daily driver sl's

[PutPutPut]

Well, the 107's could be nice, but the bumpers just ruin it for me, and they started butchering the curves I like so much from the older cars. The next gen 129's I don't like because they are too flat and very common in my area. They fixed the flat look with the slk, but it also doesn't do it for me. I do thank everyone for mentioning safety issues of the old cars.

After much thought, I had almost decided on the pagoda 280sl.. it just looks like what I want. But - after reading the 3k suspension lubing, etc, I dunno - there's stuff I know I can do, and stuff I'm afraid to do. I have a trusted, expert mechanic for mbz, but it is such a hassle going there because I have to trouble another person to give me a ride from/to the shop. I got spoiled with the rental from my british sports car dealer!

I'm talking myself out of everything, haha Maybe I could just keep dad's s320 for the daily driver, and get the pagoda for when I go out on a date or something? A bit of an expensive toy for something like that and at my young(er) age. Hmm, can one retrofit heated sits into the older cars?? *ducks*

Thank you for putting up with me.

[Bluefang]

Get your self a nice cheap 190/280SL, change it over to a MSII ECU, install some bigger wheels with some aftermarket quality brakes and have some fun with it

Or get a any of the V8 SLs from 1972-1983 source some euro bumpers and a front AMG skirt and you wont be sorry.

And what ever u do DONT take the old Mercs to the dealerships, find some local mechanic who your friends know/trust to look after the car. Will be cheaper and usually better service then the dealer who mainly focus on the new Mercs. And source the parts for your car from the internet, from one of the big autoparts wholesalers.

I am in Australia and i have to pay alot to have the parts shipped to me, i still do it cause they are alot cheaper for the exact same part even factoring in the shipping costs.

[rocky raccoon]

Euro bumpers are ubiquitous and relatively inexpensive to backfit on a U.S.A. 107.

God you are hard to please.

[gqmagic]

"Thanks. I'm sorry, but I'm being seriously shallow and don't like the way the r129's look.. too flat for me and living in southern california that car is simply common (I'm so spoiled by my exotic coupe that's now on its way to the junkyard, boooo). That's why I was looking at the older styling, not many around even here, and I like curves.. I do see a few 450sl's here as well, but the model type for 1990 and onwards are an everyday sight."

Exotic coupe- common everyday sight, hmmm

Sounds like you need a Maybach a Maclaren SLR, SL999AMGBRABUSLORINSER

or just catch the bus.

[coleyjf]

Well then - Go for a Euro facelift ( 1986-89) 107

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/image.php?u=23877&dateline=1138372105&type=profile

You've got better looks ( at least I think so but then I'm biased but it seems so do many on this forum)

The engine is sweeter as it's not been butchered for US emission too much

It's less common than the "Manufactured for US" model ( nicer bumpers - sorry fenders! and headlights etc)

It should hold it's value better due to more scarcity.

It does more MPG and has better power for the engine size.

All in all seems to meet your requirements

And also - it's great to drive with fairly modern features - ABS decent suspension - not brilliant accelleration from stop but the 20 - 100mph is quite good.

Cheers

Jim

[rdgarzon]

Ihave the car for you, 84 280sl 107 body, M100 dohc 6 cyl euro version
call 407-493-6141 if your are ready

[faber]

Check (call or visit & offer a finders fee(?) w/ this guy: San Antonio - David Kehl Motors or David Kehl Balancing - I'd drive a very long way to have him service my 87 560sl or any other Mercedes - simply the best mechanic I've met in a very long time - he did the initial inspection after I picked up the sl from the shipper and since has restored the leather and my tired old rims to like new condition - I won't go into mechanics, but I firmly believe "you don't have to be a chicken to smell chicken-$hit" and he passes all those tests. David's the kind of mechanic I've only read aout previously - he wants you to know what he knows - As a result of David's efforts, I'm trying to convince my wife to get one - (taking all donations, btw) - If you're in the Americas, and need accurate mercedes advice and/or work, look him up - and no, I'm not related, nor do I owe him anything except gratitude and respect for professional expertise - Kehl Motor Services (Kehl Balancing)
10639 Nacogdoches Rd, San Antonio, TX 78217-2846 Phone: (210) 655-6140