I do have a 560SL and I wouldn't say that they require less maintenance. The last 107 chassis was made 13 years ago. Any rubber that hasn't already been replaced will need to be within a couple of years.

It all goes down to how the previous owner(s) treated the car. Did they perform regular mainenance? Was the car garaged or covered most of the time? Did he have the car detailed regularly?

I bought my '88 560SL one year ago. I've probably dropped $4-$5k into this last year, the bulk of which was within the first two months. New valve stem seals, new timing chain, guides and tensioner, entirely new front brake system, new softop. Those were the big ticket items. I'd really like to get new seat covers and pads, but that will set me back another $1000+.

Obviously if all of the major mechanics and cosmetics are already taken care of, it shouldn't cost that much per year. My point being that you can't just say $1000 a year. If you have to replace the timing chain and guides, there goes most of your budget for that year. If you need new valve stem seals, you're bound to blow your budget also.

The beauty of it is that the values of the 107 chassis cars aren't really going down anymore.

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Mike Heath
1988 560SL Black/Palomino
1988 300SEL Black Pearl/Burgandy
1984 500SEC Anthracite Grey/Palomino