Basic SL questions...

[raysea390]

May be looking to buy an older (late 70's, 80's to very early 90's) SL later this year and would like to ask:

- does the 300 model have the same engine as my '87 300E (70's, 80's and 90's models)?
- do all the 300's have that really high revving 4-speed automatic transmission/differential ratio like my 300E (2750 rpm @ 60mph)
- do all the 70's and 80's models have that bench seat in the back?
- do any of the 90's models have a bench seat in the back?
- is there a particular year to look for or to avoid?

Thanks for any advice you can give!

[Dee8go]

Bench seat? SLs don't have a rear seat.

[Mistress]

Avoid the 380 SL 81-83 they have the dreaded single row timing chain.

[tecqboy]

I can only speak for the 90 thru 95 300SL which I am familiar with. The engine is a 24 value version with valve timing. The automatic transmission is a 5 speed, but starts in 2nd gear unless punched or manually over-ridden. If your RPM concern is gas mileage, I get about 19-21 mpg overall mixed driving, but 25-27 mpg on a steady highway trip on my 91 300SL ( 129). The 129 can be fitted with an after market rear seat, but it is a bit of a joke, as only a small child could fit back there. Some mid 90's models of 129's have wiring harness insulation problems. Do a forum search. After 95, there were major changes in the engines. Eventually the 300/320 engine was dropped because the new 500 engine offered comparable fuel enconmy.

[Alkraut]

The model 107 has the classic look of the 450SL from the early seventies, and is a great, hand-built automobile. If you get a 560SL (1986-89) you will have the dual benefits of the classic styling and more modern, refined and powerful features. The 560SL is pretty bullet-proof and reliable. They were designed "to last a lifetime" so they are repairable and maintainable. The only critical issue is maintenance of the timing chain guides which should be replaced, as they are nylon and get brittle. If they break, it could be catastrophic for the engine, as a slipped chain could result in valves hitting pistons. The good news is that it is not a real tough maintenance item and much has been said on this forum about it.

The 560SL has the added benefits (over earlier 450Sl and 380SL) of ABS brakes, driver airbag, more reliable A/C, and better seats. The engine is also big and powerful. Good luck.

[JFawcett]

Agree with Allkraut - the 560 is pretty bullet proof and you have more luxury than the other models. He is right on the money about the timing chain....I would also add to check for rust in the soft top housing and in the AC/Heater blower box.
You will have some meaningful shop bills with any older Mercedes - as things just wear out and time is not kind to rubber bushings, grommets and seals.
I would stay away from the 380s for a couple reasons - the single row timing chain and the climate control system.

[raysea390]

Thanks all for your advice. I really like the engine in my 300E - its got plenty of power for me in what i suspect is a heavier car than the SL - that's the only reason for asking. I had a '75 450SEL a long time ago and had a heck of a time with the fuel injection system so i thought it best to stay away from the V8's.

There's an 80's SL in my neighborhood that has the bench seat in the back...doesn't look like its too comfortable with very little legroom and the backrest is bolt upright but it has seatbelts so it would be safe/legal in a pinch. Haven't seen any 90's models with a back seat yet.

Aside from checking maintenance records, is there any way to tell if the timing chain guides are wearing out?

Again, thanks!

[Alkraut]

There is a "kiddie seat" option for the 107 SL's. Just padded upholstered cushions. I guess you could install seat belts back there as well. Problem is that there is little or no legroom for anyone with legs much longer than 15".

The timing chain does not normally wear out. It does stretch some due to wear of the chain pins. Being over 6 feet long it will develop some stretch over 75K miles. It can be checked with the camshaft valve covers off. There is a procedure where the crank timing marks are lined up, and you then check the camshaft timing marks. The upper guide rails will get dark coffee brown with age and can be observed with the covers off. The four uppers are the ones to change. Most people also have a new chain "rolled" in and the chain tensioner replaced with that job. Unless you confirm that the job was done in the last couple of years, it's good to plan on getting it done. The chain stretches with miles, the guides get brittle with age.

[JimFreeh]

Grey market 300SLs from 86-89 will have the engine/trans right out of the early 300E.

I've got right of first refusal on one now.

Jim

[Dee8go]

Originally Posted by raysea390

T . . . . There's an 80's SL in my neighborhood that has the bench seat in the back...doesn't look like its too comfortable with very little legroom and the backrest is bolt upright but it has seatbelts so it would be safe/legal in a pinch. Haven't seen any 90's models with a back seat yet. . . . . .

I said there's no bench seat. After looking at one last night, I take that back. There's a bench seat for people who have no legs . . . . I looks sort of like a seat, but it's really more of a "shelf."

[Skid Row Joe]

They have back seats, there's no room for legs, however.

[Dee8go]

Wow, you agreed with me about something, Joe! I'm flabbergasted.

[raysea390]

My Jensen Interceptor was like that...the back seat was a work of art but no-one could sit back there!

What does 'grey market' mean?

[Dee8go]

"Gray market" is something that was intended for one country but sold in a different country.

[NSXSOON]

I have an 82 380SL and love it! I've had the timing chain replaced with a dual row and even found what I believe to be the last set of metal guides installed. Whew! Just installed the backseat myself about a year ago when my brother-in-law left the top down in the rain and ruined the carpet on the back "shelf". It was practically the same money to replace the carpet or buy the seat. It comes with the seat belts and the attachment points exist in all of the cars. I am very short and thought that if I installed the seat I would be able to ride back there and give my brother-in-law the idot proof lexus to drive next time. The problem is two fold. The leg room is limited but there is also zero head room if the top is up. The dog does appreciate the extra cushioning when she rides back there though . I think I remember reading that the back seat was offered as an option on Euro models. I get 18 mpg around town.