107 vs 129 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Darrell Woods · #1 10-24-2006, 09:30 PM

I've had a 75 450SL for about five years. Love driving it, but it's far from the pristine shape many of your rides are in. Still, gets a lot of attention and loads of fun to drive. Three months ago I sold my 740i BMW (daily driver) and replaced it with a 98 SL500 (kept the 450). Not sure why I'm posting, other than to say what totally different vehicles. The 500 seems more civilized and suited to daily driving, but just doesn't seem to have the "wow" factor of the 107. And the 500 is nearly perfect mechanically and cosmetically, and still doesn't quite inspire me the way the "old" one does. Maybe it's because I'm over 40 and the 107 was the car I wanted but couldn't have when I was younger. Or, could it be I'm just trying to find a way to justify to my wife why I need two SLs? Yes dear, one's a daily driver and the other's for weekends. Work with me...

ken garchow · #2 10-24-2006, 11:57 PM

i think the 107 is old enough to be some what of a classic where as the 129 is stuck in no mans land for now, not a classic yet and not the flavor of the month either.

i recall in 1990 seeing the new 129 and thinking it was so much better than the 107. now i admit a mint 107 turns my head more.

but on a day to day or week end to weekend basis the power top, and electric seats of a 129 are sure nice. and an amg sport SL 500 w/a pano roof can be a looke too.

you are lucky to have both

SunGuy · #3 10-25-2006, 01:18 AM

Me too. I've had my '87 560SL for over 10 years and last year a '99 SL500 caught my attention, and I bought it. Now, with two, like you, I marvel at the rolling computerized speed machine, the '99, while still enjoying the '87 just as much or more. I've half heartedly tried to sell the '87, while my neighbors scratch their collective heads and ask me if I'm sure I'm selling the right one as they love the old one. What's a benz guy to do?!

Bob

Lee Blaik · #4 10-25-2006, 01:44 AM

Simple...
Women digs the 500 more than men.
Men and connoisseurs prefers the 560.
The 500 is a supercar by definition, in performance as well as looks.
The 560 is a practical classic, better quality and unmatched attention to details.
They both hold their value fairly well, like no others.
So I am keeping them both...What else is out there ??? For the time and money invested to reach this high standard, it will be a pity not to.
Ciao...Lee

t walgamuth · #5 10-25-2006, 02:36 AM

give the wife the 500 to drive.

drive the 107 yourself.

problem solved.

tom w

stats007 · #6 10-25-2006, 12:57 PM

I've had both - the 129 really is a different car - much more usuable, reliable and waterproof!

That said the 107 has 'classic' status - with that come 'classic' foibles.

Both excellent if you buy a good example.

cbdo · #7 10-25-2006, 09:58 PM

The 129 has a better AC system, and a power top that just goes up and down immediately when needed (well, most of the time!

I looked at a '96 320 this summer. Stayed with the 560 because it has a direct, mechanical feel and a connectedness with the driver that I didn't get in the 320. Besides, after four years I've got it almost sorted out!

lee polowczuk · #8 10-27-2006, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbdo

The 129 has a better AC system, and a power top that just goes up and down immediately when needed (well, most of the time!

I looked at a '96 320 this summer. Stayed with the 560 because it has a direct, mechanical feel and a connectedness with the driver that I didn't get in the 320. Besides, after four years I've got it almost sorted out!

any advice on what i can expect out of a 1985 500sl euro with just over 100k miles...?

i had a 72 289se with a 4.5 , it was fairly easy to maintain.... just looking for the quirks...

cbdo · #9 10-27-2006, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lee polowczuk

any advice on what i can expect out of a 1985 500sl euro with just over 100k miles...?

Meaning bucks for the car or service issues to anticipate?

ljmauricio · #10 10-28-2006, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lee polowczuk

any advice on what i can expect out of a 1985 500sl euro with just over 100k miles...?

i had a 72 289se with a 4.5 , it was fairly easy to maintain.... just looking for the quirks...

IMHO, 500SL is the most fun of the 107's to drive.

lee polowczuk · #11 10-28-2006, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbdo

Meaning bucks for the car or service issues to anticipate?

Issues....

biggest unaticipated issue on my 108 was kingpins.

I also lost a couple of starters due to high street water... seems like the starter would get wet..and a couple of days later be shot...

other than that the engine was pretty good to me...

i guess the biggie here might be a/c

cbdo · #12 10-28-2006, 05:11 PM

Issues for the V8 107 (applicable to all of them) would include timing chain/tensioner/upper guides, which should be done every 100K; suspension bushings, mainly the front subframe and engine mounts, which get old and hard and increase in harshness, noise and weaker handling; the plastic upper radiator neck if it's original; and the AC. Check for visible cam wear especially on the left bank, as that tends to wear first if oil changes haven't been kept up properly. Rust, of course, in the usual spots. Those are the ones that come most strongly to mind; everything else is fairly routine as far as I can recall off the top of my head, and less significant to the proper operation of the car.
They're relatively simple vehicles, certainly compared to the 129, and if kept up pretty bulletproof. The top, for example, always goes up and down when you want it to.

The usual Mercedes rule about making sure there are decent service records applies here as always.

lee polowczuk · #13 10-28-2006, 05:35 PM

thanks... if forgot about the timing chain... i had that done around 100k..in the 108... i owned it for 12 years..and forget sometimes what was done..