Commuting with a 1981 280 SLC

[Peter Torbet]

Hi all,

Was looking for a bit of advice as to a prospective purchase, I'm considering buying this 280 SLC Auto, as advertised in Auto Trader:

"1981 W Reg MERCEDES-BENZ 280 SLC Auto
2 Doors, Automatic, Coupe, Petrol, 136,156 miles, Metallic Gold. Alloy wheels, CD, Central locking, Electric windows, Electric sunroof, Full service history, Head restraints, Metallic paintwork, Power assisted steering, Radio, Wood/wood effect trim."

Now, there are a few things i need to check:

1) I'll be using this car daily for a 50 mile round trip to/from work - is this car up to the task? or are cars of this age usually better suited to life as a '2nd car'?

2) I currently drive a Mk1 MX-5 1.8iS Manual - what will the driving experience be like compared to this?

3) Servicing - I carry out all servicing on my MX-5 (changing oil / sparks / brake pads / discs) are these cars suited to home servicing?

4) What sort of milage can i expect from this car? assuming the engine is in good condition, and i maintain it thoroughly can i get another 75k +?

thanks in advance,

Peter

 

[stumpy]

I'm not an expert on this model of car, but I'd say that mechanically speaking, it should serve you well. I use my 140k mile e280 W124 everyday including a once a week commute from London to Exeter. The thing that may cost you money will be rot. It's nearly 25 years old. I'm sure on the forum here there is a buyers guide for this model so have a look. As for servicing, yes, it is relatively straight forward, but there are some very reasonable indies out there. Compared to an MX5, the drive will be very heavy and solid. Try it, you may like it, you may not. My missus finds my E a bit heavy, but I love it.

 

[woolf]

If you fancy a nice relaxing drive you'll enjoy it and they are good for home maintenance if you can find a workshop manual. Be aware though that that a full service history contributes a lot to a Merc's value.

The worst thing about the 280 is the performance, which is best suited to cruising, and you'll find yourself being beaten at the lights most of the time, but, as I said, it does make you feel more relaxed and stress-free so you won't care about being beaten, although you'll still get through about 20-23mpg.

As Stumpy says, mileage isn't an issue with these cars, but condition is, so don't buy a rust bucket, especially as the slc can be bought very cheaply these days.

 

[Peter Torbet]

thanks for this - is it worth paying a bit extra go for a bigger engine for speed advantage? - what mpg can i expect from a V8?

is there a particular engine / model configuration that 'stands out' in the range?

 

[television]

thanks for this - is it worth paying a bit extra go for a bigger engine for speed advantage? - what mpg can i expect from a V8?

is there a particular engine / model configuration that 'stands out' in the range?

Yes the bigger engine is always nice. all of this range of cars were thirsty being built mainly for the US market. The power to weight ratio of these cars is that the bigger ones run most opf the time near idle or just above, and the smaller ones have to work, ie there will be 1k rpm difference at 70mph on the motorway.
The 350 could give you the best of both worlds. I have just gone from a 320 to a 5 liter V8, on long runs the fuel used is the same, but it uses more petrol around town. Sadly most SL are not used as daily transport. The effect is that cars do not like being unused. Most UK garages were built without a damp coarse, the rising damp air does far more damage than driving the car, as rot sets in. Putting a wet car into a garage is the worst you can do. I only mention the garaging as most SL's are garaged.

Malcolm

 

[Peter Torbet]

Most UK garages were built without a damp coarse, the rising damp air does far more damage than driving the car, as rot sets in. Putting a wet car into a garage is the worst you can do. I only mention the garaging as most SL's are garaged.

Malcolm

excellent- top advice, especially the bit about the damp course, i'll have a scout round for a sweet 350