26th Mar 2004, 14:34

I have owned my 500 sec for 6 years, a few problems which were easily sorted, at reasonable costs, with 185000 miles on the clock I am now having the gearbox reconditioned. I would not consider selling this car as it would be impossible to match the overall superiority of the design or performance.

18th Oct 2005, 22:21

Now reached 325,000 km. Recently had to replace tie rod ends (AUS$200) and fuel pump (AUS$280). No dramas, I'm still laughing!

22nd Dec 2005, 22:58

I own a 500SEL and its from Hong Kong and it only has 85000 original miles on it. Recently had to get the aircon fixed and we were told that it needed a new T-valve and a compressor which would cost us $1600 to repair. We were later told that only the T-valve needed replacing so it only cost us $400.

15th May 2008, 21:15

In my recent 'comment' I forgot to mention two repairs from 2007: the odometer broke ($200 to repair) and I finally got around having the sagging roof liner replaced ($300 for non-original felt). Still a gem of an automobile!

15th Jul 2008, 22:25

Just purchased 1985 SEC 500 original in pristine condition car from second family owners for past 20 years sight unseen. Always garaged and serviced by main city Mercedes dealer.

Didn't plan at all on buying such a car, but when I saw the listing details and photos, it was game, set and match.

These 500 SEC are pure sex on wheels believe me. Amazing looking classic art piece with X Factor to boot, and V8 super car performance. Car new 1985 was NZ$240,000.

17th Nov 2008, 06:29

The owner here again!

At 360,000km I decided that fixing the oil burn problem (worn valve guides) should not be further delayed. But a AUD$10,000 top-end engine rebuild - no thanks!

I easily sourced a 110,000km M117.96 engine (the same) interstate for just AUD$1800. Add $300 for delivery and $1000 to my mechanic. Since I had elected for a 'heart transplant', I put a new timing chain, tensioner, guide rails and thermostat in the replacement engine. And I had the starter motor reconditioned while the engine was out.

All up about AUD$4000 to extend "Herman's" life to about 2025!

10th May 2015, 11:59

Extend the life to 2025, you say!

Well... only ten more years to go if you've still got it? I'd love to know if it's still going strong. I had an '80 500SEL a couple of years ago, which was one hell of a nice car. Cost me $1800 NZD, and very little more in the year or so I owned it. Fantastic cars, one day I'll get an SEC, but priorities/student life has put the brakes on that for now.