MB 500SL - Thoughts? - Page 2

tabs · 08-31-2018, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris at Pelican Parts

Funny enough, there is a thread on the Peach Parts forum with a few guys trying to do just that for the M119 V8, but I haven't run across a successful (running) conversion so far.

If it was that important to row my own, I'd track down one of the rare 300SL 5-Speeds that were brought to the U.S. and see if I could tweak it for a bit more power.

What is an "ADMINISTRATOR????" I haven't seen one before????

Admin at Pelican Parts · Admin at Pelican Parts's Garage

tevake · 08-31-2018, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottmandue

I love me some Miata but it is a bit of a downgrade from a SL.
Having said that I have been looking at the 2015 Miata 'Grand Touring' model that has a retractable hard top that is much more reasonably priced than a new one (I also love the new targa... maybe in a few years when those prices come down

)

I hear you, Scott.
Clearly the Miata doesn't offer the high end features of the MB. But Mike seemed to come around to the thinking that maintaining a complex older machine was not appealing.
So I thought I'd mention a slimper option to consider. They are less than $30k new so probably will be around around 20 used soon.

Yep I do really like that targa top and its B pilar design. It's a neat simple retraction device too. The newer models have come a long way from the original.

Cheers Richard

Noah930 · Noah930's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tervuren

Does anyone make a manual gearbox conversion for the V8 or V12?

I have a friend who converted his CLK430 (1st generation) to a manual transmission. I think he took the donor gearbox from a Chrysler Crossfire.

There's a video of it on One Take: https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video;_ylt=Awr9IltInolbhYQA1vhXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTB0N jZjZzZhBGNvbG8DZ3ExBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDBHNlYwNwaXZz?p= manual+transmission+clk430&fr2=piv-web&fr=yfp-t#id=1&vid=48e51eeaaa4468ee7fe7e6caf2621700&action=view

tevake · 08-31-2018, 03:21 PM

Those Crossfires do show up for pretty reasonable numbers, they are on a MB chassis and are a bit unusual to see around.

Anyone had any experence with them?

Cheers Richard

javadog · 08-31-2018, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greglepore

Why? Because a 500 r129 is cheaper, easier to maintain,better built, has standard suspension, and is appreciating now rather than depreciating. Yes, its a soft top, but if you're looking for a gt style 'vert it might be a better choice.

The problem with an R129 is that, when the 18 million hydraulic actuators for the top crap out, you'll spend big bucks. Notice I said when, not if...

greglepore · 08-31-2018, 05:04 PM

Yeah. But if you diy its 750 and two 6 hr days. No biggie. 230s will do it eventually.

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Shaun @ Tru6 · 08-31-2018, 05:58 PM

I think one of the best things about these cars is they were typically never beat on and generally well cared for, never succumbing to 944 syndrome.

https://boston.craigslist.org/nos/cto/d/1997-sl500-40th-anniversary/6668380836.html

slow&rusty · 09-01-2018, 07:46 AM

After driving my 1988 Mazda 323 Sedan for 15+ years I decided to sell it and upgrade to a
"newer" 1998 SL500 (not "500SL"). I daily the SL and it has been a great car, comfortable, fast enough and very attractive. Parts are readily available and there is a great forum support plus you can work on these cars at home. I like the fact they do not have the ABC suspension like the R230 model which replaced them.

My car after a good wash and polish: