Looking at a 6.9 tomorrow - need some inside info.

[Canuck]

Against all advice to the contrary (parts are expensive, it's a gas pig, it's an enthusiast car not a driver etc) I'm heading out tomorrow to look at a '79 6.9.  I've read the buyer's guide on the site here but is there anything that's walk-away-quickly that I should know?  I don't want a huge project, and I do intend for it to be a driver (lucky for me I'm not far from work I suppose).  I don't have the time to spend every weekend in the garage trying to sort it out.

Electrical issues?  Heater/blower motor  (I've heard That NA "climate control" leaves a lot to be desired)? Typical trans or diff problems?  Sneaky, hiding engine problems that will bankrupt me?  Hidden areas prone to catastrophic rust?

I have an E12 BMW as my daily driver that suffers from terminal cancer (and had a sewer-pipe muffler on it that I've yet to get rid of) and it's not going to be repaired I've decided.  I'm looking for something I can drive and be proud of, not apologizing for breaking down in the middle of rush-hour traffic on a Friday.  I'm a licensed mechanic albeit for 2-wheel machines, but I've grown up with a wrench in my hand and some sort or other project outside.  I'm not afraid to undertake much outside of rust repair but I don't want to have to, at least not for a while (I need a break).

Any pointers/tips/advice from those in the know?

[koan]

I think rule number one with 6.9s is that the more you pay initially the less you will pay in the end.

Every thing is fixable - at a price.

Suspension immediately comes to mind. If it wont pump up or sags before your eyes, bounces down the road, induces sea sickness, rides like an unsprung horse and cart or the reservoir is full of red fluid it could be expensive.

Have to look beyond any initial impression of shiny paint and chrome and asses the general condition, oil leaks from the many possible spots, dirty engine compartment, interior condition, things like that indicate if the car has been maintained, looked after and loved.

Any service history with it?

Good luck.

koan

[Canuck]

Some service history.  Had the brakes done recently and a new muffler installed.  A couple of oil leaks - one from the reservoir and one from the rear diff.  Enough to mark the driveway but not enough to leave fresh ones while I was there.

The interior is in excellent shape.  Some cracking in the clear on the wood but no tears/cracks in the black leather.  A couple of niggly issues like the driver's window not being in the track and the right rear not working at all.  Sunroof works, climate control works but the AC unit has the belt disconnected.  I'm not sure if the compressors are prone to age-failure or what they're worth but I'd sure like to have a fully functional AC system for a change.

My biggest concern is the body.    I'm should have taken better pictures (but I didn't).  The inside of both left wheel wells/housings is rough behind the tires.  The front left has what appears to be a rubber/plastic shell that is broken and peeling away and there's a hole rusted through to whatever lies behind it.  The rear is similar with a rusted-through hole into the trunk area (perhaps).  There's a bit of rust on the cowl under the windshield corner on the right side and rear left door paint is in sad shape.  There's paint bubbling around the leading edge of the right tail light as well.  It goes without saying it needs a thorough re-spray but the rusted holes have me concerned as I'm not in any way tooled up for that level of body repair.  I'll try and post some pictures later today if I can get them off my phone in one piece.  Any idea about the fender well rust?

It is of course saddled with the US bumpers and headlights (but there's a '73 SE for sale cheap down the road a ways with the Euro stuff).

I'm so torn.  I also looked at an E28 535i today.  It's in no way the Benz but it's in better shape by far paint wise, runs like a top, has functional AC, is a 5-spd car which I like (a non-issue with the Benz, it's a whole different kind of driving), I have a complete spare parts car for it, I know the cars well and have the resources to maintain them.  I'm completely in the dark with this 6.9 - no familiarity at all but it's an entirely new level of driving experience.  Long term the BMW has no value where the Benz might if it was restored to it's former glory.  The BMW will cost nothing to own and will get somewhere in the realm of 18-20mpg.  The 6.9 will of course consume fuel like a fat kid at a dessert buffet but what about cost to own?  Is the local stealership the only source of $$$$$ parts or are wear and tear items like pads and discs, bearings and the like available from other sources?  What about those spheres?  Are they another bucks-up item?

Help.  Convince me that I want to spend more to buy the Benz and then spend more to sort it out.

[koan]

How long as this car been for sale and is it a dealer or a private sale?

Will you get a chance to drive it?

Is it possible the car will be sold if you don't move quickly?

What money is being asked?

I avoid cars with rust because fixing body work is not one of my skills and it might end up costing a bit to fix.  Same with the wood, I don't have the skills (or is it patience) to do it but some folks on this board have done superb jobs on wood restoration.

The A/C compressor is a GM or Frigidare unit, common as muck. Should be able to get a new or rebuilt unit anywhere (could even import one from the USSA, United Socialist States of America).

All the regular maintenance items are available anywhere and Mercedes parts are offered on many web sites, Autohaus az for one.  The killer price wise are the unique 6.9 parts most but not all are available

Help.  Convince me that I want to spend more to buy the Benz and then spend more to sort it out.

On your own there mate.

koan

[Canuck]

After some consultation with paint 'n' body folks, I couldn't do it.  I'm pretty comfortable around a toolbox, but I don't have the skills to do the kind of work it needs, nor do I have the funds to pay someone that does.  It's a serious shame.  Oh well - have to keep my eyes peeled for another one.  Thanks for the tips.