560SL Reliable for every day driving?

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Aug 21, 2006 | 11:04 PM
  #1  
I have been dreaming about this car for a long time. I am looking for a 560SL that is in good enough shape to give me about 12000km a year for my daily commute without too many problems. Am I being realistic? Can this car be more than a fancy weekend ride? I don't mind spending a little on yearly upkeep but would not want this to become a money pit either! I hope you can help me out. I am in the Toronto area and am ready to buy if you know anyone.
Thanks!

Still learning about the most beautiful car ever made!
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Aug 22, 2006 | 04:44 PM
  #2  
yes - very reliable - and the engines will pull and pull and pull through 250,000 miles (400,000 kilometres) and beyond IF IF IF the car has been maintained properly from day one. the one you buy MUST MUST MUST come with detailed maintenance records since the day it was purchased (the 'number' of owners in its life matters none as long as there are maintenance records available FROM DAY ONE of operation from all of its successive owners). if the car you like has none or missing records - run away! these cars are 20+ years old and are machines. machines need to be maintained. if they are done so in the appropriate manner - you can trust and have all the confidence in the world in the 560sl. the benzos manufactured in the 80s are the best! i know. i have an 88 560sl and an 06 s500. i know the difference in quality of build, solidity, and value. you won't go wrong buying one of these fine automobiles as long as it was cared for as it should have been.

from reading your post above, i think you are realistic in your expectations. these cars continually need to be maintained and as long as you continue to believe that you aren't getting a brand new car - and money will need to be spent every year maintaining it - you won't be disappointed. lots more to discuss - but that's a start. send me and email at "ajmatteson@ameritech.net" if you want to discuss further. best of luck in your search. cheers. ///andy
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Aug 28, 2006 | 04:46 AM
  #3  
I have a w126 with an SL engine. I have had 0 problems in one year now! SOOO HAPPY! 0 problems!

I put about 20k miles this year if not more! And i driver hard all the time.

The key to keepthing this car going is CHANGING THE FLUIDS and keeping great maint as AJM stated.
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Aug 28, 2006 | 06:28 AM
  #4  
reliable? Of course, it is! The w107 SL is beautyful, the car is strong and quick enough for cruising
No engine problems, just take care of oil quality. I had this engine in W126 chassis, with no problems ever. My friend has a W126SEC 560, runs over 3k miles per month and there are no issues with the car.
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