SL/R107: 300sl
08-09-2003, 05:44 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Derbyshire, England
Posts: 412
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
300sl
I'm viewing a couple of 300SLs ('86 & '88) tomorrow and have a few quick quiestions
1) What MPG do these return urban.
2) Do these cars have much computer management and can DIY servicing & maintanence be caried out without the the need of diagnostic computers etc..
3) Are their any weak points they suffer with (headgaskets, wiring, rust etc.)
4) I think the one I like the sound of more doesn't have the hardtop (forgot to ask). Can you buy these easily and how much do the fetch?
5) And finally, how easy is the hardtop to remove and what's the best way to store the hardtop when it's not in use.
1) What MPG do these return urban.
2) Do these cars have much computer management and can DIY servicing & maintanence be caried out without the the need of diagnostic computers etc..
3) Are their any weak points they suffer with (headgaskets, wiring, rust etc.)
4) I think the one I like the sound of more doesn't have the hardtop (forgot to ask). Can you buy these easily and how much do the fetch?
5) And finally, how easy is the hardtop to remove and what's the best way to store the hardtop when it's not in use.
08-27-2003, 06:51 PM
#3
Newbie
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1988 560SL
No, he's in England. That 300SL used the M103 engine found in the 300E, 300SE/L, etc. here in the States.
1) I'd be surprised if it got more than 20 MPG, but I wouldn't really know.
2) Not much computer management at all. The M103 engine is very easy to work on.
3) Headgaskets are sometimes a problem. More common is the timing cover seal. Outside of that, the engine is pretty stout.
4) In the U.S., it's fairly easy to find used hardtops, especially if you're willing to pay $500. They are approximately 90 lbs. and therefore, are very expensive to ship. The trick is finding one near you and possibly in the right color. I bought a used one 3 hours away for $150 and drove up to get it. I spent 6 months looking for it.
5) You need 2 people (or a hoist) to remove the hardtop. If you don't get a hoist, then a cart is the best way to store it. Even with a hoist, a cart is still probably the best way to store it. Mercedes sells a fixed cart with wheels. On eBay, several people sell a folding cart with wheels. That's what I have and it works perfectly.
Mike
1) I'd be surprised if it got more than 20 MPG, but I wouldn't really know.
2) Not much computer management at all. The M103 engine is very easy to work on.
3) Headgaskets are sometimes a problem. More common is the timing cover seal. Outside of that, the engine is pretty stout.
4) In the U.S., it's fairly easy to find used hardtops, especially if you're willing to pay $500. They are approximately 90 lbs. and therefore, are very expensive to ship. The trick is finding one near you and possibly in the right color. I bought a used one 3 hours away for $150 and drove up to get it. I spent 6 months looking for it.
5) You need 2 people (or a hoist) to remove the hardtop. If you don't get a hoist, then a cart is the best way to store it. Even with a hoist, a cart is still probably the best way to store it. Mercedes sells a fixed cart with wheels. On eBay, several people sell a folding cart with wheels. That's what I have and it works perfectly.
Mike
