Hi,

Wife fancies W107 style SL cars. I would not think twice if it is diesel. Maybe MB sould sell a SL turbo diesel.

Is the SL mainly for snob appeal? I do like the body style and open air. Is the car fun to drive? Money pit? I would like to hear fellow dieseler's opinion.

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Shane83SD

Good cars, decent values to be found in daily drivers.

For a DIYer, the engine bay is tight and having the cats in the engine bay doesn't help.

Some models were subject to a front subframe recall. Not sure if it affects the 450s or the 380s. I'm pretty sure the 560s were not affected.

MB used a single row timing chain in 81-82 380s. Questionable longevity. Maybe a bargaining chip. Can be upgraded to a double row chain but lots of parts to replace. In fact I'm not sure you can get replacement parts for the single row set-up.

If you'd rather have a back seat than a drop top consider the SLC.

Since you're in the Bay Area, check out www.oursl.com . Then tell me you wouldn't rather have a 190SL or W113 SL

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

Bought my wife an '88 560SL for Christmas 2002. We both love it. Great touring car. Put the top down and drive for hours. LOTS of power. Handling not as good as I would like, but I've just started on it. First to go will be those terrible Michelin Energy MXV4+ tires. 560 is a great engine, though a 129 chasis would be even more fun but $$$$. 560s can be had for good prices if you can wait and shop.