|
free-energy64
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| 1991 500 SEL: ADVICE NEEDED
Hello and to introduce myself as a new forum member, I live in Adelaide Australia, 43 yr old married New Zealander been here 13 years and love it.
Am looking to purchase a 1991 500 SEL .
What are the main things to look for in a second-hand car ?
Seller states that it needs a carby rebuild which costs around $800 Aus, does this sound right?
Been reading as much as I can about this model and it ALL sounds like they are a fantastic vehicle, very reliable, well made, very comfortable ride, extremely well engineered, and made to last.
Look forward to ANY comments or advice.
Very much look forward to owning a Merc and to contributing to this forum.
Kind Regards
Paul |
|
| |
|
Bollotti
Member
Date registered: Jun 2007
Location: Florida
Vehicle(s): 460 GD, 500 SEL
Posts: 29
| RE: 1991 500 SEL: ADVICE NEEDED
Hi,
I have recently bought a 500 SEL.
The things I checked apart from obvious were:
1) Timing chain, has it been renewed. I think it is recommended to change after abount 75,000 miles.
2) Under the rear parcel shelf, accessed from the boot, check for rust, as the rear window seal is prone to leak after time.
3) Check all electrics work, seats, window, sunroof etc.
4) Springs in seats, as these are prone to break in time, especially the drivers seat. Probably cheaper to buy a good second hand seat on Ebay, than fix the old one.
If you check on this and other forums, you will find fixes for all of the above
I have had mine for about a month now, and use it as a second car. On a long run its a very comfortable drive, and suprisingly good on fuel given the size.
I would try and buy the best you can afford, as they are at bargain prices. If I was you I would avoid buying one that needed any major work, as you will not put any real value on the car after the work has been completed.
|
|
| |
|
420 SE
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| RE: 1991 500 SEL: ADVICE NEEDED
Welcome, unfortunately this is a bit of a quite forum, but very friendly. There are some really good buying guides on the MBCoupes site which really cover the points to look for. Cheers |
|
| |
|
Ed Mclass
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Vehicle(s): 1958 180a, 2010 GLK, 2000 G 500, 2005 SLK 350
Posts: 1215
| Re: 1991 500 SEL: ADVICE NEEDED
Because of the age and the V-8 engine heat, the wiring harness should be checked. They have been know to fail during this period because of biodegradable insulation. If the insulation is brittle and flakes off, you will have problems later. |
|
| |
