Your advice appreciated!
 

My 300SDL was written off by the insurance company a while ago and I have the bug to buy another Merc.
I an interested in the Sl's, 1980 to 1986. Which were the most reliable ( I am aware of the timing chain issue with the earlier 380's ). Also there is a 1986 300sl available. Any information on this model? All your opinions are appreciated.

Hi

Go for a 1986 - 1989 model ( facelift model)

All sorts of improvements and loads of threads on it ( try searching facelift SL in this forum)

Yes there IS a 300SL available BUT it's a Euro model - there are some about in the US and "I" think they are great :D (I've got one here in the UK) but they tend to fetch a premium in the US.

The most common US model seems to be the 560SL.

Cheers

Jim

What are the advantages to the 300sl? Are the engine parts the same as the 300e?
How reliable is the engine compared to the 450?

As I understand it the 300SL 86-89 is the same/similar engine to the European '86 300 E class though someone more "in the know" may come back with the details.

If you get a proper Euro with a "non-USA'd" engine ( no CAT etc) you'll get a reasonable performance (for a cruiser that is) but if all the US emission stuff has been added I think it will be a crawler! ( In Europe the 107 didn't have a CAT fitted).

Cheers

Jim

300SL
 

There's this one on the forum

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-benz-sl-discussion-forum/269789-107-300sl-5-speed-dc-area.html

manual box as well - goes a bit quicker - but quite high mileage

Cheers

Jim

This sort of question is hard to answer without knowing what your priorities are (comfort, reliability, safety appearance, etc.), what type of driving you plan to do, your mechanical skills, and your desire to do your own work. And, of course, how much do you want to spend?

I have very little mechanical skill, I don't plan on putting a lot of miles on the car yearly and have seen enough serious accidents involving high speeds so I DO NOT Speed, ever! I just want a cruiser:D!

you'll love the 300Sl then does about 100 SMILES to the gallon :D

560sl...ABS, Airbag, newer technology, etc.

I think the 560SL would be the best choice. Not too expensive, parts are readily available and it's quick. I know that people say that the 500sl euro cars are supposed to be quicker but I think that I can debate that (as a guy who has owned 4 SLC 5.0 cars, a 500SEL and a 500SL) because my 560SEC has balls.

These?

http://kalecoauto.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=4