500 SL Buying tips
 

Hello, I started looking around at some older SL's (91-02) as a second car, I have so far test driven 2 of them and they felt great. This would be my first SL and Im not really sure what I should be looking out for when test driving these cars.

Any warning signs you guys suggest that I keep an eye out for?

I kind of jumped the gun a bit here and posted before checking the rest of the forum. Im finding some great info reading the older posts. Feel free to add here if you have any thoughts on the matter :)

This will probably get you started...

Buyers Guide - R129 SL500/SL600 Roadsters | Mercedes-Benz Club of America

What's not in this buyer's guide are the truisms...The most expensive car you will ever own is a cheap mercedes-

By the way, there is no such thing as a cheap Mercedes.

Last, don't fall in love with any of the cars you look at without getting a Pre Purchase Inspection done by the best local to you Independent MB Qualified Tech that has the MB SDS (Service Diagnostic System) The best tech is defined as the guy you're going to take the car to for ongoing maintenance that you don't want to or can't do yourself. The PPI should run you $100-$150 and include an alignment check. This is the best investment you can make in your qualification or a good or not so good car. And the relationship you'll build with the tech...priceless-

Good Hunting

and by the way, don't even think about a '94 unless it can be verified that the wiring harnesses have been replaced.

I would suggest a 96-98. 96 was the first year of a 5 speed transmission. These 3 years continue to have the slightly more powerful 4 valves per cylinder V8's. Haven't known anyone with 96 or newer 6 cyl. Friend with 95 6 cyl had to replace transmission. I own a 96Sl500 and like this (R129)style best. Make sure the 2 tops work flawlessly, hardtop latching and unlatching, softtop complete operation. Expensive to diagnose and repair.

Amen to the "there's no such thing as a cheap Mercedes"

Thanks to all who replied, its all gold :)

I popped in to a Mercedes/BMW specialist repair shop and spoke to the owner about bringing in some cars for them to check out before I buy. He told me that he had one for sale (92 or 94 I cant quite recall) but he wanted to do some work to it first before I saw it. So much for an independant opinion then :)

Here's a good write up from an owner of a 1997.
Mercedes SL500 I found very good info and pictures.