SL/R107: How Hard Do You Push Your SL? (Poll)
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Newbie
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 14
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From: Cincinnati
'07 A4 S-Line 3.2, '87 560sl, '04 E500 Wagon
How Hard Do You Push Your SL? (Poll)
I'd like to know if everyone "babies" their older SL or if they are confident in pushing it. What top speed to you regulary drive? How hard do you hit the RPMs, etc.?
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2005
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Keep fresh oil in it, get it good and hot,
find a straight, safe place to wind it out and do so. It was made for it, and gets enough crud stuck in it from driving in the city. Exercise is good for it, and nothing sounds like a MBenz V8 in full song.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 41
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From: J city, Florida
99 E320 wagon, 87 560sl.
212k and run it hard
My wife 87 has 212k on it and I DRIVE it. Last year drove it from Fla to Montreal and Ottawa, a total of 3700 miles when I return to Fla. And I run 90 to 110 easily when I can with no probelms. But I must confess I had the top end rebuilt at 170k.
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'81 380SL/dual cam chain-LT4 vette-Z06 ('03) vette-I need a bigger garage....
Personally, I find my SL heavy and ponderous. I use it simply as a '2 seat' sedan for highway cruising. If you like to get spirited in the twistys or quick on the takeoff, you may be better served by a vehicle built with that in mind. The C5 vettes (97-04) are an exceptional value at this time. Try it, you'll like it. Of course, my '96 LT4 puts a grin on my face everytime I drive it, too.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 41
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From: J city, Florida
99 E320 wagon, 87 560sl.
It's hard to believe you drive a Vette and compare it to an SL,even though it's a 380. Need find an 560 and enjoy it. Then you will see why GM didn't want Delorean to succeed. Comparing a Vette(C4,C5,C6) to an SL(R107,R129,R230) is like comparing a Escalade to an Range Rover, dah!!!! But sometimes we understand. 
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'81 380SL/dual cam chain-LT4 vette-Z06 ('03) vette-I need a bigger garage....
Well, I wasn't comparing the vette to the SL. I am of the opinion that if one enjoys spirited driving, a sports care should be considered the vehicle of choice. After all the subject was 'pushing' the SL. The heavy and ponderous SL ain't a sports car, whether in 160HP 380 trim or 227HP 560 trim. It is simply too heavy in my opinion. It IS very nice on the open road however.
Of course, the first time I took my K1200LTC to 'tail of the dragon', I thought I was doing some spirited riding. I scraped the center stand, pegs on both sides, skid plate, and melted the front edges of the bottom fairing piece on each side. But I was not sport riding even though I felt I was 'pushing' it pretty well. I saw the error of my ways when a fellow passed me on a mid-weight sport bike and lost me in the course of the next 3 curves.
Of course, the first time I took my K1200LTC to 'tail of the dragon', I thought I was doing some spirited riding. I scraped the center stand, pegs on both sides, skid plate, and melted the front edges of the bottom fairing piece on each side. But I was not sport riding even though I felt I was 'pushing' it pretty well. I saw the error of my ways when a fellow passed me on a mid-weight sport bike and lost me in the course of the next 3 curves.
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Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 85
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From: Solon, OH
C32AMG
Racing the 380SL
For 8 years, before I bought my C32 AMG, I raced my 380SL in MBCA events and at open days at local tracks, as well in autox's. It's not ponderous. It's quick, if you know how to drive it. I shift it manually and use 2nd and 3rd on the track, going to 4th only when I readline on the straights. In autox's, I used 1st and 2nd for the most part, again, manually shifting. I had some of the best times in our club, racing against much more power. Good times on the track and autox is a matter of finesse, and not power. The w107 can hold its own, and the 560 can put times up that rival even the current AMG offerings. No, it ain't a ponderous old ladies car for Sunday drives. Drive it like you stole it! BTW, the car is also in excellent condition - taking "Best of Show" at a German Auto Fest.
RapidG
RapidG
Senior Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 424
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From: So. Cal
1985 380 SL 2001 SL 500 2007 E350 Sport 2008 T & C Ltd.
It's meant to be driven and sometimes that does mean getting into it. My 85 has always been pampered but it's still got a thrill factor when going through gears manually and some back roads. A Benz V8 is still a V8. After all the new ones got their pedigree from somewhere.
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Joined: May 2012
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1987 560SL
For 8 years, before I bought my C32 AMG, I raced my 380SL in MBCA events and at open days at local tracks, as well in autox's. It's not ponderous. It's quick, if you know how to drive it. I shift it manually and use 2nd and 3rd on the track, going to 4th only when I readline on the straights. In autox's, I used 1st and 2nd for the most part, again, manually shifting. I had some of the best times in our club, racing against much more power. Good times on the track and autox is a matter of finesse, and not power. The w107 can hold its own, and the 560 can put times up that rival even the current AMG offerings. No, it ain't a ponderous old ladies car for Sunday drives. Drive it like you stole it! BTW, the car is also in excellent condition - taking "Best of Show" at a German Auto Fest.
RapidG
RapidG
I'm interested in learning more about taking advantage of my 87 560sl's ability to be driven in the manner for which it was designed (tranlsation: I wanna go fast.)
Yes, cruising at 90-110 mph under the appropriate conditions (a beautiful interstate I know of in central NY with little traffic and beautiful panoramic views!) is quite enjoyable but requires only a modicum of driving skill beyond tah required simply to stay focused. I would like to learn how to shift my automatic transmission in the manner you describe (you are talking about an automatic aren't you?). Can you suggest any sites where I could read more about this?
Thanks.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2
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From: Colorado Springs
560SL Roadster
Hi! New guy.
If by 'push' you mean go fast, I do 90+ ever time I drive to Denver from Colorado Springs. I really don't think that's pushing the car much, though.
If you mean take it through a slalom course.... no way.
I love my car, I love driving it with my wife in the passenger seat (or if she gets her way the other way around). Most of our time is spent cruising under the sun either in town on days off together or on the Colorado highways. I don't want to push it. I think this car is meant to be savored.
If by 'push' you mean go fast, I do 90+ ever time I drive to Denver from Colorado Springs. I really don't think that's pushing the car much, though.
If you mean take it through a slalom course.... no way.
I love my car, I love driving it with my wife in the passenger seat (or if she gets her way the other way around). Most of our time is spent cruising under the sun either in town on days off together or on the Colorado highways. I don't want to push it. I think this car is meant to be savored.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
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1985 380 sl
Best way to run an antique.
Once in a while when it's good and hot with clean oil let her go ... sounds great ! Goes better in 3rd and 2nd is fun in my hilly and curvy neighbourhood.
I'm sure that too much over rev will wear out the top end ... always does.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 270
Likes: 3
From: Overland Park, Kansas
SOLD both: 1987 560SL 2003 ML320
I tried autocross with my 87 560SL and found out, like most have, that it is NOT a sports car. Geared at 2.47:1, it was 1st & second gear all the way, and although I could keep the speed up, the body rolled and bucked like The Black Pearl in a heavy sea. 
Understeer was a real problem. I would never push the car that hard on the highway for safety reasons.
I've thought about upgrading the suspension or trying larger wheels with lower profile tires, getting a lower set of gears for the rear, but choices are limited and most of the feedback that I get is "why bother - if you want a performance car, buy a performance car". I have to agree.
The 560SL is a really classy passenger car and the top speed is impressive for a 25 year old, but it basically just looks good going from place to place. I may sell it and get a Porsche 911, but I can't seem to make up my mind. It looks good and I've finally got everything working!!
Understeer was a real problem. I would never push the car that hard on the highway for safety reasons.I've thought about upgrading the suspension or trying larger wheels with lower profile tires, getting a lower set of gears for the rear, but choices are limited and most of the feedback that I get is "why bother - if you want a performance car, buy a performance car". I have to agree.
The 560SL is a really classy passenger car and the top speed is impressive for a 25 year old, but it basically just looks good going from place to place. I may sell it and get a Porsche 911, but I can't seem to make up my mind. It looks good and I've finally got everything working!!
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 270
Likes: 3
From: Overland Park, Kansas
SOLD both: 1987 560SL 2003 ML320
I tried autocross with my 87 560SL and found out, like most have, that it is NOT a sports car. Geared at 2.47:1, it was 1st & second gear all the way, and although I could keep the speed up, the body rolled and bucked like The Black Pearl in a heavy sea. Understeer was a real problem. I would never push the car that hard on the highway for safety reasons but I do get it out for a good clean-out run now and then, just to maintain the CIS. 
I've thought about upgrading the suspension or trying larger wheels with lower profile tires, getting a lower set of gears for the rear, but choices are limited and most of the feedback that I get is "why bother - if you want a performance car, buy a performance car". I have to agree.
The 560SL is a really classy passenger car and the top speed is impressive for a 25 year old, but it basically just looks good going from place to place. I may sell it and get a Porsche 911, but I can't seem to make up my mind. It looks good and I've finally got everything working!!
Understeer was a real problem. I would never push the car that hard on the highway for safety reasons but I do get it out for a good clean-out run now and then, just to maintain the CIS. I've thought about upgrading the suspension or trying larger wheels with lower profile tires, getting a lower set of gears for the rear, but choices are limited and most of the feedback that I get is "why bother - if you want a performance car, buy a performance car". I have to agree.
The 560SL is a really classy passenger car and the top speed is impressive for a 25 year old, but it basically just looks good going from place to place. I may sell it and get a Porsche 911, but I can't seem to make up my mind. It looks good and I've finally got everything working!!
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 270
Likes: 3
From: Overland Park, Kansas
SOLD both: 1987 560SL 2003 ML320
I tried autocross with my 87 560SL and found out, like most have, that it is NOT a sports car. Geared at 2.47:1, it was 1st & second gear all the way, and although I could keep the speed up, the body rolled and bucked like The Black Pearl in a heavy sea. Understeer was a real problem. I would never push the car that hard on the highway for safety reasons but I do get it out for a good clean-out run now and then, just to maintain the CIS.
I've thought about upgrading the suspension or trying larger wheels with lower profile tires, getting a lower set of gears for the rear, but choices are limited and most of the feedback that I get is "why bother - if you want a performance car, buy a performance car". I have to agree.
The 560SL is a really classy passenger car and the top speed is impressive for a 25 year old, but it basically just looks good going from place to place. I may sell it and get a Porsche 911, but I can't seem to make up my mind. It looks good and I've finally got everything working!!
Understeer was a real problem. I would never push the car that hard on the highway for safety reasons but I do get it out for a good clean-out run now and then, just to maintain the CIS. I've thought about upgrading the suspension or trying larger wheels with lower profile tires, getting a lower set of gears for the rear, but choices are limited and most of the feedback that I get is "why bother - if you want a performance car, buy a performance car". I have to agree.
The 560SL is a really classy passenger car and the top speed is impressive for a 25 year old, but it basically just looks good going from place to place. I may sell it and get a Porsche 911, but I can't seem to make up my mind. It looks good and I've finally got everything working!!
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Near Lafayette Louisiana
1976 450SL
Hard as Possible
I drive my 76 450SL hard regularly. I just took it 1140 miles on a trip and rarely had it below 80 for hours and hours. Over 120 on numerous occasions. I also like to take it winding down the bayou road here in South Louisiana. A beautiful drive down the Bayou Teche powering out of turns, braking hard, manually shifting the old 3 speed. Heck, that's what I bought mine for.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 4
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From: Santa Barbara CA
1970 280SL 1985 380SL 1999 SL500
I try to drive both my 280SL and 380SL "hard" at least once every three months. I take a 3-4 hour freeway trip at 80-85mph with some cornering. They are not sports cars and don't handle well at speed on tight curves or curvy roads. I have done this since I got the 280SL 10 years ago, my mechanic thinks it's good for the cars and encourages me to do it...and it's fun, especially in Calif with the great convertible weather.
