Late 70's early 80's Euro 280SL's

[iwannabenz]

I am looking for advice/opinions re: "grey market" 280SL's (NOT the pre 1972 models). Specifically, here are some questions: 1) Is the 2.8l inline 6 as "unburstable" as the 70's 4.5l V-8 that was in the 350-450SL? Most of the ones I am looking at have well in excess of 100,000 miles on them. Are there any defined specific mechanical defects (such as the single row timing chain that plagued the 81-83 380SL)? Is the 5-speed manual transmission reliable?, or is the car somewhat heavy for a standard? Is 5th gear a true overdrive? Is there anyway to determine from the VIN what the rear end ratio is (or were they all the same)? Are any technical specifications available ie hp ,torque, power curve graphs? Any performance specs 0-60, stopping from 60, top speed? I am looking at purchasing this as a nice summer driver, would I be better off looking at a 450SL, and if so why? My desire for the Euro 280SL is because #1 the 5 speed manual tranny available (I love driving a standard,as does my wife), #2 the inline 6 which I believe has approx 30 more hp that the last of the 450SL's, #3 nice clean lines (including headlights and bumpers). This is my first posting, hope its not too long.

iwannabenz,

My literature answers 'some' of your questions:

280SL (Euro spec) August 1974 to October 1985 model run. (15,676 total - but my book shows no production numbers after 1982).

5th gear: 0.88:1 up to spring 1981, 0.81:1 from spring 1981.
Rear axle: 3.92:1 early 5-spd, 3.71:1, or 3.58:1 from spring 1981.
Power: 185 bhp @ 6000 to June 1976, 177 @ 6000 From June 1976 to April 1978, 185 @ 5800 from April 1978 on. Coerresponding torques are 170 lb-ft @ 4500, 166 @ 4500, and 171 @ 4500.
Weight: 3305 lbs
Claimed performance: 124 mph (4-spd) - (5-spd probably similar), 0-60 ?

450SL (US spec)

Power: 180 bhp @ 4750 to 1979, 160 bhp SAE @ 4200 from 1979.
Torque: 220 lb-ft @ 3000 to 1979, 230 lb-ft @ 2500 from 1979.
Rear axle: 3.07:1, 3.06:1 from 1979, 2.65:1 from 1980.
Weight: 3780 lbs typ. (varies year to year)
Claimed performance: 124 mph (auto), 0-60 mph 10.5 sec.


450SL (Euro spec)

Power: 225 bhp DIN @ 5000 to 11/75, 217 @ 5000 from 11/75, 225 @ 5000 from 1978.
Torque: 278 lb-ft @ 3000, 257 @ 3250, 263@ 3250 respectively.
Rear axle: 3.07:1
Weight: 3595 lbs typ. (varies year to year)
Claimed performance: 131 mph (auto), 0-60 ?

Probably have missing 0-60 figures somewhere. Will post if I can locate them. No direct experience with longevity of 280 motor, but have not heard of any major problems. V8's have a lot more torque and will be more relaxed to drive, but it sounds like this is not a criterion for you. Why not think about a 280/350/450/500 SLC? These were around 25-30% more expensive than equivalent SL's when new, and most knowledgeable authorities consider them "better-balanced" than the soft-tops. The 500 SLC is particularly collectable.

Hope this helps,
Zorro


[Edited by Zorro on 02-23-2001 at 04:40 AM]

[iwannabenz]

Zorro, your literature on the SL's is of great help, lots to chew on now. Your suggestion of the 280SLC will get me looking in that direction as well (tho' I really want a ragtop, financial reality may intercede). Another question: did any 450's ever come with a standard?
Thnx

iwannabenz,

Looks like you missed out a critical word in your last question. If you repost, I will try to answer.

Zorro

[iwannabenz]

Zorro, sorry about the last question, it should have been were there ever any 1973-80 450SL's with 4 or 5 speed manual shift tranny's?

iwannabenz,

I am not aware of any 450SL/SLC's in standard factory production ever being fitted with a manual 'box. They all had the (excellent) 3-speed auto. The 350SL/SLC did have the 4-speed manual as a factory option. The 450 is a much better bet than the 350 though, in my opinion. The 450SLC's that won the 1978 South America Rally outright, encompassing all 10 countries and covering 18,500 miles in the process, had factory-standard engines and 3-speed autos!

If you want some interesting reading on all the 107 (and earlier 113) series, look for a copy of "Mercedes-Benz SL & SLC" by LJK Setright (Publisher Osprey), ISBN No. 0-85045-698-3. This is officially out-of-print, but new copies are still to be found via the 'net.

Another good book on 107's is the "Mercedes-Benz SLs & SLCs Gold Portfolio 1971-1989", Publisher Brooklands, ISBN No. 1- 85520-0104. This is an excellent compilation of road tests and magazine articles on 350, 380, 450, 500, and 560 models.

The above gives figures for a Euro spec 450SL of 134 mph and 0-60 in 8.5 seconds. No 280SL tests, I'm sorry.

Zorro