1982 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 500SEL from UK and Ireland - Comments

Exhaust manifold gasket blew and whilst being replaced a stud snapped off.

This isn`t really a review as I am yet to drive the car, but I thought that nevertheless it might entertain your readers.

About 2 weeks ago I was doing some plumbing work at my brother in law`s house and everyday for about 10 days I drove past a beautiful Merc 500 SEL. With each passing day the car seemed a little dirtier and I finally realised that it had never turned a wheel since the first time I saw it. I had been daydreaming about buying the car since I first saw it so I finally decided to do something about it.

After knocking on a few wrong doors I eventually found the owner who told me he would consider selling the car as he was leaving for Autralia in 2 weeks time.

Only problem is - he said- the car won`t run because of a broken exhaust manifold stud. He had tried to remove the head so that the stud could be drilled out, but after removing the fuel injection he lost his nerve and put it all back together again only now it wouldn`t start.

I explained to him that a 22 year old car that won`t run is a scrapper and to cut a long story short finally gave him £300 ($540) and towed it away.

So, I found a mobile welder who built up the stud (which had broken flush) by welding little dabs of weld succesively until the stud was long enough to weld a nut on to it and turned it out!

I was so pleased that I paid him £20 more than he asked and the total bill was only £50.

I haven`t re-fitted the exhaust manifold yet as I am waiting on parts from local Merc dealer (very helpful too) but don`t envisage too many problems getting it running.

So, I have spent £350 for a 500 SEL with Air Con, Electric Seats, ABS, Power Steering, Power Brakes, Cruise Control, and a brand new £500 Sony radio cd changer. Oh, and lets not forget the FIVE LITRE V8.

147 miles an hour and so much room inside that when you turn around to shout at the kids you get an echo!

And the very best bit? The car has a FULL service history up to about 6000 miles ago.

When I get it going I`ll send in a proper review.

It`s been a great week.

Well, you lucky lucky bugger.

We are looking to buy a 1988 model. The prices in Australia vary from $AUD14,500 to $AUD22,000 AND OF COURSE THEY COULD BE 3,000kM AWAY.

R.E.SNELL. ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

Good purchase! I bought my 1985 500SEL for £900, loads wrong with it, but it runs and goes very fast! I'm sure you will love the comfort when you get to drive it.