Hi! I'm new and this is my first post.
I just purchased a 1991 500SL. I'm the second owner - it was purchased new by my brothers father in law (John) in 1991. It has been in the family since new. John died a few years ago, and his wife rarely drove it since. I've got complete service records on it since new. I've got the cancelled check where they paid $108,317.10. Ive got the window sticker for $91,780.00 with a $2100.00 California Gas Guzzler Tax and $6537.50 "luxury tax". Remember those days when you also had to pay a luxury tax? They bought it at Jim Slemons Imports in Newport Beach, CA.
It only has 51,800 miles on it. Everything works tops, hydraulics, etc. The hardtop has been on it for the last few years. The soft top is mint - has never been wet - vacuumed only. John used to wash it with distilled water.
It even has a cradle for the hardtop when it is removed.
It is completely stock except for 17" Lorinser Wheels. The oil was changed last summer and has only been driven less than 1K since, but I went ahead and changed it anyway just to be sure. I used RedLine - which has served me well in BMWs. I've got a pile of parts (Mahle Cabin Filter, Mahle Trans Filter, Mahn Power Steering fluid, as well as Redline D4 Transfluid, and RedLine 75/90 Gear Oil for the rear end). I will be changing those fluids this weekend.
I recently retired and moved from San Diego to Alabama to be near my kids. I had the Mercedes shipped by enclosed transport, though I'm sure it would have been fine to drive it.
I do have a few questions though:
I want a "paper" repair manual. I ordered a CD from Mercedes but it doesn't work on a Mac. Does anyone sell one?
The accordion slide that covers the cassette storage in the console is missing. Can this be purchased without the console?
Where it shows the outside temperature on the dash - it's LCD. Is this supposed to be backlit? I can barely see it.
The headlights are the worst I've ever seen on any car. Are the European Halogens better?
The receipts show it's had the AC fixed 3X. It still blows warm air. It's had new high and low fittings, recharged 3X, new evaporator, and new O Rings. Is this a common problem?
I'm 6'4". I have a perfect view of the sunvisor when the top(s) are up. Any suggestions for tall guys?
The driver seat will not flip forward. I saw the video of UTube to take the seat out - but you have to flip it forward and move it forward to get at the screws at the rear of the seat. Any suggestions?
Im glad I found this site - you guys seem very knowledgable about these cars.
I just purchased a 1991 500SL. I'm the second owner - it was purchased new by my brothers father in law (John) in 1991. It has been in the family since new. John died a few years ago, and his wife rarely drove it since. I've got complete service records on it since new. I've got the cancelled check where they paid $108,317.10. Ive got the window sticker for $91,780.00 with a $2100.00 California Gas Guzzler Tax and $6537.50 "luxury tax". Remember those days when you also had to pay a luxury tax? They bought it at Jim Slemons Imports in Newport Beach, CA.
It only has 51,800 miles on it. Everything works tops, hydraulics, etc. The hardtop has been on it for the last few years. The soft top is mint - has never been wet - vacuumed only. John used to wash it with distilled water.
It even has a cradle for the hardtop when it is removed.
It is completely stock except for 17" Lorinser Wheels. The oil was changed last summer and has only been driven less than 1K since, but I went ahead and changed it anyway just to be sure. I used RedLine - which has served me well in BMWs. I've got a pile of parts (Mahle Cabin Filter, Mahle Trans Filter, Mahn Power Steering fluid, as well as Redline D4 Transfluid, and RedLine 75/90 Gear Oil for the rear end). I will be changing those fluids this weekend.
I recently retired and moved from San Diego to Alabama to be near my kids. I had the Mercedes shipped by enclosed transport, though I'm sure it would have been fine to drive it.
I do have a few questions though:
I want a "paper" repair manual. I ordered a CD from Mercedes but it doesn't work on a Mac. Does anyone sell one?
The accordion slide that covers the cassette storage in the console is missing. Can this be purchased without the console?
Where it shows the outside temperature on the dash - it's LCD. Is this supposed to be backlit? I can barely see it.
The headlights are the worst I've ever seen on any car. Are the European Halogens better?
The receipts show it's had the AC fixed 3X. It still blows warm air. It's had new high and low fittings, recharged 3X, new evaporator, and new O Rings. Is this a common problem?
I'm 6'4". I have a perfect view of the sunvisor when the top(s) are up. Any suggestions for tall guys?
The driver seat will not flip forward. I saw the video of UTube to take the seat out - but you have to flip it forward and move it forward to get at the screws at the rear of the seat. Any suggestions?
Im glad I found this site - you guys seem very knowledgable about these cars.
. eBay as low as a few hundred but average I've seen is around $ 1,000.00 each. If the car came equipped with them, they are self leveling ! An expensive retrofit.
