SL280 1998 Yes or no?
Discussion
300sl-24 said:
The fact that its a 280 would put me off even more. The R129 is a heavy old car and the 280 is quite under powered. Make sure you drive it and prepare to be underwhelmed. Great cars with the right engine 320 minimum.
I agree, before I bought my SL320 I took a 280 for a run and was amazed at the difference, flat and gutless. I`ve had my 320 for 14 years now, brilliant car, nothing has ever gone wrong with it. Old Merc said:
300sl-24 said:
The fact that its a 280 would put me off even more. The R129 is a heavy old car and the 280 is quite under powered. Make sure you drive it and prepare to be underwhelmed. Great cars with the right engine 320 minimum.
I agree, before I bought my SL320 I took a 280 for a run and was amazed at the difference, flat and gutless. I`ve had my 320 for 14 years now, brilliant car, nothing has ever gone wrong with it. I've had mine 7 yrs, the 1st few yrs were the worst. Plenty of electrical glitches, some simple (contact cleaner & reseating connectors) Some more complex (head scratching, wiring diagrams and soldering irons)
The worst was a failed flex disc, one Sunday afternoon doing the Calais dash to catch a ferry, 2 days delay.
Plenty just worn out and replaced though. Water pump, fan clutch, heater valve, suspension/steering, soft top, engine loom, indicator switch.
It'll make a good car for someone, someday when I sell.
My advise to new owners is (unless proof it's been done) big service, replace fluids, consumables, rubbery bits, gummi pfledg on the rubber seals (several times) lube the throttle linkages and bonnet catchs (this never seems to get done) Then drive it lots, they hate being left standing.
I saw a few before taking the plunge. None were as good as promised, so I opted for roadworthy but budget.
That way I'd have plenty in my war chest.
Truth be told the last thing I want is a really smart original one. Lives outside, daily driver, dog transport, holidays, 6000 MPA. My aim is mechanically sound, comfortable, leak free and patina.
Settling into a gite for a few weeks, packed to the gunnels.
That way I'd have plenty in my war chest.
Truth be told the last thing I want is a really smart original one. Lives outside, daily driver, dog transport, holidays, 6000 MPA. My aim is mechanically sound, comfortable, leak free and patina.
Settling into a gite for a few weeks, packed to the gunnels.
Edited by PositronicRay on Monday 20th July 07:49
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