R107 W107 SL - which model to go for, buying guides?
Discussion
Which is the model to go for from the range. I'm looking at as late a car as possible and probably the 380 engine. Any recommendations, is the straight 6 a better option - horse power doesn't seem to vary that much and would prob prefer a bit of economy, so no need to do the 500.
Thanks
Thanks
I believe rust can be a serious problem on these, good models still fetch a hefty price tag.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_R107
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_R107
The 380 is a V8 (as are the 420 , 500 and US market 560 ) and the 280 and 300 are straight 6`s . The 280 (twin cam)precedes the 300 .
Post 1985/6 facelift cars are better for rust protection and the 300SL (post facelift) is probably the one to go for .
Even with this (188bhp) engine, weight mitigates against fuel economy and it`s not a "performance" car in the modern sense .
That said , the 300 is a very reliable basic engine which suits the car`s laid back boulevadier remit .
Values of all models vary considerably depending on where you look and who you trust - Crawleys have a "brand new " 500 mile 300SL for £44k (which would invariable shed half it`s cost price if one were to allow the mileage over 10,000 . I`ve seen decent cars at £8000 ; anything lower may cause you some issues .
Post 1985/6 facelift cars are better for rust protection and the 300SL (post facelift) is probably the one to go for .
Even with this (188bhp) engine, weight mitigates against fuel economy and it`s not a "performance" car in the modern sense .
That said , the 300 is a very reliable basic engine which suits the car`s laid back boulevadier remit .
Values of all models vary considerably depending on where you look and who you trust - Crawleys have a "brand new " 500 mile 300SL for £44k (which would invariable shed half it`s cost price if one were to allow the mileage over 10,000 . I`ve seen decent cars at £8000 ; anything lower may cause you some issues .
There is a very good buyer's guide available from Ebay.
Post '85 cars are "best" in the sense that the running gear is more modern and the corrosion protection is better. Personally I prefer the look of the pre-85 cars. Up to about 1980, there were 350 and 450 V8s, generally 3speed autos (a few 4spd manual 3.5l cars). After 1980 you could get a 280 (six) and 380 and 500 (V8s) almost always fitted with a 4spd auto. After 1985 you got the 300 (very modern six) and 420 and 500 (V8s) again almost alaways with the 4spd auto.
All of the engines are bullet proof. The 300 M103 engine used after 1985 is probably the best in terms of reliability, modernity, fuel consumption and maintenance costs. The 500 is still a fast car. The 420 is possibly the sweetest although they are all lovely. You have to rev the nuts off the 280 to make it go, but it does go. They handle surprisingly well albeit with a lot of roll. Many post-1980 cars have ABS. Quite a few post-1985 cars have a driver's airbag; air con is not uncommon either.
Buy on condition more than anything else.
Post '85 cars are "best" in the sense that the running gear is more modern and the corrosion protection is better. Personally I prefer the look of the pre-85 cars. Up to about 1980, there were 350 and 450 V8s, generally 3speed autos (a few 4spd manual 3.5l cars). After 1980 you could get a 280 (six) and 380 and 500 (V8s) almost always fitted with a 4spd auto. After 1985 you got the 300 (very modern six) and 420 and 500 (V8s) again almost alaways with the 4spd auto.
All of the engines are bullet proof. The 300 M103 engine used after 1985 is probably the best in terms of reliability, modernity, fuel consumption and maintenance costs. The 500 is still a fast car. The 420 is possibly the sweetest although they are all lovely. You have to rev the nuts off the 280 to make it go, but it does go. They handle surprisingly well albeit with a lot of roll. Many post-1980 cars have ABS. Quite a few post-1985 cars have a driver's airbag; air con is not uncommon either.
Buy on condition more than anything else.
Post '86 gets you galvanised chassis, ABS and, I think, better crash protection (stand to be corrected on the latter!)
Most reports suggest no ultimate difference in running costs between 300 and 420/500 but 500 is torquier and smoother.
I can vouch for 500 as being exactly what you would expect, with just enough V8 burble (though not on American proportions!), plenty of 'Go' and (so far) complete reliability.
They are also robust without looking too tough, which I quite like.
Most advisors would also say go for the highest-up-the-range/best condition car you can find and/or afford...
Good luck
Most reports suggest no ultimate difference in running costs between 300 and 420/500 but 500 is torquier and smoother.
I can vouch for 500 as being exactly what you would expect, with just enough V8 burble (though not on American proportions!), plenty of 'Go' and (so far) complete reliability.
They are also robust without looking too tough, which I quite like.
Most advisors would also say go for the highest-up-the-range/best condition car you can find and/or afford...
Good luck
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