Classic 70's 80's SL Buying Advice ?

[Chevy Chase]

Hello folks

For some time now i have been pondering over obtaining an SL of the late 70's , 80's era, i believe these may be referred to as the 107 series ( but may be wrong ).

I have been perusing the classifieds , mainly looking at the 420 SL, but have limited knowledge as to which engine size is the more desirable, and more importantly the most reliable.

I believe they range from the 280 up to the 500 and whilst i understand that there will obviously be differences in power and economy, i have no idea if there are any other benefits in having one over the other.

Were there any real benefits and / or improvements with the 80's cars over the 70's ones ?

Can these cars be used every day if need be ?

Are spares still readily available and are there many parts suppliers out there besides having to go directly to Mercedes as i imagine spares may be costly ?

Are there things i should be looking for when viewing apart from the the obvious which i imagine are rust,service history,mileage,accident damage etc.

I have lusted after one of these for many moons, but are they a wise buy, or a bit of a nightmare ?

Any help and adcise really would be very much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

CC

 

[Aussie Nick]

Go on . Get out of here. Are you the fair dinkum Chevy Chase or are you just looking for favourite treatment? I have a Chevy in my rear shed.

 

[television]

Wait till our member Myros sees the post, he knows them inside out

 

[Aussie Nick]

This thread appeared a few days ago and of course we welcome the new member with open arms despite this member's warped sense of humour (if you could call it that).
In any event Member Myros does not seem to have seen the thread nor Malcolm's post so I am re -charging the thread in a hope that member Myros or some other learned member can provide a response to the newcomer.

 

[hawk20]

Odd that this was first posted 3 days ago but no more from Chevy Chase?
Worth looking at the other similar thread: Which SL.

 

[Aussie Nick]

Maybe he was the real Chevy Chase........ But he only drives motorhomes ...... Dosent he?????????

 

[type49]

Before wondering about which engine (not the 280 (110) as it's very expensive to fix oil leaks & is as economical as a V12), I'd drive one first. Some people love them, some hate them. I personally prefer to drive the older 113 Pagoda as I find the driving position in the 107 too cramped, my feet hit the dash undertray when going from gas to brake pedals + my knees hit the steering wheel so much, that when looking over my shoulder to reverse, I get stuck!! I'm only 5'10 so I suppose many owners just get used to it. If you go for one, check everwhere for rust, including under the dash where water can collect inside heater intake (in front of screen). Rear wheel bearings are expensive to replace. PAS oil leaks, headlights, condition of soft-top, gearboxes are old school & many minor faults can be corrected with adjusting mod pressure or just new vacuum pipes.

 

[Aussie Nick]

Hey Chevy!!! I believe that Senior Member Myros is back on deck and will be able to assist you with your query........Over to you Myros.

 

[Myros]

such faith in my knowledge, Malcolm and Nick

I'm both flattered and over-rated.
I'll be as brief as I can, as you all know I could go on all day about these lovely cars.
280 vs 560. None of these cars are what you'd call economical by modern standards. My C280 will give about 29 mpg driven at 90mph with a full load of wife and kids and kit. Our 500SL gave about 26-27, with only me and the mem and minimum kit ( you can't fit that much in them, after all)
They are not for those faint of wallet, as sitting in our normal traffic jams will have the fuel gauge plummeting before your very eyes.
The big V8s are not that much worse than the smaller sixes for economy, indeed you would probably find that cruising at about 70mph (2000 revs in a 500, 3000+ in a 6-cylinder) is about honours even on the fuel at about 25mpg.
80's are preferable to 70's models for probably 2 big reasons, rust proofing and 4 speed gearboxes. Pre-80 cars are three speed autos and more thirsty. Some of the sixes came with 5 speed manual boxes and are not that common. Post 80 had better rust-proofing than pre 80, and post 85 had the best of all.
They should be used as daily drivers, except if you have a concours car that you don't want to rack up mileage on. I look forward to spring and summer, as I run ours as often as I can given our weather. I don't mind going out in the rain, but i prefer the roof off and the wind in my hair.
Providing you look after oil, filter and plugs and brakes, nothing much should go wrong, as they come from good stock and a well-looked after car before you buy it should stay one after you buy it. Timing chain tensioners need doing at about 75 k on the v8, and transmission seals at about 75-100k.
Spares aren't as bad as you think. Most consumables are surprisingly affordable ( that's not cheap though). If you use breakers like Mercman and PC merc Centre and Dronsfields, and surf e-bay, you can satisfy most needs. If not, then there is always MB themselves. I did pay £105 for a bolt for the hard-top from them which made me wince, but there was no alternative. I have no objection to putting used parts ( other than brakes and plugs) onto a
used car, but if you are a new part fetishist, it does get expensive.
Rust is the big killer of these cars, and the older it is, the more likely it will have some. The worst ones are already gone, so you are already in a survival of the fittest scenario. The front wings bolt off, and although £400 for a new one isn't cheap, it will probably last another 20 years if properly painted and fitted. Rear wheel-arch repair panels are available, and sills take two men to lift. A little surface rust is just unsightly, not critical. The main fears are the plenum chamber, as serious corrosion here may render the car uneconomical to repair, and the bits you can't see such as box sections and in the tank area.
Take someone who knows them, or an indie mechanic, to any serious potential purchase. the cost will be worth it if it stops you buying a money pit. At worst, take it through an MOT as that should pick up any serious safety issues. If the seller won't agree, walk away.
In short, they are pretty much what you want them to be. Go top end at £20k and you should have a pristine car that's barely run in. Look around for £8-10 k and you should find a clean well-used and reliable model of any description with higher mileage, or take a punt on a £3-5 k and hope it doesn't turn into a money pit. They can of course all turn into money-pits, but that's classic Mercs for you.
I like ours more and more each time I drive it. They are a refreshing reminder of what luxury sports car motoring used to be, and my kids love the noise and wind and being able to sit unnoticed in the back.
Just my take on them. Beware the v8, they are very seductive. I know, I have one.

 

[type49]

Didn't think they built a 560SL in right hand drive??

 

[Myros]

The Aussies got it

I think. And Japan. So theoretically possible to get one here. I put it in just in case Chevy was from across the pond.

 

[hawk20]

I think Chevy has disappeared

 

[type49]

I think Chevy has disappeared

He's been chased away

 

[hawk20]

He's been chased away

Nice one.

Odd. Take any individual letter- I took names beginning with 'B' as an example- and you will find that droves of people come to the forum, post a couple of times, maybe up to half a dozen , and then disappear. But it does seem even odder to ask a serious question and then go, never to return.

Also a bit odd to me is how many newcomers feel they must post straight away, with a new thread, instead of joining a few existing ones first. It is amazing how fast threads disappear off page one, driven out by hosts of new threads. Especially since so many threads that are actually technical in nature, survive on the General page without getting moved.

 

[television]

Nice one.

Odd. Take any individual letter- I took names beginning with 'B' as an example- and you will find that droves of people come to the forum, post a couple of times, maybe up to half a dozen , and then disappear. But it does seem even odder to ask a serious question and then go, never to return.

Also a bit odd to me is how many newcomers feel they must post straight away, with a new thread, instead of joining a few existing ones first. It is amazing how fast threads disappear off page one, driven out by hosts of new threads. Especially since so many threads that are actually technical in nature, survive on the General page without getting moved.

There is nout like forums, yes I have observed this, and the speed that they can go, out of site for ever
.
Its a good job that i can remember all of my post

 

[Chevy Chase]

Hello folks

I am still around, but am fairly busy putting it mildly. Currently going through a divorce and selling the house, etc etc, so have lots to sort out.

Thanks very much myros, it is very much appreciated. I had no idea about post 80's cars having 4 speed auto's over 3, makes me more inclined to go for an 80's model.

I really wanted one before the weather improves as prices will then no doubt start to rise, but until the house goes my hands are tied.

By the way, do you know which ones have the 6 cylinder engines, and which are the V8's ? . It's the V8 i would really like and many of the ones being advertised and within my price range ( max 10k ) just happen to be either the 420 or 450, i'm guesing these are both V8's, but is there much difference between the two ?

Thanks again and apologies in advance if i come back with more questions. I have hankered after one of these for a long time and feel like treating myself, if you know what i mean

CC

 

[Myros]

Chevy, welcome back

280 and 300 are 6 cylinder, all others v8, 3.8, 4.2, 4.5,5.0 and 5.6.

I blew my stash on a 500, and can't say I'm sorry.

Drive as many as you can, which is easier said than done. Don't be in a rush either, there are plenty out there still.

Good luck with all the strands going on.

 

[Aussie Nick]

Hello Chevy and Welcome

I am staying out of it this time

 

[hawk20]

Hello folks

I am still around, but am fairly busy putting it mildly. Currently going through a divorce and selling the house, etc etc, so have lots to sort out.

Best of luck, on all fronts.