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Mercedes 380--450--560 SLs

437 messages,  Last post on Aug 26, 2009 at 7:45 AM

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

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#97 of 437 '78 450 SL in family by fischda Dec 04, 2001 (1:22 pm)
I need help - new to this forum.   My wife's grandfather just died and left his 450SL to the family (trust, not will). I need to find out what this baby is worth to help estate matters:   It's a '78 with ONLY 15,846 ORIGINAL miles on it. This beige/cream beauty with tan leather has never seen the road on a rainy or even humid day. I mean it's 100% pristine with only a perfectly replaced dented bumper against its record. It has both soft and hard tops, and auto trans (probably only came w/auto, right).   Car was appraised for insurance maybe ten years ago, but I need to know how much it's worth now. Short of getting another professional appraisal, I'd like your opinions, ballpark figures, and ideas for other sources. Your help is greatly appreciated!! --Dave
#98 of 437 by Mr_Shiftright HOST Dec 04, 2001 (5:22 pm)
Well, hard to say if someone will pay for those low miles or not. The problem is that the car is not a collectible (they made too many of them) and so a person who wants one would want to drive it. They do make nice cruisers. Only problem is, if they are going to drive it, why pay extra for the low miles, since that "valuable" part will soon be used up.   So you see the dilemma--convincing someone to pay very much extra for low miles on a car that is not going to appreciate in the future.   I'd say the best you can hope for is the very highest range of these cars currently, which is about $13,500 for a real beauty, and then add a bit onto that for the exceptional low mileage...so maybe $15,000 is all the money in the world for this car.   You can ask more certainly, but if you really want to sell it in a reasonable amount of time, I don't think there's any more money in it.   One reason is that if you go any higher, you are in 560SL territory, which looks like a 450SL but is a much more refined and developed car.   Also, the color is unfortunate and may hurt value.
#99 of 437 560 SL repair manual by tony114 Jan 20, 2002 (8:26 pm)
I have called several MB dealers and no one has a manual for the 560. HELP!!   I have even looked at Amazon.com and they don't have one. I have found all the 450's, but I need a 560 for the tune up aspect. I also need the manual for the front end and steering box details. Is the 450 manual OK to use for the steering box and front end work???   Tony 114
#100 of 437 check eBay by ghulet Jan 20, 2002 (9:25 pm)
.....generally there is a wide variety of automotive miscellania (OK, ALL types, not just automotive) there, and likely cheaper than buying it from a dealer or publisher.
#101 of 437 by Mr_Shiftright HOST Jan 21, 2002 (8:44 am)
I am quite surprised, skeptical even, that a quality MB dealer would not have all these manuals available.   But if in fact this is the case, I suggest you write to MB customer assistance center, One Glenview Road, Montvale, NJ 07645   Host
#102 of 437 Care of exterior -- compounding vs. detailing?? by asc63 May 10, 2002 (10:05 am)
Hi, I'm new to the forum, and hope it is still an active one... I am going to be acquiring (through my family) a 1980 450SL (white with navy interior, both tops navy), which has been garage kept for 22 years, and has only 4100 (yes, four thousand, one hundred) miles on it. My concern is that the white paint looks dull and dirty. Do you think it's worth having the car detailed professionally, or can I perform the necessary labor intense work myself? I'm not sure how to proceed. Any feedback would be welcome!
#103 of 437 by Mr_Shiftright HOST May 10, 2002 (1:14 pm)
Oh, yes, definitely professionally. Also, you'll need to have the car thoroughly looked over and safety checked. Lots of things can deteriorate on a car with this type of low mileage and you should certainly not just get in it and drive it. Belts, hoses and major fluid changes are in order, and probably new tires.
#104 of 437 care of exterior by asc63 May 11, 2002 (6:58 pm)
Hi -- thanks for your quick response. This car gets serviced yearly and is gone over by the same mechanic who's seen the car since new, so I thank you for your recommendation. The only thing requiring replacing were the seals on the A/C which had dry rotted out (from lack of use). The oil gets changed every year (even though mileage is quite minimal). Otherwise the car's in really decent shape.   Thanks again - I just recently found this bulletin board and have enjoyed reading up.
#105 of 437 by Mr_Shiftright HOST May 11, 2002 (7:06 pm)
Brake fluid and coolant will need flushing, too.
#106 of 437 A question re central locking by asc63 May 13, 2002 (7:03 am)
A (hopefully) quick question: per the owner's manual, central locking locks the doors, trunk, and fuel filler door. In the manual, it seems as though the trunk can be unlocked this way. However, the only way I am able to open the trunk it by using the key, turning fully counterclockwise, and depressing the button. Is there some way the trunk can be unlocked (opened) without using the key?

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