Buyers Guide - 1980s SL

[paulb_london]

Ever since owning the 1957 300SL coupe (matchbox version) i wanted an SL, and now finally the wife has said yes! Unfortunately the funding isn't quite there for the original gulwing, but from looking around you appear to be able to pick up a reasonable 1980s example for £5 - 10K.

Am i missing something here? - I know that there are problems with rust and as with any car of that age you need to check the basic mechanics but i wanted to get it from the horses mouth so to speak what are the pitfalls and what should i look out for buying a car of that age in this price bracket?

I know its a big ask and a big subject, but i am sure some of you out there have been in this position before and have learned from your mistakes and adventures!

What should i look for?
What should i avoid?
How much should i expect to pay for its up-keep?

Thanks alot!

Paul

 

[Myros]

pandora's box.

Paul,
the main stuff is bodywork and rust, then electrics, then mechanicals. The engines are robust, so are the trannies and brakes, but it's rust and electrics that will have you reaching for your checquebook. Do a search on this site on 107 and see what you turn up. We've had ours 7 weeks now (yes, I had a Bandai 300SL remote control car when I was a kid), and it has cost approximately this little lot.
£5 new soft top tensioning wires
£100 middle locating pin hardtop
£100 used idle control valve
£400 to service and tune ( engine oil, plugs, filters, gearbox oil and filter, including about 8 hours to extract a broken, over-torqued plug)
approx £45 for glass scratch removal/softtop vinyl restorative.
Engines need new Timing chains and tensioners 75-100K, gearbox needs new seals at about the same time. They can leak like sieves, and often do.

Otherwise, they go like stink, sound like heaven and put a smile on your face, guaranteed.

 

[Ed pies]

If possible try to get a 'facelift' version (1985-1989) as they are a good improvement on the original, and obviously are more recent so will have had less winters to go through.
I bought an 1987 300SL last year for £9,500 with 110K on the clock, with leather and rear seats.
Check the wheel arches, and the exhaust system are in good repair, with regular servicing and oil changes in the hostory.
An owner who seems devestated to part with their SL is a good sign!

 

[hitchd]

SL 85-89 How did you get on?

Hi Paul, How did you get on with your search? I'm now looking for something similar SL270, 300? 85-89 - any tips

 

[paulb_london]

..update

Hi hitchd, still looking at the moment - the advise to search back through the archive for 107s gave me a load of information. From what i have seen so far the newer the car the better - its just that old compromise on price!

I was hoping for a 500SL, but its looking less likely now as the insurance for that is alot highter than even a 420 - so unless i can find a garage near by to rent i am downgrading slightly.

Rust has been the main thing i have noticed (on the older cars) - so have a good check under all the carpets / rear arches / front wings as i have seen blisters in all these places which although nothing necessarily to worry about could be a sign of worse to come.

Sorry i can't give you any more specifics - good hunting!