Mine is a 2000 that I bought as the 2nd owner with 8256 miles on her. The story goes like this:
My wife wanted me to get rid of my Turbo Porsche because:
1. It was an animal with 460 dynoed Rear Wheel HP
2. It was way to loud with the GHL Headers & Dump Pipe and the B&B Dual Exhaust with 4” tips.
3. It was not practical anymore for driving everyday, especially when I had to trade cars for some reason with the wife.
At that time my wife asked me what kind of practical car would I like if I was to get rid of the Turbo. I told her a nice car for me would be an SL 500. She agreed. As chance would have it, she was bringing her BMW 328i into the dealership to get something fixed. When she was there she saw my car. She came home and said, I saw your car at the BMW dealer today. I said what? She said All black SL500 with light colored interior. I said Hummm. Well, she dragged me down there on a Saturday to pick up her car and have a look at the SL. I saw her and she was indeed beautiful. I asked if i could take her for a ride and they said no problem and threw me the keys. I got in and started it up and that's when my eyes popped out - Oh my fucking God, this car only has 8256 miles on her. My wife and I went for a 15 min spin and came back and parked her. I went in and asked what the story was on it.
The dealer said that it was some rich guy from Greenwich 4th car that he bought brand new in 2000 and rarely drove it. His daughter just graduated from High School and wanted a BMW 3 series convertible so he took that car down there and gave it to them, got the convertible and some money in the deal. I looked at the guy and asked him how much they wanted and he said $52k. I told him that I know that they do not want this car on their lot and I would be willing to buy it immediately if they came up with the right number. On 5/10/04 I signed off on $44,500 turn the key and drive away price with a shit-eaten grin!
She now has about 37500+ miles on her. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention. The hard top was never removed, I was the first one to ever take the hard top off and put her in convertible mode!
I wish I could say that I treat her like a lady but most of my motorcycle grease is now all smeared inside that beautiful Java interior. I am going to have it professionally detailed at the same place that Greenwich Mercedes has all their certified Pre-Owned cars detailed. They will do the inside and outside for $175. I have already brought it down for an inspection by them so that they know what they are in for.
After I bought that car I sold the Turbo at a huge loss. I pumped $70k + into that car and was happy when I got $30 back. This is why I'm done splitting cases open anymore. To me it is flush money. My wife evened things up by dumping her 328i and buying a new X3 fully loaded. I have to say that her SUV is a sweet ride as well. The Bonneville was a covert operation that she knew nothing about until it was ready to pick up. Even then I lied about how much it cost me. I told her it was $6999.99 but failed to mention the other $3k in immediate mods that went on as soon as she was un-crated!
If you meet Mrs. Hedge at the BTB please do not mention the $10k turn key Bonneville price or that chicks dig SL Convertibles! Somethings are better off hushed over and forgotten. She occasionally reminds me that she still doesn't have her Diamond earrings, tennis bracelet or Woman's Presidential yet!
Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 10:38 am