Druk
Gone but not forgotten - RIP
- Joined
- May 28, 2004
- Messages
- 5,300
- Location
- Not far from Edinburgh.
- Car
- 2011 S212 E350CDi. 1981 R107 300TurboDiesel.
^^ Probably good advice unless you're handy with a welder. The post facelift 86> are better specced and have later engines and better gearboxes. There's a lot of bull**** talked about better rustproofing but some bad examples of later cars belies that. Personally I would go for a post 86 300SL M103 engine. Best balanced car and easier and cheaper to maintain than the V8's although the V8 power is desired by some. All 107's are prone to rust, usually in the bulkhead area which is also the hardest to repair properly. If there is the slightest hint of dampness under the front carpets and in the boot/spare wheelwell walk away. Also, spare part prices have gone through the roof in the last year or so. What used to be a relatively economic car for an enthusiast to run has now become a rich man's toy. Don't even ask what the chrome costs or a headlight to replace.
If you do get one best advice is to join the Owners Club http://www.mercedes-benz-club.co.uk/Home.aspx There's a huge mine of information over there but be prepared to get your pants scared off.
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If you do get one best advice is to join the Owners Club http://www.mercedes-benz-club.co.uk/Home.aspx There's a huge mine of information over there but be prepared to get your pants scared off.
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ray_hennig
MB Enthusiast
450 (SLC in my case) was great but thirst was an issue. 500 much better and, as others have said, the later the better. Something like a 1987 300 or 500SL sounds wonderful to me.
Good luck.
RayH
As above, 450 will be very thirsty (low teens). If you can put up with that, just make sure it's not terminally rusty.
Post 80 cars got a 4 speed auto.
Post 86 cars had a lot of changes, not just rustproofing (which means nowt at 20odd years - they all rust).
I hear loads on here about the 300 being much cheaper to run - load of rubbish. Real world you're talking a difference of 2mpg over the 500. They're both massively under stressed and will do mega miles (200k plus). Torque in the 500 is addictive but also a tad wayward in the damp (LSD or not). My advice would be to buy the best body whether it be a 300, 420 or 500.
Check for smoke on start up and overrun (even then it'll probably run for miles if it smokes!)
Check for rust very carefully on the chrome - they rust inside out so even the tinyist speck will be worse than you think and they are eye wateringly expensive to replace.
Oh, and don't buy one of these for balance / handling etc. They drive like a 60's designed heavy barge. Because they are.
129 could be a good buy too, but remember that they rust in some equally awkward places and have a lot more electronics to go wrong (which are horrendously expensive parts wise!) Cheaper to buy a good one though!
Post 80 cars got a 4 speed auto.
Post 86 cars had a lot of changes, not just rustproofing (which means nowt at 20odd years - they all rust).
I hear loads on here about the 300 being much cheaper to run - load of rubbish. Real world you're talking a difference of 2mpg over the 500. They're both massively under stressed and will do mega miles (200k plus). Torque in the 500 is addictive but also a tad wayward in the damp (LSD or not). My advice would be to buy the best body whether it be a 300, 420 or 500.
Check for smoke on start up and overrun (even then it'll probably run for miles if it smokes!)
Check for rust very carefully on the chrome - they rust inside out so even the tinyist speck will be worse than you think and they are eye wateringly expensive to replace.
Oh, and don't buy one of these for balance / handling etc. They drive like a 60's designed heavy barge. Because they are.
129 could be a good buy too, but remember that they rust in some equally awkward places and have a lot more electronics to go wrong (which are horrendously expensive parts wise!) Cheaper to buy a good one though!
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ray_hennig
MB Enthusiast
Just my 2c worth but, the 129 has always seemed second best to a 124 cabrio. The 124 is just more practical and, to me, ultimately good looking. I still hanker after my old 107 500 SL but it was a bit small.
A real treat would be a 500SLC - the aluminium engine and enough room in the back for a baby in his MB cradle.
Either way, they're all pretty good cars and, unlike later MBs, built to last.
Best to all.
RayH
- Joined
- May 28, 2004
- Messages
- 1,792
- Location
- Essex
- Car
- 1984 500SL, 2007 E320 CDI Sport Estate, 1995 SL320 R129
If you hanker for a V8 I would go for a 500. The 450's are old iron block motors. the 380, 420 and 500's are aluminium engines. Much better economy and they drive nicer in my opinion.
The 124 cab. needed a V8 option though.
IanA2
MB Enthusiast
R107's are sublime when they are in good condition.. I love mine and ive had it forever now... The R129 isnt a patch on the R107 in terms of style and comfort. And im also a R129 SL60 owner!
I would say go for a post 1985 car and find one with as little rust as you can....
Engines? Well post 1986 they are all good.. But personally I think these were built for the V8 500 and nothing less...
The 300's are fine but a bit gutless - that will upset many though as there are fans of the 300!
The early V8 engines are ok but they have their issues... spend a few £ more and go for a later car, it works out better in the long run.
I would say go for a post 1985 car and find one with as little rust as you can....
Engines? Well post 1986 they are all good.. But personally I think these were built for the V8 500 and nothing less...
The 300's are fine but a bit gutless - that will upset many though as there are fans of the 300!
The early V8 engines are ok but they have their issues... spend a few £ more and go for a later car, it works out better in the long run.
IanA2
MB Enthusiast
Style is an aesthetic question and is in the eye of the beholder, my eye finds the 129 more pleasing. But comfort? Having driven them both, I know which one I'd rather drive across Europe, and as sure as eggs is eggs it ain't the 107.
Any others think the 107 is comfier?
- Joined
- May 28, 2004
- Messages
- 1,792
- Location
- Essex
- Car
- 1984 500SL, 2007 E320 CDI Sport Estate, 1995 SL320 R129
No the 129 is comfier........but you are missing the point. The 129 is a modern car the 107 is a classic car. I am sure that the R230 is better than the 129 for a blast across Europe......
IanA2
MB Enthusiast
I don't think I really am missing the point. Jay was saying that he thinks the 107 is more stylish and more comfy than the 129. As I posted, style is a personal issue, and we can agree to disagree. But having driven a 107 I cannot agree that it is more comfortable than a 129. Age does not enter into the equation. In fact you seem to be agreeing with me.
Also, I actually do not like the 230, I think they lost the plot in the design department and I have never been in one, so I have no idea whether it is more or less comfortable than a 129 or a 107, but again, the whiggish notion of the inevitability of progress does not apply.
- Joined
- May 28, 2004
- Messages
- 1,792
- Location
- Essex
- Car
- 1984 500SL, 2007 E320 CDI Sport Estate, 1995 SL320 R129
Lets just say that Jay is right on the style.
I am agreeing that the R129 is more comfortable especially over long distances. I have owned both and like both but in different ways.
If you want a drivers car then go R129 because of the superior electronic and safety aids and also the more supportive seats , unfortunately any spirited driving in a 107 will see you "slip sliding away" on the flat seats. If you are cruising around town the soft sprung 107 seats are fine, each to their own I suppose.
I am agreeing that the R129 is more comfortable especially over long distances. I have owned both and like both but in different ways.
If you want a drivers car then go R129 because of the superior electronic and safety aids and also the more supportive seats , unfortunately any spirited driving in a 107 will see you "slip sliding away" on the flat seats. If you are cruising around town the soft sprung 107 seats are fine, each to their own I suppose.
V12
MB Enthusiast
I really really love the 107 and the 129 has just never done anything for me.
I had a 450SL for a bit and it was an occasion every time I got in it.
It was a bit gutless, but for the most part the 450 was adequate.
My car looked immaculate from above but once up on a ramp, it was clear to see the disease of corrosion had run rampant.
It was sold in the end for about £2500 a month before the MOT because I knew it would never pass.
The next owner was going to do all the metal work and welding himself in his garage otherwise it would have cost a small fortune.
I had a 450SL for a bit and it was an occasion every time I got in it.
It was a bit gutless, but for the most part the 450 was adequate.
My car looked immaculate from above but once up on a ramp, it was clear to see the disease of corrosion had run rampant.
It was sold in the end for about £2500 a month before the MOT because I knew it would never pass.
The next owner was going to do all the metal work and welding himself in his garage otherwise it would have cost a small fortune.
w124nut
Active Member
So the choice is yours Steve; a 107 classic to cruise or a 129 to drive.
Whatever your choice is, make it on condition of the bodywork and let the engine size be a secondary consideration. Unless you are planning to do a lot of miles p.a., fuel consumption should not be a consideration.
Good luck in your venture.
Whatever your choice is, make it on condition of the bodywork and let the engine size be a secondary consideration. Unless you are planning to do a lot of miles p.a., fuel consumption should not be a consideration.
Good luck in your venture.
Ive done plenty of road trips in my R107 and i love the comfort...
I think there are plenty out there with collapsed seat springs etc, I think this is the reason many complain. Similar design to W123 seats which are the same, very uncomfortable if worn out..
The R129 is very comfortable and yes on a very long journey it may take less toll..
but overall the R107 (with a V8) feels special, the R129 just feels like another car.
I think there are plenty out there with collapsed seat springs etc, I think this is the reason many complain. Similar design to W123 seats which are the same, very uncomfortable if worn out..
The R129 is very comfortable and yes on a very long journey it may take less toll..
but overall the R107 (with a V8) feels special, the R129 just feels like another car.
