Archive for Mercedes Benz
Another Mercedes Renntech SL74, really?
We have seen three of these Renntech SL74 beasts show up for sale this summer, which is pretty unbelievable. Our previous finds:
http://germancarsforsaleblog.com/1997-mercedes-sl74-renntech-monster
http://germancarsforsaleblog.com/1994-mercedes-benz-sl74-renntech
Sometimes an owner will see another seller claiming to have a really are car and take the opportunity to show of his own to show the other guy he isn’t the only one. Sometimes following up one rare listing with another lets a seller piggy back on some of the excitement or the initial sale or lets them judge interest or gauge market value. Perhaps that’s the case with this third SL74.
This one is a 1996 in white found by reader Nik. It is a bit more showy than the other two we saw this year. Chromed intakes, vented hood, embroidered logo headrests, big sound system in the trunk, etc. The specs are right inline with the other two we’ve seen. The seller quotes an investment of over $200,000 and lists the upgrades as follows:
Specs:
V12 engine producing 595 BHP, 605 lbs-ft @4000 RPM. 0-60 is second 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 200 MPH 1/4 times of 11.9
Modifications:
Renntech 7.4 liter engine conversion (stage 4) $49,500:
high performance engine rebuilt, performance intake and exhaust camshafts, ported/polished cylinder heads, larger f1 valves, stainless steal resonator bypass, stainless renntech sports rear muffler.
Renntech top speed removal $1,500
Frist gear start transmission valve body $1,350
Renntech transmission upgrade with limited slip $7,790
Downpipes all metal catalyzers $7,000
Renntech 14″ brakes $5,760
Renntech oil cooler kit $1,250
New convertible top and brand new wheels and brand new tires.
front 245/35/19
rear 275/30/19
Pioneer DVR
Full AMG BODY Kit includes: side skirts, front bumper, rear bumper and rear spoiler. Also comes with rear seats.
includes: hard top cover
Please check out this link. http://www.renntechmercedes.com/article_files/cnd0898.pdf
With a day left this one is up to just under $17,000 reserve not met. The Buy-It-Now price is $28,900. As with the others I’ll say this again, that is a heck of a lot of depreciation. Unlike the others though this one has actually seen substantial use at 91,000 miles. That’s nice to see.
~Evan
1990 Mercedes-Benz 230E 4-speed
The Mercedes-Benz W124 E class is one of those most revered Mercedes models due to its reliability, timeless appearance and ability to withstand punishment. No surprise then that this particular model was a favorite amongst cab drivers around the world. Here we have a rarely seen in the US version for sale, a rather basic 230E with a 4 speed manual.
The seller states:
Up for auction is a RARE 1990 Mercedes-Benz 230E W124 Gray Market Car with a 4 speed manual transmission and 4 cylinder engine. This car was imported from Belgium and has had the same Owner and was shipped to the U.S.A when the owner moved to the states. This car is in great condition inside and out and has been very well maintained.
The VIN for this car is WDB1240231B158867. We had to put all #1 in at the top of the ad because this is a european VIN.
This car is gray with black leather interior, it has a power sunroof, power mirrors, A/C, heated mirrors, woodgrain, drivers airbag, locking glove box, 15″ factory hubcap wheel covers with Michelin Energy MX4V tires with around 85% good tread left on the tires. The car has a custom Alpine CD player and rear JBL speakers mounted. It also has a Sidewinder alarm and 2 keys. The car comes with all the books and owners manuals from the original owner. The car is the color Anthracite with black leather. The car runs and drives very well, the motor and transmission are 100%. The car does not shake, vibrate or pulsate while driving it is a nice tight driving car.
The clutch pedal sticks sometimes and releases slowly and its really nothing major. The car has only 92,590 miles and many more to go. The car is not rusted or rotted there is one small bubble under the drivers door on top of the molding about the size of a quarter. The paint shines nice, there is a couple of minor scratches but nothing major at all. The body is also in great condition. The interior is extra clean NON SMOKER CAR all the leather seating looks great, carpet and interior paneling also. This is a super RARE car in the USA!! This car is extremely hard to find in the states and gets many compliments when viewed.
This is a 4 speed manual transmission with a 4 cylinder engine so it is good for saving on fuel. Comes with the maintenance book, europe workshop directory/index, owners manual, alpine 7390M cd player owners manual, tool kit and full size spare. The underneath is very clean please see pics, there are no leaks of any kind on this car at all. the car has been registered in the United States since 1995 and adheres to all U.S. emmissions and inspections. The car was bought brand new at mercedes-benz of belguim on January 11th 1990. The car was serviced locally at Hatch & Sons in Massachusetts- this is a well known Luxury Mercedes vehicle dealer and repair shop.
This car is optioned in an interesting manner, given that it has leather and crank windows. The color combination is quite tasteful, though. Even though this is a rare car by US standards, it seems unlikely this car will sell for much more than an better optioned 300E of the same vintage. However, if you can register it successfully in your state, there is a certain charm to this simple E class. For a car with over 90,000 miles, it is certainly well preserved and would likely present few problems, if any, for the new owner. With less electronic gadgets to worry about and an efficient four cylinder engine, this W124 is about as close as anyone could come to owning a car for a lifetime. The only thing that leaves me wanting on this particular car is a 5th gear. Still, if I was in the market for basic, reliable transportation, I would forgo the cheapest new cars and slightly used cars out there and snatch this up in a New York minute.
-Paul
Friend of GCFSB listing – Bimmers and a Merc
One of our loyal readers here at German Cars For Sale Blog has a few of his rides for sale on eBay. Let’s take a look at what’s up for bidding.
#1 – BMW’s Best looking flagship executive sedan: Check
This is an absolutely stunning 740i Sport, in absolute mint condition, never any accidents, low highway miles, and most importantly, PROPERLY SERVICED ITS ENTIRE LIFE WITH INVOICES TO PROVE IT! This car was serviced at no-expense-spared and it shows. It needs nothing but a new owner, and looks/drives like a brand new car. Awesome and rare special order paint color, CD changer, navigation, parking sensors, and much much more. Lots of recent service, and some very tasteful modifications.
#2 – Mercedes-Benz’s rarest, most expensive and top-of-the-line offering in 1981: Check
A stunning, rare, and collectible-quality 1981 500SLC 5.0 AMG with only 71K original miles. Only ~100 of these cars were brought into the USA, and some of those were not legally imported but were gray market cars. Of those, how many survived and are still in service? Not many. Of those remaining in-service cars, how many are in excellent original cosmetic and mechanical shape? Fewer still. Of those, how many have well under 100K original miles. A handful. And of that handful, how many have a correct R107 AMG full aero body kit, monochromatic ‘whiteout” paint, and period-correct BBS 16” wheels? Only one, and you are looking at it! This is a one-of-a-kind car, and it’s as nice as the photos suggest. It is unrestored and original, with the patina that shows it to be a loved, maintained, and excellent original car.
#3 – An immaculate White on White 3-Series: Check
It’s a 1994 BMW 325is 5-speed manual in alpine white over dove grey leather with matching grey carpets. It has 84,xxx miles, looks like a million bucks, and drives like a million bucks too! These photos are all taken after a wash and vacuum; no detailing of any kind.
Some amazing German muscle in this post…which of the 3 would you like to take home?
-Ben
Classy 1999 Mercedes SL600
Evan’s Renntech SL74 got me thinking about how great the R129 SL is. In my opinion, it’s one of the classiest and most handsome modern Benz’s.
Back in high school, my friend’s dad had a maroon SL600 that he used to park in front of the school. Most of the time he had the top down but in the fall he rocked the hardtop which gave the MB a much cleaner and finished look.
While many admired the car from their 5th period study hall, I’m sure none understood the potency that this Benz possessed: 6.0 liters, 10 quarts of oil, 12 cylinders, 48 valves, 389HP and only 459 built in 1999 at a price tag of $130,095 each. Solid numbers.
1999 Mercedes-Benz SL600 in the OC
Black is the color for the SL and the AMG 5-spokes complete the package. While the miles are high, the price is low; 98,800 and $12,900 respectfully.
The 4th generation SL is one of those cars that still looks new in my eyes. Sure, it’s over a decade old but I’d rather have one over the googly-eyed R230.
-Ben
Killer deal on a clean 1986 Cossy 190E
We’re familiar enough with the Mercedes-Benz AMG 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth, a car who predated the current fancy-car trend of verbose hyphenated names by 25 years. Overshadowed by BMW’s E30 M3 response 2 years later, it’s still a hot piece of 80s German race machinery. What really struck me about this ad is the offer from the seller to take it to a mechanic and knock the cost of whatever mechanical repairs are needed off the price. Essentially a guarantee that you’ll get a 2.3-16 in great running shape for the advertised $5800, a low price to start with.
1986 Mercedes-Benz AMG 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth for sale on Craigslist SF
Seller’s description:
1986 Cosworth Mercedes 2.3-16 valve. 134 k mi, one of the 1800 legally imported in1986-87, second owner, no rust or accidents, good condition, new head gasket, fuel pump, timing chain, clutch, exhaust including preconverters. Getrag 5 speed manual. A lot of assorted new parts. Runs well. Rear shocks new, but not OEM. Ambient air gauge and cruise control don’t work. $5800 or BO. We can take the car to the dealer for inspection, any cost of mechanical repairs (if needed) I will gladly subtract from asking price.
There aren’t a ton of pictures to get an idea of the overall superficial condition, but with the list of recent maintenance and mechanical guarantee, I see this as a pretty mind-blowing deal as Cosworth’s regularly go for $10-15k. It’s not as sexy as an Evo and doesn’t stray to far from a standard 190E, but that’s ok with me with the racing pedigree and money that will be left over for upgrades should you choose to go that route. If anyone out there is actually in the market for one of these, I’d highly recommend contacting this seller.
-NR
1969 Mercedes-Benz 600, one owner, 78k miles
The Mercedes-Benz 600, or Grosser Mercedes, is one of those timeless vehicles that needs no explanation. Favored by heads of state, celebrities and well-heeled businesspersons, some 600s are still regularly used to this day, as many believe that even a Maybach can’t stand up to what this car has to offer. Here we have a VERY original, one owner short wheelbase 600 in need of another caretaker for the next 40 years.
The seller states:
Purchased new 11/28/1968. The only 600 ever sold new in Columbus, Ohio. Owned by local attorney since day 1. Always maintained and preserved at the local Mercedes dealership where it always received everything it needed and more as can be attested to by the extensive service file which comes with the car.
Car was recently driven 500 miles to the M100 clubs annual meet where it was recognized as one of the best original cars in existence. Silver with black leather. Paint is mostly original although it has had some touch-ups over the years and an extra door protection strip added. The original black leather is still soft and supple. It has a factory optional sunroof and beverage cooler. It comes complete with all the books and records, the toolkit with all the tools, the hydraulic kit with all the parts, the air suspension kit inside the spare wheel with all the parts, and the spare parts kit in the styrofoam box stored in the left trunk compartment. The tires are almost new Michelins with less than 1000 miles, 205/75/15XL. Everything operates as intended in every system. There are no mickey mouse parts on this car. It has factory original exhaust system in good condition. The chrome is bright and shiny with just a few minor imperfections. The car has absolutely no rust ever.
Being sold to settle estate. You won’t find too many left like this one. SL Market Letter lists this car in #2 condition at $150,000. We are offering the car at 1/3 off for quick sale. Enjoy it while it appreciates! This car is 100% handmade and is the 540K of the future. It is the finest automobile ever made by any company and soon will be recognized in the 1 million dollar range.
While $100,000 may seem a bit steep for what is essentially a used vehicle, consider how much it would cost to put everything right on a vehicle like this. What we see here is a rare instance of a well cared for classic, one that is sure to appreciate in the future.
And if you weren’t aware, famed motoring journalist Jeremy Clarkson owns one:
-Paul
1994 Mercedes Benz SL74 Renntech
Today hearing of a Mercedes pushing 500 horsepower, while not really yawn factor, is certainly not surprising. AMG has done an amazing job generating massive power and torque numbers for Mercedes that you can now buy of the regular dealer showroom floor. While big engine big power Benzs have been a hallmark of the company for years they were scarcer in years past.
This big fellow could scare off just about everything else on the road when it was new back in 1994. The SL74 was a Renntech package that took the already potent Mercedes 6 liter V-12 and pushed it out to 7.4 liters. With about 600 horsepower and 600 lb. ft. of torque after the conversion all coming out of a lagless normally aspirated engine one could easily spin the z rated tires down to the rims.
It isn’t clear if this car was converted by Renntech just after the purchase or if the conversion took place later in the car’s life. With only 15,000 miles it doesn’t really matter.
This car has similar specs to the Renntech SL74 I posted early this summer:
http://germancarsforsaleblog.com/1997-mercedes-sl74-renntech-monster
Giant brakes (seriously look inside the wheels at those things), exhaust, limited slip diff, upgraded transmission all are necessary additions. The sort of things you would associate with a handbuilt rocketship. What sets this one apart, ironically, is at first glance it is so subdued. You could easily mistake this for just another R129 series Benz. The wheels are nothing too exciting, though closer inspection reveals them to be light magnesium wheels. Nothing seems too fancy about the bodykit, some flares and vents, not even a badge on the back, then you realize it is all carbon fiber, hood, fenders, rockers. This saves, according to the seller 600 lbs in weight.
A peak inside and you can see that this SL is not for prowling a Florida retirement community, though grandpa would probably like the feel of those Recaro ortho sport seats, grandma likely would not want to fumble with the four point race harness.
I believe you can still get this conversion done by Renntech if you have the cash. The original cost was $325,000, that included $110,000 for the stock SL600. Take the depreciation and buy this two owner sneak attack machine for $65,000. Geniuses drive green cars after all right? Hard top and stand included. Just be careful the seller has no feedback.
It is worth noting that the Renntech 7.4 should not be confused with the similar era Mercedes AMG SL73, which was a factory produced vehicle available in very limited numbers. The 7.3 liter AMG engine is the engine that went on to more recent fame as the power plant for the Pagani Zonda producing similar power figures as this Renntech.
~Evan
2001 Mercedes-Benz CL600 for Sale
Ben’s Q-Ship post the other day got me thinking about these biggest of Benz coupes. There’s something to be said about the pure indulgence intrinsic in massive luxury coupes. Ben’s 65 puts the “rocket ship” in Q-ship, but the “pedestrian,” non-AMG’d CL600 was no slouch either. It only made 60% of the CL65′s power (367 vs. 612), but it was still a burly V12 able to excite while cruising in a massive, B-pillarless yacht of a coupe.
2001 Mercedes-Benz CL600 for sale
It’s a shame it’s not two years older, when the 600 gained twin turbos. But really, an engine that needs its torque electronically limited is an exercise in absurdity; the 600 and V12 badges will impress just as much when you’re cruising. It’s just over 100k miles, usually a nice amount but with a German V12, any miles are bad miles in terms of maintenance cost. But if a Benz CL is what you want, you’d have class and cash left over with a reduced price around $16k. Not bad to get into this lineage.
-NR
2000 Mercedes-Benz E55 for sale
The W210 Mercedes E-Class represents one of the first times I started seeing M-B as capable of the bruce I knew so well from their Bavarian counterparts. The sport-edition E430 certainly looked the part with some slick 5 spokes and near-AMG body kit, but the real beast of the litter- subtly aggressive on the outside and packing tire-roasting torque on the inside- was the E55. Now, some may scoff at its 349hp, 5.4L V8, but realize that we live in the most golden age of horsepower wars. Though it even gave up some power to its contemporary M5, the tides were reversed when it came to torque, making this a true muscle car from the great Hammer tradition.
2000 Mercedes-Benz E55 for sale
This one comes in clean silver, showing off the well-shaped hood and clean lines front to back. It has 133k miles and a less-than-descriptive listing so it could use a thorough pre-sale inspection, but it looks to be in good condition inside and out and is priced at a mere $10,000. For 10 grand, you’ve got your own German ape-in-a-business suit, ready to spin those AMG monoblocks and look classy doing it.
-NR
Q-Ship Benz – CL65 AMG
-->
The term “Q-ship” comes from WW1 British Navy merchant ships that were unassumingly designed to lure German submarines to the surface but were also heavily armed with concealed weaponry allowing the Royal Navy to fire and sink the enemy.
The “Q” label has been passed along to the tarmac-version of a vehicular wolf in sheep’s clothing. Those of us from the Home of the Brave know the Q-car as a Sleeper.
One of my favorite examples of a Q-ship (and yes, I believe this Mercedes should be classified as a ship rather than a car) is the CL65 AMG. At over 16 feet long and tipping the fishscale at 4,800 pounds the CL is enormous.
In order to move this behemoth Mercedes took AMG’s hand built, 6.0-liter V-12 and slapped on two big snail shells. The result was earthshaking: 604 horsepower and 738 pound-feet at just 3000 rpm. It’s said that big 12 could make 885 pound-feet worth but it would simply grenade the transmission so Mercedes had to limit it to 738. Speaking of limits, the CL65 is limited to a top speed of 186 compared to the typical 155mph limit we see on most German engineering. This of course didn’t stop dealers and owners from remapping the ECU which allowed these Silver Arrows to exceed 200mph.
Being one of only 194 built (W215-chassis) and originally having a MSRP of almost $180K makes this Benz look like the deal of the century. At a current bid of less than 40K not only do you get stupendous power and speed but unparalleled luxury and comfort of a flagship Mercedes-Benz.
I apologize for my word choice in this post but a big car calls for big words…and this is as big as it gets.
-Ben
-
Subscribe Via Email
Receive new updates!