I BOUGHT A CHEAP MERCEDES SL500 FOR £4,500!

[@Joe_le-]

I’m glad you changed your mind,changing the steering wheel & wheels would have been a crime

[@JMNTN]

this era of mercedes is just something else, everything about it is solid and smooth

[@allosaurusfragilis7782]

When they were still over engineered. That's why it's still going!

[@Superzesh101]

One of these crashed into my BMW 2007 3 series at 40mph. My BMW wasn't too bad, but the Merc was unrecognisable.

[@Superzesh101]

@@ChrisPatrick-q6k I know. I'm just replying to the original comment claiming the old mercs were solid.

[@geirarnesen6531]

@@ChrisPatrick-q6k No, the best Mercedes Benzs were built before 1996! if you know you know.

[@geirarnesen6531]

@@ChrisPatrick-q6kJust look up how many Mercs pre '96 compared to BMWs and Audi's of the same years and are still going strong. Even though Mercs were much much more expensive cars and sold in less quantities. The built quality is on another level. It's like comparing Bentley and Rover.

[@sarahcarter824]

We need to see a video with Jimmy The Magician in.

[@Joemamma-c1f]

Please no!!

[@Bw-210]

Now then!

[@neilrobinson5115]

@@Joemamma-c1f We may learn something

[@neilrobinson5115]

We may learn something from him.

[@danecowan678]

The Wonder Grip van was only a baby at the start of the video 😂

[@AK.2425]

Its already a year old! Registered 1 June 2023

[@unexpectedfollowthrough5028]

stealth delete wonder grip

[@GAZZA.B]

Glued to the asphalt, good stuff Wondergrip 😂

[@johntaylor5968]

A friend in Germany had one - 520,000 km ( 304,000 mls ) and it still went like a bullet, the brakes could put your nose on the screen.

[@garys7828]

When Mercedes genuinely were a cut above other manufacturers. Different era, cannot see that latest SL lasting this long

[@pobinr]

Well at least they're 85% aluminium so shouldn't rust too much

[@HenryScott-d7g]

Mattt, corrosion also evident on Aluminium…..look at Jaguar….bi metal corrosion in fact.

[@stephengibbs4372]

Isn’t the wiring loom in these shrouded in something made from vegetable fibre and starts to decompose with time ?

[@paulsz6194]

Just look up legit street cars and see how much time & money the guy has spent on repairing his ‘03 SL 55 !

[@JohnSmith-cs7jg]

@@pobinrI’ve got a 2012 Audi A6 which is aluminium, it’s a clean car that’s been looked after and it’s corroding around the doors and arches…

[@arthurdardalis]

The epitome of Mercedes when owning a Mercedes meant you had money and taste. A classy, elegant, timeless design, Bruno Sacco at his best!!

[@AlanReynoldsBucklandJunction]

I worked in a Merc garage and think they are the ugliest cars ever built. = Tanks :o)

[@JohnnyPaton]

@@AlanReynoldsBucklandJunction have you seen a Fiat Multipla?

[@ljones396]

​@@AlanReynoldsBucklandJunctionoh Alan..

[@keyo525]

These would be sky high if they were sold in less numbers as the quality is peak Merc , It's amazing they sold so many as they were the price of house in 80s/90s. The sl pre merger cars will be the ones that do well- also think the early models look a lot better as they have aged.

[@seedybee7201]

It's...

[@robcookson7559]

@@seedybee7201pointless pedantry.

[@yutehube4468]

@@ChrisPatrick-q6k I like the even older ones like the 190E. Looks good even now.

[@PKWeaver74]

​@@ChrisPatrick-q6kGive your head a wobble

[@robertrool8108]

That era SL is getting popular. Worn out and badly kept SL's are already in the scrapyards. This car still has the charm that late 80's Mercs had.

[@Joe-he1bv]

At the age of 22 everyone would say it’s a Grandads car but in my opinion I would have this instead of something new great engine great interior it’s definitely a classic!

[@richyclubsport5155]

We've owned ours for 12 years, absolutely love it, silver with black leather, just turned 125K, horrendously expensive to maintain and run, but puts a smile on our face every time we use it. Of to France and Spain in it next week. Incidentally the air-conditioning doesn't work on ours, but as it's a sunny weather car doesn't bother us. Fantastic cars if you have deep pockets, but long term like other older Mercs, will appreciate in value.

[@bigfist255]

Sure you can fix the air ,lifes to short to drive boring cars ,if you get pleasure from it who cares if it costs a bit more to run .

[@yourcreditmanager]

When you say horrendously expensive to maintain, would you mind sharing some examples of the jobs you’ve had to do? I always thought the r129 had moderate service costs given how expensive the car initially was.

[@richyclubsport5155]

@@yourcreditmanager recently replaced cat, discs and pads all around, most of the suspension bushes, and a service and two tyres, almost £1900. Fuel consumption is 12-15 around town driving lightly, 20-25 on a run,we only use premium unleaded. Had the gearbox failure unexpectedly at 88k cost over 3k , had some electrical issues in our ownership, and hydraulic problems with roof to fix twice. But the V8 engine has been faultless. So far from cheap to run and maintain. Insurance is surprisingly cheap though because it's a third vehicle and now classed as a classic.

[@davidpaterson2309]

⁠@@richyclubsport5155Interesting. I guess it’s luck. I had an SL320 of the same era and a CLK500 (2004 model) after that.Neither was expensive to maintain or run. I used a very good MB specialist in Hampshire (the guys are all Merc owner/fans themselves) and had no big bills of any kind, just routine services, consumables and a slightly scary gearbox service on the CLK at 10 years (in lieu of 60k miles, which it hadn’t reached). But it’s a V8 Merc - if you’re interested in fuel economy you really bought the wrong car. My CLK managed mid 20s most of the time but you had to have the lightest of toes to get it to break 30, even on a long run at low ish speed. And of course if you stuck it in “sport” and put your foot down it made a wonderful noise and pinned you to the seat, but well south of 15 mpg. If you like cars, owning a Merc V8 is one of life’s pleasures that isn’t really that expensive if you buy well and have it as a second car.

[@dirkdiggler69]

I’ve a really clean 1998 SL500 with 55k miles on it. What’s the thoughts on its value in the uk?

[@70053morayfirth]

OOOh - don't change the alloys. Keep it as original as possible for future value retention. There are beautiful cars and I have owned several. They normally had a Becker stereo. The 500 is the best engine.

[@jjefferyworboys8138]

Back in 1990 when the SL500 was introduced my next door neighbour, a former Mercedes dealer, brought one of the first to enter the country for his 75th birthday at a cost of £75,000. At the time these attracted a substantial premium, because of the long waiting list and I recall ads in the Sunday Times for £120/£130k.

[@Chief_Brody]

how's your next door neighbour getting on these days?

[@johnmcdonnell81]

500SL back then.

[@TheFlooring111]

Hitler is dead but as he wanted never forgotten

[@Zimmy_1981]

The Alpine system is very high quality, changing them for cheaper lossy aydio would be unwise❤

[@RMILLSMMA]

When I was 21 years old I bought a Porsche 944s. My uncle who was quite a wealthy mom took me to pick it up in this Mercedes 500 SL. 25 years later I still get incredibly nostalgic every time I see a 500 SL. Your doing god's work Matt! ❤

[@Rose.Of.Hizaki]

Your uncle was a wealthy mom? Now thats an uncle id like to follow.

[@the_worrier598]

Be nice if some of the jobs being done were shown. Sorting rust, painting, wheel refurb.

[@lawrenceholden5716]

Remember these when new, the son of the local main Mercedes dealer was dating a girl who lived opposite me, he was the Sales Director and ran one as a company car. Looked so cool on sunny days with the top down.

[@wernerdanler2742]

Sell it before the hydraulic suspension starts leaking! I loved the monowiper on my e320. I never had it chatter on the windscreen no matter how old the blade was.

[@alexanderstefanov6474]

Only the 600sl had hydraulic suspension. The roof is hydraulic on all of them and can start spraying fluid when it goes wrong

[@neilrobinson5115]

I think these mercs were built by Daimler/Benz,Before Chrysler/jeep Petronas got hold of them,Quality went right down after original manufacturer had them,Great video Matt.

[@mindaugasradavicius8007]

Lithuania gets mentioned.. For supplying a faulty part :D :D

[@milliondollarempire]

Lol no need need to fix air con u can take roof off. Definitely a keeper i love this car💟

[@flemmingsorensen5470]

That interior is just insanely cool! Totally different from the soul less cheap screens we have today. This here just screams quality.

[@deansmith4752]

I remember my boss buying TWO mercedes from this era (his and hers), both with custom plates and the envy of everyone. The single front wiper was weird to see how a single blade had an eccentric motion which managed to clean 90% of the glass. He did not pass it down to me 3 years later - as was his wont.

[@zzhughesd]

Rear view mirror touch is amazing. So much to like on these. I can smell it from here. Lovely. Not for me but what a nice thing.

[@GAZZA.B]

Why not Park the two side by side, swap the better parts onto the 500 and move on the other,zero cost, just a thought 🤔

[@bobbyboy6397]

I’ve always liked the Mercedes in the original Roadhouse film 😊

[@bartoni79]

Sec I think

[@stephenlester7286]

This is the era of engine wiring looms that disintegrate. Also so many parts are unobtainable so ive got 3 w140s which provide spares.

[@timgibbs4762]

Owned an ex-Japan 1994 SL500 and it proved to be reliable and fun. Hardtop more trouble than it is worth; softt top is all you need. Not an appreciating asset IMHO.

[@garywinterbottom6073]

Agreed they are pretty cars and also pretty damned expensive to fix when they go wrong too.😅

[@scotty6346]

A shame you couldn't have kept the SL500 Matt, It's dead tidy and has been so well cared for by it's previous owners, With it's service history, Stack of receipt's, Original sales brochures etc and all the stuff that came with it new like the first aid kit and the roof tool etc it would be a surefire investment IMO. You would be hard pushed to find another one so complete 👍

[@johndorenski4127]

Now that's more like it,a proper classic collector's car..... something to be enjoyed 🌟🎊🤩🥳 You didn't put new number plates on 😭😭😭..... what's going on Matt😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫

[@rDanny]

It's probably on its last legs 😂

[@KarmaCorner]

Ohhh 1:01 i half expected you hand brake turning the range chasing after the Merc and offering to buy it, you do have quite a thing for a SL

[@Guccit865]

Ha an alpine stereo I remember when they used to last about a month or two before it got nicked and all that was left was a hole with wires 😂 you don’t hear of car radios being stolen anymore. ps : I hired a 500sl back then it was a month old and I had to be 30 or over which I was I used it to take a girl friend to the Henley regatta for the weekend it was brilliant the hotel reserved the best parking space for me….those were the days…..

[@UnusSedLeo-w5l]

My brother owned a SL500, the money pit. So difficult to drive these on a budget, even if it's high.

[@JamesTheRealSpeaker3.0_]

I own three Mercs, and would love one of these as my fourth. As a Benz enthusiast, I had a warm and fuzzy feeling for this entire video. Such a beauty.

[@ducatiboy6668]

Very accurate and precise it shows that yhe ultimate success in the Normandy campaign was driven by British and Commonwealth forces.

[@jimbofaulty]

Evergreen tyres are quite a very good tyre. Part of the Happygallop group

[@Nick-cd2yx]

Having becoming more retro with age and now own a 99 E320 diesel 108k so I can relate to everything. Yes, it's getting tired looking now but has never broke down. Sure it will see me out

[@stevenclark1973]

Don't like mercs especially the modern ones, but this looks like a right classic. Great video.

[@glennc.2183]

Never did see the blue soft top; I wonder if the hydraulics were working. It is interesting to see the hood release remains on the left side of a right wheel drive car.

[@andrewfoote322]

Not that I pretend to be an expert, but my experience of owning German cars of that age was that they suffered from all manner of electical issues - just about all these were caused be damp getting to the CPU / corroding wiring in the BUS system that meant bad earthing and intermittant connections. My old VW Passat TDI had 275,000 recorded miles, looked and drove like it was fresh out of the showroom, but failed the MoT because the central locking had died. CPU / wiring harness issues - no after-marked spares - not even cheap Chinese knock-off's to be had. Same thing with my Merc ML320 - Weird electrical problens - sometimes something worked - other times not. Your SL 500 might have been built before they began playing around with early electronics, but if not, I wouldn't even look at it

[@georgedaville4662]

Fantastic example at a very reasonable price. Can’t believe how cheap it is in comparison with other cars of today. Sadly I can easily afford it, but I have nowhere to store it ! Love Sam at SBR , brilliant dry sense of humour 😂

[@chorlton1]

What about the ticking engine? I believe this is probably the oil tubes in the head. Mine is just in getting the same job done, I ordered the metal pipes made by URO in California.

[@martinsvensson6884]

The 1995 SL500 had 320hp. It was the later m113 that had 306hp. Due to only 3 valve/cyl The 320/326hp m119 had 4.

[@steadfastandyx4947]

I've resisted saying (writing) ; the point of this car is roof down motoring, isn't it. It would be for me. So why not show it off? Does the roof operate?

[@steveegginton535]

Personally I don't think the R129 is the best looking SL made it had a hard act to follow aftet the previous R107. Can't deny they were very well built and ahead of their time.Seems they can be picked up quite cheaply but need plenty of cash for maintainance and repairs. Nice original example this one hope you find it a new home!

[@patrickstangle6551]

Check the cam oilers, thats the typical cause of ticking

[@JMc.D]

Replace the radio with a blaupunkt Bremen. Classic period styling, all the modern conveniences.

[@paulsz6194]

Surely you could find a brand new condenser in the USA , where they still have new, original parts for older Merc’s. I think it’s in L.A .

[@LandyAndy62]

What was the ticking noise from the engine? That’s what worried me! Really needs the paint sorting on the rear screen and front of NSF arch. Those little nooks and crannies have a habit of growing arms and legs through a British Winter!

[@garrettdodson6110]

The engine tick is super easy to fix! Most replace the cheap plastic cam like tubes. They sit right on top. A five year old kid could fix them.

[@vpphun]

I am still turning after these SL cars, but not brave enough to own one, based on the age. The price of the welding is brutal in the UK, and the waiting list is terribly long.

[@joelehane1]

That electrically adjustable rear view mirror is not a gimmick. It's used by memory seating which adjusts all 3 mirrors. Every day after my wife uses my E220 I wish my memory system would do that. Mine only does door mirrors

[@petemcclelland9067]

Brilliant car but if the biodegradable wiring loom starts doing its stuff they're a nightmare

[@trizvanov]

See if you can find the big daddy of them all.. an SL600 or better yet, an AMG version of that!

[@mbkomfort]

Upgrade the oil feeding pipes under the cam cover from plastic to aluminium bits, you should know this liking the 90's V8;mercs so much 😊

[@Bazookatone1]

The electronically adjustable rear view mirror is cool, but the moment I saw it, I thought, Why ISN'T that something you just have on every car? I mean its not some cutting edge technology, its just the guts of a wing mirror, we've been able to make things move because of electricity for a while now.

[@jamiewolstencroft7095]

I lived in Whaley Bridge until 1987 and School Garage was Suzuki dealer back then.

[@manekdubash5022]

If you need a condenser, I bought a Mahle-made unit from Autodoc. Fitted it myself, no leaks.

[@nuntiusuk3345]

There are some things to watch out for on the SLK and could well be applicable to the SL and indeed other mercs. If you buy a Merc of this era or are considering buying one , make sure the roof works , check for any signs of wheel arch paint bubbling all around . If it’s all clear then at the earliest opportunity and preferably on a hot day , pump the internal panels and joint areas of these areas full of waxoyl or similar . In the SLK (and probably others ) in the boot on the right hand side under the mat lives the air pump for the central locking . It lives in a two part foam rubber case . This can collect wetness and wreck the pump over time . Ease the foam case out , split it , gently take the pump out and check for wetness . I always reassemble it and tuck a small wad of tissue under the foam case on the outside to wick away any moisture! By the way , as soon as you lift the boot mat , take a photo of the right hand side where the jack and the air pump live as it can be a pig to reassemble if you’ve forgotten how it came out ! Take the spare wheel out of its storage . Check the space for dampness and anywhere where paint has rubbed off due to the wheel moving around Ease the drain plug rubber out , make sure it’s clear . Waxoyl the area . Put drain rubber back in and get a sheet of fabric , maybe an old towel . Cut a hole in middle to slip over the central wheel securing pin . Lay it in the wheel well and fit wheel over it . This will dampen any noise , absorb moisture and prevent the spare wheel rubbing on the bodywork

[@DeeCee-nb6ev]

Always worth joining a specialist forum / social media group if you get one of these. If the air suspension starts playing up thats a potential money pit.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Only visit forums if you want to be talked out of a purchase. They’re full of idiots

[@davidsewell3745]

Even though it's a 93, it's still a gorgeous modern looking car, my fave Merc the r129

[@Afraz_9n3]

On one of the roads near me there's a SL500 in blue it's been sat for years and I've never seen it move. Its well nice though i like seeing it on my way to work. The guy who owns it also has a CL500 that one has moved a bit but only for MOT😂Had a clean MOT every year but it sits for the entire year otherwise. Fact both cars aren't ULEZ compliant doesnt exactly help either

[@ThePorkypete51]

Wooden steering wheel smacks of golf club Captain

[@MrMfaust5]

Hello Matt, I hope you got over your cold / flu. Do you still have your SL320? You've really done a nice job on it! (Mercedes-Benz started the electric rear view mirror in the W140 line; it was indeed something the 1990s; they did stop it in the 1996 facelift of the W140; people were breaking them by moving them manually 😅)

[@michaelfitzpatrick6264]

When you find the wheels you want tell us the supplier and costs please

[@Millennial_Manc]

Could buy a used condenser from Dronsfields. It’s luck of the draw if it fails quickly or goes on for years but worth a punt in summer.

[@HighPeakAutos]

I’ve had a poor experience with Dronsfield so I refuse to use them now

[@Millennial_Manc]

@@HighPeakAutos They nearly killed me when they serviced a S class. Didn’t replace broken fuel line clip. Popped off when driving up a country road, sprayed engine bay in fuel, instant loss of power, cabin full of smoke. Good job it was diesel or it’d have gone up in flames. Led me to SPR which I’ve used for 12 yr.

[@timbo19751975]

Autodoc have stock of either a Nissens or Delphi condensor

[@lucypalmer5228]

You recommend a garage, but then there is a known fault with the wiper, which is dangerous and wouldn't pass an MOT. You immediately spot a headlamp wiper that is defective, you notice a tappet noise and then car breaks down and needs a lot of worn ignition components replacing. I don't understand why you would recommend them and I would certainly avoid them.

[@markbiggart1265]

Beautiful car and Mercedes at its best

[@jamespn]

I agree, lose the pioneer stereo and replace it with a Blaupunkt retro system.

[@Rosscraw]

Don’t try to move that mirror manually. It will break and your eyes will water at the cost to replace it.

[@colincleary8669]

Lovely looking motor matt but the right decision to move it on you can't keep everything good luck with the sale 👍

[@kisalwalpola1168]

Please do a walk through of your personal car collection.

[@BomberFletch31]

18:02 - did you put the 'S' from the SL badge back on? The 'S' is upside down (no, it is not symmetrical).

[@solareclipsed1327]

Hey Matt ,a small word of advice, I dunno who else would agree but the camera on the hood doesn't make much sense ,does it? It would be better if you chose a better view .. have a great day cheers.

[@ektrolleyboy]

I’ve been looking at these all summer. To be fair… I’ve been looking at them since 1991. 😂

[@23gatesy]

My dad had an r129 SL600 on a K plate brand new. Monster of a car and so smooth. Felt like royalty at 7 years old in the passenger seat.

[@agaafear]

Spent a day in one of these a few years ago. Unbelievably well built - it just exuded quality. Even the single wiper mechanism! I’d love one but they cost a fortune to maintain and run.

[@oliverpalmer3037]

Think Schools garage in Whaley Bridge has closed, show room look empty when I drove past last week

[@MarkJVSomers]

Where's that dark blue roof then?

[@geirarnesen6531]

Great video Matt 👏. More like this with semi-classic bargains, and You are so modest and ridiculously fair with your pricing, that I'm sure it was a rush to buy this beauty.

[@pomerau]

I corrected / deleted my previous comment where I thought this was made last year, without following it through to the 11 month update. I spent some time driving my 2001 - 2005 boss's old SL600 around of the same vintage, and used to work at a chauffeur drive previously that had E - class's and S- class's from 1993 on. That SL600 was a great tourer. The SL500 of 2002 he replaced it with was more engaging when pushed, but was poorly designed in a lot of places. I would buy one of these if I had money for a car collection, 320 or 500/600 - no matter.

[@johndoyle4723]

Thanks, beautiful car. Those were the days when owning a Merc was something special, now, yes still good cars, but no longer special.

[@michaelloach9461]

When you mentioned Whaley Bridge it brought back some memories of the last Hotel I owned....then sold....the Jodrell Arms Hotel (next to the train station). Probably been made into flats now but good memories. I like the Merc & was thinking of buying one. The suspension put me off as there are many reports of faults. Whoever buys this should have an appreciating classic that has been well looked after..........all the best Matt....keep going...the man-flu will go away...

[@HampshireHooker]

I don't think it's this R129 model with the suspension issues. It's an issue for the subsequent R230 which I have. The ABC suspension system is notoriously fragile and expensive to repair. You have to stay on top of it, always. And its a fundamental characteristic of the car, it works brilliantly when functioning, so swapping it out for coilover springs is equivalent to desecration.

[@baronridgeback]

Wonderful quality cars that look fast standing still - even though they are not. More a grand tourer really. I've got a 320SL from 1999 in brilliant silver with around 76,000 miles on it. Among a few other bits, it was optioned from new with a glass roof and AMG split rim wheels and suspension. Apparently the wheel arch lips had to be rolled with that option. In 8 years of ownership it really hasn't been any trouble, particularly as sitting around doesn't do them any good. I think running the engine up to temperature every month or two if not used has helped. One new oil pipe serving the gearbox and that has been it beyond servicing. Interior plastics are becoming an issue on most of these cars now - they go brittle and crumbly. Fortunately some old new stock is still available and there are aftermarket alternatives. Hydraulic seals for raising and lowering the soft top begin to fail around 25 years old so mine are now due. Most older models will have had them done by now. 93-94 cars suffered crispy wiring looms in the engine bay causing all sorts of electrical issues. Again, most will have had that section of wiring loom replaced by now but something to be aware of.

[@aleksandarmarkovic4992]

Fantastic car ❤

[@Sussexfauns]

Beautiful car. Love this period of Mercedes, remember my grandad having this gen SL500 in dark blue. The grandchildren were only allowed in it once or twice 😂

[@gareththomas6426]

Would you be interested in a well looked after SL280 with only 40k miles and a panoramic hard top? Quite an unusual colour combo too

[@Millennial_Manc]

8:01 it’s unusual to find one with the rear view mirror working. They break if moved by hand. Then again, SPR would fix stuff like that.

[@Rossbott1964]

I once new a girl called Mercedes in my younger days ! And she was definitely running on 9 cylinders !! and also a very nice model ! 😁 hence to say this vehicle is very stylish and has a lot more life in it 👍…The End 😃

[@connclissmann6514]

If her father's name was Karl Benz, you're older than you think. 😉

[@colindowd9756]

These are the kind of car you would keep! It looks like a 10k car ❤

[@SuhailRana-gp9ko]

Btw, this generation did not have the hydraulic (ABC) suspension but did have adaptive dampers....very cool car though.

[@f.k.3762]

Great car and a real classic. I would keep the rims instead of switching to AMG ones. They are a bit too flashy for my taste

[@robinharrison3907]

Love the older Mercedes 👍👍Solid Cars with a story 👍👍I have 2 190E and spend a few quid on them but you need a hobby 😂😂

[@AssumedTiger]

Should have put period correct plates on

[@davemitchell8756]

If Sam at SPR has been looking after the car, it’s been in good hands. Quality team who know their stuff - 👍

[@sashablue1971]

This model is self driving @ 17:18

[@kaloyanpanchev5374]

When are you buying a W140?

[@the_producer]

that's a particularly good Alpine HU - which doesn't suit this car, but would be great somewhere else

[@constantint9595]

3:53 Last MOT in July this year?! 😮😂 do you travel in time? Or what are you ok? Something wrong?

[@HighPeakAutos]

It was filmed last year 😂