d's sake, DON'T by one of these cars on a whim or without a proper inspection. You're likely to end up with a money pit that becomes a parts car or sucks you dry.

Dan

 

[cec96sl500]

I agree, something is off.

I believe the seats are from a 1994 MY but the side vents with 2 slots are not, they are newer MY. The 1994 has 3 vents. So this could be the same discrepancy as the bumpers.

 

[LynnB]

I ask for help; I expect you to be brutal. No offense taken.

I am the trusted mechanic. I have maintained a V12 BMW 850, and believe them to be less bullet proof then the Merc. I have experience with Ferrari V12 as well. In fact, my next giant project is two Ferrari's that are becoming one. I can handle all the mechanical work, as well as panel patching and replacement. Before going to law school, I was ASE certified.

I don't do this for a living. This is my hobby.

But.... as I stated, I consider myself a noob in the Mercedes ownership world. I actually just stumbled on this car after having expressed interest in a Euro 350sl with a four speed. I came to this board (the R107 forum) and learned a few things. Just figured this would be the best place to get info on one of these cars. I just told my wife this afternoon: "A cheap Mercedes can be very expensive."

So, thanks to all. If it doesn't meet reserve, I will send someone to look at it. If it does, oh well.

Please take this in the spirit that it's intended:

You are absolutely, totally, completely batsh*t crazy to consider buying this or any other Mercedes without a proper prepurchase inspection.

The V12 models are significantly more complex than the M119 powered models, and as one might expect exponentially more expensive to repair and maintain.

If you're not familiar with these cars, you better have deep pockets and a good trusted mechanic, or a dependable daily driver for those times when the car is off the road and you're learning how to repair it.

The reason the V12 models are "cheap" (and I use that term loosely) is often due to their complexity and expense to maintain. A V8 model is far less expensive to operate and repair in the event work is necessary.

All together, guys: "There is no such thing as a "cheap" Mercedes!"

There is a lot of information here in the stickies. Read it, know it, if you don't understand something, use the "search" feature in the forum.

But for G-d's sake, DON'T by one of these cars on a whim or without a proper inspection. You're likely to end up with a money pit that becomes a parts car or sucks you dry.

Dan

 

[Poundy]

I would be taking a look see if the price stays in the $10k range.

It is low miles, owned by seller for the last 17 years :angel

Looks clean and undamaged

The owner doesn't say it's AMG he says it has factory fitted AMG kit, which could point to the side skirts, bumper, 2 slot fenders etc.

600sl means it is MY93 but I think the US market has a bit of a delay date wise, so that is no big deal.

We know it will want the harness upgrades, but that is the only negative with owning a 600, you just have to deal with it. The rest of the 600 is pretty much bullet proof.

It is Red so you could always sell it to Tracy LOL!


I think if this was in my neck of the woods, I would most likely have bought it after having a look see :devil

 

[sapphirexae]

The owner doesn't say it's AMG he says it has factory fitted AMG kit, which could point to the side skirts, bumper etc.

Correct but 'factory fitted' is a lie. Those body panels were not available until 1997. So it is absolutely impossible that they are factory fitted!

 

[quincy k]

the only amg 129 cars are the sl 60, 70 and 73 and the only one you might get for 30k is the 60 and that would be a stretch

i would pass on the 600 and buy a 500 in the years 97-2002 unless you find an earlier year amg sl60

the 96 is also fine but lacks the very cool garage remote system that once you have you wont want to give up.

 

[Poundy]

Correct but 'factory fitted' is a lie. Those body panels were not available until 1997. So it is absolutely impossible that they are factory fitted!

Maybe the guy he bought it off had genuine panels fitted at the MB dealers and felt that justified a factory fitted tag. The car would only have been 4 years old then.

I don't think adding upgrades should be deemed to be done to hide previous damage. It's what we do to these cars.

I would hate to think my car was presumed damaged in the areas I fitted options too. How many members here have upgraded AMG skirts, bumpers, grilles etc.

Of course the proof of the pudding is in the eating, check it out or get it checked out. If this guy has owned it for 17 yrs it should have a lot of service records. But for me it is def worth a look a lot more promising than many I have seen for sale. The poster is ASE certified and should be quite capable of any repairs that need doing MY2c

 

[Briantime]

Not sure where you are from...you mentioned you are about 5 hours from Pennsylvania. If you are in Ohio, you are also about 6 hours from this car:

Used 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class For Sale | Hinsdale IL

I looked at it before buying mine. It's beautiful but the V12 and adjustable suspension kept me from buying.

 

[deanyel]

R in the 10th digit of the VIN is without exception 1994 model year, which as said is the first year of letters in front. Nice car though - buy it if you like it.

 

[LWB250]

I ask for help; I expect you to be brutal. No offense taken.

I am the trusted mechanic. I have maintained a V12 BMW 850, and believe them to be less bullet proof then the Merc. I have experience with Ferrari V12 as well. In fact, my next giant project is two Ferrari's that are becoming one. I can handle all the mechanical work, as well as panel patching and replacement. Before going to law school, I was ASE certified.

I don't do this for a living. This is my hobby.

But.... as I stated, I consider myself a noob in the Mercedes ownership world. I actually just stumbled on this car after having expressed interest in a Euro 350sl with a four speed. I came to this board (the R107 forum) and learned a few things. Just figured this would be the best place to get info on one of these cars. I just told my wife this afternoon: "A cheap Mercedes can be very expensive."

So, thanks to all. If it doesn't meet reserve, I will send someone to look at it. If it does, oh well.

You didn't make that clear in your original post.

Do understand that we see a regular parade of folks who wander in here with their "cheap Mercedes" looking for relief, which is something you no doubt have encountered if you've worked around high line cars.

As someone who is a former NIASE certified high line mechanic (primarily Jaguars and Mercedes with the occasional exotic tossed in) and been actively involved as a Mercedes owner in the DIY community for over 25 years, I can't count the number of times I've encountered someone who thought they got a "deal" on a high line car only to discover that they just bought a money pit that would make a boat look like a good investment.

That being said, despite my experience and knowledge, I would still never consider buying a car without an inspection by a competent dealer or trusted independent mechanic. Not only does it reveal hidden concerns, it also gives you an excellent position from which to negotiate from.

Good luck with your search - regardless of your experience, even more so if you're a "noob" with these cars, you need to let an experienced professional check them out. It's in your best interest and will often give you the information from a trusted uninterested party to negotiate a better price, or at least know what you're getting....

Good luck,

Dan

 

[maynardg]

Given the cost of repairing cheap, or even expensive R129's, I'd never buy without a qualified PPI and full records. If not available, keep looking. You will thank yourself.

 

[LynnB]

I am in Oklahoma. Didn't realize my profile was not complete.
I will update.

 

[macysum]

Knowing what I've learned about R129's over 23 years of ownership I'd certainly consider the V12 my first choice of all the models. It's basically the 300-24 valve straight six doubled...with a few more high-end features/systems. It's a solid engine and an exhilarating ride. My brother had the V12 850 Bimmer and it's nothing like the Mercedes for drivability and fun.

The wiring harness troubled years can be underpriced if the fault isn't well understood by the seller...there are several sources of harnesses (although I wouldn't know which is best) and I'd discount the car by the most expensive plus the labor hours to replace it.

These cars are heavy - the suspension (both pneumatic and springs/struts) is a weak point as is the top hydraulics. Lots of plastic parts break especially after 15 years. As you are well trained in mechanics and know BMWs you should be fine. Just make sure you know the condition or best, the condition and service history. There are so many systems that need to be sorted on most of these Roadsters that you'll be fully engaged in your new hobby focus.

Good luck and if you join this group you'll find an amazing resource and a great bunch of people.

 

[LynnB]

You are correct; I didn't give too much detail. Was just trying to get as much negative input as possible. I have passed on hundreds of "deals" on all kinds of cars.

You didn't make that clear in your original post.

Do understand that we see a regular parade of folks who wander in here with their "cheap Mercedes" looking for relief, which is something you no doubt have encountered if you've worked around high line cars.

As someone who is a former NIASE certified high line mechanic (primarily Jaguars and Mercedes with the occasional exotic tossed in) and been actively involved as a Mercedes owner in the DIY community for over 25 years, I can't count the number of times I've encountered someone who thought they got a "deal" on a high line car only to discover that they just bought a money pit that would make a boat look like a good investment.

That being said, despite my experience and knowledge, I would still never consider buying a car without an inspection by a competent dealer or trusted independent mechanic. Not only does it reveal hidden concerns, it also gives you an excellent position from which to negotiate from.

Good luck with your search - regardless of your experience, even more so if you're a "noob" with these cars, you need to let an experienced professional check them out. It's in your best interest and will often give you the information from a trusted uninterested party to negotiate a better price, or at least know what you're getting....

Good luck,

Dan

 

[LynnB]

Not sure where you are from...you mentioned you are about 5 hours from Pennsylvania. If you are in Ohio, you are also about 6 hours from this car:

Used 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class For Sale | Hinsdale IL

I looked at it before buying mine. It's beautiful but the V12 and adjustable suspension kept me from buying.

No, the 5.5 hours was the time left on the auction. I am in OK, way far from PA.

I am liking that black car in IL.
Did your investigation indicate it had never had paint work. I would really like an original paint car.