Any good SL Forums out there

[mikes72t]

My wife is interested in an early 80's Mercedes SL. Just want to start doing some research.

Thanks

Mike

[SteveStromberg]

Get a 560 Sl not a 380 Sl.
We have a 1986 560Sl they are great cars.


http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/forumdisplay.php3?s=&forumid=18

[mikes72t]

Steve:

Why the 560 over the 380, I figure they will both be pretty slow and the 380 might get better mileage. Is the 560 more reliable? Or a better collector potential?

Thanks

Mike

[SteveStromberg]

380 SL is a dog. They are a heavy car and the 380 just isnt powerful enough.

Also 380Sl had single row chains rather than the 560SL double chain.

Every 50k its a wise idea to replace the oil tubes on the valvetrain.

They are a real strong safe car.

You will get about 15 mpg and use premium.

The hardtop is standard equipment and should be with the car.

If the owner dosent have the roof lift you will be looking at $500.

Dont try to take the roof off by hand without a couple of Big Guys .

It is very heavy.

That said make sure the soft top is not torn.

Like a porsche a PPI is a must. Youneed to have it done by someone who knows the SL's not a problem here in Newport.

The good thing is that most are taken care.

I would buy from a PP you will find an older person that has babied the car.

[RickM]

To clear some things up a bit.

The 380 is slow, but for what it is it's not bad. None of the 107 SLs will ever be a good handling sports car...they're all too heavy.
The 560 and 380 are essentially the same car except for the engine and some (critical parts of the suspension). They both have many issues at this age.
A low mileage car may be worse...why? Because age is just bad as mileage. Since the 107 is so heavy all the rubber and other suspension pieces need replacement periodically. If a car has been driven these pieces have most likely been replaced one, or perhaps, two times. One that has low mileage could have the original parts....like mine did.
The 380 went to a double row timing chain in 1984. You still need to replace plastic guides, tensioners and oilers periodically on all models.
Unless you are a serious DIYer the 107 is a very expensive car to maintain. If you wrench yourself it merely expensive and will keep you busy.

If going with a 107 then I agree with Steve, the 560 is the way to go.

I posted to this question on another thread (with some additions):

"Here in the US the Eights started with the 450SL in 1973 (could be late 72). They went all the way till 1989 with variations of 8 cylinder engines.

The 450, 380 and 560. The numbers referring to their displacement.

The 380 had a single row timing chain up until 1984. It was then updated to a double row. Doing this update is quite costly. Appox $3k here in the US. However, there is still maintenance with the dual row as there are guides and tensioners that should be maintained....not nearly as costly though.

Here's a list common replacement items:

- Since these cars are far from lightweight all suspension pieces suffer after so many years. Especially if sitting unused. So if not replaced RECENTLY figure on Shocks (Bilstein), Subframe bushings, ball joints, springs...etc.

- Fuel injection system on 81 and up...it's the wonderful Bosch CIS system. Not unlike the 911 you will have cold/warm/hot start problems. As usual many throw thousands chasing idle, start and missing problems.

- Climate control - This has to be the most unneccessarily complicated system I've ever seen in my life. And they will all develop problems. It is absolutely unintuitive as well. To make it more fun it's all vacuum operated with vacuum actuators buried behind the dash. They can be rebuilt inexpensively but getting to them and getting to the right one is the challenge. The Monovalve is a common piece in the heating system to go. Luckily it's inexpensive and quikly replaced.

- Rust - Not the worst cars regarding this. However, the older you get the more prone you are to suffering. Look around the headlight buckets and bottom of doors.

- Convertible top...Very simple mechanical setup. I like it. Hard top same thing...well done. A homemade winch can be used to take off,store and reinstall the hardtop.

- Interior....Dash cracks can be a problem. Seems blue cracks the most.

- Radiators also have issues, especially with a plastic filler neck. Once they break it's almost impossible to repair and not cheap to replace.

- Radio...by Becker. I'll say no more.

Like any other car the better it's been maintained by the PO the better for you.

Overall I really enjoy the car...for what it is. It's not a fast car. Rather a convertible cruiser that retains that old world luxury roadster feel. The Euro car that seems to be very desirable is the 500SL as well as some of the sixes....the Euro 280 comes to mind, especially with a manual trans.

If you're going for a more collectible model then go with a 113 chassis SL. I believe from 63 through 72 here in the US. We had the 230,260 and 280 SL. Like the 911 the first examples had smaller engines but were lighter and didn't have to incorporate emmision equipment. Theses are very prone to rust and are very basic cars comparitively speaking. But beautiful and collectible."

[RickM]

Oh and to answer you original question:

One of the best forums out there is http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/forumdisplay.php3?forumid=18.