This Mercedes Was $100,000: We Bought If For Under $10K - Does It Suck?

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In this video we check out our new to us 1992 Mercedes 500 SL. Let's see how it looks?
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#mercedes #mercedesbenz

[@Random59427]

I did a core swap from Top Hydraulics for $550. Replaced all 11 cylinders myself. There are extensive instructions on KZbin of how to do it. I actually can’t believe it costs several thousands of dollars to have this done at a shop.

[@gingerroot3226]

It's nice to see a car like this move on and be appreciated. I'm sure the previous owner would have been ecstatic to know his car is being taken care of and now appreciated by millions on KZbin.

[@petescarport]

Hell yes. I’ve got a bunch of them. My favorite part is when someone doesn’t know about the top. I literally just bought a 98 and they said the same thing. Ironically I cycled the top and it fully worked. Then I found receipts showing new top and full service all done locally. Best $5k purchase ever.

[@billrbca]

Hey Pete, follow your channel as well !!

[@detonator2112]

Best quality Mercedes ever made along with W140. These are seriously under appreciated cars value wise. Amazing that you can buy one of these classics for $9000.

[@Lilmilshow]

$8000

[@optical818]

Aww man, this brings back memories. I used to have a 2000 SL600 in beautiful condition that the wifey crashed. What an amazing vehicle it was. I miss it so much ☹️

[@jm100368]

and yet you didn't replace it

[@scottogan3182]

Optical818 I had a 2000 sl500 that I custom ordered and waited a little over 4 months for it to come. I also loved that car and had it for 8 years. Been thinking about getting another one now since the value is so amazing especially from the 100+k I paid for mine when it was new.

[@brianhoefer7148]

Never let the wife or kids drive the vehicle you love.

[@optical818]

@@brianhoefer7148 believe me i learned my lesson after that.

[@TheProdigalCat]

Are you all still married?

[@stevesls6]

I like watching this channel. What I don't like is when the last two videos are combined to create a 3rd video with 30 seconds in the beginning and 30 seconds at the end of new footage. You guys really need to do this? Dont you guys make enough money off the 10 other channels you have?

[@jmansens9309]

🙌🏻💯well said this just makes tfl feel dirty and the viewer cheated!

[@alexandermitchell1102]

Yeah, that was a waste of 16 minutes. Bunk!

[@RysterARCEE]

Came here to make the same comment. This cross posting trend is garbage.

[@charlestaylor8832]

Agreed. Why bother.

[@davidevans2585]

Same, had to fast forward to get to what little new content there was. Cant be good for watch time!

[@LawrenceMarkFearon]

Shocking how little the seller knew about the car. But with the top working and radio on the only major things left are the seats. These are my favorite cars to daily drive especially the next generation which was peak SL- the R230's.

[@TheHitman-]

Absolutely I just bought an 04 sl 500. Car is amazing and still looks better than most luxury model cars of today. Letting go of the abc for so real nice struts when they go out though.

[@BYLRPhil]

Hey guys, where’s Nathan? I haven’t seen him in several weeks.

[@lazydadsgarage]

I'm surprised someone would ask. He's the cringiest host on the channel along with "Mr Truck"

[@Doncan0823]

🤔 I’ve been asking myself the same question…

[@outdoornaturestation4043]

@@lazydadsgarage lmao dude Nathan is the best. I also love Mr. truck. Both of them are hilarious

[@efrengonzalez9977]

Roman is my least favorite. Anyone but Roman

[@outdoornaturestation4043]

@@efrengonzalez9977 I actually like all the TFL hosts. The only one I wasn’t a fan of was Stephen when he was working for TFL in Canada, but otherwise I think they are all great

[@JustinSmithPYRO]

Brings me back to the day's when my dad worked at a Mercedes dealer when I was young. Worked there for 35 year's retired in 1993. Back in 1992 when I got my permit the owner said to me, pick any car here and I'll take you out in it so you can drive. I said, any car? He said yes, so I said let's take your gullwing 😉 he then said any other car but that. So I got to take a 600 SL out. But I would love to find a 500 SL like this to add to my stable. We have a 2014 C63. But I have always wanted a 500 SL. Nice pick up for 9k. I'm gonna have to be on the lookout now. Sincerely a new subscriber 🤘🤘 can't wait to see future video's

[@shawnfahey7243]

I really like your videos. Thank you! For the details and for the humor that you bring with these videos.

[@jasonperry7970]

I had a green 96. Pristine and everything worked. Got rear ended in Fountain by a bumblebee yellow Dodge Ram. Gave it away for 6k after the body shop screwed the paint up. (Ironically enough they didn't remove the hard top to repaint the rear quarter.) When the hard top was off you had a crappy line all the way around separating new paint from old. Body shop said they wouldn't redo it because insurance closed out the repair. I was furious but treated myself to an 09 Clk550 which was a very fast car at 6000 feet. Also, one fact worth mentioning in your next video is the grille blades are titanium and are jet engine turbofan blades.

[@bradleysargent9803]

??? So this video was just a rerun of the original purchasing video of the car with just the added bit about the phone, at the end? I thought the "Does It Suck" would be answered. I guess that might be in the next video.

[@MatthewBonacci3881]

This is just a recycled video. No new content from the previous video.

[@americanrambler4972]

Got yourself a really cool old Mercedes there. And it’s in very nice shape. Probably one well worth fixing all the non working bits. But the phone is hopeless. It’s probably no longer supported radio frequencies and tech.

[@nicholasbabeaux2052]

Great Find, beautiful color and condition👌💯

[@helopilot]

You guys should do a series where you each pick a 4x4/sports car/PU truck/etc. from the year you were born and then take them through a series of challenges.

[@olivervigilia6351]

there is a saying... "once the top goes down, the price goes up" ... it would have been a huge gamble though to have bought it and find out later the top is broken... but good thing its all working fine and in pristine condition! 😊

[@omostim2385]

Every time I see an r129 I feel a little ache in my heart. I had to sell mine. Hope I can get another one before prices get stupid.

[@mrbenz2392]

Get one they are the best.I have the 02 silver arrow and I love it.

[@omostim2385]

@@mrbenz2392 I will. Hopefully a later one. The m113 engine with the 5speed is a great combination. I didn’t have a Silver Arrow but it was close to that vintage(2000 500 with the sport pkg)

[@chris-gh4cd]

This video was awesome! I’m importing a 1992 300te to the states.

[@Infinitiwpb]

Really? This was just a replay of another video. I can't believe I almost watched this again.

[@kevinbarry71]

Same here. I wonder what they're trying to do.

[@cascivic]

Which video?

[@EckoHawker]

Honestly same lol

[@ThisIsNotMyYouTubeHandle]

@@georgeter8198 It was on The Fast Lane Car channel (still is) ... they reposted it on this channel to double down on views.

[@codycole3202]

I also own a 92 500 SL and it’s great to see these guys preserving this car. It’s meant to drive and be appreciated, not just a garage queen.

[@joelcrow]

This thing is still in its prime guys! The mirror just needs to be manually adjusted to be free of the trim. Everything else is good to go!

[@poplaurentiu4148]

What a steal of a deal.. damn since i'm European, i probably need to move in the US..

[@joelcrow]

@@poplaurentiu4148 you are most welcome! Does your last name ending in a U mean youre from Romania? If so, I have been all around your gorgeous country too!

[@poplaurentiu4148]

@@joelcrow Well tanks for reply, i kept my birth names on this account but i no longer live in my parents beautiful country since after i married i moved in Croatia.. so anyway tanks again you are definitely right Romania even though is not that big country in size still has plenty beautiful places to see like 2 of the most beautiful mountain roads that are on Carpatian mountains, few gorgeous castles that are filled each year with tourists, the roads along Danube river hide plenty of roman empire old history monuments, heading toward the wilderness of Danube bio-sphera where the Danube pours into Blacksea and also the Blacksea sand-shores for tourists.. Romanians are welcoming and friendly and the food is still kept very traditional on some parts of the country, so yeah i'm glad you have visited my parents country and enjoy it.. ;0)

[@joelcrow]

@@poplaurentiu4148 yes that's my experience too! I showed up as a hillbilly southern american and was welcomed by some of the kindest people I've ever met! In Bucharest as well as the country and mountain areas of Brashov. I would never dare try to drive there, but otherwise wonderful people! Lol Wishing you all the best in Croatia! Ive not yet seen those areas but will get there as soon as our airlines stop cancelling all the flights!😅 Come see us in the states! ❤

[@bobimoto28]

Duuude no way ...it still had the cassetes in the car and they were working...that brings up some memories 😁

[@WadeSmart]

Was this video re-uploaded from the other day?

[@BasicBeachCommunity1]

This car kind of reminds me of those old BMWs that are going up in value, that kind of cool squared off look

[@Hillbillyheaven7]

I also live in Boulder County and I also just bought an SL. I have a 2003 and am loving it, I paid $15k only 65k miles. Best Benz dealer IMHO is local to us in Gunbarrel.

[@OrlandoGarcia-jz8lp]

The rims on that SL are twin 5 spoke 17" rims from the w211 E-class

[@weedie82]

Good eye

[@sillygoose4176]

I drove one of these. A 94. Very comfortable and drove real nice. They were very popular and kind of expensive when they were new over in germany

[@Billywoo12]

Ahhh, the analogue sound of a cassette player, and a Becker cassette player no less! Amazing!

[@TheMeanmarine13]

Isn't this the same video as last week??

[@jamesreckling6697]

The best model years for this car are 96 to 98. The best V8 engine (M119) and a 5 speed electronic transmission (much better gas mileage, better driving) and electronic ignition. Much more reliable. The top is no big deal to fix. Top Hydraulics will rebuild the cylinders for about $60 a piece. There are videos showing how to take them out/reinstall or it costs about $1500 to pay someone to do it. The air conditioner is a potential big dollar item because it may involve tearing apart the dash. They are a dream to drive!

[@TJY2K]

Hell yeah I'm excited for this series

[@WUStLBear82]

My brother's widow has a '97 SL500 40th Anniversary in Crimson Metallic with Parchment leather interior and it's a gorgeous car. They bought it nearly 15 years ago with less than 30,000 miles for something in the mid-20K dollars. I don't know how many miles she's put on it since, but it only goes out in warm weather when it's not raining.

[@mrbenz2392]

That is so cool.

[@silvcrest]

love the car , would be a dream to drive it here at the mediterranean coast ... even the radio is perfect for me ... can I buy it including the Dylan tape ? 😊

[@jameskerherve7487]

That was a giant gamble with that hydraulic top. As Tommy mentioned this thing has all those hydraulic cylinders and when they go you get a hydraulic fluid shower in the driver seat. Don’t wear any high style clothes you don’t want damage when operating that top.

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Beautiful example and great color. Great find guys!

[@markv78]

Tommy pls try and figure that phone out that would be iconic and get toby to look it over for u guys .

[@gtalk2020]

This is awesome, the brother is happy the car is in great hands

[@jimmykucera8627]

Beautiful car back in the day and still is today…

[@zackattack6106]

Is this a repost?

[@jimmykucera8627]

@@zackattack6106 longer version, behind the scenes on the other channel, The Fast Lane Cars

[@OS-hx4jk]

This is essentially last week's video! Hardly anythng new in this.i

[@kingripper4079]

Tommy not cool. Reloading a video from the other day and make us think it's all new.

[@zmoorer]

Exactly what I was thinking! I already saw the other video so don't need to see it again!

[@jliscorpio]

I bought a 1998 SL500 that was new to me in 2000. Today 22 years later most reliable car I have E V E R owned. The 11 convertible tops cylinders were rebuilt in 2018 (for $2000) and needed a new top also (also $2000) but aside from maintenance that's all of the trouble it's handed me.

[@frankz5864]

I think it makes a huge difference that you bought it as a near new car and looked after it. Moving from owner to owner things get missed In the maintenance department and it eventually catches up with someone. Awesome that you still have it and love it to this day 👌

[@mrbenz2392]

The best!

[@terryetheredge7332]

I have a 1997 sl500, you got that one for a good price, and the good part about it that the soft top works, and in excellent running condition, and that is rare for a 1994 500sl

[@drnubb762]

my first car! got it for 2 grand from an old palm springs lady, though it had cigarette butts everywhere and reeked. hilariously it was actually a sl320 which had its badge replaced to sl500 lmao. a real diamond in the rough- azurite blue with blue interior and blue soft top. unfortunately the wiring harness had completely degraded causing all kinds of electrical issues and eventually the top mechanism dumped hydraulic fluid all over the driveway. it was way beyond my mechanical knowledge and wallet at the time as I was only 16. I still really wish I could've kept it.

[@billrbca]

enjoy seeing the SL and the front range...used to be in Colorado Springs for 10yrs....have my SL here in WV :)....92 not accelerator pump....idle control valve. My 300SL has over 160K now, I bought from California when it would pass emissions there for $2500 , I have fixed everything and it runs and runs and runs. These are maintainable cars if you do your own work. They share many parts with W124

[@austincarpenter6360]

Greetings from Boulder! nice opening shot of the Flatirons

[@kal9908]

I just landed my dream job at a mercedes dealership. As much as I love the new ones the old ones have my heart even though I'm 21.

[@sonnyvito504]

Got my eye on a 1991 71k miles garage kept. I praying it doesn't sell by the time I'm ready. It's my dream car.

[@michaelmeyers1827]

What a deal good job Roman!

[@kc0lif]

sl for smooth like. hardtop convertible instead of vinyl it's metal.

[@Ijusthopeitsquick]

Am I going mad or did I see this exact video a week ago?

[@ThisIsNotMyYouTubeHandle]

It was on The Fast Lane Car channel (still is) ... they reposted it on this channel to double down on views.

[@ron8975]

Mechanic says there's no top and the accelerator pump is bad... Well, there's no accelerator pump on those cars and there is a top. That guy needs a new mechanic. The current one is batting 1000 for being wrong.............

[@JimStepsride]

One of my favorite cars. I want to see how this goes because I would love to get one!

[@richsarchet9762]

Analog cellular has been dead for awhile now. No doubt someone has created a patch to make it work with digital cellular.

[@brandonmorris2513]

TOP GOES DOWN, THE PRICE GOES UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@michaelpatrick9897]

I just bought a 1995 SL500 with 126K for under $4000

[@jeeper5264]

wait a minute here guys..I have a 68 280SL california coupe which means hard top and no soft top..it is called a roadster really.. I love it :)

[@argyle1812]

Always loved this generation of MB

[@seanweirdbeard]

I almost bought a mint well cared for one a few yrz back from a client of mine. He only wanted silly money too but just quite stretch to it. Shame! They really built them to last…

[@acmy2jcacmy2jc85]

Tommy you are going to catch dad's size very soon if you don't watch waht you eat. 😉 As always love your show, and the father-son bonding, and love the SL500

[@ItsTimePictures]

One of my best friends services these and I have looked at some of the bills his customers have received, as well as estimates. These cars are HUGE basket-case money-pits! They can be soooo expensive to keep up that owners will sell off or abandon gorgeous looking examples. It is absolutely essential that these cars are properly maintained from the day they are bought up to now. Maintenance cannot be deferred. That being said... If YOU know how to do the work on these cars YOU might be a good fit because you won't be paying someone a bazillion dollars in labor costs. Parts are still going cost a ton, but it's the labor that truly bankrupts you.

[@martinsvensson6884]

They can be pretty cheap to run actually. Not more than any other comparable car. The fundamentals will last very long if not neglected. The only thing that can cost big money is if the soft top is bad.

[@perryelyod4870]

Yes, if you can turn a metric wrench, these cars are bargains. However, the newer they get, the less you can repair without very expensive diagnostic Star system computers.

[@mrbenz2392]

@@martinsvensson6884 Facts .....My gf has one and I have the 02 silver arrow just simple maintenance and you are good.

[@cloutfoam9783]

That was an absolute steal for that car in its condition.

[@corvettenyc72op21]

I love my 98 ! Fantastic driver, best on the highway!..

[@iain42]

The phone was HANDS FREE in the early 90's

[@dougca7086]

Unfortunately in the car business when on odometer is broken it's called tmu true mileage unknown it's like a salvage title car worth about half the value but not to the owner it's still a fun car that drives well you just don't know how many miles are on the engine

[@juiceybrucey3475]

Early 90s my buddy was getting a stereo installed in his $5000 Z28 Camaro. In the shop was a brand new one of these getting a radar detector installed. We thought it was cool so we were sitting in it, shop owner comes in and freaks out, “Get out! That’s a $100,000 car!”. Anyways if my buddy still had his Camaro it’d be worth 2 or 3 times what that Mercedes is worth now, lol

[@Bigjobrob]

I am not showing this video to my wife, she will make me go find one!

[@neoncharge2964]

So where the hell is the next video? Can’t find it anywhere 🤷‍♂️

[@doug6191]

That car looks *fantastic*. It has all the stereotypical electric problems of 90's Mercedes.

[@snowman2834]

Stereotypes are there for a reason

[@martinsvensson6884]

Which are virtually none. Unless you have the later degradable wire harness.

[@mrbenz2392]

@@martinsvensson6884 The best years are 96 to 02.

[@leee3880]

@@mrbenz2392 I agree, the better wiring, and OBD2 computer.

[@mrbenz2392]

@@leee3880 👌👌👍👍

[@caddyzig]

I love your green pants, Tommy! What brand/style are those?

[@Lasertrac]

ooo Tommy's starting to spread his wings and arguing with daddy

[@robertmitchell9276]

Magnesium seat frames are the biggest light show, just waiting to catch fire.

[@scubatrucker6806]

$9,000 ? What a bargain

[@EricChambers-q9q]

I've been trying to find a 1992 to a 1998 SL320.

[@300BaudStudios]

Beautiful car, nice owner!

[@wleng]

Where are the next videos for this car?

[@TrevorVaubel]

Did you reupload this?

[@hawkeye7249]

Nice car . I've only owned one convertible an early 90's Infiniti M30 , maybe an option for the Japanese convertible .

[@vornamenachname5589]

nice car. unfortunately this video series lasted only one episode.

[@jonboy9912]

The seller gave that car away - what a Walley not to know about the soft top!

[@petelattimer6808]

wheels look like theyre from a W211 E class. certainly theyre from a W211 if it was a UK car.

[@MercOne]

How can a so called mechanic look at this car and say it didn't come with a soft top? WTF? Never take a Mercedes to someone that says something so dumb. Mercedes' temp gauges always gave real time temp readings/variation unlike most other cars back then that just stayed in place unless they ran hot. Hilarious to listen to someone that has no clue about these cars.

[@wernerdanler2742]

He obviously took it to an old mechanic that has only worked on old Fords and Chevys and didn't even know the hard top was removable.

[@MercOne]

@@wernerdanler2742 Right lol

[@mattheweburns]

Damn that’s a pretty car, I think he did pretty good on this one

[@kclefthanded427]

Always check the hydraulics because it will leak the nice interior

[@atmartens]

Old school? hahaha. My 2011 Acura has a radio code 😂

[@mymix2723]

What a find your so lucky almost perfect 300 sl with perfect soft top because he didn’t know he had it 😂

[@justinwideman3471]

In Europe they were like corvettes are here and kids saw them and always wanted one when they were older. Here just rich old people wanting a euro convertible and was never an object of desire for 80's gen x that now are older and have money to collect or get a weekend car. I wonder if you can still get a data plan for the car phone? 1g?

[@henrykeresey8201]

This may have just talked me into buying a 92 SL500.

[@MDavidG1]

Any mechanic who says this car didn't have a soft top is woefully uninformed, especially given that this soft top was in perfect working order.

[@aliengoth]

That moment when he said it squirts🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@plus790]

I predict $1,000 is NOT enough to fix the issues.

[@touraneindanke]

That switch more likely is for the wind deflector 😉

[@hagbard72]

I'd pay $10k for that all day long. Beware, the pistons for the top die and cost thousands to fix. And those from '93-96 have biodegradable wiring harnesses which do fall apart and are nearly impossible to find replacements for. You can get it for that price in Canada but they're basket cases. I don't see any followup to this car?

[@Factory_Muff]

I have never even tried cocaines in my life. Especially crack. I never even tried crack.

[@Jsailor1210]

It’s not 8-9k to replace those cylinders. 😂 if the dealer does the work it’s 3-4K. You can do it yourself for 1k

[@jrhunt414]

Unfortunately Maine would make you pay excise tax on the 100k$ original msrp and tax you every year on it. About $600 a year.

[@mississippirider1747]

You got LUCKY!!!! DAMN

[@kent426]

you need to get rid of those ugly wheels and go to the SL55 AMG wheels or monoblocs.

[@JDM_PLUS]

For 90s Japanese to compare you'd need a spyder 3000gt sl or convertible 300zx

[@PhotoshootGuy]

Wow this channel is really starting to get bad. Re-purposed the original video or re-edited? I’m not sure how it should be classified. This isn’t me pleading with you to stop doing videos like this. If it works for you great. There’s a lot of content out there, I’m sure I’ll find something.