Sl 380 R107

[mika]

this whilst not cheap looks to be a nearly new SL
13,000miles ....very nice however some would say a hardly used car has its own problems
we dont seem to have too many threads on here re SL R107
im considering one of these for Mrs H
normally reserved for middle aged film star types with their sunglasses on the top of their head it should suit nicely
Are they any good?

from the SL shop
Classic Mercedes SL 107 for sale - Vehicle Showroom - Mercedes-Benz 380 SL 107

 

[Simon_M]

White? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!


She needs a V8, and one that's galvanised:

Graham Walker Ltd : Mercedes 450 SL

or this...

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3794688.htm

 

[Buffers]

I prefer the later 300/420 sl models. They have better rust protection, suspension. gearboxes etc and safety features. I know its a very low milage car and the SL Shop have a very good rep. but it seems a bit pricey.

 

[mika]

The interior will need to be as new
Red is the favored colour
obviously if i have a say it will have the checked cloth interior
but im thinking ideally 1988/89, the 300 6 cylinder engine
are you sure the v8 is best?

 

[mika]

fair point re the price Buffers - its probably a bridge too far at that price

 

[spanner]

A good 380SL is a lovely car, but not many are good.
There are a number of differences between pre & post 85 models but the one most people tend to focus on is the galvanisation of the body. It's certainly true that the post 85 ones rust less, but you can find good and bad both sides of the change point.
Some features of the early ones like the all-chrome door handles are nicer but the the pre-1980 interiors are awful!
One of the most expensive mechanical issues that regularly need to be sorted is worn steering boxes. There are companies that sell "reconditioned" ones but a few new seals and a coat of paint is not reconditioned in my book.
A low mileage one like this should have less of these type of issues but it might start leaking oil everywhere once you start using it.
I once had to change every gasket and seal in a very low mileage 280 in order to get it to stop leaking.

 

[Buffers]

Its often mentioned that the later SLs were galvanised, l'm not sure if is correct, l believe mercedes just used more rust proving waxing/underseal in the problem areas. I could be wrong of course, just what l read somewhere.

 

[tacfoley]

I have a 1982 380SL that has probably been 'bought' four times over by me in the last fourteen years of ownership. Acquiring it at just under 49,000 miles back in 1998, the top of the engine turned to blotting paper at 61,000 miles, necessitating a four-month sojourn to rebuild the Cali-spec engine, and over £3000-worth of travel coupons. Mine had been loved dearly - and I mean dearly - by two previous owners, but since acquiring it it has needed -

1. Engine rebuild.
2. Front suspension upper and lower arms rebushed.
3. New brake rotors all round.
4. Total heating system rebuild after the matrix blew into the cabin at christmas 2010 - the header tank is of course unique to Cali-spec cars.
4. New middle muffler, to replace the previous new middle muffler.
5. Trunk lid respray - three times.
6. Total respray - twice.
7. Wheel arches all round cut out and replaced.
8. Front inner bulkhead rebuilt.
9. Fuel filler access and flap cut out and replaced.
10. Two window motors replaced.
11. Fuel pump servo unit replaced.

...and next week, another radiator to replace the one that is two years old, but has had only 2800 miles-worth of use since installation.

...apart from that, all has been just dandy.

The one saving grace is that it is left-hand drive and has the usual Cali-spec Naderite fenders all round, so nobody will ever steal it. It is probably worth a lot less than the road tax I have to pay to drive it around, but I love it.

And I've NEVER heard of any of the W107 series bodies being galvanised.

tac
EPT470X

PS - for Mika - I am not now, and never have been, any kind of a movie star, young or old, and certainly do not wear sunglasses on top of my head. I was, until fairly recently, a senior officer in the British Army. Not all SL drivers are ponced hair panty waists with an image problem.

 

[mika]

tacfoley a thousand apologies ! that will teach me to generalise

 

[spanner]

[QUOTEShe needs a V8, and one that's galvanised:

Graham Walker Ltd : Mercedes 450 SL

][/QUOTE]
That's way over-priced given the very poor attention to detail in the "restoration".
And certainly not galvanised.

 

[mika]

If i want a sub 30,000 miles
max two owner
FSH
interior cloth and as new (the interior)
SL 300
in red
some sensible warranty
12 mot
how much would you suggest is reasonable?


Im having second thoughts already as i am doubting the reliability will approach that of a W124
Ive read lots of iffy reports about reliability
if it lets Mrs H down im doomed !

 

[wobbly]

1988/89, the 300 6 cylinder engine
are you sure the v8 is best?

Yes there post 86 cars are far better than earlier models, but why a 300, the 500 is far superior.

 

[Terry_]

The 107 driving experience is at it's best with the 300 M103 engine. The car is balanced beautifully.

 

[Buffers]

The 300 SL has a good, strong engine so you don't have to go for a sub 30000 mile motor unless intending of course doing 20000+ miles a year. There are some excellent ones out there at about 10,000 pounds upwards.

 

[tacfoley]

I agree 100% with Mr Buffers. I would not hesitate to put my money down on a late '80s 300SL that had been sorted. Engine-wise, they are not just cheaper than ANY of the V8s, they are a whole quantum leap cheaper to work on when the inevitable remedial work is needed.

Having driven the 300SL over in Oregon, it would be my choice.

tac
EPT470X

 

[mika]

thanks gents

SL300 with not necessarily ultra low miles is sounding favourite

 

[wobbly]

Sorry, but having driven both late 300 and 500 SL, the 5 litre V8 is the only one to own, the reason I kept mine nearly seven years.

 

[mika]

Sorry, but having driven both late 300 and 500 SL, the 5 litre V8 is the only one to own, the reason I kept mine nearly seven years.

Hello wobbly
If you are trying to pressure me into a v8 thats fine i would nt need much convincing
For a long time ive thought ... Merc auto v8 equals perfection i was driving a hillman imp then !

 

[mct_cars]

V8 every time. This car suits the lazy low down torque, and the difference in MPG is minimal. Also you can't beat the old V8 burble!

As for servicing and maintenance, apart from a bit more oil, the costs should be similar, with the V8 being understressed. Make sure the car has been serviced regularly - mine has 120k on the clock and doesn't burn any oil, but many will have needed a rebuild before that mileage if it hasn't been looked after.

My advice is to go drive a pre and post 86 car to understand the difference.

Oh, and there's no reason a post 86 car can't be a daily driver. Mine is!

 

[wobbly]

Oh, and there's no reason a post 86 car can't be a daily driver. Mine is!

Hope it's still running well.

I should have passed by to have a look at the weekend, I was only down the road, but was busy with the family.