Contemplating the Cabriolets

[maw1124]

If you had one, would you sell it?

Seems like I've only seen ONE Silver Arrow 600 for sale, maybe a year or so ago, and it was at around this same price. It went quickly, maybe 3 or 4 months. This was when people were still on the fence about the R129 cars. With the Fed still holding off and the way the market moved in 2017, people seem to have gotten off that fence. It had more miles, but the way MB build these things, that doesn't mean anything to me. This same car at 60k miles at half the price is a better deal to me -- the miles just don't add anything to the experience; only to the resale value.

I'd do this one first...https://www.fangiomotors.com/listings/1999-sl600-v12-sport/ It's offered for $16.6 on Autotrader. I've hawked these cars for a while, but I think I'm deciding I'm over it. I go in and out, but at these prices, I'm out (Mark Cuban Voice).

maw

PS Looking at the cars side by side, for me highlighted just how critical the sport package was. The AMG kit around the bottom is subtle, but necessary. You don't miss it until you compare it to a car that has it. And then you're like, "Yeah, that's a must..." All I've ever seen is build numbers 500 vs. 600, by year, I think. I feel like someone told me pano on 7% of the models, but I can't confirm that.

 

[ace10]

...
I'd do this one first...https://www.fangiomotors.com/listings/1999-sl600-v12-sport/ It's offered for $16.6 on Autotrader. I've hawked these cars for a while, but I think I'm deciding I'm over it. I go in and out, but at these prices, I'm out (Mark Cuban Voice).

...

That beige one is listed elsewhere for $15-16K. It's got mismatched Chinese tires on it. Which is earns an automatic walk away from me. The color, Sport pkg or not, is a non starter as well.

Sometimes I get hooked in by low miles, but in the case of the white one, those are really low. I don't see any market comps from that perspective. And yet there are plenty of 20,30,40K mile cars priced at and above it.

Miles, in and of themselves may not be a huge differentiator, but interior condition is hard to replicate. Most of the ones I am seeing are showing wear. All the touch surfaces on the white one look as-new. Stitching is crisp everywhere. Driver seat right torso bolster is separating from seat frame.

 

[maw1124]

Yeah, the seats on these are not something I want to live with. Not easily redone, expensive to purchase. True re: interior. Color is color — Smoke Silver is to you what White is to me — ain’t never gonna happen. New or old. Neither will a non-Sport R129 for that matter. That said, I don’t mind replacing leather and/or interior plastic. I consider that a cost of doing business, like the wiring harnesses on W124 cars. On the W220 and R230 cars, you WILL be replacing the touch points. Steering wheel controls, headlight switches, Sport button, raise and lower, etc. Whatever MB were using during those years (much like Audi and BMW), the top layer starts to rub off the plastic. I don’t know how to describe it, other than being a sticky mess. Which just means you replace it and don’t think much about it. Hell, I think I replaced the headlight switch on my 60k mile 500E for that same reason — just wanted a new one. Cupholder, shift knob, arm rest, rear view mirror, and headlight switches on the 60k mile M3, gone — gimme a new one.

maw

 

[Harv]

Look at this wild one: https://mbworld.org/forums/market/705195

VIN: WDB1240661C063388

 

[maw1124]

I love what AMG brought to Mercedes. Of course, BMW M followed suit a few years later...

But that AMG is going for what the M went for new.

maw

 

[ace10]

Look at this wild one: https://mbworld.org/forums/market/705195

That is an eye searing combo. In a good way.

It's been listed on Roy Spencer's site for quite a while. Looks like the seller dropped the Ask by $10K.

This part of the listing is very curious to me:
"Sale will include a current transferrable title of remanufactured from Arizona"

 

[gsxr]

That is an eye searing combo. In a good way.

It's been listed on Roy Spencer's site for quite a while. Looks like the seller dropped the Ask by $10K.

This part of the listing is very curious to me:
"Sale will include a current transferrable title of remanufactured from Arizona"

Huh. This obviously special-order red Cabrio came through insurance auctions after Hurricane Sandy circa 2012. A forum member here said it was salt water flooded. Pics attached from the time.

Sold on eBay in April 2013 for $17,100.

Related thread on same car:
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w12...1994-mercedes-amg-convertible-usa-import.html

It appears to have been nicely restored, but $65k... ???!!!
https://mbworld.org/forums/market/705195


UPDATE: Added new thread here about this little red wagon:
https://www.500eboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12580

 

[maw1124]

Salt water would explain the reconstruction. Another interesting data point is, according to AMG, they all came with the 5 speed transmission. Still, the power they wrung out of that inline 6 is impressive for the 90’s. The E46M got more, but it took BMW longer to get there. About the same torque, and I’m not sure which one weighs more in Cabriolet form. Although I’m certain the AMG torque curve is a lot more appealing.

As I sit here, it occurs to me I’ve been “comparing” Benz v BMW Cabriolets since before I could afford either, and on the Internet even...

maw

 

[Duh_Vinci]

That red cabrio - very unique and appealing, but for the amount of money he/she is asking for it, I would indeed expect all the cladding and bumper inserts to be matching in color?

Regards,
D

 

[Klink]

When I saw this one, I thought I was misreading some critical fact.

1998 R129, 6,000 miles, M120, Clean Carfax, Pano roof.

Refrigerator white and No AMG Sport pkg, but still... this seems like a screaming value for a long term collector and occasional usage.

http://www.isringhausen.com/Inventory/1998/Mercedes-Benz/SL/VehicleID/18330

View attachment 75737View attachment 75736View attachment 75735

.

This one, right here. I love everything about it except the wood wheel, and pano roof. It especially thrills me that it is unencumbered with the all to common AMG look package. For those that do not know, these cars HATE any wheel over 17" Seriously, you'd have to drive them side by side to have the slightest idea. If I was looking, I'd be on this one like a melanoma. All badges and front plate gone the same day...

 

[ace10]

This one might pull a couple of dollars

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1996-mercedes-benz-sl500-us500-edition/


View attachment 75250


.

I'd be a buyer up to about $29,000. I bet this one reaches $45,000.

Hagerty shows #1 R129 (M119) values at $19,500 back in 2010, $20,000 in 2012 and $26,000 currently.

When I run that data up against the two comps I posted earlier, it suggests a value for the Red BaT car of $43,500. Color might add some premium. Ownership history, too.

$0.02

Went RNM at $30,750

A lot of baseless negativity and auction gamesmanship from the peanut gallery in the last couple of days. I don't think the final bid was even close to the Reserve,

 

[ace10]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-Benz-500-Series-500-SEC-Convertible/142768625519

 

[Harv]

Another nice one:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1995-Merce...ash=item4b41d91bc9:g:fccAAOSwFXla4gTz&vxp=mtr

Original window sticker: $79,595. That's $131,000 today.

You could buy a new SL320 for $78,000 in 1995. The SL500 was $90,000.

 

[vexed]

Another nice one:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1995-Merce...ash=item4b41d91bc9:g:fccAAOSwFXla4gTz&vxp=mtr

Original window sticker: $79,595. That's $131,000 today.

You could buy a new SL320 for $78,000 in 1995. The SL500 was $90,000.

"spring for the trunk" = the two gas struts that hold the lid up. The cab lid is heavy, I have replaced them once but if the car is parked facing uphill the trunk will not stay open. Inexpensive parts (or they were when I bought them) 5 minute fix. And that's a parchment interior.

 

[Klink]

Went RNM at $30,750

A lot of baseless negativity and auction gamesmanship from the peanut gallery in the last couple of days. I don't think the final bid was even close to the reserve

These were kinda cool, though I liked the blue ones better. Interesting tidbit, these US 500 commemorative cars had ESP as standard and they also had the full Euro 5.0/V12 bigger brakes with the directionally vented front discs, switchable front/rear brake bias via the lateral acceleration sensor, etc.
For those that did not know, this was quite a crankypants time in US open wheel racing...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._500

 

[ace10]

These were kinda cool, though I liked the blue ones better. Interesting tidbit, these USGP SE cars had ESP as standard and they also had the full Euro 5.0/V12 bigger brakes with the directionally vented front discs, switchable front/rear brake bias via the lateral acceleration sensor, etc...

Very cool.
I haven't seen a blue one. Any idea which color they were?

 

[Klink]

Very cool.
I haven't seen a blue one. Any idea which color they were?

Well, I've seen dark metallic blue and now red. I'd bet dollars to donuts that there is a white one out there somewhere.
#murrica

 

[ace10]

These two were white:

...
Potential comps:
from 2010
https://azure.barrett-jackson.com/Events/Event/Details/1996-MERCEDES-BENZ-500SL-ROADSTER-91325

from 2012
https://azure.barrett-jackson.com/Events/Event/Details/1996-MERCEDES-BENZ-500SL-CONVERTIBLE-117696


Not finding any details on the blue ones. If I had to guess, Midnight Blue, would probably make the most sense.

 

[Klink]

These two were white:

It was whatever the dark metallic blue as was available on the 129 for the USA '96 model year.

 

[maw1124]

It was whatever the dark metallic blue as was available on the 129 for the USA '96 model year.

Is this what you're talking about, Klink? It's the closest to "blue" I've ever seen in a 129...

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for...&searchRadius=0&makeCode1=MB&modelCode1=SL600

maw

 

[Klink]

Is this what you're talking about, Klink? It's the closest to "blue" I've ever seen in a 129...

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for...&searchRadius=0&makeCode1=MB&modelCode1=SL600

maw

Just leave the oil cap loose and the tookit screwdriver there on top of the engine. That's confidence inspiring...
That's 189 "Black Opal" "green-black" which I do really like. That was possibly it, but I'm remembering it just a bit more "blue" and less "green/black"

 

[maw1124]

Just leave the oil cap loose and the tookit screwdriver there on top of the engine. That's confidence inspiring...
That's 189 "Black Opal" "green-black" which I do really like. That was possibly it, but I'm remembering it just a bit more "blue" and less "green/black"

Yes, and do it while you're asking a ton of money for the car. Let me get my checkbook out... But I do like the color

maw

 

[a777fan]

Wow. That color is purty.

Do you think it comes with the 20 dollar bill for future demo purposes?




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Maui]

No VIN to verify but this looks interesting:

1994 300CE-24V

1994 Mercedes 300ce24v Convertible - $7500 (Puyallup)

Rare 1994 300ce 24v Convertible. which was never sold in the US. In 94 Mercedes shipped the E320 to the US.
Car runs great, Has euro headlights/with wipers.tail lights covers are smoked (darker than normal). replaced all shocks and had breaks done.new battery. Has 118k oringinal miles. Driver's seat brack needs to be fixed but for a 24yr old car... That's not to bad. 7,500k firm. If seat was fixed price would be closer to 10k.

contact name:
Cristeen

call or text:
☎ (253) 576-2017
​

 

[Dario]

No VIN to verify but this looks interesting:

1994 300CE-24V

i think he is on crack

 

[ace10]

Thoughts on how it was brought into the US?

 

[Dario]

Even in EU they did not have “CE” in 1994. Climate control does not look like EU car something is fishy and there was not third brake light on trunk in EU. To me looks like regular usa e320 but maybe i am not corect

 

[gsxr]

Thoughts on how it was brought into the US?

At great expense. Or, possibly via a Canadian national moving into USA.

The car has a Sportline steering wheel, but not Sportline fender badges. Really need the VIN on this one. In Europe, the Sport steering wheel could be ordered separately from the Sport undercarriage (suspension/steering), and the seats were a separate option as well on sedans/wagons. In USA, these options were always bundled together as the Sportline package.

 

[Harv]

My bet is that is a Canadian car with a 300CE 24 badge on it.

 

[gsxr]

My bet is that is a Canadian car with a 300CE 24 badge on it.

And... MB never badged facelift cars anything besides Exxx. So, either it's the wrong badge on a facelift car, or it was pre-facelift and got the late hood/headlights. Only the VIN knows for sure.

EDIT - I see a fader wheel, which I'm pretty sure was phased out in Europe as well with facelift cars. More evidence pointing to this being a 1993-ish model year. Next check would be for decals on the upper radiator support.

 

[Dario]

And... MB never badged facelift cars anything besides Exxx. So, either it's the wrong badge on a facelift car, or it was pre-facelift and got the late hood/headlights. Only the VIN knows for sure.

EDIT - I see a fader wheel, which I'm pretty sure was phased out in Europe as well with facelift cars. More evidence pointing to this being a 1993-ish model year. Next check would be for decals on the upper radiator support.

But euro cars never had third brake light mounted on trunk. You think they swapped whole trunk with usa version??

 

[gsxr]

But euro cars never had third brake light mounted on trunk. You think they swapped whole trunk with usa version??

The EPC shows the boot lid with third brake light (A1247501475) was available on Euro models, it may have been country-specific. Again, the VIN would solve most of these mysteries.

 

[Dario]

The EPC shows the boot lid with third brake light (A1247501475) was available on Euro models, it may have been country-specific. Again, the VIN would solve most of these mysteries.

Interesting after following cabs for years and seen 100’s over the pond none had third brake light something new i learned

 

[vexed]

At great expense. Or, possibly via a Canadian national moving into USA.

The car has a Sportline steering wheel, but not Sportline fender badges. Really need the VIN on this one. In Europe, the Sport steering wheel could be ordered separately from the Sport undercarriage (suspension/steering), and the seats were a separate option as well on sedans/wagons. In USA, these options were always bundled together as the Sportline package.

VIN

WDB1240611B834588​

 

[vexed]

WDB1240611B834588


Model
300 CE-24

Engine
104980 12 042816

Transmission
722501 03 769286

Order Number
0 1 234 01742

Order Location
EMDEN BRANCH

Interior
LEATHER BLACK (261)

Paint 1
BLACK (040U)

Approx. Build Date
1992-08

Mercedes Benz VIN decoded at https://www.datamb.com/vin/0vwD9AxYq0vd4nWYZ

 

[gsxr]

WDB1240611B834588

Mercedes Benz VIN decoded at https://www.datamb.com/vin/0vwD9AxYq0vd4nWYZ

8/92 production date would be a very early 1993 USA model year, definitely pre-facelift. So, the front end of the car is not factory.

It appears, per the EPC, that the rear lid did not have the 3rd brake light from the factory. Makes me wonder if either USA or Canada regulations required the 3rd brake light to be added when it was imported from Germany.

Also, this has the older M104 with mechanical CIS-E fuel injection, that Klink has described as unable to pull a greasy string out of a dog's rear until it's above 4000rpm. But, it has a 5-speed 722.5 auto with 3.69 diff!

Oh, and the Sportline steering wheel was factory (code 281). No Sports undercarriage though, just the wheel.

 

[gerryvz]

GSXR is just jealous of the 5-speed transmission....mated to a DarkCISide motor

 

[alabbasi]

This has the older M104 with mechanical CIS-E fuel injection, that Klink has described as unable to pull a greasy string out of a dog's rear until it's above 4000rpm. But, it has a 5-speed 722.5 auto with 3.69 diff!

This is the same motor that's in my 300SL with the 5 speed dog leg. It's actually quite peppy in that combo. Mine is in rough shape but it runs and is for sale should anyone be interested.

 

[Maui]

Since I am spending the weekend at our place on Puget Sound I am really tempted to go take a little look see on my home.

 

[ace10]

This one just popped up on ebay. Pretty sure that I haven't come across is previously, nor have I seen any for sale in this color.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1994-Mercedes-Benz-E-Class/312102876575?hash=item48aac7f59f:g:NtcAAOSwx9ZaxOQF&vxp=mtr

View attachment 74913

No sale @ $18K

Relisted @ $16K

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1994-Merce...ash=item3f9ad0768c:g:NtcAAOSwx9ZaxOQF&vxp=mtr

These mid-miles Cabs seem to want to change hands at $13-15K.

 

[ace10]

http://www.gasmotorcars.com/1995-Me...Convertible/Marietta-GA/10965243/Details.aspx

Spoke briefly with the seller. Described as fully sorted mechanically. HG done. New top, all mechanisms rebuilt. Most service records available back to 9K miles.
On the down side: described as an 8 on the cosmetics.

$18K, 44K miles.

WDBEA66EXSC278381

https://www.datamb.com/vin/1eQm3AVP3k0E9GW6N

 

[vexed]

Another one on BAT

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1993-mercedes-benz-300ce-7/

 

[ace10]

Calling this one a maw "special"

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1995-Mercedes-Benz-600-Series/302724997014



124k miles, rebuilt motor, no pano roof, aftermarket wheels & radio, firm Ask

 

[Harv]

Price has been greatly reduced, and is firm, at 29,499.

 

[maw1124]

Calling this one a maw "special"

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1995-Mercedes-Benz-600-Series/302724997014

View attachment 76084

124k miles, rebuilt motor, no pano roof, aftermarket wheels & radio, firm Ask

Exactly. I've been saying in business, that this is TTMAR time, since about Q4 last year. "TTMAR" stands for Take The Money And Run. I guess now it applies to cars, and we're witnessing the great heat check shake-out -- these people's last grasp effort to turn these "things" into cash.

"I think your price is unrealistic. And until we see grown men crying in the streets... I'm out." ~ Dennis O'Leary Voice

;-D

maw

 

[ace10]

Another one on BAT

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1993-mercedes-benz-300ce-7/

I'm gonna watch that one closely not because of personal interest in the car, but because the current high bidder (@$10K) doesn't appear to ever place "real" bids. Always early, low bids... 16 cars in two months.

Well, in this case you have a 300CE Cab with a dirty Carfax. And I'm of the opinion that that bid is all the money. I'm probably wrong, but that person may have bought themselves a car.

 

[stevenstevensteven]

1995 Mercedes-Benz
$49,936
29,500 miles
VIN: WDBEA66E4SC255324

Lundgren Honda
163 Washington St,
Auburn, MA 01501

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/734902310/overview

Features

• Adjustable Steering Wheel
• Air Conditioning
• AM/FM Stereo
• Brakes ABS
• Engine Straight 6 Cylinder Engine
• Power Steering
• Power Windows
• Security System
• Transmission

This is the ultimate cabriolet. There is nothing like driving with the top down on a sunny day. In this beauty

yet gets great gas mileage at the same time. Fully serviced and ready to go. Trades welcome. Financing available. Worldwide shipping accommodated. Our fantastic example comes from a local South Florida family.

Contact Diego Ribadeneira@ Sales@db-Classics.com or call toll free 833-591-2860

 

[ace10]

LULZ. 2.5X the Ask on the White over Blue one in Illinois. Same miles and apparent condition.

Dealers gotta put down the crack pipe.

 

[ace10]

The dealer likely transposed the mileage and the Ask. Because numbers.

Pics show 50,000 miles. One would hope that their Ask is a still-unreasonable $29,500

It's a $15-16K car. IMO

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Price has been greatly reduced, and is firm, at 29,499.

How do these people come up with these prices? I know he dumped $$$$$$ into the car when he bought it and the rebuilds, but how about reality check?

Regards,
D