Buying an SL in UK

[jackpe]

Hello,

I have previously owned a 1969 Alfa GTV and was going to get a 70s Porsche 911, but after a couple of test rides realised I want something more comfortable, also for my budget of around £10K I have so far just seen dogs. So I looked at SLs, can't afford the older ones but there seem to be loads of the 1970 to 1989 models at good prices. So I'm wondering which model and year I should go for. I have had a search and found some stuff about the initial probs with the alloy engine but was wondering if i could get a few more tips, I think engine wise I would avoid the very largest ones for running costs, but out of the others which are the sweetest picks?

is the 280 one to avoid? I think i've read fuel consumption is much the same as the bigger engines?


I am thinking of getting a later car (80s) as hoping it would be more rust free. So please some advice on recommended engine, year of car and possibly the main things to look out for when going to see cars!

thanks!

P>S Anyone know of any other good UK based SL or Merc forums? been on some US ones but they have nothing on the 280 models.

 

[television]

Hello and welcome for no rust and a good price you will never beat a 129

 

[grober]

The R107 models are beautifully built cars but suffer from RUST in a big way. Body condition is paramount when buying. External and internal trim/upholstery is increasing difficult to source as time goes by also so tatty examples can cost a lot to bring back to a reasonable state. The 280 model has the old twin cam engine from 70's and can have problematic fuel injection. The later 80's 6 cylinder engine is the M103 single cam motor with much more reliable Bosch Jetronic K injection. There is no such thing as a cheap 107 SL of that age. You either pay a premium for the very rare unmolested low mileage ones / ones that have been comprehensively rebuilt or resign yourself to spending a lot of money rebuilding a restoration project. You can cut back on expenditure if you are A good DIY man and can use a welder but it will still cost in time and money for parts. As Malcolm suggests an early 6 CYLINDER R129 model [ the next generation of SL] altho more complex is probably a better bet.

 

[Mic]

Welcome....R129 best value, build and reliability for your budget. Persevere with your search and you should get a decent daily runner.

Mic

 

[television]

The R107 models are beautifully built cars but suffer from RUST in a big way. Body condition is paramount when buying. External and internal trim/upholstery is increasing difficult to source as time goes by also so tatty examples can cost a lot to bring back to a reasonable state. The 280 model has the old twin cam engine from 70's and can have problematic fuel injection. The later 80's 6 cylinder engine is the M103 single cam motor with much more reliable Bosch Jetronic K injection. There is no such thing as a cheap 107 SL of that age. You either pay a premium for the very rare unmolested low mileage ones / ones that have been comprehensively rebuilt or resign yourself to spending a lot of money rebuilding a restoration project. You can cut back on expenditure if you are A good DIY man and can use a welder but it will still cost in time and money for parts. As Malcolm suggests an early 6 CYLINDER R129 model [ the next generation of SL] altho more complex is probably a better bet.

The 107s do look great as a classic car, as you say a good one is expensive

 

[jackpe]

I was expecting the 129 series to be promoted and I know it is a far better car but I really would like an earlier 107.. I know it won't drive as well but I just want a cruiser and a classic type car, the 90's ones are too modern for me. Surely i should be bale to get a good one for £10K?

 

[television]

I think that you could get a fair one for that, better a private sale

 

[grober]

You should be able to pick up a basically sound car for £10k but I would be looking for lots of documented evidence of professional body repair/ parts money having been spent in not too distant past. It won't be pristine for that money but very careful selection may yield one as a sound basis for continuing restoration work/work in progress. You basically want to take over another enthusiasts car who has decided to move on. This is one instance where it may be as important to assess the previous owner as much as the car!

 

[DSB SL AMG]

hello and welcome...honest john is quite good for an overall car review... SL W107 has 2 stars...have pasted full review link for both W107 and R129 to guide you...

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/mercedes-benz/sl-w107-1972/

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/mercedes-benz/sl-w129-1989/


My choice would be R129 pre first facelift (so before 1995).....altho i am biased because i own one... theres quite a few W107 on ebay (link below) so you have a good choice, history & good ownership is vital as per usual...

http://motors.shop.ebay.co.uk/Class...|SL%20320|SL%20350|SL%20420|SL%20450|SL%20500

 

[stickandrudder]

107s are lovely cars if in good nick but not many are these days and price is not necessarily a good indicator of condition.
You must find an expert on the model to guide/advise/inspect/restore, otherwise it's likely that you'll buy a pup and regret it. By expert I mean someone who is fully conversant with the maintenance and restoration of these cars, not someone whose sold lots of them.
An honest car with good history but needs tidying is a better risk than one that has been tarted up to look nice by one of the "specialist" dealers like Silver Arrows, Chelsea cars, Silchester, Classic Chrome etc.
Experts that I know of are Colin Ferns, Steve Redfern and Roger Edwards, all based in my neck of the woods (west London). Tell us where you're based and I'm sure others will provide other suggestions local to you.
Be wary but do not dismiss pre-85 cars; they are more prone to rust, but there are exceptions and many post 85 ones are affected by Swiss cheese bulkhead syndrome.
If your annual mileage is low I wouldn't dismiss the V8s, they're great fun to drive!

 

[jackpe]

107s are lovely cars if in good nick but not many are these days and price is not necessarily a good indicator of condition.
You must find an expert on the model to guide/advise/inspect/restore, otherwise it's likely that you'll buy a pup and regret it. By expert I mean someone who is fully conversant with the maintenance and restoration of these cars, not someone whose sold lots of them.
An honest car with good history but needs tidying is a better risk than one that has been tarted up to look nice by one of the "specialist" dealers like Silver Arrows, Chelsea cars, Silchester, Classic Chrome etc.
Experts that I know of are Colin Ferns, Steve Redfern and Roger Edwards, all based in my neck of the woods (west London). Tell us where you're based and I'm sure others will provide other suggestions local to you.
Be wary but do not dismiss pre-85 cars; they are more prone to rust, but there are exceptions and many post 85 ones are affected by Swiss cheese bulkhead syndrome.
If your annual mileage is low I wouldn't dismiss the V8s, they're great fun to drive!

Thanks!
I am based in Putney, West London and funnily enough I spoke to Steve Redfern today! He advised me to go for a late car, 87-89 as they have the plastic liners in the wheel arches and are better for rust.. but unfortunately because of the bigger brake calipers these come with the 15" dish alloys that I don't like..and can't be easily changed. So it will have to be an earlier car. I am veering towards a V8 as the fuel consumption seems to vary little fromt he 280 whihc in any case sounds underpowered.. I will get Steve to check any car over before I buy. If you're local and have some time I'd love to pop over and look over your car and perhaps get some advice.

 

[stickandrudder]

Actually the old twin cam 280 engine is really quite a nice engine once you get to know them. Quite willing and they can sound nice too when on cam. Tappets tend to be a little on the noisy side by today's standards but if set correctly they sing to you!
Tappets! Ha! How many garages these days know how to set them?
In fact, now I think of it, it's quite a good little test for any prospective expert.
Ask them what the tappet clearances are hot and cold and how often should they be checked on the 110 engine?
Any of the previously mentioned experts would be able to rattle off that info in an instant.

 

[grober]

Inlet 0.10mm cold (20c) / 0.15mm warm (60c)----Exhaust 0.25 cold / 0.30mm warm
every 15,000 miles

OK I cheated .
http://handbook.w116.org/Engine\110\05-210.pdf
and
http://handbook.w116.org/Maintenance\sheets80.pdf

 

[ncooper]

Thanks!
He advised me to go for a late car, 87-89 as they have the plastic liners in the wheel arches and are better for rust.. but unfortunately because of the bigger brake calipers these come with the 15" dish alloys that I don't like..and can't be easily changed. So it will have to be an earlier car. I am veering towards a V8 as the fuel consumption seems to vary little from the 280 which in any case sounds underpowered..

Mine is a 1984 and has the plastic liners,no galvanising though.
You need to try and find one that has spent its winters inside,water and salt can get everywhere.
The 280 engine is hardly underpowered.....a 190D is underpowered.
It is probably the easiest and cheapest to maintain and looks and sounds like it came from an aeroplane.

Regards,
Nick.

 

[jackpe]

Mine is a 1984 and has the plastic liners,no galvanising though.
You need to try and find one that has spent its winters inside,water and salt can get everywhere.
The 280 engine is hardly underpowered.....a 190D is underpowered.
It is probably the easiest and cheapest to maintain and looks and sounds like it came from an aeroplane.

Regards,
Nick.

Thanks Nick.

So when were the liners first fitted from, I thought it was only on the late cars?

 

[Pontoneer]

The 280 (M110) is not a bad engine , but can be as thirsty as some V8's ; the 300(M103) is smoother and more fuel efficient ( probably most fuel efficient engine available in a 107) ; forget the older 350 and 450 engines as they are very thirsty ; best engine is the 500 (M117) - smaller 2nd generation V8's are OK but 420 a bit lacking and 380 just plain gutless .

If you don't need convertible top , don't overlook SLC coupe : 2 better sized back seats and , best of all , an overlooked classic which does not command high prices of the SL - YET . Best model is the 450SLC 5.0 - if you can find one . The 280 was also available in that shell but not so many about - most are 350's or 450's : don't bother with the 350 .

 

[stickandrudder]

There's no way you can accurately describe the 380 as gutless!
Not as pokey as the 500 perhaps, but gutless I cannot agree with!

 

[jackpe]

The 280 (M110) is not a bad engine , but can be as thirsty as some V8's ; the 300(M103) is smoother and more fuel efficient ( probably most fuel efficient engine available in a 107) ; forget the older 350 and 450 engines as they are very thirsty ; best engine is the 500 (M117) - smaller 2nd generation V8's are OK but 420 a bit lacking and 380 just plain gutless .

If you don't need convertible top , don't overlook SLC coupe : 2 better sized back seats and , best of all , an overlooked classic which does not command high prices of the SL - YET . Best model is the 450SLC 5.0 - if you can find one . The 280 was also available in that shell but not so many about - most are 350's or 450's : don't bother with the 350 .

Hi,

Thanks for this, interesting also on the SLC, was not aware and will have a look at it, could be a good option! Have looked though and not many seem to be for sale.. were they exactly like the SL but just with a roof or are there other differences?

 

[grober]

Longer wheelbase I believe. Their looks are not everyone's cup of tea but they do have road "presence" like most Mercs of that vintage. HERES A LINK TO A VIDEO http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07XoVOYZ3R4

 

[jackpe]

The 280 (M110) is not a bad engine , but can be as thirsty as some V8's ; the 300(M103) is smoother and more fuel efficient ( probably most fuel efficient engine available in a 107) ; forget the older 350 and 450 engines as they are very thirsty ; best engine is the 500 (M117) - smaller 2nd generation V8's are OK but 420 a bit lacking and 380 just plain gutless .

Which model years did the smaller new V8s run from?

Thanks!