SLC for daily use?

[Tony 12]

Gentlemen.....................
I had a plan to buy a 350 or 450 SLC as well as a 116 or 126 for a runabaout.
However, I've also been thinking that I may save the extra $3000ish that another cheap car would cost me and use the SLC more regularly.
Any thoughts on how this vehicle would cope with everday use?
Bearing in mind that I have a W124 as well and the SLC would be essentially for my wife. Sort of.......................
I have also spent 20 years as an auto tech (nearly 10 years with MB) so a bit of extra maintanence doesn't scare me but I'm not keen on doing major engine jobs anymore. I also have not had a lot of experience on these particular Benz's.
Many thanks for any input that may help me make a decision.
Cheers
Tony

[POS]

There's no reason why not; you certainly wouldn't be the first.

[Tony 12]

That's one vote for............. thanks POS.

[450slcguy]

Originally Posted by Tony 12

Gentlemen.....................
Any thoughts on how this vehicle would cope with everday use?
Tony

I've thought about the same idea with my 1980 SLC. The "collector value" doesn't appear to be worth that much to justify babying it. Gas milage would be my main concern along with winter salt on the roads. I'll probably garage it this winter and reinsure it as a daily driver in the spring. Putting mileage on it would probably good for it, but definitely no salty roads for my baby.

[Jim B.]

Both the 3.5 and 4.5 are EXCELLENT engines, very strong and long lasting if well kept up.

[t walgamuth]

Originally Posted by Jim B.

Both the 3.5 and 4.5 are EXCELLENT engines, very strong and long lasting if well kept up.

i have never heard of one worn out.

tom w

[Richard Wooldridge]

Hi Tony,
I have both a '79 450SL and a '82 380SL with 560 engine and trans installed... I've been using the '82 as a daily driver for almost a year now and am very happy with it. It gets close to 21 mpg, and is a hoot to drive with the big engine installed. No maintenance problems so far, but I do need to replace the disc pads soon. (I'm letting my daughter use my '82 300D as it gets over twice the mileage of her Range Rover!) (Also, don't want to drive the red '79 450SL in the rain... since the '82 needs paint, it's the logical choice.)

[Tony 12]

Thanks to all for your input.
It is much appreciated and I'm now much more confident about buying one.
Cheers
Tony

[Bondavi]

Originally Posted by Jim B.

Both the 3.5 and 4.5 are EXCELLENT engines, very strong and long lasting if well kept up.

And the aluminum M117's don't last as long? Just curious....

[t walgamuth]

my 500sec has the 117, right?

it has 135k on it. absolutely no blow by. it is actually less trouble than a diesel to maintain. it uses more fuel of course but it is regular unleaded so it is probably a wash on operation costs unelss you drove exclusively around town.

again, i dont think you can wear them out if you keep the oil changed. i am running 10w30 mobil one, changing it around 5 to 6k.

tom w

[al76slc]

You don't indicate where you live, but don't expect to drive the SLC in the snow. There's definitely not enough traction with so much weight over the front wheels.

[Roncallo]

Originally Posted by al76slc

You don't indicate where you live, but don't expect to drive the SLC in the snow. There's definitely not enough traction with so much weight over the front wheels.

I drive both my 107 every day, and I have at times driven them in snow. The 107 is better than my 2WD F150 pickup truck in the snow.

John Roncallo

[t walgamuth]

i would think an slc would be fine in the snow. especially if it is a 380 or later with the aluminum motor. if not a couple of sandbags in the trunk wil do the trick.

really comparing it to a two wheel drive pickup is kindof like saying "she doesnt sweat much for a big girl".

tom w

[Tony 12]

I live in the Barossa Valley South Australia, so not much snow around here
We haven't even had serious rain for 6 months or more.

[t walgamuth]

that is dry.

we had rain here almost every day for the last six weeks!

a little too much for maintaining a cheerful demeanor.

tom w