Questions & Answers
Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Coupe Restoration
Sunday, February 7th, 2010Patrick Asks:
I am restoring my 280 SE 3.5 Coupe, it is modified to my spec., I had original 76/27 A5-5-Speed-Box ( very rar), Megasquirt EFI, modified cyl.heads and cams, Spax(adjust), 6.3 Offset on front axle with (10 mm not 20 mm plate-steering box and 15 nearer leaf springs like 6.3), 3.92 rear axle (modified [...]
QA: 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL500 Value Question
Wednesday, September 9th, 2009Al Erhart Asks:
I have a 2001 SL500 with the Panoramic Roof. It has been maintained to Mercedes standards. It has 62,000 miles with new tires. It has 38,000 miles left on a comprehensive policy for any mechanical problems. What is the value. It is silver with AMG sports package. Thanks, Al Erhart
John Olson Replies:
It is [...]
QA: 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Radio
Wednesday, September 9th, 2009John Christian asks:
I have a 1989 300sl and the radio just quit today – however it still makes a loud clicking noise – no LCD display though – and the antennae goes up and down randomly. Is there an easy fix? If not, what is a good replacement 3rd party radio?
Thanks, John Christian
John Olson Replies: [...]
QA: Mercedes-Benz 300SL Repaint
Friday, June 26th, 2009Nicolas asks:
So If money was no option / what would be the most desirable color combo on a 1986 300sl. I have the palomino leather interior already. What should i paint the outside of the car. Blue, Red, Silver, White, Black.?
John Olson replies:
The best selling MB exterior colors in the mid-1980s were Light Ivory [...]
QA: 1985 380SL Valuation Trends
Friday, June 19th, 2009Kevin Stanley asks:
I have a 1985 380Sl; full load, heated seats, ac, hard top, etc. I am the second owner and the car is all original with 92,000 km’s. It is teal with natural leather; 8 out of 10 condition. How can I determine the value today? Are they going up or down in value?
Thanks [...]
1986 300SL: Value of Repainting New Color
Monday, June 15th, 2009Nicolas asks:
I have a 300sl 1986 Model drives fantastic it is currently Metalic silver/Green with Green Interior . . . eerrrre – purchased the car because it was very well looked after and was in need of a new owner. I purchased it for 24,000 AUD. (In pounds – estimated to be 8000.00.) I [...]
SL Market QA: Mercedes 107 Ride Quality Updating Springs and Shocks
Monday, June 1st, 2009Bob Hill asks:
I have a 1983 Mercedes-Benz 380SL. I want to lower it and remove the floating ride. How would you recommend this be done? Lowering Springs, shocks, etc.
John Olson Answers:
Bob and anyone else with a 1971 through 1989 SL; “fixing” your car’s height and too-soft ride is pretty straightforward. Most SLs delivered in [...]
MERCEDES-BENZ: 5 Spd Manual vs. 4 Spd Automatic
Wednesday, February 25th, 2009Phil asks:
I have a 1981 500SLC I would like to put a 5-speed (manual) trans in the car ….any suggestions.
John Olson replies:
My suggestions? Forget about it! The improvement would be minimal for a whole lota’ cost and monkey business. Gertrag made (may still make) a strong five speed manual box that AMG offered during the 1980s… priced at $14,000 [...]
Tough Call: Heirloom or Cash
Saturday, February 21st, 2009 Kimberly Damer [stanfordalumni]
Hi – I was wondering what the fair market price - in a private sale - would be for a 1991 560 SEC COUPE (last yr. they made that model) WITH ONLY 50,000 miles – mint condition – black on black – originally priced at $110,000. Always garaged. My mom’s car for many years. Thanks.
OLSON RELPIES: [...]
Replacing Interiors
Friday, November 7th, 2008Q: My 230SL needs a new interior. The original cognac color is attractive but all the replacement cognac materials that I have seen do not match the original cognac color and they are also not very attractive. In your opinion do I hurt the value of my 230SL if I change the interior vinyl color [...]
