hello, everyone, as you can tell from the header i am a new site member. i am currently contemplating buying a 1999 sl 500 and would like any input about this model. i have owned a variety of autos in my lifetime but never owned nor evenremember driving a mercedes benz before.

i am picking this one up for a test drive and a mechanic's appraisal tomorrow. beside the usual used car tire kicking, what should i be looking for (or looking out for) in the case of this make, model and year? are there any areas that i should ask the mechanic to pay particular attention to?

the current owner has been pretty generous with the time allowed to drive and check this car so while driving what should i be looking for (besides oncoming traffic)?

thanks, in advance, for all replies!

 

the more things that have been repaired already the better. How many miles are on her and do you have the service records. They are wonderful cars, but over the last eight years I have put about 45k into her to get her back to like new condition. In my experience you will need to learn how to work on her unless you have deep pockets. I use alldata for most repairs, it is limited. Finding a good honest tech is a must and he will be worth his weight in your gold. approximtely 15k of my expenses was just throwing money out the window for nothing because of lousy sevicers and crooks. So a good technician is very important. Ask other Mercedes owners. I found a good one in Coos Bay, Or. Seals and vacuum hoses are somethings to check.

 

thanks, brookings. this seems to be good advice as i have neither deep pockets nor contemporary (computer age) car savvy. i have some wrench twirling skills, but i certainly wouldn't earn a living with them. i think i do have a pretty good local indy shop with ex-dealer mercedes mechanic. they have always been competent and honest with us with other autos ('91 honda civic, '71 bronco, '08 impreza, '08 ranger) so i am hopeful they will do well with the M-B, also!

i must admit that your 45k statement is a bit daunting, though. your warnings are the primary reason i have avoided the marque in the past, but this was offered at such a great price (as part of an estate settlement) that i had to check it out.

i had it all of yesterday and was very impressed. i had it checked out by the aforesaid M-B mech. and he said that if i didn't buy it he would as he was looking for another convertible for himself - some thing a little mor comfortable than his old honda 2000s.

anyway, it seems i've fallen in love and maybe hard to dissuade so do you know where i can find an owners manual? and, from what you have posted some good tech manuals, as well!