Differences Between 250sl and 280sl?

[Ben Carufel]

Hi folks, new to the forum. Saw a recommendation for MercedesShop over on Bimmerforums and it seems like a great place.

I'm a BMW owner through and through. Currently own an '80s 3-series, an '02 M5, and a 2000 Z3 M Coupe. Never owned a Mercedes Benz myself.

Anyhow, my boss is thinking about buying a 250sl or 280sl for his wife for her birthday. They're only going to keep it for two years or so, then re-sell it.

Is there any reason to go with the 280sl over the 250sl? It would live a garaged, weekend-driven life.

What are the elemental differences?

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks!

Ben

[Ben Carufel]

Having read the Wikipedia description of the W113 chassis, I feel like I know a little more about it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_W113

However, I've found a 250sl for sale locally for around $25,000, compared to $30,000 for most 280sl's. Yet Wikipedia says the 250sl is more desireable and more rare than the 280sl...what gives?

[ctaylor738]

Try this board for questions like this on the 250-280SL's:

http://www.sl113.org/forums/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=2

Not a lot of experience with the "Pagoda" here.

[t walgamuth]

i think that some like the 250 better because it is lighter and more nimble. but i think the 280 is a little simpler to keep running correctly.

that said, the 250 that you see for less may not be as good an example as the higher priced 280.

good luck looking. the pagodas are really elegant in my book, and getting more valuable every day.

tom w

[JPMOSE]

Hello,

I own a 1968 250SL and have been real active on the W113 forum, along with studying all the details of 230/250/280SLs. First and foremost, the 250SL is the rarest of the three but does not have any value increase as a result. In general, the pecking order of value (from high to low) is '70/'71 280SL; '68/'69 280SL; 250SL; 230SL. I opted for a 250SL because I found the later 280SLs were always higher in price and I had a budget cap. Quite honestly, I would be just as happy with any of the models...condition was the most important factor to me.

All 250SLs are improved over the 230SLs with the following:

Larger engine with 7 main bearings for smoother operation.
Four wheel disk brakes
Larger gas tank
Addition of oil cooler (via oil/coolant heat exchanger)
Various parts (not many) that are rare or obsolete on 230SL are more available on 250SL/280SL

Now here is the next valuable piece of information on 250SLs.....the 1967 model year 250SL shares the asthetic features of a 230SL, while the 1968 model year 250SL shares the asthetic features of a 280SL. It should be noted that the cut in for the 1968 model year was in July 1967. The main asthetic feature differences on the 1967 model year were the use of more chrome, different knobs and heater levers (more colorful), different exterior and rearview mirrors and lack of side markers on the body (only USA model had the side markers on the 1968 model).

The 1968 250SL added many safety features on the USA model. Regarding USA emissions, the 1968 model added the Fuel Shutoff Solenoid on the back of the injector pump...this system rarely works correctly and is usually disconnected...thus leaving the car free of emission controls (the later 280SL years added more and more emmision controls on the USA models, which can cause hard starting problems when hot). The injector pump on the 1968 model was improved by adding ball check valves versus the earlier cone values which can greatly improve starting the car under certain conditions.

I hope this helps!

[jjrodger]

It strikes me that condition is the only factor in issue here, especially given that (1) this is not to be a car for life and (2) the buyer is not drawn to any particular model.

I have always understood the main difference to be between the 230SL on the one hand and the 250/280SLs on the other, the former being more nimble and sporting and the latter being heavier and safer. Either model will feel like ancient history today.

I must say, your collection of Bimmers comprises the best of recent years: I've always loved the M Coupe (scared me witless when I drove one on long term test) in particular while the mid-80s 3er is a fine car. I would add a first generation M5, a Z1 and a 3.0CS and for me it would be complete.

[deanyel]

Originally Posted by Ben Carufel

Yet Wikipedia says the 250sl is more desireable and more rare than the 280sl...what gives?

This had to be written by a 250SL owner/seller. 250 prices are more like 230 prices and clearly a step below 280 prices.