Toying with the idea of an R107

[JonnyCJ]

Always fancied one, but undure on what model to go for etc. I understand that the later the better in terms of reliability etc. but having seen Ed China take the dash out to replace an plastic for the heater vents I'm concerend it may be a money pit.

Any thoughts ?!

 

[alexanderfoti]

RUST
is the biggest issue on all really, they are 40 + years old (some of them) and hide it in the bulkhead, floor seams etc. Best to check very thoroughly.

Interior condition and roof condition is important as well.as bits get harder to find.

Go for the V8

 

[Kersidan]

As above. I've had two - a 1982 380SL and a 1989 420SL. The later 'face lift' variants are more desirable and arguably slightly better cars (there were mods to body work and suspension to name a couple) but all good examples have increased in price dramatically over the years - I wish I had kept mine, especially the 420SL as this was one of the last few manufactured. They aren't every day cars anymore and need to be garaged. As with all classic cars provenance and history is everything. Go to the SL shop to see what's available and sit comfortably when looking at the prices! Whether a 300SL straight 6 or a 500SL V8 they don't have any real price difference. They are in my mind an iconic Mercedes classic and I wish I was in the position to own another.

 

[JonnyCJ]

R129 also tickles my fancy and the father in law's, best mate's wife has a Silver Arrow tucked away in the garage.

On balance a 107 attracts me more, but the 129 is a sleeper that i think is only going one way...

Will have to see what SWMBO thinks.

 

[bembo449]

I can totally understand the allure of SL of this MY and I too have seen ed china & other TV shows work on them , think id go for a 129 as I just think it looks fab from every angle and less likely to rust into pieces , in fact there is a dark blue 129 in the local classic car dealers near me , he's a bit of a rogue but I get on with him ok

 

[alexanderfoti]

R129 also tickles my fancy and the father in law's, best mate's wife has a Silver Arrow tucked away in the garage.

On balance a 107 attracts me more, but the 129 is a sleeper that i think is only going one way...

Will have to see what SWMBO thinks.

There is quite a price difference between a good 129 and good 107 .That may affect the decision.

 

[LostKiwi]

A good 129 is much cheaper than a good 107 and prices are already on the up.

 

[JonnyCJ]

Hmmm - all good food for thought. Much different in the 129’s ? Facelift better than early ? Silver Arrow worth paying extra for ?

 

[alexanderfoti]

Each has its own charm. Face-lift 129 is more modern, livable on a daily basis. Pre is more unique and more representative of its time period, if that makes sense?

 

[JonnyCJ]

Wife’s sold on the idea - that was easy !

R129 it is, ideally dark blue with cream interior and rhd, prefer 500 with AMG and pano.

Low miles, FSH, etc etc

I feel just like Conor but older !

 

[robparker]

I've had a 129 and currently have a 107 which I've had for the last 3 years nearly. The 129 felt much more up to everyday use and not as "fragile" (fragile not to be confused with reliability as the 107 has been perfect), but the 129 didn't feel special or as much or an occasion to drive. But then is half the price to buy a usable example..
Just my opinions and all horses for courses etc

 

[JonnyCJ]

Think it’ll have to be a 129. My local Indy cut their teeth on them when at a main dealer and they’re modern enough to be relatively rust free, but not so modern that there’s too much electrickery to go wrong.

Quite like the metallic green as well. Reminds me of the Lotus Europa of the mid 70’s. I have a thing for cars with very period colours.

 

[John Laidlaw]

I’d be going 129 if it were me for the reasons mentioned above , I have to see cars as daily’s otherwise I couldn't enjoy them due to limited free time ( actually apart from driving to and from the office almost none )..

 

[JonnyCJ]

Keep your minces peeled John !

 

[LostKiwi]

500 with AMG

Lesson 1. AMG and 500 don't exist. AMG means SL60 (££££), SL70 (£££££), SL72 (££££££) or SL73 (£££££££££) (you get the idea).

The only AMG add on for a 129 500SL are wheels (which are 17" 3 piece split rims on early cars and seriously £££). Later cars have 5 spoke Monoblocks in 18" (much cheaper wheels).

Lesson 2:The 500 came with 2 engines. Early cars had the superb m119 engine and later cars had the m113. The change was 1998.

Lesson 3: Early m119 cars came with mechanical fuel injection and twin distributors. Middle m119 cars with electronic fuel injection and twin distributors. Later m119 cars came with electronic injection and no distributors (coil per plug).
Middle cars (93-95) also came with self destructing engine wiring harnesses.
Early cars had most power and each iteration reduced power further (apparently that's progress).

Lesson 4: Early cars came with 4 speed non-electronic automatic transmission. Later cars came with 5 speed.

 

[JonnyCJ]

Really helpful - thanks!

 

[John Laidlaw]

Keep your minces peeled John !

Sure will...
Local and reassuringly expensive
https://classiccarsofwirral.co.uk/vehicle/name/mercedes-sl-sl500/#vehicle-details

 

[John Laidlaw]

Or the aforementioned SL60 if an AMG is needed, again local and...
https://www.ccbenz.co.uk/?page_id=8488

 

[John Laidlaw]

And keep in touch with Ron Hodgson Wigan, usually has a few (only one currently and strangely white )
https://www.ronhodgson.co.uk/stock/...716&pricerange=Any+Price&VehicleType=any-type

 

[JonnyCJ]

Sure will...
Local and reassuringly expensive
https://classiccarsofwirral.co.uk/vehicle/name/mercedes-sl-sl500/#vehicle-details

That ticks all the boxes, although price wise it’s towards the top end of my budget.

Annoyingly, I drive past there every day after dropping young Sam off at school. I can see what’s going to happen.....

Might also sound out the father in law on the Silver Arrow, although it does have a couple of light rust patches last time I saw it.