[High dB]

I found myself a nice clean 1992 MB 300 SL. Low miles, great condition, and great price. I'm thinking about picking it up, but would like to do a bit of research first. Does anyone know of any typical problems or things to look out for on this particular model? Pro's, Con's, etc..... Any input is greatly appreciated.
And no, I don't need the typical CL "Why don't you buy a Lexus such and such or a BMW" response. I'm asking about the 300 SL and THAT IS ALL!!!!
Thanks all!

 

[SeatIbiza1.8T]

Re: anyone in the lounge know anything about 1992-ish Mercedes Benz 300 SL's? (High dB)

The only thing I ever heard was a very specific case in which the head bolts had to be re-torqued because they came a little loose and would result in over-heating, I only heard it happen once.
Great car! timeless design... I hope the one you found has the hard top, I thought about geting one myself, but they are still in the 30-40K range (gasp!!) around these part of the world...

BTW, pics!

 

[tomjava]

Re: anyone in the lounge know anything about 1992-ish Mercedes Benz 300 SL's? (High dB)

Get a 500SL, much better buy since the price is not different. R129 is designed initially for a V8, not an inline 6.
Overall R129 is one of MB greatest designs, timeless modern classic.
Good Luck

 

[Numbersix]

Re: anyone in the lounge know anything about 1992-ish Mercedes Benz 300 SL's? (tomjava)

Great cars, but VERY complex.
The 3.2L Inline 6 has the potential to suffer the same head gasket and wiring harness issues as when installed in the E or S320. I would not buy unless I had a full service history and both problems have been addressed.
They are a nice car, but not especially quick in 6cyl/AT form. If you can live with that, and the very high cost of routine maintenance, have a thorough PPI performed by an M-B main dealer or independent specialist and if all is well buy it.

 

[High dB]

Thanks much for the info guys, I appreciate it!

 

[alex_bgnet]

What price are you looking at?

 

[High dB]

Re: (alex_bgnet)

Quote, originally posted by alex_bgnet »

What price are you looking at?

$14,000 with 70,000 miles and the removeable hardtop.

 

[DoktaJoch]

Re: (High dB)

Does a '92 have the 320 engine? I was under the impression that this one became only available in '93 and that the '92 300 SL had the older 3.0 engine with either 180hp or the 300-24 engine with ~220hp? BTW from what I've heard the 180hp engine has a rather good reputation (and relatively decent fuel economy) though it's rather weak for a car that heavy. The 220hp engine got a lot of critics for several issues IIRC. Anyway all this might be different for Europe/US, too.
Aside from that, though this car is commonly referred to as a real old school Mercedes, I still remember a long term test of a 300SL-24 published in '92 or '93 where the (German) magazine said something like not a true Benz reliability wise, as it had it's share of problems...