Which Classic Merc?

[pace]

Hi all, I am getting a bit bored with my 99' C240 Elegance so I'm thinking of giving it to the other half and getting somthing different. I don't realy want to spend over 10K as we are planning to do some work on the house next year so my question is, what would be a good replacement? I would like something with a little more go in it but I'm not after super car perfomance. The 240 has been a good car but I noticed a big decline in build quality and road noise from my previous Mercs so I've ruled out a newer shape C class. I realy like the old 80's-90's SL range, which is the better engine choice 280, 350 or 500? Its not for every day use (about 5K a year) so economy is not a huge issue but reliability and build quality is. I just love the feel of quality of the older Mercs. Am I missing any models that may fit the bill or are these cars old dinosours that should be avoided? Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Paul.

 

[Myros]

w107 500 SL

absolutely tailored for your needs. Simple enough to withstand the lack of use without going all prima donna on you, well built enough to last, and with enough grace and ooomph to massage the ego. Go for a facelifted model and the rust issues are not as bad as some of the earlier ones.

Just my biased opinion of course.

 

[Richard Moakes]

R129 500SL, got one a few months back and I think its superb

 

[pace]

So you think a later model would be better? and does it have to be a 500? are there any obvious problems to look for with this model?

 

[television]

The 129's are more economical than the 107 but its a different type of car in a way, the 107 is a classic, where as the 129 is in the middle, if you just want some leisurely driving then there is nothing wrong with the 380 and 320 engines respectively.

 

[Richard Moakes]

I like the 107's and the 129's, the later 129's worry me with their extensive use of electronics. I made sure my 129 wasn't too stuffed with electronics and had more electrohydraulics which I hope will be easier to maintain in the long term.

If you like chrome and classic looks, then the 107 is the way to go

 

[pace]

Thanks Richard and all. Its the 129 I would be interested in I just like the solid feel. I think a 500 may be a bit heavy on fuel and a little scary if it goes wrong! would a 320 be OK? or would it be under powered? Does anyone know the width of the car compared to my C240? My garage is narrow but plenty long enough. I guess folding mirrors would be a must? (my car fits in fine without folding mirrors).
Thanks,
Paul.