280SL Purchase, Can I please have your opinion?

[eloquentlight]

Hello all!

I am very seriously considering becoming part of this wonderful community of SL owners, and I am contemplating the purchase of this 280, and I would love to have your evaluation/opinions before I go drive it. Here's the link:

http://seriousmotorsports.com/webtemplate.aspx?iid=412869

The seller states that he has most of the original information and maintenance records with the car, and even attached a scan of the information card (which I am attaching). Supposedly, it is a "California Coupe" and has been converted to use R134a in the A/C. The clock does not work, but the engine and transmission have undergone a "complete rebuild by MB factory tech, all parts ordered from Germany." He says there is no rust, and that everything (except the clock) functions exactly as it should.

So, what are your opinions?

I really appreciate it - I have been driving BMW's for many years, and would like something a bit better to cherish (and hopefully not depreciate as quickly as my BMW's)! So, your expert opinion is needed, and much appreciated by me, a lowly new forum member!

Download Attachment: Card.jpg
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[Douglas]

Right off the bat, you should know this is a California Coupe so there's no soft top. Just a 165-lb hardtop you'll have to remove when you want to go topless. Regardless of condition, you'll want to factor that into the extremely high (IMHO) asking price.

(Also, that's not leather.)

[glennard]

Another V-6!  What a factory re-build!! (Before or after pix)  Amazing.  Just saw a 'In-line 8' at Larz Anderson in Boston last weekend.  Just keep learning new things------

[eloquentlight]

quote:Originally posted by glennard

Another V-6!  What a factory re-build!! (Before or after pix)  Amazing.  Just saw a 'In-line 8' at Larz Anderson in Boston last weekend.  Just keep learning new things------

Yeah, it's amazing how many SL's I have seen that have "V-6 or V-8" engines in them. Ridiculous - all they have to do is open the hood...

Well, if it's a high price, what would be reasonable? And what of the condition of the car?

[bogeyman]

Really tough to tell much with pictures - here are some obvious points
  The headliner should be white
  The visors should be white
  Solid black loop carpet is not original - it should be black/gray tutone
  Aftermarket radio
  The only closeup of the paint is the VIN tag - shows poor prep and finish.
  Why do so many sellers show a closeup of the firing order??
  Original trunk mat - wonder what's under it?
Car looks complete - may be fine, driving and mechanical inspection should tell the rest of the story.

Rick

[eloquentlight]

So from what I understand thus far:

1. Asking price too high. What would be a reasonable price?
2. Presumably been re-upholstered, and re-painted by someone less than optimal
3. Looks alright, but needs closer mechanical inspection - any members in the Metroplex that can recommend a good place?
4. What about this as an alternative:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT&viewitem=&item=250291554009
or
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180287017650&_trksid=p2759.l1259


Oh! And thank you very, very much for your help so far!

[jameshoward]

It is almost impossible to ascertain anything from these 2 ebay links given the lack of detailed photos. I would not buy either without a great deal of detailed shots showing the car on a ramp; engine space (no real need for the firing order, however); hood; roof; etc etc etc. Best not to buy unless properly inspected by someone intimate with these cars.

JH

[KevinC]

quote:Originally posted by jameshoward


 Best not to buy unless properly inspected by someone intimate with these cars.

JH

One sentence says it all.

[Mark280SL]

I second the below and would also tell you many sellers will say in their ad's the car has no rust or no bodywork but that quite often does not turn out to be the case upon expert inspection.

Several here know more then I and some of the experts have already commented but if you do nothing else be sure you look at several cars ....or as many as you can before you make the final purchase. I did and when I finally purchased mine I ended up with a solid car  that continues to get better through ongoing effort..... Buy the wrong car and you have a money pit that in some cases will never be what you want it to be.

quote:Originally posted by KevinC

quote:Originally posted by jameshoward


 Best not to buy unless properly inspected by someone intimate with these cars.

JH

One sentence says it all.

[Douglas]

I agree with everything that's been said here. You just can't tell much from the pix of the Coupe beyond a general state of tidiness. Is the paint hiding an inch of bondo? Are the floors rusted through? Is the trunk floor rusted through or hastily painted over? These are a million important questions (okay, maybe 100) that can't be answered from these pix that could make the difference between it being a $10,000 car and a $25,000 car.

[eloquentlight]

Thanks for all your advice!

Can you all recommend a good W113 mechanic here in Fort Worth, or in Dallas?

Thanks!!!!

Jason

[Douglas]

I think Will Samples is in Dallas, isn't he? Anyone? I think the business is called S&S Imports or something close to that.

[hauser]

If you go to the home page click on links, scroll down and you'll find contact info for Will Samples.

[dldubois]

If you still need a mechanic I live here in the Dallas area and use Karl at Auto Haus Sweichart or Arthur at Arthur's Mercedes.  Let me know and I can get you contact info.   PS.   Will Samples is also here in Dallas.