SL/R107: Looking for weekend ride - 280SL, 380, 450 or 560?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 89
Likes: 10
From: Denver
2019 S560; 2019 Range Rover Supercharged; 1985 European model 280SL, Navigator Black Label, Lexus LX
Looking for weekend ride - 280SL, 380, 450 or 560?
I have been looking for a weekend ride and have come across lots of 70's and 80's cars - some nice and others total junkers. I haev done a lot of reading but still ahve some basic questions I am hopeful you all can assist with considering you all are living and loving these cars!
I came across a 1985 280sl today that is in really good condition. It looks beautiful and has been well maintained however at some point someone thought it wise to put a 560SL trunk badge on it. Seems fishy but the car is a 280SL. Are these better or worse than a 560Sl to own, maintain, eventually sell at some point. I understand it is a German model car so not sure if that means it is hard to fix and find parts or not.
Another I am looking at is a 1986 560SL. Car has apparently had a lot of work done, new hoses, rubber, etc. Unfortunately though it has been repainted. I dont like that idea but the positive side I suppose is that it has a nice clean paint job and isn't scratched or worn. What are your thoughts on a repaint?
Then generally speaking if you were looking for a reasonably priced weekend driver, not a daily driver and not a museum piece - are there years, or engines you would avoid or prefer? 280SL (I probably wont find another of those), lots of 450, 380 and 560 though.
thanks for your input!
I came across a 1985 280sl today that is in really good condition. It looks beautiful and has been well maintained however at some point someone thought it wise to put a 560SL trunk badge on it. Seems fishy but the car is a 280SL. Are these better or worse than a 560Sl to own, maintain, eventually sell at some point. I understand it is a German model car so not sure if that means it is hard to fix and find parts or not.
Another I am looking at is a 1986 560SL. Car has apparently had a lot of work done, new hoses, rubber, etc. Unfortunately though it has been repainted. I dont like that idea but the positive side I suppose is that it has a nice clean paint job and isn't scratched or worn. What are your thoughts on a repaint?
Then generally speaking if you were looking for a reasonably priced weekend driver, not a daily driver and not a museum piece - are there years, or engines you would avoid or prefer? 280SL (I probably wont find another of those), lots of 450, 380 and 560 though.
thanks for your input!
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 330
Likes: 26
From: Middle of Nowhere, USA
450SL
Do both still have the VIN stamped into the upper radiator support. If not it's been wrecked.
280 gets a little better fuel mileage. It does not have the timing chain system problem like the V/8s do. Recommended valve clearance adjustment every 10,000. miles. It has the same front subframe as the 450SL/C that was "recalled" by Mercedes for the US market. They may or may not cover the 280.
The 560 has the timing chain system problem Age and heat cycles cause the timing chain guide rails to become brittle and break causing catastrophic failure. 560 has larger front break calipers, LSD. SRS, upgraded front subframe. factory alarm, 15" wheels, and slightly better seat back. That is most of the upgrades but not all.
280 gets a little better fuel mileage. It does not have the timing chain system problem like the V/8s do. Recommended valve clearance adjustment every 10,000. miles. It has the same front subframe as the 450SL/C that was "recalled" by Mercedes for the US market. They may or may not cover the 280.
The 560 has the timing chain system problem Age and heat cycles cause the timing chain guide rails to become brittle and break causing catastrophic failure. 560 has larger front break calipers, LSD. SRS, upgraded front subframe. factory alarm, 15" wheels, and slightly better seat back. That is most of the upgrades but not all.
