12th Mar 2006, 19:07

Sunday

March 12,2006.

I just recently bought a Mercedes 500 SEL. I got it for 600 with 220,000 miles on it. This car is in beautiful condition exterior and interior. However, everytime I put the car in reverse the transmission jumps. Any idea why this would happen? I have no clues, I'm a girl who loves classic cars, but has no clue how to deal with mechanical problems!

Thanks

Shana.

13th Mar 2006, 10:13

Hate to break this to you, but you absolutely bought the wrong car for you. Large Mercedes are very expensive to maintain, and if you're having transmission issues already you're probably looking at some $5k repair bill just for that alone. Do NOT take it to a dealer as they will scam you and probably do a bad job fixing it. Find a reliable mechanic near you that has a "love" for Mercedes vs. "I just fix anything that comes along". You'll get great advice on maintaining the vehicle and often you'll get stuff for free.

Old Mercedes are great, but you should always go in with eyes wide open.

14th Mar 2006, 16:08

Put some lucas transmission fluid in it!

1st Nov 2006, 15:12

Yes there is auto. transmission... a 1983 is a little different then 85's I think...4,000 dollars? Go get it!

7th Nov 2006, 00:19

HI

Mercedes 500 SEL 1985 with 155000 miles I own, it`s really good car, but very expensive to fix It. I just paid $ 4000,oo to rebuild my top end - head gaskets, timing chain and rails, valve job, tranny and suspension. I really love this car, but sometimes it does not make any sense to spend that amount of money. My wife is very mad for it, but I`am a happy because my bear is on the road again. Friend of mine just bought Toyota 4 Runner for $ 4000,oo with 63000 miles in excellent condition one owner garaged.I don't know,maybe I should do that, but love is love.

15th Nov 2006, 01:25

I bought my 1985 500SEL in 1992 with 92,000 miles. Fourteen years later I'm at 232,000 miles and going strong (very low oil consumption). White with tan interior (black is not king here), it runs on regular fuel (87) which beats the later 420/560 series. I think about selling it from time to time, but take a ride in a lesser machine and realize what I have. I just got the cruise control repaired after ten years of it's not working ($450 for the amplifier) and groan every year when I find that I spend $2,000 or so for various repairs. But, on a monthly basis, that's not bad for what I get. Keeping the front tires balanced has been a challenge that I have never figured out (maybe the wheels?), and it has had a subtle drive line (I think) vibration for the last 100,000 miles that, with the tire balance issue, keeps me at 80 mph or less where it is smooth.

It was a $54,000 car when new, and I paid half that fourteen years ago. With what it is worth now (not much), I can't see selling it since it is such a fine machine.

John

California.

3rd Jan 2007, 05:59

I agree with the comments on the 500 SEL. I have two of them and they are by far the best machine that man has ever made. Yes they might be a bit heavy on fuel for UK roads (fuel prices) but they are the best ride I have ever had. I have a champagne coloured 500 SEL and a Black with grey skirt. The black looks stunning, but the champagne is by far the better looking machine. The black one is a 1989 and the champagne one is a 1985. I don't know of any machine I have driven or been in that rides like the old 500 SEL.

German engineering at it best.

10th Jan 2007, 18:41

For John in California, re problem with tire balance. What brand of tires are on the car. I have owned 5 126 chassis cars and found that Michelin tires work best on the 126 cars. Other tires I have tried (Bridgestone, Dunlop, Continental) never gave a vibration free ride at high speed. Problem with Michelin is finding 205 70x14 tires. The no longer make the X One. If you have 15" rims (which will be my next move) you have more of a choice. Another problem could be the Guide rods and suspension bushings. I just change them out on my 500SEC and it made a big difference.

Chucks

Austin.

24th Jan 2007, 21:27

Hey everyone I just got an 85 500 sel and need to replace the head gasket a little water in the oil any ideas on cost.

2nd Feb 2007, 00:37

Hi! Just bought my first MB-a 1985 500SEL-love it. However, the car doesn't start sometimes. Am I crazy in thinking that if I open the door manually, it doesn't start and if I use the auto key, it starts up-cause that's what I'm beginning to wonder. Thanks for any help. Barbara.

2nd Feb 2007, 11:33

Barbara again. I forgot to mention the trunk smelled of gas. A trucker at the smog center noticed my gas cap and said it was a Chevy cap-told me to get a new one. The one I bought at a automotive store looked very similar, but I exchanged it for the new one. Any comments?

22nd Feb 2007, 15:06

I have a 1986 500 SEL and have noticed water getting into the spare wheel well. There is a rubber bung with a drain hole in it and I think this is letting water in when the car is moving, due to back splash from the rear wheels. Has anyone else experienced this problem? I have thought of sealing it up, but it must be there for a reason. I can't believe that mercedes would have not thought this out. Thanks nico.

25th Mar 2007, 09:38

Am very excited.. in reading all these comments.. it looks like this is a great car, that can go with proper care for a very long time. We just purchased a 1984 500SEL with 33,000 original miles..$7500 was steep, especially with the Kelly Blue Book values much lower.. but we figured with the mileage, it was worth it. A bit apprehensive since it was owned by elderly couple who only drove to store with it.. but the servcice records showed proper maintainence.. so we shall see.. def not 33,000 highway miles.. and ugly gold exterior color.. (don't know what Mercedes was thinking with this color?)

1st May 2007, 10:40

I bought my 1985 500sel three years ago; it had 119,000 miles. I have since put on another 70,000 miles driving on Pennsylvania highways in all seasons. It's been the most cost effective vehicle I've ever owned. The top coat has started to peel and I'm getting it repainted. The only rust, the right rear fender, and that was marginal. I plan to have it another 10 years.

28th May 2007, 09:54

I have just purchased a 1985 500SEL with 163k miles on it. The dark blue interior is pristine except for the wood veneer on the dash is coming off. All the power components (seats, mirrors, windows, sunroof, etc) work except for the original radio (which I am going to replace anyway). Also, the air conditioning is out, but not a problem in Minnesota. Mechanically the car is a tank with lots of pickup and passing power. The brakes are a little soft and the belts squeal like a pig occasionally, but overall this is the best car I have ever driven. A pleasure to drive on the highway, and plenty of looks from other drivers, despite rust near fenders, trunk lid, and sunroof. I will get it all repaired and paint the car because it is worth it and I paid only $1000 for it.

Cheers.