Hi, I'm new to this forum. I'mgoing to changemy '88 735 for a 500 SEL. I'd be grateful if someone could tell me if there is a good website for SEL information, so I don't buy a bad one. Thanks.</P>

 

500 SEL was introduced in late 91 as a 92, It carried the badge for two years when it was rebadged into a S500 whereit remained untill year 2000.</P>


The car had some vibration issues when cold at 40/45, there was a class action suit and MB sentcertificates out to owners of record $3/4K I recall, and there were brokers trying to buy them. The vibration realy never went away but could be minumized with new front bushings and very fine tire balancing (road force balancing) or on the car final balancing. The later 94s and up this went away, but they lowered the ride heigth of the car by a few inches all my fiends at MB say'it's the car". They relaced a lot under warranty. The A/C evaporator also fails typically, requires the dash to be removed, best done at the dealer because they do so many. If you have a good relationship with the dealer you can get some help on the parts it is at least a $2K+ fix. The "BOSE" amp fails and is a $600, rebuild or $1k new, Becker rebulds them. The "Closing assist" pump is another common item, doors or trunk lid dont pull in. If the fuses are removed and reinserted and it works, save another $700 or so for this fix or slam them harder. </P>


Dont get me wrong I love the car (92) it is comfortable, stately, fun to drive. </P>

 

Thanks Peter, I didn't know any of that and I'll bear all of it in mind when I'm out looking. Do you know if the 500 SEC/S 500 coupemodels have similar problems? I should have said I'm changing my 735 for an S-class, I don't mind if it has 2 or 4 doors.</P>

 

I wouls assume the A/C could be common, the vib issue has not been discussed, I dont know if that car uses the 7 Channel bose (11 speakers), I doubt it no rear doors. My 89 SEC had two amps behind the seat backs. There are not very many coupes running around. Good luck!