Mercedes Forum? Need to sell an SL.

[RarlyL8]

I went to the Pelican Mercedes forum and found ........ nothing. It had not been used in the last 45 days.

My mother has a pampered '86 560SL that she should sell. I know very little about these cars and would like some insight into the proper value to place on it and a good place to post it.

Any help appreciated.

[Chocaholic]

http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/index.php

[RarlyL8]

Thanks!

[Porsche-O-Phile]

benzworld.org

[speeder]

Check eBay for the value. Search 560SLs, then click the box in the sidebar for "completed items". There are always plenty of garage queen SLs listed and those would be actual sales, not dreamers w/ "asking prices". I have done this because my dad has a GQ 450SL.

[MRM]

An 86 560 SL? That's too bad. It came just before the body style change and it's so big that there's not much value in it. That big engine, throbbing exhaust, and incredible performance are all pretty much overshadowed by today's high output cars. You'll be lucky to find anyone to take it off her hands without charging her the tow fee to remove it.

Heck, i'm so generous, I'll offer you $10,000 for it.

Seriously, within the last six months Car & Driver had an article on classic Mercedes. That is 1986 and earlier. They are aparently collectible cars beyond reason. People are paying top dollar to have them restored and then keeping them as collector's items. That should be a pretty desirable car.

I'll look around and see if I still have the article.

[RickM]

I would think '89 and previous. That was the last year for the 107 chassis / body style.

When the gas prices peaked recently the demand for the less thirsty 380 SLs went up. That said the 560 is generally the most desirable (for US models) as a few improvements were made to the climate control, suspension, larger engine and seating (side bolsters added).

In the spring I see Condition 1 560s going for between $11 and $16k. This range has held for quite a while. BTW, if there were ever a car that needs a PPI the 107, in every guise, is it.

IMO, the MercedesShop forum is great for tech stuff but likely not the best for selling. I'd stick with autotrader, Ebay or similar.

[RarlyL8]

I appreciate the help guys.

My mother wanted one of those cars for ever, dad wouldn't have it. Finally I was able to convince him by crunching the numbers that the depreciation and maintenance on a used 560SL would be far less in the long run that their bad habit of buying a new car every 3 years.

In the early '90s I found a perfect low miles car owned by a woman scorned - her X had used the car to sport around the "other woman". She got the car in the divorce and wanted to dump it like, well you get the idea. We gave her fair market value for a car in excellent condition.

So what are the "trouble spots" in these cars that a good buyer will look for? I want to be sure dad has had those issues checked or corrected.

The only thing I know of that needs looking into is an oil drip that has developed recently. Under the engine looks like there has been a slow seep for some time but not enough to cause a mess on the garage floor. Now it leaves a drip on the floor when parked. Appears to possibly be the rear seal. How many shop hours can I expect the repair estimate to be?

This has been a great car for mom the last 10 years or so and she has really enjoyed it. They saved a ton of money over the cost of new cars that she only drove about 4000 miles annually. Maintenance was expensive at times but a bargain in the long run.

Does color make much of a difference in value? This car is a grayish metallic with a maroon interior. Paint is an 8/10, interior is a spotless 9/10. Convertible top is brand new and hard top is stored on the factory dolly in the garage.

[RickM]

Brian,

I did a couple relatively extensive write-ups on the 107. Below is an excerpt with edits...

"Here's a list common replacement items:

- Since these cars are far from lightweight all suspension pieces suffer after so many years. Especially if sitting unused. So if not replaced RECENTLY figure on Shocks (Bilstein), Subframe bushings, ball joints, springs...etc.

- Fuel injection system on 81 and up...it's the wonderful Bosch CIS system. Not unlike the 911 you will have cold/warm/hot start problems. As usual many throw thousands chasing idle, start and missing problems.

- Climate control - This has to be the most unneccessarily complicated system I've ever seen in my life. And they will all develop problems. It is absolutely unintuitive as well. To make it more fun it's all vacuum operated with vacuum actuators buried behind the dash. They can be rebuilt inexpensively but getting to them and getting to the right one is the challenge. (This may be less complex on the 560)

- Heat: if one loses heat the faulty monovalve is a common cause. Luckily it's inexpensive and quikly replaced.

- Rust - Not the worst cars regarding this. However, the older you get the more prone you are to suffering.

- Convertible top...Very simple mechanical setup. I like it. Hard top same thing...well done.

- Interior....Dash cracks can be a problem. Seems blue cracks the most.

- Radiators also have issues, especially with a plastic filler neck. Once they break it's almost impossible to repair and not cheap to replace.

- Radio...by Becker. I'll say no more.

- ADD: The steering will likely become vague with up to 3" play on either side of center sometime during a 107s lifetime. This can be remedied by adjusting the tension on the steering (gear) box. If the box is too far gone the amount of adjustment needed will bind the gears. In that case an expensive replacement will be required. Rebuilds are available but still in the $300-$400 range and a few hours of labor in a tight area."

I've deleted other issues that wouldn't apply to the 560. A well maintained example is paramount for top dollar. Sounds like your mom's car is in that league.

BTW, Island911 was looking for a 107 a while back. Perhaps he still is. Good luck.

[RarlyL8]

Thanks for the info. I really haven't spent any time with mom's car. My dad is quick to gripe when a problem comes up and he hasn't said much over the years. It did recieve a new radiator a couple of years ago. The old guy was doing his best Fred Samford when he got the bill on that one! Cost him something like $800. Even I thought that was a bit much.

I'll have to drive this car and look it over good. Just because it has never failed doesn't mean it's in great shape.

Where can I get a copy of your write ups Rick?

Thanks again.

[RickM]

Brian,

They're on the Mercedes shop site. Most material doesn't apply to the 560 though and are specific to the '85 and earlier cars. I went into projects like rocker replacement, valve train oiling problems, single/double row timing chain differences/problems, plastic tension ramp failure, upgrading springs/shocks, Euro headlight upgrade and repair etc.

If you discover any of the problems I've mentioned feel free to PM me and I'll do what I can to help.

[RickM]

This just delivered to my inbox from OurSL.com


1. 1997 Mercedes SL600 Black/Black #129-1669: $34,995 IN
2. 1996 Mercedes SL600 #129- 1666: $23,995 NC
3. 1988 Mercedes 560SL Black/Grey 64k mi #107-1683: $15,900 CA
4. 1985 Mercedes 500SL Black/Tan #107-1665: $19,000 CA
5. 1985 Mercedes 380SL #107- 1671: $12,500 FL
6. 1984 Mercedes 500SL Anthracite/Grey #107-1676: $25,000 LA
7. 1984 Mercedes 380SL Black/Black #107-1646: $7,750 CA
8. 1983 Mercedes 380SL #107- 1675: $6,800 CA
9. 1983 Mercedes 380SL Ivory #107-1672: $12,400 CA
10. 1977 Mercedes 450SL #107- 1569: $17,000 CA

[tabs]

Presently in German car Stable...69 911S Coupe and a 69 Ford Mustang 428SCJ....oppps sorry the Ford ain't German...but is sure cheaper to keep.

He11 if I fit in that 560SL I would consider buying it.

What kind of mileage is on the car?

[RickM]

Tabs, If you fit in the 911 you'll have no prob in the 560.

[tabs]

I hav an OLD 911 without the center consol...BIG DIFF...

I have difficulty fitting into any of the newer 911s, from 74 on...The old ones didn't have as much cr@p in them.

[RarlyL8]

Mom's '86 560SL has 85K on the odo.
If you fit in ANY 911 you'll fit in that car. Big comfy seats with no bolsters.

You're gonna love this.
I just don't know what to say right now.
My wife had a horrific back pain attack last night that turned out to be a kidney stone. I spent the day with her at the doctor's and finally the hospital (it is too big to pass). This evening I get to my partents house to pick up the kids and mom has a "surprize" for me.
She bought a new car. A shiny new Benz.
I say "that's a beauty but where is the 560?" as my heart sunk. You guessed it. She traded it in.

They said I had too many important things on my plate right now to worry about selling their car for them. Loss for words. You can only guess what the dealership gave them for the car.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR HELP. I am truely sorry that is was all in vane.