I'd been on the lookout for a nice R129 500sl for a while. When I spotted the 25k mile car Richard had advertised I thought it was too good to be true.

Went the next day to see the 25k mile car, and met the enthusiastic and fastidious original owner. What a car, pristine is not the word!

After seeing the car and driving it, I just had to have it. Being collected on Friday and I can't wait.

Richard many thanks for an accurate description and a perfect car.

A great experience. I found Richard's web site and he invited me to meet him to show him my 500SL, he took photos and put her on his web site. John Chester saw the photos, met her at the romantic Grove Hotel and admiring her sexy haunches drove her gently and swept her off her feet. Today I lost my love of over 15 years as John took her away from me forever. He drove her with such great skill and care that I knew that he would not harm her. How was I to know that he was caressing her curves feeling her immense power and would fall instantly in love with my beloved.
My Lover may be lost but I know she is in good hands and John will care for her well into old age.

It was nice to do business which such nice genuine people. My tears of love lost are drying up now as I think of tomorrow when I take my new lover whose name is DB9...

To Richard and Ian,
Thought you might like to know that I recently drove my newly acquired 115 down to France. It was a complete joy gliding down the A roads and the car handled beautifully, although it doesn't half like a drink! Planning our next trip already and wouldn't mind doing that in the 300 SEL Golden Sedan which has just come on the website. What a beauty! I better start saving.

Comment By Adam Flint on 2006-09-19 13:01:49
Hello Mercnuts,
Apologies for the lack of contact. My wife gave birth to our first child, a son, named Harry and I'm desparately trying to find time to sleep never mind write post it notes.
Sadly, prior to Harry's arrival I sold the 500E and as you may well guess I miss the car very much. Yes, yes, the usual story with sellers of 500's, should not have sold, best car ever, build quality beyond belief etc etc - and it's all true. But, and it's a big BUT - BORING on British roads, yes fine for munching mucho miles across continents but as a point A to B car it's not that great, still a bit of a boat but bloody quick in a straight line.
I missed the car so much I went and bought an early 90"s 911 and finally it's the car to fit the roads I drive.
Although, do not give up on me just yet, I'm now on the hunt for a nice MB, this time a 60's coupe, preferably in mint condition needing nothing and ready to roll. I'm after some super quality opulence for my swanking around Cheshire hot spots.
Agree that Richard should set-up a meeting (per my suggestion in Jan) at the Grove or someplace similar. Sort the event out Richard - before long the world and his wife will be at the annual Mercnuts. Which may not be what you want at all. Could this be an invite only, as per the exclusive R Gruppe club in the US - limited members, vetted members.
I'm off to change my cherub. Adam

Comment By Alex Ingham on 2005-07-19 15:15:38
Ian, Thanks for getting in touch and for your ongoing interest in the car. Out of curiosity, what top speed did you get out of her. I didn't want to push the car too much so stuck to about 70mph. Do you think she can go comfortably faster? I also think a get together is a great idea - whilst the weather's good still. All the best. Alex

Hello Richard,

I'm the proud owner of a W124 250D berlina, 1989. I'm only the second owner from new and have had the car for the past 4 years come next November. She's covered 123,000 miles, runs like a watch, uses no oil between 6000 mile changes. I bought it from a Squadron Leader in the RAF who bought it direct from MB in Stuttgart when he was serving there. A year before he sold it to me he had the MB main dealer in Basingstoke install full MB air conditioning at a cost (then) of just under £2,000.

There's the background Richard. My dilemna is whether or not to have the bodywork refurbished. There's a tiny rust patch on the front of the left front wing, but apart from that it's just the ravages of the years with little dings and nicks here and there. If I spent money getting the bodywork stripped and resprayed, would I be wasting my money or would it be a wise investment? The problem is, I really like the car and it sails through MOT's without an adverse comment ever. It does 40 mpg on BP Ultimate diesel and because the performance is so sedate it costs very little to insure. I paid £2,000 for the car so it stands me in at virtually zero over the four years I've owned it.

What's your advice? Press on with it as it is until it eventually expires, or spend serious money on it and make it look like new again?

I look at your website every week and am often tempted to have a go at a W124 coupe or even a cabrio.

Many thanks

Peter Whittle

I would like to thank you very much for your considerable help and expertise in assisting with selling my SL. I was impressed with the professional, efficient way you and Ian dealt with prospective buyers' queries and my own. It made selling my beloved SL considerably less complicated by dealing with serious buyers only, who would take great care of the SL, which means a lot when I have owned it for over 6 years and put lots of time and effort into making it the great car it is. I will be recommending you to anybody who has a Mercedes and wishes to sell it privately.

Thank you once again.

Kind regards

Yours sincerely

Tina L Upton

Comment By Ian on 2005-08-01 21:23:43
Hi Tina,

Sorry not to have replied sooner to your very kind comments posted on the mercseller website but I've been visiting my children in the North East & have only just read what you had to say.

Although you have given a lot of credit to myself & Richard, it is equally fair to say our job is made substantially easier when selling a car that has been as cherished as your 280sl obviously was.It was obvious from the moment I first saw it you had given it the true care & attention that made Kates purchase of your 280sl a relatively simple one to make.It is, without question, the best SL i have seen to date.
It was a pleasure to meet you and your husband and I hope you have many happy hours driving your gorgeous 230CLK cabriolet.
Can I also use this opportunity to congratulate you both on your recent marriage & wish you a very happy & healthy future together.

My very best regards

Ian
mercseller.com (North)

ps. As you can imagine, the Newcastle Brown Ale you kindly bought me has GONE. Hic.

I can happily recommend mercseller, not only did Richard find me the car that I wanted at the correct price but ensured that I obtained the most competitive insurance quotes and reliable car servicing.

All the best

Joel

P.S Is there anyone you could recommend who can mend a Becker Mexico tape
unit?