You mean it's an SL and not an SE..

 

Assuming the hardtop comment is true, I agree. I will change the title.

 

He is asking $4500 and is considering my $4000 offer. Should I pursue this car or walk away?

It sounds like if you are a man of your word, and if he decides to accept your $4000 offer, then you should honor your offer… unless you put an expiration date on it, or said it was just the offer that day. If you gave him time to think about it, the right thing is to honor your offer.

Nobody can force you to move forward with the deal. You are allowed to change your mind, but it’s not right to jerk people around just to find out how low they might really go. Perhaps he didn’t accept your $4000 offer because he could tell you weren’t serious or going to honor the offer anyway.

 

Heck of a lot of miles for that kind of $. I would spend a lot of time looking for hidden rust and check engine function. The Kjets can be tricky

 

As I am new here, I thank all of you for the quick and informative replies....Regarding my offer of $4000. I have researched this particular model and am NOT one who Idly "plays games" when making offers on anything. I was not "fishing" and explained to the gentleman my reasonings for said offer. If he accepts it I am prepared to honor the $4000 bid. If he rejects it, that is his choice. It IS in fact an SL (Sport-Leicht) 2-door roadster, not an SE (Einspritzung) 4-door. I gave him as much time to debate my bid in his mind as he needed and I also the reasons for my offer. Neither of us is sure exactly what the AC or shifting problem will cost to repair. I also am fully aware these vehicles are not an inexpensive set of wheels to diagnose and parts can be dear to acquire. I will, of course, have a mechanic give it a "going over" utilizing the owner's extensive maintenance logs. Once resolved it will be a fine ride for my stated limited usage. I have scoured the small rust spot and have determined it to be just as it appears. The mileage was attained because both owners (mutual friends} were "snowbirds". It was driven back and forth from their winter homes to Florida and garage kept at both locales. I am not fully versed on Mercedes, other than my '62 190 SL which was a BEAR to keep the carbs adjusted. Once I managed to get the linkages figured out, she was a fantastic and sweet "head-turner". However, that was many years ago and was relatively simple to work on when I was a much younger guy just back from Vietnam. I am much older now and whatever I am unable to repair on my own, I will have a qualified technician maintain it. My question still remains...should I purchase it or walk away? TIA.

 

after a PPI , make your decision, only you can do that . My sentiment for having worked on many an MB, at 275,000 on the clock , a non functioning AC and wonky shifting 4K is too much, but that is me

 

I prefer to buy things that I think are special for one reason or another, and have acquired too many, and even a really nice 1976 450sl wouldn’t interest me at $4000, unless maybe it’s some special euro or perhaps a 350sl 4-speed, or maybe a 280sl 5-speed. That’s just me. And the shifting issue and AC wouldn’t be the issues to dissuade me from the car. Miles and the model would more likely be the issues. Again, that’s just me.

Now if you want a nice looking pretty much turn-key driver Mercedes convertible, you won’t find that for $4000 very often. R129 might be a little easier to find like that, but are far more complicated and will cost even more to maintain probably. 1976 450sl is about as simple as it gets IMO.

The 1976 450sl/slc is often avoided for having catalytic converters in the engine bay on the exhaust manifolds (same as 1975), but they have typically been replaced with standard exhaust manifolds to eliminate the hot start issues from all that engine bay heat.

 

I prefer to buy things that I think are special for one reason or another, and have acquired too many, and even a really nice 1976 450sl wouldn’t interest me at $4000, unless maybe it’s some special euro or perhaps a 350sl 4-speed, or maybe a 280sl 5-speed. That’s just me. And the shifting issue and AC wouldn’t be the issues to dissuade me from the car. Miles and the model would more likely be the issues. Again, that’s just me.

Now if you want a nice looking pretty much turn-key driver Mercedes convertible, you won’t find that for $4000 very often. R129 might be a little easier to find like that, but are far more complicated and will cost even more to maintain probably. 1976 450sl is about as simple as it gets IMO.

The 1976 450sl/slc is often avoided for having catalytic converters in the engine bay on the exhaust manifolds (same as 1975), but they have typically been replaced with standard exhaust manifolds to eliminate the hot start issues from all that engine bay heat.

76 is a good year, in fact one could make the argument that 76 and 77 are the best year 450s. Once you swap out the smog manifolds you get to keep your complete factory exhaust with no cats and no modifications.

These are the only two years where you get KJET and manual ac.

First year, basic Kjet, no frequency valve or o2 sensor, no climate servo bullshit, first year hydraulic valves so no valve adjustments. First year no points ignition.
Sure, the early 450s have more power but DJET is expensive and less reliable.

 

Moving this over to the 107 forum.

 

A running, driving SL in pretty good shape for 4K?

WHAT else that cool would you get for 4K???

Mileage is not a factor if the car has been well maintained. In my opinion.

I've got almost 230K on mine.

 

Did you check the level of the trans fluid and it's appearance/smell? Andy

 

$4k for a running 450SL with new tires/exhaust/brakes? That's a deal, unless it's been sitting for awhile. I'd take a look at the records to confirm. It sounds like you aren't in California, so hopefully smogging it isn't an issue where you are. I bought a 1973 450SL with 180k and I love the car, but it's not cheap to maintain. I've dumped thousands into it, and there are thousands more to be spent. I've replaced gas lines, steering box, starter and shocks. Still have numerous other things to do, but it runs and I love the car. Just remember you aren't buying a four year old Honda....what can go wrong will go wrong, just don't be surprised when it does. If you get it, join your local MBCA section and go on one of their drives.

 

$4K, car looks mint, service records, new tires, exhaust, battery, and brakes?
If it attracts your attention, I would go for it.
BUT, do check it over for rust and be prepared to spend some big money on the Transmission.
Still, the transmission issue might just be a simple fluid level check, linkage, or the Modulator Valve.
If you are a DIYer, the AC could turn out to be an easy fix - both of mine I did myself, one $400 for a new AC Compressor, and the other $100 for a high pressure hose.

Check the condition of the Soft Top - if it needs replacing plan on $400 if you DIY it, or $1500 if you hire it done.

Its good attributes since you used the word "mint" is that the paint and interior only need perhaps waxing and dolling up. Not having to repaint is a big expense you are avoiding.

New tires avoid a $500 to $1,000 expense.

My 560SL has 190K miles, I've seen really nice looking ones with 300K miles, and one person on this forum posted one with 700K miles. If its been well maintained, and a lot of the miles are road miles to and from Florida, that engine is probably A-OK.

Still, be prepared that you will need to spend some more after you get this 450SL, and even if you purchase a low mileage SL you still need to be prepared to spend more money. DIYing on an R107 is a great hobby and adventure for someone with DIY skills and some time on their hands.

 

Are you aware of the ' sub frame recall '?
If not, search the forum for repair info.
As for the price of the car, it sounds like you are starting out with a better car than mine, was $5000. It starts and runs as a daily driver and still better than the average beater, so.....

 

Well, The R197 is mine! In checking the extensive maintenance records, I found the problem with the weakening of the bolts. etc. were addressed in '79 and the welds look great even now. Had a MB mechanic check the car over and he was surprised at the condition of the under-carriage and the vehicle itself. He will address my issues as time and monies allow. I also found a MB recall letter (11/80) regarding the "plastic bell crank bushing for the control pressure rod of the A/T could deform due to the high engine temp. created by the CAT. The dislodged rod could prevent the nearby engine throttle linkage from returning to the idle position. The plastic bell crank bushing will be replaced by a metal one, under warranty." My MB was changed. I also found the paint was original and the interior was pristine with no rips, tears, or signs of wear. The convertible top is also I beautiful shape as it was changed two years ago. Had the title changed, new tag and full coverage Haggarty insurance secured. I drove it about 100 miles without a hiccup. Fingers crossed.....looks like a real diamond in the rough. I've had several classic cars, Harleys and Indians over the years and am used to the unexpected problems with them as well. I look forward to becoming a regular contributing member of this group and keeping all versed in my progress. Thanks again for all your help and advice, LT.

 

Pics! Pics! Pics!
Please

 

Share some pictures.. it would be great!!!

 

Welcome to the forum! Glad you found a good one and look forward to seeing some pics and seeing some new posters on here. There will always be things but seems like you have all the major issues covered. If and when things pop up you have the best group here to help you out if you decide to do anything yourself

 

These days $4K on a running car is chump change. An old gladiator like you knows that his days on the planet are numbered. If the car moves you, don’t “herumeiern”, just go for it.

https://tripinsurancestore.com/4/on-the-shortness-of-life.pdf

 

Thanks Guys......I took some pics on my version cell and forwarded them to my email addy.......for some reason they did not forward them....will call my cell provider to find the reason. By the way, I checked the transmission fluid and iooked and smelled fine.,TO THE LAST RESPONDER....My life has been more than I deserved. A beautiful and loving wife, 5 college grad kids, and 13 grandkids. Beautiful big home on 2 acres backing up to a super large crystal clean private ski lake. Was a Force recon decorated and somewhat disabled mustang marine officer in Viet Nam. After, I started a private bodyguard firm with 10 of my buds, with some navy seals too. We worked all over the world for dignitaries and upper echelons figures, from Saudi to Australia. So believe me I had a work hard, play hard life...and when I meet my maker, I will come in sliding sideways saying. " Thanks for the GREAT RIDE, Lord.......LMSAO !......

 

I forgot, also to THE LAST RESPONDER.......Loved the read VERY MUCH.....so vielen dank meine freund !

 

Did you check the level of the trans fluid at the correct trans temperature? The level is critical to smooth operation. Andy

 

awesome , good luck, I like happy endings!

 

Sorry, Guys and Dolls.....

I had an accident on my Harley ( not my fault) with a drunk driver. Shattered my femur pretty badly among other problems. Hence by reason for absence.

Is anyone still interested in photos of my Merc ? Headed out of town for about 6 hours. Will post them if still interested.

 

Ouch. Sorry for your troubles. I hope your recovery goes well.

Of course pics. We love pics.

 

DUH....forgot this wasn't the end of this thread.....will post photos at the end on page 2.....lol

Thanks 4 the tip on the wiring site....I've bookmarked it !

 

OK.....How do I upload photos, as this is my first community site....?

 

Assuming you're on your computer, with pics on your computer
When you're entering your post look at the symbols down the bottom
You'll see a paper clip, then two chain links, then a landscape symbol
Hover your mouse over this and it will say 'Insert image'
Click on that and then click on (Or click here) and it will take you into your computer, then select your first pic
There are other ways of doing it, this way works for me
Put a pic or two up then we'll give you a few more ideas to tidy your next ones up a bit better

 

they are in jpeg format