Help needed - buying a car... Update after nearly 2 years

[Olazz]

Hi,

As a newbie, I am seeking a little advice and guidance from this erudite forum.

I am in the process of purchasing a 280SL and have the following dilema.


A) A car that matches my colour choice, but is NOT original, (both body and interior colours changed)

B) A car that has history but not the interior colour that I'd like..


Car A also has the firewall material missing, a non matching gearbox, and no history  .... is this a "don't touch , walk away issue" or am I being anal?

Car B is not in as good a condition, with the faintest of rust showing but a good solid floor pan, solid history and matching numbers.

Car A is £5k more than car B


I'm at cross roads.....


Any advice from the "learned lot" on this forum would be very much appreciated...

Olazz  

[DavidBrough]

Hi Olazz,

Original or not original/updated that is the question.

The answer depends on your own personal preference as does the colour combination and what you’re prepared to put up with. Any colour change not part of a full restoration will be very expensive indeed.

The golden rule is always buy the best condition car you can find or fully understand the cost of correcting a “bad” one in the right colour. Most often, history and an understanding of condition go hand in hand and a car with no history requires a more detailed inspection. Always be wary of a car not driven much recently as these cars need to be used to keep them in good condition.

Overall, be clear what you will be happy with and pay for good professional inspections and be prepared to walk away, you will save money in the long run.

For me, something like a non original firewall pad, gearbox or similar would make no difference but visible rust could well be an indicator of hidden problems. That’s not to say that this couldn’t be corrected just understand how much it will cost. Sills, inner wings and chassis rails are the places to check. There are also many articles on buying tips if you use the search facility. Most parts are available but chrome and trim can be very expensive and you can save a fortune if you are able to do work yourself.

Happy hunting

[psmith]

Think about what you are interested in.  Do you want a car that you can tinker with and fix and get it the way you want over time?  Or a clean driver that's in good shape so you can just turn the key and go?  Or an all original (or restored) car with lots of documentation that you can show?  It all depends on your interest and the depth of you wallet.  Not to be too blunt, but I don't think colors should be high in the decision making process.  Look for the kind of car that fits your interests and then make a decision based on condition.  Having just replaced all my floors I can safely say the rust is the biggest problem.  Mechanical problems can be fixed and paint and interior changed, but rust never sleeps.

Good Luck!  And keep us informed on what you find.

[Surfer65sl]

Olazz,

Are they manuals or automatics, just my preference but I like how the manuals run, they feel like the engines will last forever and enjoy being driven..

I agree with David below, it is worth getting a full inspection.  A car with significant body work, fillers, etc. will never appreciate.  There are enough good cars out there on ebay in this economy that are reasonably priced and will hold value or appreciate.
 
Keep us posted with photos once decided. 

Matt

[Olazz]

Thank you for the replies chaps.

I am still looking for a good car, and have automatically dismissed a 230 or  250, for no other reason other than I thought they would be underpowered.

However I have no idea if there is any noticable difference between the three models in overall performance, and wondered if anyone can shed some light on this.
I have seem a very good 250SL, but they don't seem to be that popular. is there any reason why?

Thanks again

Olazz

[jameshoward]

Olazz,

There is a vast amount of info on this site about buying these cars. A thread such as the one you have started crops up every month or so. There are also a few quite long and well-read threads that talk about what to look out for when buying one of these. I don't know where you are in the UK, but there are several sellers. Not all are good; infact some are to be avoided at all costs despite the fact that they have a large number of cars.

You mentioned that you have dismissed the 230 & 250 as you felt they might be underpowered. Do a bit of research and check the stats. There isn't much in it at all. There are other differences in the cars, though, such as brakes, cams, interior, etc. I have a 230 and it is quicker than some 280s -  a lot depends on the car and how well it's set up. Don't make your decision on engine size along, I would suggest.

I recommend doing quite a bit of research on this site. Read up on the differences between the cars and what to look for. I wouldn't be bothered about non-matching numbers at all. These cars are getting old. I would be bothered about the condition of the car, though, as David says.

When you find one you like, get someone who knows THESE cars (i.e. not just 'cars') to give it an inspection. It'll be worth the outlay.

JH

[Olazz]

Thanks so far for the advice guys..

I recently paid a visit to  the Roger Edwards place in Wembley , who couldn't have been more helpful and accommodating. Turned up unannounced,  they made me a cup of tea and spent time talking to me about the various cars, what to look for and took the time to show me what to specifically check.

I also purchased the buyers guide and Gold portfolio book so feel like I'm a a bit of a Pagoda "fundi" already!

I have seen a total of 8 cars thus far, ranging from 23k - 38K, all different and all in various guises, 230, 250 & 280, both private and Trade. I have to say that the trade cars have all been "nice from far, but far from nice" !

A short story..... This last week I saw a car advertised some 80 miles from my home, and after emails, pictures, and tel calls agreed to visit on Saturday. The car was described as Immaculate and original, with all matching numbers, service history and only 2 owners from new.
I arrived at the agreed time, having confirmed that morning, to find no one at home..(or so I thought). A little irritated, I waited around for about 15 mins and eventually an old chap came to the door and apologised that he hadn't heard me,  and only noticed me at the front when he came to see where I was, as I was late for the appointment!  He explained that the car had belonged to his his son-in-law and was in the garage..all news to me! Anyway the car was presented, battleship grey, he swore it was silver, no seats, he couldn't explain why, and had a engine in bits. ... "Ah yes, my S.I.L. took it to bits to rebuild it, but its all there and it was immaculate before he touched it, so its just a matter of putting it back together isn't it?" says he...
and the rust?... "bit of elbow grease and some wire wool will sort that"....

Asked where the S.I.L. was he replied, "Oh I've no idea, haven't seen him for 10 years thats why I'm selling the car as I need the space for my ferrets!!!!!
As the old boy was in his mid/late 70's I asked if could speak to his daughter, "no says he, she's in Uganda or some such place helping the locals..."

At this point I explained that I'd really need more proof that the car was his to sell, and that is really wasn't as he had described it in his emails, however at that suggestion he then decided that the car was now not for sale "for all the tea in China".....

Any way, hope better luck this weekend as I have three to see, 2x 280 SL's and a 250, hopefully I am a little closer to finding the right car.

I will keep you posted with developments

[Olazz]

Well what a rollercoaster ride Ive had over last 2 years.

3 weeks after this post I suffered a series of strokes that left me incapacitated. There was no obvious cause for the stroke, initially, however a bright young Cardio trainee from Turkey spotted my migraine pattern and suggested I have my heart checked... found i had a 28 mm hole in my heart. So had the heart op and its taken this time to recover.. happily I am 90% recovered and am now able to drive again.

A few months ago I asked a buddy who was looking for a car for himself in the USA, to find one for me, preferred colours were... MID BLUE, DARK BLUE,GREY, OR BLACK  .... he wasted no time and three months ago sent me the pics of the car he bought.

IT WAS BEIGE!
  
Said it was a great car, not concours but a very very good car...

Finally went to see it yesterday, not quite road legal in the UK yet..  and although a lovely car I'm still really not sure about the colour!

What do you all think?




This last picture really does show the true colour differences in differing light. Look at the colour of the open door.

  

[jameshoward]

Gald you're still with us!

The car looks amazing. Very clean with good chrome and a great colour.

What shape is she in mechanically?

JH

[Olazz]

Thanks JH, still hanging in there...

Mechanically sound, no oil leaks, good compression, etc. Not too much done to the car in terms of restoration, although the near side front wing has been repainted at some time. Huge history file and was owned by a lady for decades who had local MB dealers look after car.



The gear change is pretty ferocious for an automatic, especially when cold, gets a little better when warm, but still not great.

Def not concours car  and does need some fettling to get it up to tip top condition, but it is a good drivers car with little needed to keep it going

[reggie]

Ollazz
That looks like my colour ? I too wasnt sure about it, but ive never had car that causes so many questions about the colour, first thing people ask what colour is that ? I say you tell me - they cant - but nobody says beige, and they say its classy or sophisticated-and it suits it. As for the gear change, mine was like that, it only wants adjusting or the engine vacuum looking at, been there, alls well now. You have a nice car and i hope your health improves.
Reg

[Olazz]

Hi Reg,

The colour code is 276H. Beige Grey. Is that the same code as yours?

Apparently its a rare colour.

[RickM]

Glad you're feeling better!

That Beige Grey is a very cool color....it oozes"Vintage".

[Ulf]

Agree with Rick - although it would not be my first choice, I have to admit that it looks really cool. Not too flashy, but different in a very discreet way. Enjoy it while you recover the last 10% of your health!

Ulf

[Peter van Es]

I love it. It looks like a great car with a great 60's colour. I bet it grows on you and will be just fine. In two years at the European Event 2012 you'll be so proud of it!

Peter

[JamesL]

Anyone been to Baden Baden?

[reggie]

Olazz
Mine is 726 h - looks very similar, grey beige or beige grey,cant remember which way round it is  your interior looks the same too. 
Reg

[Olazz]

Olazz
Mine is 726 h - looks very similar, grey beige or beige grey,cant remember which way round it is  your interior looks the same too. 
Reg

Reg, my inept brain!  Mine is 726H and NOT 276H! 

So it would appear that it is  indeed the very same colour.

[Olazz]

Anyone been to Baden Baden?

Bit slow Tosh... Baden Baden 

[reggie]

Thank God. I thought i was going colour blind, as well as deaf.  I used to think silver was my favorite colour, but now i like mine (ours) 
Reg

[jacovdw]

Mmmmm, interesting avatar you have there Olazz.

Any connection with the Sharks rugby team perhaps?

Apologies for derailing this thread, but after seeing the avatar I just had to ask...   

On a more serious note, glad everything turned out OK after the bumpy ride.

[Olazz]

Ja boet for sure..... big Sharks fan! Having another kak season though!

[jacovdw]

Tell me about it...   :'(