Maybe she's very, well, red? SL500 edition

"ZHP Sparky, the 5th" (e30s2k)
04/20/2020 at 18:30 • Filed to: None

I browse R129 SL500s casually quite often - think it’d be a fun car to buy someday (soonish, as prices seem to have bottomed out) - last of the SLs built like a tank.

Came across this on my local CL - one owner (old lady), early model year, but pretty interesting color combo and damn good condition for what it is -

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Anyone on Oppo with a lot of experience with these things?

DISCUSSION (10)

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
04/20/2020 at 18:43

Wow that is quite a color combo. If you are looking for an indestructible cruiser with an autobox then that is pretty good for the price. Go for it if for nothing more than that very red interior

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
04/20/2020 at 18:44

Show up to Radrood with a mustashe, lots of chest hair on display, and suitcase full of ( fake) coke and you’ll be the belle of the ball.

fintail > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
04/20/2020 at 18:47

I love the 90s white over grey, and that is an odd interior color for it indeed, I wonder if it was special order.

I’ve never had one of that era, but that’s from the start of the wiring harness years, so I’d want to have it inspected by a trusted shop first (which one should do before diving into one of these anyway).

Lots of style for the money, and they really can’t get much cheaper.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
04/20/2020 at 18:48

Dammit, just spent all my money on real coke!

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
04/20/2020 at 18:50

Yeah as I age these things start looking real tempting. It’ll be nice to have a weekend car the wife can drive too, and she’s always wanted a convertible. I’d like to think it’ll age to be something special by the time our toddler is an adult.

Plus, sacrilege to say I know - I don’t have the time to drive my fun car enough for fun purposes for the manual transmission to mean much to me right now :(

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > fintail
04/20/2020 at 19:06

Yeah absolutely a solid PPI is a must. Have heard the hydrualics for the convertible top are a known failure point and can cost a pretty penny.

Personally I like the later model years better, they look a bit more modern. But in general yeah these seem pretty awesome for the price. Especially if you’re not super picky about low miles, you can find one with reasonable miles for $10k +/- a few grand all day long.

gin-san - shitpost specialist > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
04/20/2020 at 19:56

ooooooo I like that, looks nice..

I can’t help you with the mechanicals but this seems like the kind of owner who would’ve gotten all the recommended service at the dealer, by the dealer. Not that dealer servicing is faul tless but it probably has a long, documented history.

fintail > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
04/20/2020 at 20:29

Between top assembly and wiring harness, you could probably face a $6K repair bill without a much issue. And then there’s the issue of normal running costs, this isn’t a Corolla.

Only the best 300SL 5-speed cars and later run Silver Arrows bring money. 10K can definitely find a nice driver. I like the pano top option offered from 96/97, too, unusual in a 90s way.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > fintail
04/21/2020 at 11:30

Yeah the pano top is certainly cool - haven’t seen too many of them though. Absolutely agreed on running/upkeep costs even if it is “built like a tank”.

How DIYable are these things for mechanical bits? Would be a 3rd car after all if/when we do ever get one. So can afford for it to sit in garage for periods while I figure out parts and instructions.

fintail > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
04/21/2020 at 12:35

German cars in general seem to abide by the idea of “you gotta pay to play”. Have that in mind, and there will be no surprises.

These cars have a lot of electrical bits, but I think they are also relatively analog. I think a lot can be DIY if one has the facilities.