W107 purchase

[davsop]

Good morning
I'm currently looking to purchase a W107 ? series SL. Around 1986/1988.
Any thoughts on engine. I will probably go for the 300 but there is a nice 420 out there.
What about pre-purchase inspection. Anybody in Surrey who could look around a car for me?
Many thanks
Dave

 

[teddycatkin]

interested?

 

[katiejmid]

I have recently bought a G reg 1989 300SL. I was told this was the better engine to go for! Not sure why, but went with it, and is a very smooth car, immaculate condition and only 42,000/43,000 on the clock.

 

[teddycatkin]

any pictures Katie ?

 

[estateowner]

The 420 V8 engine is superb - better still if you come across a 500. Also more likely to pick up on value in a few years from now, when the R107 is really seen as the classic it is.

 

[Alex M Grieve]

The 420 V8 engine is superb - better still if you come across a 500. Also more likely to pick up on value in a few years from now, when the R107 is really seen as the classic it is.

The 300 engine is fine, but the V8s, whilst not in the same league for power output as the 129s, are smoother with rather more torque than the 300 and not a great deal of difference in fuel consumption. If a 300 was to keep up with a V8 driven quickly, my guess is that it would have to work hard and would use as much fuel.

Being more relaxed, the V8s get it when it comes to smoothness and effortless performance and, as estateowner says will have the eventual premium in the fullness of time.

 

[Tashman]

I believe the benefit of the 300 was that it was a lighter engine (having less cylinders over the front wheels) which made the car more nimble and agile with better turn in and balance. The bigger engines will have more straight line speed of course!

 

[Alex M Grieve]

I believe the benefit of the 300 was that it was a lighter engine (having less cylinders over the front wheels) which made the car more nimble and agile with better turn in and balance. The bigger engines will have more straight line speed of course!

That theory is correct but I find with more welly the V8 goes round the corners very tidily - perhaps a triumph for practice over theory? Who knows.

 

[stickandrudder]

These guys know their stuff:
www.colinferns.com

 

[simonLyons]

Just about to sell mine if you want a look, just had a complete strip down respray, hard soft top, everything works, ac, loads of history. But with a five month old baby the leader of the house went mad, absolutely mad. Would have no problem meeting you anywhere with er as she is bombproof. Send me a meesage and I will send you all the pics if interested.

Simon

 

[Alex M Grieve]

Just about to sell mine if you want a look, just had a complete strip down respray, hard soft top, everything works, ac, loads of history. But with a five month old baby the leader of the house went mad, absolutely mad. Would have no problem meeting you anywhere with er as she is bombproof. Send me a message and I will send you all the pics if interested.

Simon

Sorry to hear that you are having to part with your car Simon. I once sold a very tasty TR3a to buy an engagement ring! Take the long view, you can always buy another car!

 

[S80]

Sorry to hear that you are having to part with your car Simon. I once sold a very tasty TR3a to buy an engagement ring! Take the long view, you can always buy another car!

Or keep the car, you can always........ no, no, better not go there

 

[P_BELLY]

You should take a look at Chelsea Cars (www.chelseacars.com) in Wandsworth (on the one way system). They always have at least 10 late model 107's in stock and all in very good condition (though they charge quite a premium).

They are very knowledgable so if you want to discuss the pro's and cons of the different engines they are great. I discussed this very question with them a few years back and they were very pro the 300 and the 500 (though recognising it is quite a bit thirstier). They rarely stock the 420's and the 280's and told me that they got more problems with them after sale.