1992 Mercedes-Benz 500 SL Consumer Reviews

For a car that cost so much when new it falls apart awful easy. I see 99% of all ford rangers and s-10s twice the age and triple the millage holds up better.

I purchased this car from a MB dealer in the SE Pa area 2007 with about 85,000 miles on it other than normal wear & tear items it has been a good car. Yes it does pass everything except a gas station and very expensive to repair if you can't do it yourself (most things can be done by the owner) I love driving this car and have thought about selling it but change my mind every time. Had a rough idle problem replaced many things myself but no avail, finally had to take it to a mechanic and it cost $1700 to diagnose and replace a couple of $400-$500 parts to which I could not trouble shoot myself.

I bought my 1992 500SL after doing weeks of research as this was my first Mercedes. I bought my '92 based these facts: The early cars have the purity of the original engineering design before the cars were cheapened by the bean counters. You are still able to work on them, the '90-92 models do not have the electronic suspension, the electronic dashboard gauges. I do not want to deal with 30 year computers to keep the car running. The '93-95 engine wiring loom insulation was changed and deteriorates from heat and can short out everything including your drive by wire throttle. The'93 and later cars have plastic oil feed tubes that break or crack causing loss of the oil supply to the overhead cams, oops! I found my low mileage 1992 500SL 3 months ago. This navy blue two tone paint example is gorgeous. It had suffered mechanical neglect from 2 previous owners and idled rough. It did run good on the road. I was well aware of what was needed. I have replaced the following: windshield wiper, serpentine belt, the tires, 1 wheel, the fuel injectors with new fuel supply tubes, both coils, rotors, distributor caps and both motor mounts. All filters have been replaced. All fluids changed, the coolant, power steering, transmission, engine oil and bled the brakes. I have invested $4,200 in this 500SL and it runs & performs like the $100000 car it once was. Plan on making these repairs on every 500SL / SL500 with high mileage. Few people maintained these cars. I cannot take a short drive in this car. I do not want to get out of it. It has the pizazz, timeless style and class it had when it was new. I plan to replace the timing chain, the chain tensionizer and the chain guides next. This should be done on every 500SL. This the most important maintenance to do on these cars. The guides are plastic and get brittle with age and may break causing the chain to wrap around the left H/B cams. Do not plan on having the dealer do the work. Find a good mechanic that knows these cars before you buy one. Not after!

This car is not economical or about "common sense" at any level. It's about enjoying the ride. Glancing over at your reflection in a plate glass window as you're driving and admiring that classic body look. It's about getting shocking repair bills for the most minor things and being over charged for nearly everything. If it costs $100 for a complete repair to your Honda, it will cost $500+ for the same repair to this vehicle, PLUS parts. Nice smooth acceleration, but get used to dropping a quarter tank of premium gas if you pass anyone on the freeway.Turning radius is very tight. Handles beautifully on curvy mountain roads. Our clothtop is brand new. Hardly any use.

Bought this car from an auction wasn't running just needed a new battery. Never had it break down on me once! Car is very solid and very fast 5.0 v8 with a 4 speed auto transmission with long gears and its stable all the way up to 155. The convertible feature is cool because it has a removable hard top and soft top I don't use it that much because its not for me but I have tried it out and its fun. My only complaint would be the mpg but if you want something economical you wouldn't be looking at sports cars would you? The car gets on average 16-18 city and will get 19-23 hwy if you keep off the throttle this is with the older CIS injection system e-carb whatever you want to call it which is very reliable. I bought this car because they are so cheap and the engine and transmission are known for their reliability. other notes car eats boxsters and brakes

This is a classic vehicle. Repairs can be high but not if you know what your doing. Alot of deals on parts on the internet. This was a 90000 car in 91 and why Princess Di caused a stir by buying this instead of a British car

VERY FAST

I have owned this car for 5 yrs. and still Love it! Handles and corners really well esp. for being heavy. Good power and is pretty quick off the line (as long as you start out in true 1st gear). Three looks; top down, soft top, hard top. Don't forget the rollbar up or down! Only complaints are the repair bills. $800 for an A/C hose...Prone to ASR problems-$700-$1700 average repair. Still worth every penny to me.