Advice on buying a late 80s SL(merged PC)

[middleman]

Advice on buying a late 80s SL

Hi there

I'm thinking of buying an 87-89 SL as a day to day car.

A few questions:

1. Can someone explain the engine/model changes over the late 80s - it all seems a bit confusing (300s, 320s, straight 6s, V6s, V8s, etc?)

2. Could anyone recommend any dealers in the southeast who have a good range, and who won't rip me off (more than usual...)

3. Will a 107 work as a day to day car, or are reliability/running costs a major issue?

Any help much appreciated!

Thanks

 

[middleman]

Advice on buying a late 80s SL

Hi there

I'm thinking of buying an 87-89 SL as a day to day car.

A few questions:

1. Can someone explain the engine/model changes over the late 80s - it all seems a bit confusing (300s, 320s, straight 6s, V6s, V8s, etc?)

2. Could anyone recommend any dealers in the southeast who have a good range, and who won't rip me off (more than usual...)

3. Will a 107 work as a day to day car, or are reliability/running costs a major issue?

Any help much appreciated!

Thanks

 

[Hoks]

Well, I've got a 1980 4 speed auto 350SL with 90k on the clock (not the best SL engines, but good enough for me as I am only 23! I love the V8 grunt and 200bhp is not bad to shift the 2 tonne beast! I was considering in buying a new car you see....Boxsters, Z4s, TTs, etc...does comes close in terms of character and flashiness!) I've read some articles in magazine which suggests that the 300 six is probably the best all rounder, 180ish bhp but lighter up the front axle, hence better handling, but it obvious doesn't come with the V8 character. In my opinion, the 500s V8 are the best bet if you can afford the petrol bills, good power, desirable depreciation and comparable in terms of economy with the other V8s.

My SL350 does about 15mpg on average, so it hurts if I drive it day in day out to work, that's why I run a Yaris too, half the size and half the running cost, 100x more boring...

I consider spending a bit of money on an well maintain SL is more of an investment. For the car shouldn't really depreciate if its condition improves with time. I've done 6000 miles since I bought it and only the battery let me down once, but I had to replace a few parts here and there trying to improve things with time (e. timing chain, battery, replacement top, rubber seals....etc...)

Buy an SL with your heart.....go for a late V8 with switchable auto....it will cost you, but it will reward you. hope that helps

 

[skean]

SL's as daily cars

I run an early ('81) 380SL but not as a daily car coz I want to keep the mileage low (its just over 70K). Low mileage (under 6k pa) means classic insurance rates. I pay under £200. Reliability is good and most problems are caused by lack of use - leaking tyres/ sticking calipers etc. General reliability is excellent if car has been looked after - so make sure it has a good service history!
Other reason I don't use mine every day is that I like it topless - the hardtop hasn't been on in 3 years! Fuel consumption for my V8 is around 22-23mpg with no short journeys - I don't want any mayo near my hydraulic tappets.
Get a good one & it will last for years. Dealer servicing is expensive but there are local specialists around (although I haven't found on near me in Stafford yet!) Good Luck. Steve K