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Mercedes 380--450--560 SLs

518 messages,  Last post on Nov 27, 2011 at 1:38 PM

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What is this discussion about? Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, Convertible

Messages Page 51 of 52

#499 of 518 Re: Thanks mucho guys! [seaplanedriver] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Mar 05, 2011 (3:46 pm)

Replying to: seaplanedriver (Mar 05, 2011 3:32 pm)
Maybe it was repainted a non-stock color?
 
Looks pretty nice, but they all do, in photos. You need eyeballs on the car to know what it really is, or is not.
 
Here's the LISTING for those who couldn't find it.
  

#500 of 518 Re: Thanks mucho guys! [seaplanedriver] by fintail

Mar 05, 2011 (3:42 pm)

Replying to: seaplanedriver (Mar 05, 2011 3:32 pm)
I can't find the listing, but for that money the car really needs to be immaculate with no issues at all.

#501 of 518 Re: Thanks mucho guys! [seaplanedriver] by freshairfiend

Mar 06, 2011 (10:00 am)

Replying to: seaplanedriver (Mar 05, 2011 3:32 pm)
I agree with what Mr Shiftright says regarding the DoT stuff, however if a Euro car is a 107 (minimum 22 years old) and is driven on a regular basis it would have been confiscated long ago if it in any way did not conform to standards. I have to admit that some modifications to US standards were badly done and that could result in problems. If the mods were done properly as most were , the Euros have no more problems than any other 107 and there is no doubt that the slimline bumpers and the square headlights add to the appearance. One proviso, of course, would be to buy from a reliable source and to check the car out thoroughly before parting with any cash, but that holds true for any used car. The 350SL as listed does look good though and that year still had good horsepower. It is also 38 years old not 28 as advertised. Good luck whichever way you go.

#503 of 518 Re: Thanks mucho guys! [Mr_Shiftright] by freshairfiend

Mar 06, 2011 (11:29 am)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Mar 05, 2011 10:16 am)
So you are saying that as long as the car has EPA/DoT papers all is well?

#504 of 518 Re: Thanks mucho guys! [freshairfiend] by texases

Mar 06, 2011 (11:33 am)

Replying to: freshairfiend (Mar 06, 2011 11:29 am)
Re Euro SLs - what about getting replacements for parts that are different from the US versions, engine parts in particular?

#505 of 518 Re: Thanks mucho guys! [freshairfiend] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Mar 06, 2011 (11:33 am)

Replying to: freshairfiend (Mar 06, 2011 11:29 am)
Yep, or if it's 25 years or older, that's also okay.
 
Of course, the EPA/DOT can change the game any time it wishes, like it did with the Nissan Skyline gray market cars. But that won't happen with old Benzes like this.

#506 of 518 Re: Thanks mucho guys! [texases] by fintail

Mar 06, 2011 (1:42 pm)

Replying to: texases (Mar 06, 2011 11:33 am)
With the internet and even the ability of dealers to order most anything, if you have a part number you'll get your part. Mechanical parts are the easiest to find for old MB.
 
The EPA/DOT BS always makes me laugh, when in real first world countries the grey market restrictions aren't nearly so tight. I wonder who bought those laws, and how much is wasted enforcing them.

#507 of 518 Re: Thanks mucho guys! [fintail] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Mar 06, 2011 (5:11 pm)

Replying to: fintail (Mar 06, 2011 1:42 pm)
Depends. Australia's rules for importing are pretty strict regarding safety regs, and Sweden has stricter emissions regulations than most of Europe.
 
Gray market cars came under scrutiny of DOT and EPA because of all the outrageous scams that went on in the 1980s, and NO DOUBT due to lobbying by legitimate foreign car automakers / dealers who resented having to compete with outlaws for the USA market share. I believe Mercedes dealers were particularly adamant in demanding that the EPA/DOT crack down on gray market cars.

#508 of 518 Re: Thanks mucho guys! [Mr_Shiftright] by fintail

Mar 06, 2011 (5:55 pm)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Mar 06, 2011 5:11 pm)
You can easily get JDM stuff into Oz, the place is full of it, heck, I've watched Youtube videos about how to do it. Lots of old American iron there too. The muscle car never died in Oz. Sweden, the banana republic?....I don't know if it is relevant - they just tax the hell out of everything to pay for the insane amount of social welfare they pay to asylum seekers and others who really shouldn't be there to begin with. Canada is also much easier to get a private import into than the US. Western Europe and the UK the same. I bet it's easier to get a used American car into Japan than vice versa, too.
 
The DOT/EPA junk is 100% because of carmakers and dealers who didn't want competition, I can't see it any other way. Saying it is about "safety" is about the same as saying speed enforcement is for safety and not revenue. You get the justice you pay for in this society.
 
It kills me that overpaid federal suits will crackdown and persecute those who import a handful of enthusiast cars, but in the vast majority of states, one can drive a bald-tired no-braked rotten old heap without worry, so long as it was sold in the US when new. Crazy.

Messages Page 51 of 52

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