86 300sl fuel

[stevecc]

Hello I am a MB/Classic & Forum newbie.
However I am just about to change all that, I have found a rather lovely 86 300sl which I am very close to buying, and which since it has very low mileage I intend to use as "almost" everyday car. Is this sensible?.
Is there anything I should be aware of or I should do to car to make above pactical?.
Will this car run on unleaded does it have a cat or should a cat be retro fitted?
Questions questions questions? but any help would be most appreciated

 

[Myros]

Welcome aboard

No cat, thank your lucky stars. Will run on unleaded premium, super, and lead replacement. There's a timing plug somwhere in the engine bay that you shift from N for premium to S for super.
Great cars, just keep an eye on the rust. The 300 103 engine is a peach to keep going, and smooth as silk. Just search on here for 107 or Sl and see what problems we have all been dealing with over the years.

 

[stevecc]

107 v r107

Myros, thanx for your posting I believe the car I have "now bought" not on the strength of your reply I might add, I just could not resist her, is an R107, is this different from the 107 engine that you mention. The guy that I am buying her from who is a classic dealer (though not specialising in MB) says that we should not retro fit a cat and also that it runs on unleaded straight from factory, is there any advantage that you percieve or have heard of in switching fuel switch to super.
thanks

 

[Myros]

Steve, it's an R107 alright

but the engine is an M103. I have the same unit in our 300TE. You do get better economy or performance from Super. See any of the numerous subjective and nearly objective tests we have conducted here. I know when I put super in the TE, it feels more sprightly than when I use premium. I know that our c280 gives way more ooomph for about the same or better fuel consumption ( it has adaptive ignition, the TE you have to "tune" manually)
The SL goes like stink on 100 octane on the continent, as the ignition is set to the correct degree of advance for super-type fuel. It lose some edge on premium.

You'' be fine with any fuel except diesel, but to get the most, you need to programme the ignition to whatever you are running on.

Welcome to the SL fraternity, it's the only way to fly.

 

[stevecc]

Thanks Myros I can honestly say that I don't think I have ever looked forward to owning a car more. Its been Saabs and Beemers for the last 20 years and I just got bored' the SL makes me smile. I fully intend to drive her most days for the first six months /year as she only has 27k on her, then I might get a weekday commuter and use her for pleasure.
thanks for your help