NPC, Mercedes 500sec in Atlanta, Heading down from DC to pick up a car. Options

[geniusanthony]

So, I am heading down that way to buy this car.

It's an 83 500sec euro, with some AMG bits, won't know till I get there.

Bringing with me some basic tools and a new fuel pump relay. So I am curious if there are any area teener owners who may want to meet up or could offer assistance should it become necessary. I think it's a safe bet that there's some Mercedes fans among us.
I could Pm my mobile number as a just in case down the way.

Planning to travel 95s to 85s, like I said, between DC and Atlanta.

Worst case, could meet up and grab a beer tonight...talk some shop.

[Bruce Hinds]

I'm not on the way, so can't offer much help, but I just wanted to comment on the euro cars. Wow....

I had an '85 500 SEL and the big difference between the that and the 560(american counterpart) was the suspension and gearing. It was just a delight on country roads and on the highway it was like a horse headed for the barn, it was hard to hold back. At 80-85 it was just loafing along. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

My only negative about the car was the gas mileage, 10-12. I thought that for just a 5.0L it should have been better.

[dlee6204]

If you want to stop and take a break in NC, I'm not far from 85! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif) My father is more of the Mercedes fan, he use to own a 560 SEL.

[Cap'n Krusty]

Read my lips. VIRTUALLY NO ENGINE MANAGEMENT PARTS AVAILABLE IN THE US! Much of the stuff, including such basic components as the throttle body, can't easily be sourced here. Second point: Most gray market imports were soundly thrashed before they were sold to the unsuspecting first US buyer, and many are pretty rusty. Third point: The DOT and EPA can, if they feel so inclined, pull the car in for an inspection of the conversion. This is federal, and it NEVER goes away. Some of the conversion parts, such as the lambda controller, became unavailable as the conversion craze went away, and they are a known failure item.

The Cap'n

[geniusanthony]

Cpt'n, I appreciate the advise.
I won't know until I get there of course, I am told that this one last ran 8 months ago and structurally is in fine shape. 2 owners 17 years first guy and the older gent I am buying from for the last 8. Full service history, engine and trans rebuilt 40k ago to diagnose a miss that turned out to be a valve problem. Both heads were redone. Fuel pump is a new bosch and requires I am told a relay and return line are required, owner is unable to do the work etc...

I researched and now have the proper relay with the proper breakaway speed for the M117.963 and manuals from the MB Classic Center. If she fires or even seems in proper shape I will be dragging her home with me.

Any further advise is welcome and if schedules align I would welcome the opportunity to meet any one along the way.

My current MB experience has been with my W124 wagon and a W124 sedan. Latter of which has a LH_SFI M119 5.0L an E60 engine is in the works however.

[Noodles]

I work at a mercedes benz stealership in parts and I would run away unless you have deep pockets to spend if something breaks! Great cars but you pay for it.

[Al Meredith]

Tony, I live in Roswell, GA. a suburb about 30 miles North of down town Atlanta. My cell is 770-616-3767. I have a garage full of tools if you need anything. I plan to be home all weekend .

[geniusanthony]

Al,thank you for the offer.I'm actually going to Mableton GA. Would love to take you up on that,if for nothing else but to meet another world member. Will text you later on.

[SirAndy]

I'd love to get my hands on a mid/late '70s 450 SE or 450 SEL ...

I used to have two '76 280 SE, loved those cars.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/drooley.gif)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_W116

[geniusanthony]

double post.

[broomhandle]

I work at a mercedes benz stealership in parts and I would run away unless you have deep pockets to spend if something breaks! Great cars but you pay for it.

i hate to make a NEG post, but i agree. born into Mercedes. ive owned 4 and my father had 10.

the SEC will be fix after fix. and the euro is not the way to go, lots of USA versions here.

plus, euro versions in euro are like Chevys over there. used up.

and, that one dosent look that great of shape.

i would look for something different.

123's are the best or if you want sporty, go get a SL, lots of them around.

but, if you already bought it. go for it. and ditch those rims for some BBS....(IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[geniusanthony]

Long story short, I ran. The old man who had it let the poor thing rot to death. Now I know my Mercs, but this one was past it. Not from abuse as the body was straight and all the work done mechanically was sound. But from just sitting there for what was supposed to be 8 months turned out to be 4 years once I got him talking back on himself.

What's that that we say? Buy the best one that you can afford.
That is THE best advise any of us should follow.