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Classic Cars Mercedes 380--450--560 SLs
437 messages, Last post on Aug 26, 2009 at 7:45 AM
You are in the Classic Cars Forum. Your Host is mr_shiftright
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Replying to: shorty21 (Jun 03, 2009 4:00 pm)
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Replying to: fintail (Jun 03, 2009 8:11 pm)
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Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Jun 03, 2009 8:34 pm) IIRC the first 107s came to the states in 72, so that could bode well. However, it seems the 450SL badge was not officially used until 73 (?)...that was the weird time when the cars were badged 350SL no matter the engine, and then apparently many dealers changed the badging later.
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Replying to: fintail (Jun 04, 2009 6:28 am) But a super clean, low miles example will always find a buyer who is willing to pay top dollar. With the 450SL there are just two kinds---the 'best' and the 'rest' of them.
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Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Jun 04, 2009 6:44 am) |
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Mr. Shiftright I am considering a pre 2003 Mercedes SL. I’ve tried to absorb all the info on the forums so here is what I think (newbie to old cars) I’ve learned: With a reasonable budget (less than 15k) the 560SL is the best (vs older or newer), medium mileage (less than 100k), check service records, and have it inspected by a certified mechanic. So here are my questions? I want a daily use, fun to drive, reliable car. What is the better model, engine and year to look for? What specific history should I review for before I conclude it’s worth paying for an inspection? i.e. timing change replaced?, a/c changed, flushed what? Can you give me the top 5 problems? Would it be better to stretch and get late 90’s SL? Any other advice or reference sites about this type of purchase would be appreciated. Thanks
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Replying to: bwatersl (Jun 11, 2009 3:28 am) |
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Replying to: bwatersl (Jun 11, 2009 3:28 am) I think a nice enough 560SL can be had for 15K. Not a low mileage time warp, but something that has been shown care. I could have bought a very nice 88 560SL with about 70K miles on it about 5 years ago, in a color that matched my W126, for about 15K IIRC. It was taken care of and had no needs. A 90s car will be in the same price range - even the very last 2000-2002 models aren't bringing much more than 20K now. Off and on there were 6cyl variants of these sold, even a 5 speed 300SL in the early years, maybe in 90-91. One of those would probably be cheaper to take care of, but there would be some sacrificed performance. Beware of 90s (R129) models that show any kind of neglect - I have noticed a lot of run-down ones lately, they seem to be attracting the type who can't or won't do the required maintenance. And for that platform, run away from the V12 cars - running costs are very high and there's not much extra benefit. For specific advice, MB specific forums like MBworld and Benzworld might get you more responses. |
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To bwaters. The idea of some sort of an SL as either a hobbycar or a daily driver is a good one, but you have to decide what characteristics you want in this car. A 560SL is an excellent car in so very many ways, but by today's standards, it is by no means a performance car and is completely different from the later models. Those SL's that came after offer a far higher performance, but tend to be rather more expensive in regard to upkeep. A good 560SL is certainly not an expensive car to maintain (bearing in mind its pedigree and what it is) and spares are still readily available. The build quality right through the production time was very high and with the right treatment - a little TLC and regular maintenance - the car will run for ever. I doubt if such can be said of the SL's from 1990 and on. Their heavy reliance on electronics can make them extremely expensive to fix and although they are nice looking cars in their own right, they do not have the eye appeal of a well kept 107. I personally don't think they are as comfortable either though in fairness, with automatic tops etc they are undoubtedly more convenient. One final thought: although there are a lot of 560SL's out there and they will probably never command the kind of price the rarer 113 goes for, they are no longer depreciating whereas the newer ones still are. Whichever way you go I hope you enjoy your SL.
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Replying to: freshairfiend (Jun 11, 2009 10:29 am) I would like to add, though, that the last years of the 560SL show pretty darn good performance figures. These cars are considerably quicker than earlier SLs and can even beat the later 500SL. With the right car and right driver, you are easily in the 7 second category with this car, and perhaps high 6s with an extreme brake/gas launch. And handling is much better than earlier SLs as well. Only "downside" is that your gas mileage isn't going to get much better than maybe 16 mpg. |
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