Greetings Merc People.
After previous ownership of an '85 280TE a while ago, the Mercedes bug bit me again today, and it bit *hard*, so, in a fit of possible insanity I went and bought a 1982 500 SEL.
Car is as follows. Silver, 170000 miles, velour trim (booo!), bubbly round the front wings and rear arches. Brand new genuine Mercedes front wings were included in the deal, as were repair panels for the back arches. Very straight body, chrome etc is intact, a few bubbles on the doors above the mouldings. Not too far gone to save though, will do at the same time as the arches etc. (This month, or I'll never do it)
5 new Goodyears, recent brake discs, pads and lines. New Bosch battery.Recent shock absorbers and suspension bushes.
Engine is sweet as a nut, oil pressure is 3 on the gauge, drops to 2 when warm at idle. No tappet noise, no cam chain rattle, pulls like a train, doesn't smoke, starts 1st time every time. (started for the first time in months within about a second)
Exhaust backbox is pretty knackered, but I'm going to have a mission with the MIG welder to see if I can make it last a few thousand miles.
Transmission is a bit slippy changing from 2nd to third, but the car has been standing for about a year, wondering if it'll either get better or worse with use. Going to change the fluid at the same time I do the oil and filter. Otherwise drivetrain seems fine.
Speedo doesn't work, neither does the front passengers window. Everything else works fine. Sunroof, headlamp wipers, mirrors, lights, aerial etc.
Central locking doesn't work either, previous owner reckons there's a pipe under the back seat or something? Any clues? This means I can't get into the boot because I've not been to Mercedes yet to get a key cut yet.
Aircon needs the pump refitting and regassing. Probably needs the pump reconditioning though knowing AC.
Interior is very clean and tidy, rear seats look unused as does the passengers seat, drivers seat bolster has worn through, rear foot rests are unmarked, full M-B first aid kit is present and correct. Steering wheel still has tread.
Has to be worth £350 though I imagine.
Any tips or advice?