Is Designo Blue Like Mystic Blue ?

[DSLiverpool]

Seeing this car on tuesday (SL seen number 7)



And quite keen but I would like to know if there are a few deigno blues or just one and is it like mystic ?

This SL500 hits all the spots except the AMG 18" wheels are one piece not two piece which is a pity but im being ultra fussy

Dave

[matc]

They do Mystic and Mauritius blue, Mauritius is a very light colour, the mystic looks fantastic in the flesh.

[DSLiverpool]

I love Mystic but I dont know (as photo is poor) if the Designo blue is close to it

[matc]

What colour is it advertised as? It does look a bit like mystic but not quite as dark.

[r129sl]

It is neither Mystic nor Mauritius but has been properly described as "Designo Blue". This looks like one of a run of "special edition" models produced circa 1998. At this time, the Designo range was very much in its infancy. Should be a nice car; the colour always photographs a bit muddy, but I am sure it will look great.

[DSLiverpool]

The ONLY thing putting me off is the alloys not being the two pice and poss not amg - I want a perfect car I guess

Dave

[matc]

If you can get me the reg or vin number I'll have a check on the merc system to see what the spec was when it left the factory.

[DSLiverpool]

R519 MNK

Thanks !

[matc]

There isn't any mention of the wheels in the spec, the total spec of the car is:

017 Designo Varicolour
268 Grey Leather
Memory Driver/Passenger Seats
Auto Dimming Rear View Mirror
Wood/Leather Gear Shift
Wood/Leather STeering Wheel
Cassette Holder
Panoramic Glass Roof
Exterior Mirrors With Memory
Leather Rear Seats
Xenon Lights
Dark Blue Soft Top
CD Changer
1998 Model Year

Its HPI clear with only 2 previous owners; depending on price it looks like a nice car.

HTH

[DSLiverpool]

Looking to pay £12k with recharged air con, new battery, 12m mot, new soft top windows - seeing it tuesday

Many thanks !!

[r129sl]

Those wheels were standard with that spec, assuming it is a special edition car.

[DSLiverpool]

This is now my number 1 contender, it needs 2 new sunvisors and the casette holder is knackered.

Sounds great - is in really honest condition

The a/c still needs a recharge and Im hoping the condenser is ok as its a dash out job for a new one I believe.

are illuminated mirror sunvisors and cassete / cd holders readily available ?

Thanx

Dave

[r129sl]

The cassette holder can be replaced with either (a) a felt-line pocket (circa £25), (b) cassette holders (a bit more), (c) CD holders (I think) or (d) cupholders (circa £100). The felt pocket certainly is readily available and very useful.

Sunvisors... not sure these are readily available, best to check with the dealer. I suspect grey will be OK; it is very difficult to get helios and java trim parts.

A/C. Unlikely to be the evaporator (which is in the dash and is a very big job to replace). Highly likely to be the condensor (which is between the water radiator and the auxillary fans and costs circa £750 to replace). The other mega common fault with the A/C is the evaporator temperature sensor (£40 to replace); when this fails the A/C ceases to operate after about 10minutes, the fan speed rises to max yet no air comes out.

Finally, the aerial looks knackered, but they can be repaired and a new mast only costs £20.

Also, here's another one for reference:
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/MERC...

And another:
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/MERC...

Edited by r129sl on Wednesday 9th July 18:15

[DSLiverpool]

I saw those two - both easy 300 mile trips that will only be done if all else fails (I hate motorway driving)

The garage with this one is a small mot specialist who has say 6 cars on sale at a time and the guy really does choose carefully - will keep the tale updated until fruition - mind you the monsoon in Liverpool right now kinda puts the kybosh on open air motoring

Dave

[matc]

Have you still got the CLS55 AMG?

[DSLiverpool]

Yes its a 06 April with 17k and nearly every option - Im keeping it, the SL is for weekends now I finally have a two car garage.

I drove a 6.3 last week and I much prefer the blown 55 engine plus it sounds

IMHO CLS55 are used bargains, I got mine on 6k miles and 1 year and saved £25k on what it was new - will load pics eventually

Dave

[matc]

DSLiverpool said:

Yes its a 06 April with 17k and nearly every option - Im keeping it, the SL is for weekends now I finally have a two car garage.

I drove a 6.3 last week and I much prefer the blown 55 engine plus it sounds

IMHO CLS55 are used bargains, I got mine on 6k miles and 1 year and saved £25k on what it was new - will load pics eventually

Dave

I agree about the engine, the 55 just seems to have a lot more character. I never fail to get excited about a CLS55, they are just an incredible car and like you say at the moment a bit of bargain.

[DSLiverpool]

Well I have put in an offer on the blue Designo at the top of the thread, its on condition it all works etc and I think its fair at £12k

We shall see

Dave

[DSLiverpool]

My offer of £12k on the Designo was not accepted (with other conditions part of the purchase) - I asked for a 30 day warranty and 6 months tax, the hood to work 2/3 times in succession, new aerial and all buttons to work - we may still do biz but on tuesday Im off to see this - but have a query


what are the interior door handle bulges ? looks like the door pulls have been cut - I have not noticed them on any others.





One again any input appreciated

Dave

Edited by DSLiverpool on Sunday 13th July 22:30

[r129sl]

Don't know what those bulges are: they look like some kind of protective wrapper. The door pulls get absolutely filthy within days of being cleaned, they are made of some kind of soft and porous vinyl and just suck up dirt. So long as the original door pull is not damaged, I think these are a good idea!