SL/R107: Which sl's are easier and cheaper to maintain?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 34
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2007 ml350
Which sl's are easier and cheaper to maintain?
I'm looking at buying an SL. I was originally looking at the 560sl's, now I'm looking at the newer sl500's but have been reading about alot of dependability issues with them.
I am a very accomplished mechanic (mostly GM and some BMW) and would not shy away from Mercedes repairs. Which models would be easier for a DIY mechanic to diagnose, maintain and fix problems as they came up?
Thanks in advance
JZ
I am a very accomplished mechanic (mostly GM and some BMW) and would not shy away from Mercedes repairs. Which models would be easier for a DIY mechanic to diagnose, maintain and fix problems as they came up?
Thanks in advance
JZ
Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: NE Alabama
1988 560SL
I'm looking at buying an SL. I was originally looking at the 560sl's, now I'm looking at the newer sl500's but have been reading about alot of dependability issues with them.
I am a very accomplished mechanic (mostly GM and some BMW) and would not shy away from Mercedes repairs. Which models would be easier for a DIY mechanic to diagnose, maintain and fix problems as they came up?
Thanks in advance
JZ
I am a very accomplished mechanic (mostly GM and some BMW) and would not shy away from Mercedes repairs. Which models would be easier for a DIY mechanic to diagnose, maintain and fix problems as they came up?
Thanks in advance
JZ
Of the 107's, the later cars, ie 560, are more refined, and a bit more powerful than the earleir cars (pre 1986). Euro grey-market cars are more desirable if not smogged to death, ie the 500SL. Not a single "computer" on the car, and some of the last hand-built of the marque. There are some primitive analog modules for ignition, climate control, and fuel control...
Of course, with the 107, you don't get power top, or other electronic luxuries that the 129 and newer models have.
For visceral sports-car feel, you are likely not to find that in any SL after the 1950's 300... more of a luxury tourer.
Of course, my opinion here, and a buck-fifty might buy you a cup of coffee...
I recommend you navigate over to www.benzworld.org/forums and check in on the 107 and 129 fora for research...
Last edited by Ears; Dec 6, 2010 at 07:49 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 270
Likes: 3
From: Overland Park, Kansas
SOLD both: 1987 560SL 2003 ML320
A great synopsis. There is indeed a hard-core group of 107 guys over at BW.org. It would be worth your time to check it out. [Nothing against this forum at all 
]
