Mercedes-Benz SL R107 your dreams car
03-14-2014, 07:45 AM
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Mercedes-Benz SL R107 your dreams car
Your Mercedes-Benz R107 SL is actually a well in addition to truly established member of the classic automobile club, but it also remains essentially the most usable modern classics money can get.
For the price of your very basic completely new city car, you may be swanning around your Big Smoke or anywhere else in timeless model, and in a car that will just appreciate in benefit when kept inside good order.
We’re big fans in the 1971 to 1989 R107, which includes plenty of basic Merc kudos and Panzer construction.
Find a good one while using the original hard leading and it’s also an excellent bet for year-round driving.
There are plenty to pick from thanks to your R107 SL’s popularity when new and many have never quite dipped to the murky price wedding ring of abysmal maintenance and neglect.
Nevertheless, it pays dividends to search around for top example and one which has been lavished with attention and cash.
Engine-wise, there’s a motor geared to all budgets and even some, err, very period AMG tires and bodykits fitted to a few.
Our advice is to get a solid car together with straight bodywork, an automatic gearbox and hard top.
The settle back, put on your sunnies and luxuriate in the ride.
Record
Launched in 1971 because the 350SL with the 3499cc V8 engine using a relaxed 200bhp, Mercedes’ replacement for the much sought-after in addition to desired ‘Pagoda’ roof structure SL ushered in a very new style.
Most notable were the horizontally headlights that did away while using the stacked light style of previous Mercs.
That has a top speed connected with 128mph and 0-60mph inside 8.
1 moments, the 350SL was quick enough to get sporting but even when new was more of your cruiser than the bruiser.
More power in addition to performance joined your fray in 1973 once the 450SL joined your ranks of Merc’s roadster.
With the time this type arrived, Mercedes had decreased the four-speed computerized gearbox of early models to be replaced by a sturdier three-speeder.
After that, in 1974, the 280SL rounded over range for your 1970s.
It has the straight six engine rather than V8, but it had been still decently nippy due to 185bhp.
There were most of these six-cylinder models sold using a manual gearbox but they are rare and only worth having pertaining to curiosity value because the autos are advisable live with.
To mark the arrival in the 1980s, Mercedes fitted K-Jetronic physical fuel injection to every one models, while the latest range-topping 500SL together with 240bhp and 142mph leading speed was furthermore added.
At the same time frame, the 380SL changed the 350SL using a 218bhp version in the V8 motor.
Engine power throughout the V8 line-up was reduced in 1981 to fulfill USA emissions laws.
1980 also discovered cavity wax rust-proofing as standard from the factory on your SL.
A major face lift in 1985 tidied up the SL’s looks in addition to kept it in the running against newer plus much more aerodynamic rivals, including the Porsche 928 in addition to Jaguar XJ-S.
Mercedes also took the opportunity to replace the 280SL while using the 300SL, which boasted a 188bhp six-cylinder generator.
The 218bhp 420SL changed the 380SL and the ultimate version in the R107 arrived in the shape of your 560SL.
Production reached an end inside August 1989 after 18 years connected with supplying the world’s wealthy, famous and fashionable with sleek, at ease and plush roadster motoring.
The R129 of which replaced the R107 was an altogether a lot more sophisticated car even so the R107 has remained a favourite with anyone needing classic Merc cruising with unburstable construction.
Mechanical
The R107 Mercedes SL’s engines are easily divided into a pair of camps: six-cylinder mounds and V8s.
That you just decide is best for you personally is purely as a result of personal taste because both types usually are strong and trustworthy.
Expect 15.
0mpg from the larger V8s and 25mpg from the sixes.
There really is incredibly little that goes wrong while using the SL’s engines if they are routinely serviced and sorted.
Some owners maintain by 3000-mile gas changes, but every 6000 miles or every year, whichever comes faster, should be in excess of ample.
Find an excellent independent specialist as well as your SL will wear good hands in addition to last forever.
The six-cylinder engines provide an alloy block as opposed to the steel block in the V8s, so the healthiness of the anti-freeze is essential in the 280- in addition to 300SL models.
Ensure that the coolant is actually clear and brilliant.
mercedes-r107
Smoke from the exhaust once the engine is started off from cold indicates worn valve stem seals.
It’s an easy enough fix, but not cheap.
More of your worry with V8 engines is usually a blocked oil feed pipe to the camshafts.
If it's been neglected caused by poor servicing, it might mean a massive repair bill for you to sort.
Listen for any kind of ticking sounds from the the top engine on start up as an sign.
The radiator with all R107 SL models may become clogged with silt.
It’s an enormous radiator, so it will soldier on for an extended time before it’s obvious there’s a difficulty, so best to give the radiator flushed or replaced once you buy one.
To be a heavy car, the SL gets a toll on suspension parts, so budget pertaining to replacing the plastic bushes, subframe mounts in addition to shock absorbers if there’s no facts this work has been carried out lately.
Round the rear, check the suspension timber carefully for wear and also the subframe mounts.
Also have a good glance at the brake calipers, which can seize up, especially on cars still left standing for prolonged periods.
If the auto has ABS anti-lock brakes built in, make sure your ABS works and the dash light goes out when the ignition is actually turned as this is an MoT failing if it doesn’t.
The back axle in addition to propshaft joints within the 560SL can wear and make whining noises a result of the amount of strength it has to cope with. It’s the same with the 560’s automatic gearbox as well as a rebuild is the only real solution to the noisy transmission.
Bodywork
Rust would be the big enemy in the R107 Mercedes SL.
While Merc was better at developing its cars in addition to rust-proofing them when compared to most in your 1970s, it’s an open-top car and even the youngest is actually nearing 25-years older.
The good news would it be shouldn’t be too tricky to spot a badly corroded SL, though some less scrupulous sellers will endeavour as values these cars goes in place.
Check all close to each wheelarch, along the rear valance in addition to front lower edge underneath the bumper.
Sills and jacking points may also be known to receive crusty, so have the poke around the following too as they shall be definite MoT downfalls.
Front wings usually are another known vulnerable spot for rust, which takes store above the headlights. If you’re not sure about the healthiness of the front wings, that are expensive to substitute, it only requires a few screws to discharge the headlight for a better looks inside the wing for their true condition.
Autos built from 1986 onwards have plastic wheelarch liners, which keep stone chips from increasing but can hide more dangerous rust holes, so have a look behind these.
Vents at the base of your windscreen can hide corrosion, so browse around these, and also look at beneath them in the plenum chamber of which rots out in addition to lets water to the cabin.
These chambers is usually repaired but it’s high priced.
However, there is usually a modern kit of which installs a plastic liner in the chamber with the drain pipe to avoid the problem continuing.
Water can collect in the boot of your SL, so look everywhere over the edges of your boot floor while using the carpet removed.
Rust could also take hold the location where the rear bumpers mount to the body.
Under your bonnet, look at the chassis rails pertaining to signs of crash damage and rust: if there’s rust here, walk away because the car will cost an income to restore.
Lastly, any SL sold using its original hard top is really a lot more desirable.
It ought to be colour-coded to the auto and in good condition inside and away.
One sold while using the original stand pertaining to when it’s not suited to the car is a lot more appealing.
Interior
The first point to find inside the SL is actually its hood.
The fabric roof structure is hard-wearing instead of excessively expensive to exchange.
For this cause, a ripped as well as leaky roof would be the sign of the neglectful owner and will mean more serious difficulties with rusty floors wait.
An Autotop energy roof conversion was a moment addition to your SL, but it wasn’t popular when new and is particularly not likely to obtain got better together with age and wear.
If you perform find an SL with this fitted, it’s rarity must not affect the price tag you pay.
Ensure that the painted cell that covers your roof when it’s flattened away sits square and is particularly easy to start and close.
In the event it’s not, ask yourself should the car has been in an accident.
There’s either fabric or leather with the seats.
Personal choice dictates that you want, but both equally are tough in addition to durable.
There can be Mercedes’ MB-Tex, the industry faux leather finish and it's also long lasting.
The only other point to find is a utilized or damaged handbrake cover since they are no lengthier available from Mercedes in addition to fetch strong money whenever they come on the market
For the price of your very basic completely new city car, you may be swanning around your Big Smoke or anywhere else in timeless model, and in a car that will just appreciate in benefit when kept inside good order.
We’re big fans in the 1971 to 1989 R107, which includes plenty of basic Merc kudos and Panzer construction.
Find a good one while using the original hard leading and it’s also an excellent bet for year-round driving.
There are plenty to pick from thanks to your R107 SL’s popularity when new and many have never quite dipped to the murky price wedding ring of abysmal maintenance and neglect.
Nevertheless, it pays dividends to search around for top example and one which has been lavished with attention and cash.
Engine-wise, there’s a motor geared to all budgets and even some, err, very period AMG tires and bodykits fitted to a few.
Our advice is to get a solid car together with straight bodywork, an automatic gearbox and hard top.
The settle back, put on your sunnies and luxuriate in the ride.
Record
Launched in 1971 because the 350SL with the 3499cc V8 engine using a relaxed 200bhp, Mercedes’ replacement for the much sought-after in addition to desired ‘Pagoda’ roof structure SL ushered in a very new style.
Most notable were the horizontally headlights that did away while using the stacked light style of previous Mercs.
That has a top speed connected with 128mph and 0-60mph inside 8.
1 moments, the 350SL was quick enough to get sporting but even when new was more of your cruiser than the bruiser.
More power in addition to performance joined your fray in 1973 once the 450SL joined your ranks of Merc’s roadster.
With the time this type arrived, Mercedes had decreased the four-speed computerized gearbox of early models to be replaced by a sturdier three-speeder.
After that, in 1974, the 280SL rounded over range for your 1970s.
It has the straight six engine rather than V8, but it had been still decently nippy due to 185bhp.
There were most of these six-cylinder models sold using a manual gearbox but they are rare and only worth having pertaining to curiosity value because the autos are advisable live with.
To mark the arrival in the 1980s, Mercedes fitted K-Jetronic physical fuel injection to every one models, while the latest range-topping 500SL together with 240bhp and 142mph leading speed was furthermore added.
At the same time frame, the 380SL changed the 350SL using a 218bhp version in the V8 motor.
Engine power throughout the V8 line-up was reduced in 1981 to fulfill USA emissions laws.
1980 also discovered cavity wax rust-proofing as standard from the factory on your SL.
A major face lift in 1985 tidied up the SL’s looks in addition to kept it in the running against newer plus much more aerodynamic rivals, including the Porsche 928 in addition to Jaguar XJ-S.
Mercedes also took the opportunity to replace the 280SL while using the 300SL, which boasted a 188bhp six-cylinder generator.
The 218bhp 420SL changed the 380SL and the ultimate version in the R107 arrived in the shape of your 560SL.
Production reached an end inside August 1989 after 18 years connected with supplying the world’s wealthy, famous and fashionable with sleek, at ease and plush roadster motoring.
The R129 of which replaced the R107 was an altogether a lot more sophisticated car even so the R107 has remained a favourite with anyone needing classic Merc cruising with unburstable construction.
Mechanical
The R107 Mercedes SL’s engines are easily divided into a pair of camps: six-cylinder mounds and V8s.
That you just decide is best for you personally is purely as a result of personal taste because both types usually are strong and trustworthy.
Expect 15.
0mpg from the larger V8s and 25mpg from the sixes.
There really is incredibly little that goes wrong while using the SL’s engines if they are routinely serviced and sorted.
Some owners maintain by 3000-mile gas changes, but every 6000 miles or every year, whichever comes faster, should be in excess of ample.
Find an excellent independent specialist as well as your SL will wear good hands in addition to last forever.
The six-cylinder engines provide an alloy block as opposed to the steel block in the V8s, so the healthiness of the anti-freeze is essential in the 280- in addition to 300SL models.
Ensure that the coolant is actually clear and brilliant.
mercedes-r107
Smoke from the exhaust once the engine is started off from cold indicates worn valve stem seals.
It’s an easy enough fix, but not cheap.
More of your worry with V8 engines is usually a blocked oil feed pipe to the camshafts.
If it's been neglected caused by poor servicing, it might mean a massive repair bill for you to sort.
Listen for any kind of ticking sounds from the the top engine on start up as an sign.
The radiator with all R107 SL models may become clogged with silt.
It’s an enormous radiator, so it will soldier on for an extended time before it’s obvious there’s a difficulty, so best to give the radiator flushed or replaced once you buy one.
To be a heavy car, the SL gets a toll on suspension parts, so budget pertaining to replacing the plastic bushes, subframe mounts in addition to shock absorbers if there’s no facts this work has been carried out lately.
Round the rear, check the suspension timber carefully for wear and also the subframe mounts.
Also have a good glance at the brake calipers, which can seize up, especially on cars still left standing for prolonged periods.
If the auto has ABS anti-lock brakes built in, make sure your ABS works and the dash light goes out when the ignition is actually turned as this is an MoT failing if it doesn’t.
The back axle in addition to propshaft joints within the 560SL can wear and make whining noises a result of the amount of strength it has to cope with. It’s the same with the 560’s automatic gearbox as well as a rebuild is the only real solution to the noisy transmission.
Bodywork
Rust would be the big enemy in the R107 Mercedes SL.
While Merc was better at developing its cars in addition to rust-proofing them when compared to most in your 1970s, it’s an open-top car and even the youngest is actually nearing 25-years older.
The good news would it be shouldn’t be too tricky to spot a badly corroded SL, though some less scrupulous sellers will endeavour as values these cars goes in place.
Check all close to each wheelarch, along the rear valance in addition to front lower edge underneath the bumper.
Sills and jacking points may also be known to receive crusty, so have the poke around the following too as they shall be definite MoT downfalls.
Front wings usually are another known vulnerable spot for rust, which takes store above the headlights. If you’re not sure about the healthiness of the front wings, that are expensive to substitute, it only requires a few screws to discharge the headlight for a better looks inside the wing for their true condition.
Autos built from 1986 onwards have plastic wheelarch liners, which keep stone chips from increasing but can hide more dangerous rust holes, so have a look behind these.
Vents at the base of your windscreen can hide corrosion, so browse around these, and also look at beneath them in the plenum chamber of which rots out in addition to lets water to the cabin.
These chambers is usually repaired but it’s high priced.
However, there is usually a modern kit of which installs a plastic liner in the chamber with the drain pipe to avoid the problem continuing.
Water can collect in the boot of your SL, so look everywhere over the edges of your boot floor while using the carpet removed.
Rust could also take hold the location where the rear bumpers mount to the body.
Under your bonnet, look at the chassis rails pertaining to signs of crash damage and rust: if there’s rust here, walk away because the car will cost an income to restore.
Lastly, any SL sold using its original hard top is really a lot more desirable.
It ought to be colour-coded to the auto and in good condition inside and away.
One sold while using the original stand pertaining to when it’s not suited to the car is a lot more appealing.
Interior
The first point to find inside the SL is actually its hood.
The fabric roof structure is hard-wearing instead of excessively expensive to exchange.
For this cause, a ripped as well as leaky roof would be the sign of the neglectful owner and will mean more serious difficulties with rusty floors wait.
An Autotop energy roof conversion was a moment addition to your SL, but it wasn’t popular when new and is particularly not likely to obtain got better together with age and wear.
If you perform find an SL with this fitted, it’s rarity must not affect the price tag you pay.
Ensure that the painted cell that covers your roof when it’s flattened away sits square and is particularly easy to start and close.
In the event it’s not, ask yourself should the car has been in an accident.
There’s either fabric or leather with the seats.
Personal choice dictates that you want, but both equally are tough in addition to durable.
There can be Mercedes’ MB-Tex, the industry faux leather finish and it's also long lasting.
The only other point to find is a utilized or damaged handbrake cover since they are no lengthier available from Mercedes in addition to fetch strong money whenever they come on the market
