Hi guys
I am interested in buying a 1979 450 SE, if I buy this car it will be my first Mercedes.
The car is a V8 it is lowered and has duel exhaust, it also has panel damage to the LHS doors and quaterpanel.
Overall the car looks quite clean but I have no idea of the areas to look for faults, ie: common wear points and
common rust points. I am hopeing that you guys might be able to help me out here, the only other concern with
the car is that it has been lowered to about a 3 inch ride hieght
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Regards Gilesie

 

why not just get a bit later ones?

 

I am not really interested in a newer car as I already have my family car and I have my work car.
What I am looking at is a weekend warrior, something that is a little bit different and with a bit of class.

 

Rust points-Wheel wells, Bottom of the quaterpanels, especially at the damage points.
Also check for the condition of the seals. Especially the trunk one or you might have a rust problem in the trunk and other water damage.
And keep in mind this is a 1979 car so be mindful of the other little normal old car wear and tear things, such as the electric stuff (if applicable).
And since you really don't know what to look for in specific, the best bet is to get a mechanic to look at it before you buy so you won't be stuck with junk.

 

Thanks for the advise.
A mechanic is not what I want, I am very car wise having built 4 cars from shells and currently rebuilding a Dodge truck, I think that I am quite capable in that area.
All that I was looking for was the common faults as each type of car is different.

Thanks again your help has been very much appriciated.

Regards Gilesie