I have a '79 so we basically have the same car.. Mechanical fuel injection... downstream cats....

Here's my 2 cents. I think that it is important to keep the car in top tuned condition. There are threads that talk about setting the timing in ways that can give you a bit more edge. If you're extreme, drive it to florida - hang out on the beach - and let Stevefl have some time with it.... I don't think it could get any better than that!

However, you have to appreciate the car within the context of what it was in 1977. I had a '92 500E (that I sold to Willie) when I bought my 450SL. There V8's are generations apart. I'm attracted to the longevity of the cast iron 450 though. I like taking it on twisty roads in Austin... The 500E was too fast for the roads around lake travis. I like the tranny and the way it kicks down... what a blast... the little 3-speed...

I like to think that I am the care-taker of a piece of history... the 450SL... Mercedes at its best (in 1977 that is ! )

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Mark Herzig
1995 E300D 153K
1985 300D 142K (sold)
1979 450SL 122 miles (sold)
1992 500E 127K (sold)
1987 300SDL 132K (sold)
1986 300E 161K (sold)