Classic/Antique Car Repair: mercedes 500 SL, flammability ratings, maintenance reliability

Question
In the market for a used Mercedes SL. From the info i'm getting the 380's are way under powered and the 450's have problems with timing chains and heat/air conditioning. Saw an ad for a 1982 500SL Euro model and the ad said it was a 6 cyl. Could that be correct? Also,how do the Euro models stack up as far as servic,reliability,power and parts availability? I own a 70 SS 454 Chevelle that I've had for over 35 years and most of my automobile knowledge is in this type of domestic muscle cars. Any info you could provide or sources you recomend would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks; Bill

Answer
Hello Bill,

Be very careful when considering a Euro. spec. Mercedes. There are many pros and cons for these cars that your research has already turned up. Yes, 380's are considered weak both mechanically and performance wise although the non-smogged Euro. versions perform very nicely. 450's can have mechanical problems but regular maintenance can mitigate this tendency. Heat and A/C must be looked at from the perspective of where the car was designed. Mercedes of this era have very good heaters but the A/C is marginal at best by US standards, particularly in places like Florida and Arizona. However, I once owned a US spec. 450 SEL 6.9 liter sedan with low mileage and excellent maintenance. Reliability great, A/C OK for the Mid-South, expensive to maintain, wonderful car--made for driving all day at 230 klicks.

Back to you. I've never heard of a 500cc Mercedes 6 in a car, either US or Euro. Last US Spec. SL 6 was the 280 from the early '70's. The issues you mention depend heavily upon if the Euro car is "Gray Market" or EPA certified.  The difference is when the car was imported to the US. Gray cars had the minimum done to pass while full EPA meets US emissions, etc. Things to check are whether the car meets US emissions, safety standards for the year and even flammability ratings for the interior materials. The one thing less of a concern are parts--Mercedes maintains an unusually deep parts support network for their older cars. Parts may be expensive and not be available off the shelf in the US, but should be available.

My recommendation is to get the best US spec. car you can afford. If you want to assume the risk of a Euro car, ask for maintenance history, regular servicing mechanic's name and review any possible restrictions on the title from past wrecks, etc. If the seller won't supply them, drive on. Mercedes are a special breed of car and detailed service histories are an expected part of ownership. Finally, check with the service department of your local Mercedes dealer--there aren't that many 450's or 500's running around-they might very well know the car!!

Good luck on your purchase!!

Bob