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Classic Cars Mercedes 380--450--560 SLs
437 messages, Last post on Aug 26, 2009 at 7:45 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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Replying to: freshairfiend (Jun 11, 2009 10:29 am) |
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That's interesting. I had no idea that the late 560SL's were that quick. I have driven a friend's '88 a few times, though only in cruising mode, and although quite responsive, I never felt it had more than a bit of an edge on my '85 280SL, but I guess with a little more lead in the foot it would react differently. You alluded to gas mileage though and that rule rarely changes - the faster you drive the more gas you will use and none of the V8 SL's are specifically known for economy.
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Replying to: freshairfiend (Jun 12, 2009 8:42 am) 
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| I have an 82 560sl that was a gift to me from a family member in california. the day before I drive it back to Colorado I had to have the fuel pump and relay replaced. the service manager told me that they didn't make a 560sl in 82 and that it's a 380. I thought maybe the dealer had changed the plate to get more money for it, but after reading some of the history on this car from MB I thinking that because of the changes that had to be made ( it is a gray market) it may have changed the horsepower to a 560. Also can anyone tell me what the MPG should be for this vehicle. The car runs fantastic and I love putting it on the highway. The motor (V8) is strong and quiet. | |
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Replying to: hscolnss1 (Jul 10, 2009 9:29 am)
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| According to the owner's manual you should get about 24/25 mpg on the highway if the car is a Euro 380SL. (this figure is extrapolated from the mpg shown in Imperial gallons) The US version of this car, though pretty popular and a fine cruiser, was no speedster and only produced 155 hp. The Euro version on the other hand developed 204 hp, while I believe I'm correct in saying the 560SL developed around 225hp. The Euro 380SL is also a much rarer car than most 107's as most of the gray market cars coming into N America were the six cylinder 280SL together with a smaller number of 500SL's. Hope you enjoy it for many years to come. | |
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Replying to: hscolnss1 (Jul 10, 2009 9:29 am) I'd guess that around 16 mpg would be a realistic average if you do a fair amount of highway driving. Depends a lot on how and where you drive. |
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