Advice on Mercedes 300SL (86-89)
Discussion
Hi Guys,
I'm a newbee here, and I've just started looking out for a good 300SL. I've been told to buy a post 1986 car, but at the same time I need to get the balance between quality and cost. I was looking for some advice or tips, and possible contacts for such a car.
I'd appreciate any advice on the like, or any opions or experiences on what I consider a beautiful classic... maybe you'll disagree?
Cheers, Rustic
I'm a newbee here, and I've just started looking out for a good 300SL. I've been told to buy a post 1986 car, but at the same time I need to get the balance between quality and cost. I was looking for some advice or tips, and possible contacts for such a car.
I'd appreciate any advice on the like, or any opions or experiences on what I consider a beautiful classic... maybe you'll disagree?
Cheers, Rustic
Hey there fella, welcome to PH's. They always remind me of Hart to Hart, although I think that was a thirsty 450. This is a good link for used classics:
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/list/31/
I'm sure there'll be many Mercedes buffs on with lots of advice.
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/list/31/
I'm sure there'll be many Mercedes buffs on with lots of advice.
Hi Rustic!
Welcome to PH and the Mercedes forum
A few months ago, another member asked about a R107 300SL (same as the model you are describing) as a daily driver.
Here's what I wrote for her, and it answers some of your questions
Hope this spiel helps!
Darren
Welcome to PH and the Mercedes forum
A few months ago, another member asked about a R107 300SL (same as the model you are describing) as a daily driver.
Here's what I wrote for her, and it answers some of your questions
I in another post said:
The R107s are good, good cars.
300, means you'll be looking the facelift (1986-1989). They can fetch anywhere between £8,000 and £25,000. There are plenty more of the 300s out there, so search out a decent, lower mileage example (budget depending), but if you're using it as a daily runner, I'd recommend seeking out one with a decent spec (ie. with air con and heated seats). They're very rare, but some 107 had been fitted with electric soft tops, but I've heard you're better off sticking with the usual manual, due to problems with the electrics (not sure if thats a fact, though as I've known an owner of a 107 with an electric roof).
Hardtops were standard across the range, so seeking one with both roofs is a must, especially if it's to be used all year round.
Make sure the example has a full service history. I will probably be used to Merc specialists now, as opposed to main dealer, but that shouldn't be a concern.
As for running costs, the 300 version should be pretty good. The 300 engine should keep going for 200,000+ without anything major being done to it, assuming it's been serviced regularly. The spec of the 300 engine is 188bhp and about 170lb/ft torque IIRC. 0-60 for the 300SL is about 8.5-9 secs, Vmax around 135-140mph. They are straight 6, 12v engines in the 300SL, and are on a fixed 6,000 mile service regime.
As with engines of this era, look for oil leaks around the engine block. This could mean a head gasket needs replacing (circa £1500), and make sure there are no clonks from the gearbox, which could mean a clutch is going - but the whole 'box would be replaced. However, the majority of 300SLs out there haven't got big mileages and haven't been thrashed, so these problems should be rarer on 107s, and apposed to other cars which received the 300 12v engine.
One final thing to look for rust on the wheel arches and under the car. The 107 range was notorious for rust, but as most examples have been pampered, just seek out one which is excellent (and they wouldn't be hard to find). It may be worth getting the underside waxoyled as a precaution, on any 300SL you do buy, as it'll be used all year.
As for contacts, I've seen plenty of SLs going through the doors of Silver Arrows, Classic Benz Ltd, Charles Ironside, Peter Jarvis, Auto Barn and Chesire Classic Benz. Just check out all these links and get speaking to these specialists, I would say 300, means you'll be looking the facelift (1986-1989). They can fetch anywhere between £8,000 and £25,000. There are plenty more of the 300s out there, so search out a decent, lower mileage example (budget depending), but if you're using it as a daily runner, I'd recommend seeking out one with a decent spec (ie. with air con and heated seats). They're very rare, but some 107 had been fitted with electric soft tops, but I've heard you're better off sticking with the usual manual, due to problems with the electrics (not sure if thats a fact, though as I've known an owner of a 107 with an electric roof).
Hardtops were standard across the range, so seeking one with both roofs is a must, especially if it's to be used all year round.
Make sure the example has a full service history. I will probably be used to Merc specialists now, as opposed to main dealer, but that shouldn't be a concern.
As for running costs, the 300 version should be pretty good. The 300 engine should keep going for 200,000+ without anything major being done to it, assuming it's been serviced regularly. The spec of the 300 engine is 188bhp and about 170lb/ft torque IIRC. 0-60 for the 300SL is about 8.5-9 secs, Vmax around 135-140mph. They are straight 6, 12v engines in the 300SL, and are on a fixed 6,000 mile service regime.
As with engines of this era, look for oil leaks around the engine block. This could mean a head gasket needs replacing (circa £1500), and make sure there are no clonks from the gearbox, which could mean a clutch is going - but the whole 'box would be replaced. However, the majority of 300SLs out there haven't got big mileages and haven't been thrashed, so these problems should be rarer on 107s, and apposed to other cars which received the 300 12v engine.
One final thing to look for rust on the wheel arches and under the car. The 107 range was notorious for rust, but as most examples have been pampered, just seek out one which is excellent (and they wouldn't be hard to find). It may be worth getting the underside waxoyled as a precaution, on any 300SL you do buy, as it'll be used all year.
Hope this spiel helps!
Darren
Edited by iluvmercs on Wednesday 1st August 14:12
iluvmercs said:
Hi Rustic!
Welcome to PH and the Mercedes forum
A few months ago, another member asked about a R107 300SL (same as the model you are describing) as a daily driver.
Here's what I wrote for her, and it answers some of your questions
Hope this spiel helps!
Darren
Thankfully we only have a handful of 107's that come into work, and we are all of the same impression that they are bloody awful things.Welcome to PH and the Mercedes forum
A few months ago, another member asked about a R107 300SL (same as the model you are describing) as a daily driver.
Here's what I wrote for her, and it answers some of your questions
I in another post said:
The R107s are good, good cars.
300, means you'll be looking the facelift (1986-1989). They can fetch anywhere between £8,000 and £25,000. There are plenty more of the 300s out there, so search out a decent, lower mileage example (budget depending), but if you're using it as a daily runner, I'd recommend seeking out one with a decent spec (ie. with air con and heated seats). They're very rare, but some 107 had been fitted with electric soft tops, but I've heard you're better off sticking with the usual manual, due to problems with the electrics (not sure if thats a fact, though as I've known an owner of a 107 with an electric roof).
Hardtops were standard across the range, so seeking one with both roofs is a must, especially if it's to be used all year round.
Make sure the example has a full service history. I will probably be used to Merc specialists now, as opposed to main dealer, but that shouldn't be a concern.
As for running costs, the 300 version should be pretty good. The 300 engine should keep going for 200,000+ without anything major being done to it, assuming it's been serviced regularly. The spec of the 300 engine is 188bhp and about 170lb/ft torque IIRC. 0-60 for the 300SL is about 8.5-9 secs, Vmax around 135-140mph. They are straight 6, 12v engines in the 300SL, and are on a fixed 6,000 mile service regime.
As with engines of this era, look for oil leaks around the engine block. This could mean a head gasket needs replacing (circa £1500), and make sure there are no clonks from the gearbox, which could mean a clutch is going - but the whole 'box would be replaced. However, the majority of 300SLs out there haven't got big mileages and haven't been thrashed, so these problems should be rarer on 107s, and apposed to other cars which received the 300 12v engine.
One final thing to look for rust on the wheel arches and under the car. The 107 range was notorious for rust, but as most examples have been pampered, just seek out one which is excellent (and they wouldn't be hard to find). It may be worth getting the underside waxoyled as a precaution, on any 300SL you do buy, as it'll be used all year.
As for contacts, I've seen plenty of SLs going through the doors of http://Silver Arrows, Classic Benz Ltd, Charles Ironside, Peter Jarvis, Auto Barn and Chesire Classic Benz. Just check out all these links and get speaking to these specialists, I would say 300, means you'll be looking the facelift (1986-1989). They can fetch anywhere between £8,000 and £25,000. There are plenty more of the 300s out there, so search out a decent, lower mileage example (budget depending), but if you're using it as a daily runner, I'd recommend seeking out one with a decent spec (ie. with air con and heated seats). They're very rare, but some 107 had been fitted with electric soft tops, but I've heard you're better off sticking with the usual manual, due to problems with the electrics (not sure if thats a fact, though as I've known an owner of a 107 with an electric roof).
Hardtops were standard across the range, so seeking one with both roofs is a must, especially if it's to be used all year round.
Make sure the example has a full service history. I will probably be used to Merc specialists now, as opposed to main dealer, but that shouldn't be a concern.
As for running costs, the 300 version should be pretty good. The 300 engine should keep going for 200,000+ without anything major being done to it, assuming it's been serviced regularly. The spec of the 300 engine is 188bhp and about 170lb/ft torque IIRC. 0-60 for the 300SL is about 8.5-9 secs, Vmax around 135-140mph. They are straight 6, 12v engines in the 300SL, and are on a fixed 6,000 mile service regime.
As with engines of this era, look for oil leaks around the engine block. This could mean a head gasket needs replacing (circa £1500), and make sure there are no clonks from the gearbox, which could mean a clutch is going - but the whole 'box would be replaced. However, the majority of 300SLs out there haven't got big mileages and haven't been thrashed, so these problems should be rarer on 107s, and apposed to other cars which received the 300 12v engine.
One final thing to look for rust on the wheel arches and under the car. The 107 range was notorious for rust, but as most examples have been pampered, just seek out one which is excellent (and they wouldn't be hard to find). It may be worth getting the underside waxoyled as a precaution, on any 300SL you do buy, as it'll be used all year.
Hope this spiel helps!
Darren
Edited by iluvmercs on Wednesday 1st August 14:11
They are sluggish, drive like a boat in rough seas, and whats with the 10 foot diameter steering wheel!!!!
I still cant get my head around how much money these things go for, you could pick up a nice tidy 129 for the same price.
Dont get me wrong, there are some classic Mercs i really like, the 113 Pagoda SL is im my opinion the best looking SL to date, even Merc couldnt have thought the 107 was any good, thats probably why they gave it a lower model code than the outgoing car!!
Gorgeous
Ben
Edited by bloodyniceben on Wednesday 1st August 14:22
" One final thing to look for rust on the wheel arches and under the car. The 107 range was notorious for rust, but as most examples have been pampered, just seek out one which is excellent (and they wouldn't be hard to find). It may be worth getting the underside waxoyled as a precaution, on any 300SL you do buy, as it'll be used all year. "
Even the pampered ones seem to be rusty.
Ben
Even the pampered ones seem to be rusty.
Ben
sneijder said:
I've never 'got' 107 SL's, it's like sitting ON a bouncy castle rather than IN a car.
At 6'2'' I couldn't drive one any distance, and Ben's spot on - the steering wheels are daft.
Common rot spots are round the bottom two corners of the front panel near the radiatior.
Im 6'2" also, getting in and out of one is a right task.At 6'2'' I couldn't drive one any distance, and Ben's spot on - the steering wheels are daft.
Common rot spots are round the bottom two corners of the front panel near the radiatior.
Ben
Hey Guys,
Thanks for the welcome
Ben,..Don't hold back there fella! My bubble has been well and truly burst, but I still think I'm gonna get myself one. I just love them
I appreciate all opinions though, and being a Merc employee, Ben, I would still appreciate how you think I might secure myself a 'reasonable' one?
'Iluvmercs'..What's your opinion on all of this? Do you agree or would you press ahead and go for broke? I need an un-biased view of this iconic car...please help
Rustic
Thanks for the welcome
Ben,..Don't hold back there fella! My bubble has been well and truly burst, but I still think I'm gonna get myself one. I just love them
I appreciate all opinions though, and being a Merc employee, Ben, I would still appreciate how you think I might secure myself a 'reasonable' one?
'Iluvmercs'..What's your opinion on all of this? Do you agree or would you press ahead and go for broke? I need an un-biased view of this iconic car...please help
Rustic
The rust is certainly a problem you have to consider, and waxoyling is certainly a good precaution to take.
I'm yet to drive a '107 SL, so cannot comment on their drivign dynamics.
But I do know 80s Mercs aren't generally renouned for their handling, and the R107 was certainly no sports car. Its a stylish cruiser.
The 113 Pagoda is certainly a gorgeous car, no doubt. But if you crave something less to buy, a little less to buy maintain, and with more toys, then go for a late R107.
R107 vs R129: The R129 is much faster and technically advanced, but lacks some visual appeal, IMO. Don't get me wrong the R129 is a beautiful car, and a model I'd like to own in the future, but the R107 is the nice square edged 80s design!
Darren
I'm yet to drive a '107 SL, so cannot comment on their drivign dynamics.
But I do know 80s Mercs aren't generally renouned for their handling, and the R107 was certainly no sports car. Its a stylish cruiser.
The 113 Pagoda is certainly a gorgeous car, no doubt. But if you crave something less to buy, a little less to buy maintain, and with more toys, then go for a late R107.
R107 vs R129: The R129 is much faster and technically advanced, but lacks some visual appeal, IMO. Don't get me wrong the R129 is a beautiful car, and a model I'd like to own in the future, but the R107 is the nice square edged 80s design!
Darren
Rust is mainly an issue on pre 86 cars...the 86-89 cars are galavanised and resist the rust much, much better, but its always wise to have a look at the sills, especially at the rear. Lift the carpets and look for water...if there is any there, it could be due to a rusted out ventilation box in the bulkhead (where the air-vents sit just in front of the windscreen).
If it were me, I would go for a 300 (sensible running costs, good performance and go on forever, or the desirable 420 V8 which was only built in the last 3 years of production and only 2100 were built....that has all of the attributes of the larger 5.0, but lower running costs.
If you fancy a 420, a fellow member of the MB Owners Club has his up for sale. It was runner up in the Club Concours competition in the SL Group and is absolutely mint. Also benefits from having Air-Con which is not often found on a 107 and also has full, documented service history.
Car is diamond blue metallic with a dark blue hood.
Drop me an e-mail if its of interest....I have photos of the car.
If it were me, I would go for a 300 (sensible running costs, good performance and go on forever, or the desirable 420 V8 which was only built in the last 3 years of production and only 2100 were built....that has all of the attributes of the larger 5.0, but lower running costs.
If you fancy a 420, a fellow member of the MB Owners Club has his up for sale. It was runner up in the Club Concours competition in the SL Group and is absolutely mint. Also benefits from having Air-Con which is not often found on a 107 and also has full, documented service history.
Car is diamond blue metallic with a dark blue hood.
Drop me an e-mail if its of interest....I have photos of the car.
bloodyniceben said:
even Merc couldnt have thought the 107 was any good, thats probably why they gave it a lower model code than the outgoing car!!
Probably thats why it was Merc's longest running model ever !To complain about the handling is to completely miss the point of these cars they are superb cruisers and with the hardtop on as quiet as a coupe.
Agree with posters above that rust is a problem, typical spots are behind the front wheel arches, boot floor, hood space and by radiator. Still loads around in good condition but beware of cars that have been tarted up.
Regarding taller drivers I am 6"6 and a 300SL is my daily with no problems and they actually have 1" more than the R129 (which has much more of a kebab shop owner image imo)
Performance of the 300 is not so bad up to about 90leptons then tails off a bit but not too shabby
Ben
Hi guys,
Thanks for all the info and advice. I've been searching all the usual spots and am definately going to make a purchase in the next few months. My dilemma is mileage V's cost! What mileage should I draw the line at? If I see a nice one what's the best way of getting it checked out pre-purchase? My budget is circa 12-14k
Thanks for all the info and advice. I've been searching all the usual spots and am definately going to make a purchase in the next few months. My dilemma is mileage V's cost! What mileage should I draw the line at? If I see a nice one what's the best way of getting it checked out pre-purchase? My budget is circa 12-14k
Rustic said:
Hi guys,
Thanks for all the info and advice. I've been searching all the usual spots and am definately going to make a purchase in the next few months. My dilemma is mileage V's cost! What mileage should I draw the line at? If I see a nice one what's the best way of getting it checked out pre-purchase? My budget is circa 12-14k
150k + is not unreasonable for these cars so should not worry about mileage too much although with your budget you will be looking at sub 70k anyway (I would guess). Regarding a check I am sure a Merc dealer will do an inspection for a couple of hundred quid or one of the specialist dealers around.Thanks for all the info and advice. I've been searching all the usual spots and am definately going to make a purchase in the next few months. My dilemma is mileage V's cost! What mileage should I draw the line at? If I see a nice one what's the best way of getting it checked out pre-purchase? My budget is circa 12-14k
12-14k should get a very very nice example
Ben
Thanks Ben for the info, I've seen 2 recently but both examples have a small amount of rust. Yes..I know I was warned about this, but can rust be treated or is it a pathway to disaster? Oh, I too intend using this as my daily, So if any good examples catch your eye will you let me know. Cheers
Edited by Rustic on Tuesday 25th September 10:42
Rustic said:
Thanks Ben for the info, I've seen 2 recently but both examples have a small amount of rust. Yes..I know I was warned about this, but can rust be treated or is it a pathway to disaster? Oh, I too intend using this as my daily, So if any good examples catch your eye will you let me know. Cheers
Rust on the front wings seems to be inevitable, particularly where mud flaps are fitted so a small amount could be acceptable. It is by no means structural at this point. For 12-14k I would expect to see none whatsoever but depending on the mileage / condition of the rest of the car som on the front arches could be excused.Edited by Rustic on Tuesday 25th September 10:42
Ben
If you haven't already, have a go in a 420 or 500 - everyone always says go for the 6 cyl cars as running costs are lower and handling is alledgedly 'crisper' (relatively speaking!!!), but the V8 suits the Grand Touring aspect to a T. Goes surprisingly well in a straight line. Noise is nice too.
They all rust, it's just a question of how far it's got before someone sorts it properly. Rear edge of the rear arches is a weak point, also the bulkhead around the heater, in addition to those areas already mentioned. There are some seriously bodged cars out there, usually the earlier 70's stuff, I saw some absolute shockers for ten grand - the post 86 cars don't seem to be as afflicted yet, maybe due to the galvanising.
I'd recommend air con, in fact try for all the options - the optional rear seat will help resale, ditto cruise, OTG, leather versus mbtex etc. The 300 now seems to match or exceed the V8 cars on price, so on balance I'd personally go for a V8, you only live once!
There doesn't seem to be a price premium for 'loaded' cars, just for tiny mileage cars with dried out oil seals and unused hoods. It's one car that doesn't depreciate - a friend has just dropped £16k on a Megane convertible - whoops. I'll get back close to what I paid for my 107 nearly three years ago - it's an ideal second/third car from that perspective, as it doesn't cost you ££ when you don't use it. My SL's done 98k, just run in, a 1989 500, true they don't 'handle' but hey, that's not what they're about. The typical SL owner seems to look after their 107 better than the average car, main dealer servicing etc, mine's got a history file like war and peace, not uncommon as some 107s have been second or third cars since new. I recommend the wind deflector as well (ebay!), makes a big difference with the hood down. Putting the hood up and down is a P.I.T.A - same goes for the hard top if you don't have a winch - two man job and then some - I've got receipts from main dealers for removal and storage of my car's hardtop through the summer months!
Happy hunting.
They all rust, it's just a question of how far it's got before someone sorts it properly. Rear edge of the rear arches is a weak point, also the bulkhead around the heater, in addition to those areas already mentioned. There are some seriously bodged cars out there, usually the earlier 70's stuff, I saw some absolute shockers for ten grand - the post 86 cars don't seem to be as afflicted yet, maybe due to the galvanising.
I'd recommend air con, in fact try for all the options - the optional rear seat will help resale, ditto cruise, OTG, leather versus mbtex etc. The 300 now seems to match or exceed the V8 cars on price, so on balance I'd personally go for a V8, you only live once!
There doesn't seem to be a price premium for 'loaded' cars, just for tiny mileage cars with dried out oil seals and unused hoods. It's one car that doesn't depreciate - a friend has just dropped £16k on a Megane convertible - whoops. I'll get back close to what I paid for my 107 nearly three years ago - it's an ideal second/third car from that perspective, as it doesn't cost you ££ when you don't use it. My SL's done 98k, just run in, a 1989 500, true they don't 'handle' but hey, that's not what they're about. The typical SL owner seems to look after their 107 better than the average car, main dealer servicing etc, mine's got a history file like war and peace, not uncommon as some 107s have been second or third cars since new. I recommend the wind deflector as well (ebay!), makes a big difference with the hood down. Putting the hood up and down is a P.I.T.A - same goes for the hard top if you don't have a winch - two man job and then some - I've got receipts from main dealers for removal and storage of my car's hardtop through the summer months!
Happy hunting.
Hi guys, I'm living in Dublin and it's not that easy for me to keep going to the UK to view cars, hence the delay in purchasing and the reason i want to make sure of the car's quality. Has anyone heard of or have reports on the cars out of classic-chrome in richmond, SW london? Who would be good around there for a ppi?
Edited by Rustic on Thursday 27th September 01:25
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