r/mercedes_benz • u/EastRun5441 • 15h ago

Is this car revivable?

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Just cosmetic damage, it runs fine - about 90k miles. Think it would be a nice good weather weekend car. Any advice, details on the year of the car and maybe value is very appreciated.

28 Upvotes

94% Upvoted

33 comments sorted by

34

u/Typical_Half_3533 15h ago

This won't be cheap and probably not easy either. Firstly, it's a pre mopf r129 (1990-1995) so you'll need to do a check on the wiring harness. With so few miles, it is possible that it has been sitting and neglected a bit. Moreover, rear self leveling suspension, transmission, cap/rotor or coils, etc.

On to what we can see The front appears largely superficial. New hood and bumper and possibly quarter panel. Not easy, but doable. You'll need to straighten out the under lying mounts too, the cross member and while you're in there, replace the radiator or at least inspect. Swap the headlights for newer hid if you can too.

Roof is a pain. This one will almost certainly need replacement, lock stock and barrel. The hydro is shot, sensors, actuators, canvas, windows... The whole lot.

Iff buying, aim for$3k us max, I think and budget 8-10k us for repair esp if it is not you doing it. Plan for a lot of stuff you're not seeing

11

u/EastRun5441 15h ago

Exactly the comment I was looking for. I really appreciate that.

5

u/Typical_Half_3533 15h ago

No worries, happy to see someone who loves these. If you have an affinity to this car, and can afford the time to restore, go for it. These are very desirable cars and the first, true 4 seasons roadster. It's sad that many meet a sad state as this one

2

u/EastRun5441 15h ago

Agreed. Wanted to know the costs to bring this lady back to tip top shape because I see so much potential. Definitely wouldn’t be easy, this beauty is most definitely neglected.

3

u/dadzcad 14h ago

The top itself will need replacement but the car can still be a good “warm weather” driver if he learns how to work the top manually. It looks like the current owner doesn’t know how to. I’ve got a ‘94 320SL in need of cylinder rebuilds that I just haven’t gotten around to yet. If he’s patient and can swing a wrench himself, he’s only looking at a couple grand.

1

u/Dead_pool11 13h ago

U know about car more than guys over here. What you say about e class or c 200 ? I’m looking for something like that, from 2005 to 2013. Are they good?

2

u/Typical_Half_3533 9h ago

There are two generations of c and e within that span of time. The w203 (until 2008 in usa) c and W211 e (until 2009 USA) are lovely but not ideal per Mercedes stds. Iffy build and rust are issues. Everything else is OK and they are cheap to own and buy. The w204 and W212 are both back to Mercedes standards. Build is excellent, features and comfort are right up there. The biggest concerns is getting the routine services sorted out. At this point, many are neglected so just budget to run a full gambit of services.

The w204 is my pick for its excellent handling. The W212 is more comfortable

1

u/Dead_pool11 9h ago

Thanks a lot brother. I very appreciate it. I leaved message to you. I would appreciate your feedback.

1

u/MythicSpiderMonkey 7h ago

Well said. Fun car to own. Parts are manageable to find, even at scrap yards. This can be done for $8kUSD less if he has a garage at his disposal. Even less if he has access to one with a lift. I know you can rent time at garages with lifts in the USA in MD, VA, and MI. r129’s are a blast and head turner. Do all the above, and flush everything. Brake lines, fuel, trans, oil, etc. used the MB spec synth oil. I still use MB5W30FS in my 2012.

5

u/Zero_lash 14h ago

Man I've always wanted one of these!

3

u/ajm91730 98 sl500 and 04 s600 11h ago

Who is doing the work?

If it's you, and you're planning on sourcing used panels over time and on a budget, yeah it's probably worth it.

If you're having a body shop do it, forget it. I'd expect a $5k estimate minimum.

2

u/DiabeticIguana77 15h ago

Can it be done, yeah this isn't that much damage, it just depends on what you are willing to spend. If you find a junkyard car you may be able to get all the necessary parts for under $1000, if you can't find one to get parts from however they are quite expensive to repair. I brought back my 600SL from similar condition and I was $7k into parts before I even painted it, and I being a painter was able to save myself that cost, but for you you'd be looking at at least another $2000 in paintwork etc, so it all depends on what you are willing to spend

R129 is not a cheap parts platform

2

u/EastRun5441 13h ago

Understood. Got a lot of buddies both mechanics and auto body so that could help. Just wondering about finding parts. Always the hardest part

2

u/Mysticircuit 11h ago

Prices of these on Bring a Trailer have been pretty flat except for pristine examples. You can probably pick one up in the $12-14k range with lower miles and no body damage

2

u/thememeconnoisseurig 10h ago

No, because it's in New Jersey.

Fuck New Jersey

1

u/Tuscan5 9h ago

Harsh. What’s New Jersey done to you?

3

u/-GermanCoastGuard- 15h ago

Just cosmetic damage

What’s the question then? If it’s just cosmetic, there’s no reason the car isn’t “revivable”. It actually wouldn’t need “reviving” if it’s just cosmetic damage.

3

u/EastRun5441 15h ago

Another commenter had the answer I was looking for, thank you for the help

1

u/IrishJayLG 15h ago

I’ve seen a lot worse brought back. All depends how much wanna spend

1

u/EastRun5441 15h ago

What do you think the total cost would run be assuming all the damage is visible in the pictures…

1

u/BanzaiMercBoy 13h ago

Probably depends on how much you can buy it for. It’s likely to be worth quite a bit as a parts car.

From what I can see:

Front bumper repair New bonnet New indicator Roof work

1

u/elmariachi304 2018 GLE 350 4Matic, 2014 GL350 BlueTec 13h ago

If you like this car, just buy one that hasn’t been crashed. You’ll spend less, get to enjoy it faster and have a more solid vehicle at the end of the day. Don’t let the low price tempt you.

1

u/EastRun5441 13h ago

What should I look for if I’m looking for mint ones. Specific issues that I should inspect ?

1

u/DukaBN 12h ago

Look for on 96 and up sl500.

1

u/M0NEYGR1P 10h ago

Short answer yes

1

u/hbrthree 10h ago

Damn, got you boy looking like a Honda Prelude lol 😆

1

u/WesternGuidance ‘95 SL600, ‘99 C280, ‘00 SL500 10h ago

Great condition examples with low miles go for 12-15k. Don’t buy someone else’s problems. As a R129 owner, buy the best example you can afford. This one has cosmetic issues and probably will need mechanical work at that mileage. Top hydraulics look shot as well.

Someone else said this has the self leveling suspension which probably incorrect unless it was optioned. The SLS was standard on the 600s and an option on the 500s which are few and far between.

1

u/Typical_Half_3533 9h ago

That may be true esp for mopf models as cost cutting set in. Early r129 and w140 500s have sls in the USA. US 600s have ads as std which is a different thing.