Looking at 1990 300SL

[chuck07]

I am usually over in the Diesel forums with my 300SDL, but I am looking for something a little more sporty.

Didn't see a Craigslist thread in here, hope I didn't miss it.
Here is what I am looking at:

http://annapolis.craigslist.org/cto/1959709624.html

I have been looking for SL320's because I heard the 320 engine is amazing.
I have read a couple posts about 300's but cant get a good feel for them.

Also, the owner says he changed the "drive belt". Would that be the timing chain or the accessory belt or something else?

I would love a 560, but insurance makes the 300/320/ a 6 cylinder the best roadster I can afford.

Also I haven't seen the damage on the right side, so that may be a killer also.

[Skid Row Joe]

Originally Posted by chuck07

I am usually over in the Diesel forums with my 300SDL, but I am looking for something a little more sporty.

Didn't see a Craigslist thread in here, hope I didn't miss it.
Here is what I am looking at:

http://annapolis.craigslist.org/cto/1959709624.html

I have been looking for SL320's because I heard the 320 engine is amazing.
I have read a couple posts about 300's but cant get a good feel for them.

Also, the owner says he changed the "drive belt". Would that be the timing chain or the accessory belt or something else?

I would love a 560, but insurance makes the 300/320/ a 6 cylinder the best roadster I can afford.

Also I haven't seen the damage on the right side, so that may be a killer also.

That sounds like a potentially a very costly car to keep the repair and maintenance on.

Why are you getting rid of your diesel MB?

[chuck07]

I am keeping the diesel!

I just wanted something a little more fun, leave tire smoke instead of diesel smoke.

I can find 320SL's for around 8k-10k, but I haven't seen a manual one yet.

[tecqboy]

I own a 1991 300SL 5 speed automatic. The car listed says it has the manual transmission. There weren't too many with the manual. My car has 110K miles and I've owned it for about 10 years and 30k miles now. It has not been excessively expensive to repair or maintain, but I do much of the simpler work myself. ( oil change, battery, belts, hoses, ignition ). The top controller on my car gets confused from time to time and needs to be reset. That can be done with a simple home made tool. I've had to go for professional dealer type service for timing chain tensioner, flex discs, and drive shaft bearing. The 3 liter engine doesn't have a lot of low end torque, but really pulls hard after about 3K rpms; and is super smooth all the way to red line. The manual transmission would be a better match for this engine if you prefer really quick takeoffs. Gas mileage is about 21 mpg overall and up to about 26 mpg on a long hwy trip. I've no complaints or regrets on this vehicle. PM if you have specific questions.

[Skid Row Joe]

Originally Posted by chuck07

I am keeping the diesel!

I just wanted something a little more fun, leave tire smoke instead of diesel smoke.

I can find 320SL's for around 8k-10k, but I haven't seen a manual one yet.

I'd buy a better caliber @ that 8K to 10K of an SL320 were I buying one.......with far, far less miles on it. BTW, I hate the "chromed wheels" on any Benz!

With a HARDTOP included....

[Gilly]

Both the R129 SL300 and 320 are the same engine. The injection systems did vary through the years though. I believe the 90/91's were both CIS-E injected. I also believe they went to the 320 number when the injection system went to an SFI system.
The drive belt would be the serpentine belt, the engine itself has a timing chain.
They are pretty solid engines, no rotting wiring harness on the engine to worry about like the sfi cars.
This was the first use of the M104, at least in the US, and I also think the 300 coupes (CE) had the 104 starting in 90.
Gilly

[Gilly]

The 5 speed manual is a bit uncommon I have to say. The dealer I worked at got one in once in awhile just to check the clutch adjustment, stupid tool required which consisted of 25 cents of sheetmetal.

[chuck07]

Originally Posted by Gilly

Both the R129 SL300 and 320 are the same engine. The injection systems did vary through the years though. I believe the 90/91's were both CIS-E injected. I also believe they went to the 320 number when the injection system went to an SFI system.
The drive belt would be the serpentine belt, the engine itself has a timing chain.
They are pretty solid engines, no rotting wiring harness on the engine to worry about like the sfi cars.
This was the first use of the M104, at least in the US, and I also think the 300 coupes (CE) had the 104 starting in 90.
Gilly

Thanks for all the info.

I called the guy and it doesn't have the top. Hardtop was one of the main reasons I was looking at the SL in the first place.

I will try to test drive it today.

[deanyel]

No such thing as a manual 320 - they made them only on the 90 to 93 300SLs. If you want a manual better buy that one. But drive it a while - make sure you're comfortable with it. Not a real nice setup - geared way too low for one thing, 3.46 rear axle, which could be fixed with a rear axle swap. It's also a dogleg shift pattern.

[Skid Row Joe]

X 2

I don't see the big draw for a manual transmission in this model MB, at least in the last 50 or so years in any SL. It's known as a somewhat sporty, 2-door/convertible, personal luxury automobile. It's not exactly a performance car at it's weight factor anyway. Regardless of how much it's powered. I would enjoy it for what it is - a classy, small coupe - with a flare of luxury, oppulence and a very safe automobile to occupy on the roadways.

[chuck07]

Originally Posted by deanyel

No such thing as a manual 320 - they made them only on the 90 to 93 300SLs. If you want a manual better buy that one. But drive it a while - make sure you're comfortable with it. Not a real nice setup - geared way too low for one thing, 3.46 rear axle, which could be fixed with a rear axle swap. It's also a dogleg shift pattern.

I test drove it and the gears were very close. There was barely a difference between 1st and 5th it felt like(geographically)

The guy had a problem getting it into reverse, one of the many problems it had.

Engine sounded rough, there was a big ding in the pass door, not too bad. Needed new paint and some rust repairs. He had some problems opening the top and it wouldn't turn on until the second try each time. Valve cover was peeling and valve cover gasket was bubbling. Frame around passenger was cracked and needed to be replaced. Console trim needed to be replaced.

Overall, my 86 SDL is in better cosmetic condition.

So I am still looking.

As for the draw of the manual, I think they are more fun to drive. Some people complain about driving in traffic, and that is a pain, but I don't hit traffic much. I was looking at Camaros/Firebirds and for the price, a SL is a better package I think. I can't afford the insurance on a fast-sporty car, so I have to settle for a beauty that just feels fast.

[Gilly]

I would pass on it as well, but you can pretty much write off getting a manual tranny 129, you likely won't see another locally. Maybe on eBay you might see one a large distance away. The missing top would be the deal-breaker for me.
Good luck with your search, I have often thought about finding the same thing, an early 300SL 129 chassis.

[ctaylor738]

There is a 1990 automatic for sale in Fairfax for about the same money, with 93K miles, and some problems.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/1963249508.html

I worked on a 1991 5-speed a couple of weeks ago. What I learned.

- Not a lot of fun to drive in traffic, but a blast if you can wind it up.

- Engine is unique to the early 90's SL and CE, hard to find parts.

- Expensive and troublesome EZL ignition unit, again unique to these cars.

[chuck07]

well it looks like that one sold pretty quickly. maybe I should have checked back in a little quicker.

I think I will start looking at the 3.2L that was common in the mid 90's. Those engines/parts seem in good supply.