QuestionI am considering buying a 1989 Mercedes 560 SL, 125,000 K miles, I found in a local classified ad. Are there any vehicle-specific problems which I should be on the lookout for when I go look at this car?
AnswerNothing "pops out" on this car , HVAC is the biggest issue ( not working , center vents particularly)
They are fairly robust cars, and buying an '89 is getting the best of the breed, as it's the last year for them. Those 227hp "Panzerwagens" were seldom the only car in their owner's family, so more often than not, they have low mileage and were gently used.
With an 18 year old car, though, even with low miles, it needs to be inspected carefully for rot and deterioriation of all rubber seals around the engine and drive train, and around the windows. The original (Behr) radiator I believe on these had an unreinforced upper hose neck which tended to crumble after time, so a replacement could be due (
These cars are getting older now, so many dealer techs don't know them too well, so there's no great advantage to main dealer servicing any more.
The 1986-89 560SL had the new subframe . Also ABS. A decent, low mileage can still be bought for a reasonable price. A higher mileage, well documented one is also a good buy, just make sure the timing chain, guides and tensioner have been replaced serviced or at least looked at. If it has service history , that is a big plus
be sure the soft top is in good shape, goes up and down easily, and check its well and seal for rust. Pull up the cover behind the seats and look for rust, ditto for all the carpets.
Look carefully at the firewall, especially around the hood corners, for rust.
Make sure all HVAC functions work general items to check--HVAC operation, ideally get a look under the valve covers especially on the left (where oil-related wear seems to occur first). Bodywise check the top well, the spare tire well, the rocker panels and jacking holes, and along the inside of the front fender edges under the hood with any visible crossmember/frame components. Cruise controls apparently are often a problem, depending on your use that may not be a factor for you.Overall MPG driven gently is 15-17 depending on mix of town and highway
Look at it at let me know how else I can help
Good luck
