Purchase of classic 350SL

[classicsl]

I am looking to buy a classic 350/280 SL and have been looking around at available examples for sale online. all seem to be well looked after, is there anything in particular you should look for on these when looking out for potential problems or signs of lack of care

any advice would be appreciated

 

[Mikesmerc]

Hi, I have answered this before I think, just do a search on me (mikesmerc) and you should find some of my horror stories on 350 sl.
Regards
Mike

 

[classicsl]

thanks for the referral to your other posts, put me off slightly but going to look at an 83 280sl tonight regardless!! do you happen to know what the dimensions of the sl are as i would need to garage it overnight and my garage is a little short and narrow

 

[mlc]

classic SL

1973 SL is 4370mm x 1790mm - or 172 inches by 71 inches. I think that the only difference on the later model will be that the early cars didn't have a passneger side mirror. To help visualise the size think of a modern Mondeo / Vectra size.

Sorry to hear that youve been put off by reading the reports on here, however whilst the cars are wonderful they can be expensive somethimes!

Hope you find a good one.

Mark.
1972 manual 350 SL
and a Mondeo Ghia X for the real world

 

[DWB!]

I opted out of a company car scheme and bought an 87 420 SL. It was the best decision I've made; not only has the tax and allowance paid for the car, the increase in milage allowance now pays for the petrol and upkeep of the car.

In terms of problems the only non-service problem I've had is the kick down relay - £ 115, i pulled the old one out and new one in - the drama was over!

You know all about their good looks, drive one and you'll find they walk the walk too; solid, pacey and comfortable. I drove from Marseille to Paris with a couple of stops and could have carried on & on.

Better still they're holding their value too.

One down side - if you want to carry a baby in a rear facing seat you will have problems.. either you or your wife will have to shoe horn into the back. I will let you (all) know what it's like when they can sit fwd.

Anyway - have a good look around this site, Malcolm Brown has posted some very helpful messages and advice. The models/spec changed mid 80's when the numbering went to 300,420,500, 560 and I understand that if you can run to it (££ wise) you will get a more reliable car.

Either way - good luck

 

[classicsl]

luckily i dont have the issue of convincing a practically minded partner or catering for a small baby, i am well impressed you have managed both. Do you run yours as an everyday car and if so what sort of mpg do you get around town? i understand the mercedes handbook reported 12mpg for the 300sl?

 

[daveedin]

luckily i dont have the issue of convincing a practically minded partner or catering for a small baby, i am well impressed you have managed both. Do you run yours as an everyday car and if so what sort of mpg do you get around town? i understand the mercedes handbook reported 12mpg for the 300sl?

I think you should be able to improve on that, I get around 24 on the motorway and 18 around town and i have a thristy 350SL

But then it really depends how you drive the little darling, go heavy on the pedal and I imagine 12 could be possible

Dave