350SL - money-pit ?

[Rs2oo]

Im thinking of buying a cheap 350SL circa 1978 - 1981 or there abouts. I have seen one in a bit of a sorry state unused for a number of years but a runner.

How expensive are these cars to renovate/re-commission ? suspension/shocks, brakes, exhausts etc etc. Body repairs I know about, its the rest of the car im not too sure about. Any advice welcome please !

[r129sl]

It is normally corrosion to the bodywork which renders them uneconomical to repair. Trim--whether exterior brightwork or any interior stuff--is extraordinarily expensive and dwindling in availability. Mechanical parts are extremely robust and service/consumable parts are readily available from the high quality after market. So shocks for example from Sachs/Boge or Bilstein can be had for no more than £60 a corner; springs less; brakes are very cheap, £150 will buy discs and pads all round.

[medieval]

I would (and have) - just keep a weather eye on the wing edges , particularly the rear ones as they are very prone to corrosion and are expensive to replace. Avoid at all costs any cars with the chrome wing lips as these will in most cases hide a lot of corrosion. Later cars from '86 onwards, I think, are galvanised and come with ABS and the four speed auto which the earlier ones miss out on.

Make sure the hard top is present and check the numbers match as well as it can be a selling point at the upper end of the price range.

Leather trim where possible and the rear seat option was a plus for me with younger children.
Good value for money at the moment if you can find a good one and the darker and metalic colours seem to fetch more money.
Good luck and enjoy.

[Rs2oo]

Thanks guys !