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What is a 1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SL Worth?
By slmarket | May 24, 2010
Ernie Asks:
MY FRIEND WANTS TO KNOW WHAT A 1984 500 SL, A FULLY LOADED CAR WITH BOTH TOPS IN MINT CONDITION, IS WORTH. EVEN BETTER, IT HAS BEEN INDOORS SINCE BOUGHT AND ONLY HAS 9,000.00 MILES. NUMBER 1. DOES ANYBODY WANT TO MAKE AN OFFER AND IF NOT WHAT IS THE VALUE TO ASK?
THANKS FOR YOUR TIME, ERNIE
OLSON REPLIES:
For sellers, an excellent “clearing house” for any SL is always the SL MARKET LETTER. The April issue offered no less that eleven privately-imported 500 SL of 1980 – 1989 with mileage as low as 14,870, and prices ranging from $11,500 to $26,750. There are over 200 new Mercedes offerings in every issue.
The 5 Liter V-8 was one of seven engines offered during the unusually long 19 year production of the “107 Body” SL… and in my opinion, of all seven, the 5 liter offers the most punch for the buck! It caused quite a stir between 1980 and 1985 as they have 40% more HP than the only SL available at authorized US M-B dealers during those years; the 380 SL. Americans saw and rented the 500 SL in Europe and discovered they could import and convert them to DOT/EPA specs for less than the 380 SL cost domestically. M-B focused on smaller engines including diesels in those years to avoid CAFE fines imposed by EPA on all car manufacturers failing “fleet average” MPG standards. M-B avoided the fines but lost these sales to determined “performance-oriented” enthusiasts.
For buyers, the 500SL remains a serious option for those model years IF CONDITION HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. First priority is a NEVER rusted body, regardless which engine. ALWAYS inspect them on a hoist and walk away from anything more than minor surface rust! If it passes this first test, drive it for a half hour, not just around the block. Take in on the express way and boulevard. Feel it. Listen. Some old Mercedes feel old. Others remain tight and smooth and civil. Remember too, a good “feel” is only coincidentally correlated to your favorite color! The price range mentioned above is entirely justified, and weak cars of uncertain mileage and no service records are not even worth $5,000 because you can’t reincarnated them for $10,000+ ! Better to pay $15,000+ for a first rate example as a tired car is a personal time-sump too. All that said, these were well made, strong, cars. Ageless styling and about as safe as old cars get!
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