22nd Oct 2007, 08:26
Wayne, I bought my first Mercedes-Benz in September, 2006; a 1985 500 SEL (black) with 113,000 miles (for $2000). This car is by far the best car I have ever owned. It is very comfortable; the back seat reclines, and it rides better than my wife's 2002 Lexus GS. I have replaced the heater blower, new shocks (from a performance catalogue), new belts, changed the headlights (to European style), and a new Alpine radio. 128,000 miles later, and this car goes better than most new cars. To really appreciate this car, just take it out on the highway and open it up. I must keep up with the oil changes. Long Island, New York. Note; the car performs better on 89 Octane gasoline.
4th Nov 2007, 20:05
I just changed the water pump in my 85 500 SEL. What a great experience. This car is the most enjoyable of all that I have ever owned.
It is truely the best engineering I have seen under the hood.
3rd Dec 2007, 20:38
HELP!!! I can't drive my favorite car!
The driver's seat won't go back AT ALL since my wife adjusted it last week. Am hoping there is a way to get it to go back without using the (apparently malfunctioning) power switch on the driver's side door.
Car is 1985 500 SEL and all fuses are OK.
Any info appreciated.
Larry.
25th Dec 2007, 20:54
- I just got my New Navy blue 500 Sel 1984 Mercedes. I absolutely love it.
- It has 170000 miles on it and drives like a charm.
-On the highway it has some rattling noises, especially when turning the steering wheel to the right. Any ideas why this is happening or any suggestions on how I can fix this problem?
- Overall it is a great car.
26th Jan 2008, 17:44
Hello all,
I'm looking at a 1985 500 SEL w/94,000 miles. Gold w/tan interior, and really, clean as a whistle.
The two rear windows will not work, and the owner says it is a minor part he will take care of.
The steering tends to wander, but no evidence of any ball joint/tie rod problem. He says it is the "steering box" on the column and is in the process of replacing it. Your comments on this would help.
His asking price is almost $5K, and I'm very interested. Was wondering about how long the tranny should last, if taken care of. This is a two-owner car.
Has an excellent carfax report and mileage is true.
Whaddya think?
Wendell
Florida.
3rd Apr 2008, 12:07
I am buying a 85 500SEL, for 2000$ and it has 200k miles on it. Is this a good deal?
tammy@remerge.com
14th Apr 2008, 18:06
Hello! I just bought a late 1984 560SEL for $950. It recently developed a knocking noise in the front drivers side part of the engine. Any suggestions in the problem? I love the car too much to let it go... it's my first Mercedes! :) It's sooo beautiful!
19th Jun 2008, 22:43
I am buying a 1985 500 SEL Mercedes with 100k miles on it, but it is very dirty and has a fan clutch problem.
Good deal or not?
8th Jul 2008, 16:15
The 500 and 560 SELs are some of the nicest road machines you will ever find. Their biggest potential pitfall is the temptation to drive them without spending the money on maintenance that they require.
27th Jul 2008, 09:45
I have a 1985 MB 500SEL and am having problems re misfiring of the engine. I've changed the plugs but still have not cured the problem. Would you have any possible advice as to what I should look into?
Jake Gomez.
1st Dec 2008, 22:59
Look at all of your vacuum lines. I just got a 1984 500 SEL for $400, LOL the guy was a idiot. He was going to send it to a junk yard! It had front wheel drive rims on it so the rims messed up the tie rods and it had a misfire.
Spent $700 on repairs and replaced a vacuum line! Power seats don't work :(
But eh for a $400 dollar car I love it!! Lots of power!! Lots of torque! Thinking about piping it, to increase the HP and an MSD coil and a K&N filter. Oh and performance springs and shocks :)
I would love to do a custom turbo set up, but so don't want to mess up the drive train! It is by far the quickest car I have owned! Faster than my old 68 Dodge Coronet RT and my old 1996 Nissan 240SX (not off the line but top end)
14th Feb 2009, 22:09
Hi, I have a 1985 500 SEL, bought at 175k and drove about 1500 miles and the water pump went, or I think it did. I am not much of a mechanic, a stream of water comes from where the pump meets the motor. I understand that a loud noise was to come from the pump, a way to tell if it is the pump, no noise, I also have been told that the bolts maybe need to be tighten? I do know that when I fill it with water it runs straight out of the car, all of it. Help, everything else works and runs great, where on line can I get a diagram of the motor and water pump, to see if I can fix it myself, only a few bolts? Trying to be funny on fixing it myself, help, help.
6th Mar 2009, 22:29
I have had my 1985 500 SEL for 21 years, the best car ever. After putting on 200,000 miles, my transmission is starting to act up. I've taken it to a couple of mechanic and the dealership and they give me different diagnoses on the problem. Need help with this problem, the transmission will not shift to the next gear, the more I give it gas the higher the rpm goes up with no increase in speed. I hope it's something simple like maybe a bad modulator?
10th Mar 2009, 23:31
I have a 1986 500 SEL with roughly 143k miles. The car hasn't moved for about a year and refuses to start. Every time I've tried to turn it over, all I get is a loud 'click'. My friend said it may have been the starter or the battery. Also, the car leaks automatic transmission fluid and motor oil. All I would like to know is how much all of these various repairs may cost. Any input is welcome.
13th May 2009, 18:08
I just purchased a 85 500SEL mint exterior/interior (black on black) for $3000. It is by far the best vehicle I have owned. 199,000 org miles and one owner who kept up on maintenance. This car was rated the best luxury model for its time, and considered now rare and classic.
Few issues though. High idle issue. I have seen that this is common with this model. The only info I have found was to replace the idle control valve relay. Having trouble finding the part. Also heard that it could be a vacuum leak also.
The other issue is a transmission leak. It seems to be coming from the pan.. maybe seal.
All in all I feel that money I put into this car will be worth it in the long run. TO all old Mercedes owners: cherish the love and baby your car. And keep up on all proper maintenance. These cars are tanks that will last well over 300,000 miles if taken care of.
April
Indiana.
14th Sep 2007, 21:26
Yes, I have a 1985 500SEL in good condition. It has some rust on the outer body in 3 spots by the molding. Runs great, and has 51,000 miles. Great car; can't wait until I paint the rust spots, buy new wheels, and clean the interior a little.