I suggested an r129 for my brother in law, and honestly, I kind of regret it. The r129 cars are amazing machines, but I’m just waiting for the top seals to dump hydraulic fluid all over my sister in law or nieces dress while on their way to some formal event.

The biodegradable wiring is said to not be an issue for most 1990’s years, but I’ve seen enough first hand, and heard of issues seen in the late 1990’s that it’s just not worth it to me.

560sl, yeah, those are the ones with the biggest number in their name, biggest 227 hp motor (but nothing compared to r129 m119 322 or even the v12), but I’ve got some stones to throw eek though I’ve never owned one besides two parts cars. Crank position sensors and computers tell the system when to spark. Mechanic land. Who’s going to try and figure out those blink codes? Has anyone here really done it? I believe people have, but seriously, what percentage? Shade tree mechanic work is better done on older simpler cars, not ones with computers (IMO). So... 1985 and earlier for me. My favorites? R/C107 forever (unless some miracle comes along and I can grab a w113). And here are my tops, all Euro preferred by me:

- 185 hp m110 4 or 5 speed. The automatic is nice and peppy and balanced, and the power exceeds a lot of the US 4.5 motors, not the torque, but honestly the torque in a US 4.5 is a fail due to the lack of the anti-squat/anti-dive rear end. So you hit the gas and your on a rocking horse with that torquey heavy iron v8.

- 5.0 (euro). This is going to be a 500sl or 450slc 5.0 or 500slc. 240hp, and the anti-squat rear end. 1985 and earlier, and they should be simpler than a 560sl with all the important benefits EXCEPT: the subframe update and bigger 560sl front brakes (which make fitting wheels harder BTW, options are limited for 560sl to wheels with pretty small lips).

- don’t forget the euro 4.5 is near 220 HP, pretty close to the 560sl, and has anti-squat rear end.

- and ~200hp euro 380sl (not euro 380slc) have the anti-squat rear end too, and that rear end really makes you feel like the power is moving you forward instead of rocking the whole car back.

Can you tell I’m a fan of the anti-squat rear end? If you want one in a US Spec car, you’ll have to get a 560sl (or retro fit one as I’d like to try in my 280sl).


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Past mb: '73 450sl, '81 280slc stick, '71 250, '72 250c, '70 250c, '79 280sl, '73 450sl, parted: '75 240d stick, '69 280s, '73 450slc, '72 450sl,