I need some advice from you SL enthusiasts. I'm looking at both a 1989 560SL and a 1999 SL500. Both are absolutely clean and nice. The 560 only has 34,500 miles and the 500 is less miles. The question is - does the ownership of a classic like the 560 outweigh the benefit of the more modern 1999 SL500? This is just a fun car. It'll continue to be garaged and will have less than 5K miles per year. In addition, I live in a warm, dry climate as have both cars. I currently have a 1985 300SD but have never had a sports car model. I like the classic look, but don't want to deal with a lot of problems either. Any special value to the 1989 since it was the last year for the 560? Advice and comments appreciated. Thanks. Jim

 

It really depends on what you're looking for. If you're after the classic look - 560 is not a bad choice. The SL500 is a bit more refined, and has the latest gadgets, and a much more complex car. If it's just going to be a fun car, I wouldn't expect many problems from either of them.

 

I wouldn't worry much about whether either car is a "classic" or not. The truth is that both were produced in such large numbers that they will never achieve real collector status. Buy what appeals to you, but if it were me, I think that I would find a nice 560sl with only 34,000 miles on it to be pretty tempting. You didn't say whether you had driven both cars, but you did say you're looking for a fun car. I suggest you take them out for a drive.. you'll find them to be quite different with the 560 feeling heavier and over-engineered, if anything (which it was), while the 500 is more like a familiar product of modern engineering.

 

just purchased a 1980 280sl grey market car and ont know its value! i paid 3,00 for it! it runs good and has good paint and interior. rims ar aftermarket and ugly and original becker radio is gone --replaced by new sony. convertible wont latch rag top in back for some reason! its an automatic and take offfs are slow but cruising speed is good! any ideas or advice on value of car appreciated!

 

imo the 560sl has a "classic" look. as mentioned in earlier post, perhaps driving both of them will help u make decission.
i ve been looking for a 560sl for some time. if u dont buy it , please forward info to me. thanks hapaschold@aol.com