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#1
06-27-2019, 08:03 AM
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I suggested an r129 for my brother in law, and honestly, I kind of regret it. The r129 cars are amazing machines, but I’m just waiting for the top seals to dump hydraulic fluid all over my sister in law or nieces dress while on their way to some formal event.
The biodegradable wiring is said to not be an issue for most 1990’s years, but I’ve seen enough first hand, and heard of issues seen in the late 1990’s that it’s just not worth it to me. 560sl, yeah, those are the ones with the biggest number in their name, biggest 227 hp motor (but nothing compared to r129 m119 322 or even the v12), but I’ve got some stones to throw eek though I’ve never owned one besides two parts cars. Crank position sensors and computers tell the system when to spark. Mechanic land. Who’s going to try and figure out those blink codes? Has anyone here really done it? I believe people have, but seriously, what percentage? Shade tree mechanic work is better done on older simpler cars, not ones with computers (IMO). So... 1985 and earlier for me. My favorites? R/C107 forever (unless some miracle comes along and I can grab a w113). And here are my tops, all Euro preferred by me: - 185 hp m110 4 or 5 speed. The automatic is nice and peppy and balanced, and the power exceeds a lot of the US 4.5 motors, not the torque, but honestly the torque in a US 4.5 is a fail due to the lack of the anti-squat/anti-dive rear end. So you hit the gas and your on a rocking horse with that torquey heavy iron v8. - 5.0 (euro). This is going to be a 500sl or 450slc 5.0 or 500slc. 240hp, and the anti-squat rear end. 1985 and earlier, and they should be simpler than a 560sl with all the important benefits EXCEPT: the subframe update and bigger 560sl front brakes (which make fitting wheels harder BTW, options are limited for 560sl to wheels with pretty small lips). - don’t forget the euro 4.5 is near 220 HP, pretty close to the 560sl, and has anti-squat rear end. - and ~200hp euro 380sl (not euro 380slc) have the anti-squat rear end too, and that rear end really makes you feel like the power is moving you forward instead of rocking the whole car back. Can you tell I’m a fan of the anti-squat rear end? If you want one in a US Spec car, you’ll have to get a 560sl (or retro fit one as I’d like to try in my 280sl). Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Past mb: '73 450sl, '81 280slc stick, '71 250, '72 250c, '70 250c, '79 280sl, '73 450sl, parted: '75 240d stick, '69 280s, '73 450slc, '72 450sl, 
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#2
06-27-2019, 06:46 PM
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Try diagnosing ABS on these 85 era cars as they don't have a self diagnostic system according to past posts.
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#3
06-27-2019, 08:55 PM
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I owned a late model Saab (mentioned in another thread). The car was a meh car and I didn't particularly car for it though. But I did have a scan tool and damn that was mighty useful in diagnosing issues. Really, working on the 380SL is a really different mindset to the Saab. It was a similar transition between when I first started in IT to when I left it. Lots of cool, deep knowledge for how stuff worked, and then everything became plug,play, wipe, re-image for everything. Better, but losses the appreciation for understanding how the systems really work.
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-Typos courtesy of my mobile phone.
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#4
06-27-2019, 09:12 PM
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Tormented -- but hopeful
First of all, thanks all of you who replied. I appreciate the time you took. I can see that the 107 has its fans, and I'm in good company. That being said...
"Beast," I have to offer sincere appreciation for throwing some well-needed sand on my fire. You told me about some real problems I hadn't read about, and made me pause long enough to consider how much spare cash I can pour into my local mechanic's pockets. The truth is: not too much. So my worst-case scenario is that I drop it all having the sub-frame gusseted (or welded, then gusseted). First engine issue to come along and I'm left with a very beautiful and very large paperweight, at least for awhile. BTW, I have to give you props for your avatar picture too. "SL320" I appreciate the plug. I hadn't seriously considered the model but I happened to see one in town today, with soft-top. It looked awfully good and the longer I looked at it, the more I could see myself enjoying it as a functional car and not a weekend toy. Also appreciate that its fuel consumption is more forgiving. I'm in my 50s, and I will continue to look longingly when I see a 107 go by... but I'm also going to start looking for an SL320. Are there other preferred years (besides the touted '97), and are there particular problems I should watch out for when shopping? I'll keep an eye on the forum, of course, but it's more likely that I can afford one that hasn't been a forum member's baby. Thanks again, Adam Portland, Oregon
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#5
06-28-2019, 06:55 PM
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Mine is the AMG Sport, these got AMG monoblock wheels , Xenon headlights, front and rear bumpers + side skirts. It also has wood steering wheel and shift knob. Basically someone took the extra $ from a V8 car and applied half of that to the Sport package. The car is finished in 702 Smoke Silver ( gold tint ) with black interior. The Sport looks like the one in the first vid below except for color and wheels. From what I recall I was getting 20 MPG in mixed driving ( EPA says 18 city / 24 highway ) Have a look at these vids. ~~~ For The Love Of The R129 SL Mercedes-Benz - With Movie Clips - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsGymnfwzYU ~~~ Mercedes Benz SL600 V12 drive and review (R129) - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhX0Y2wQfqo ~~~ The " road test " guy whines about a lot of stuff like "fake plastic wood " that is actually hand finished veneer. 3:46 is an acceleration test, it makes nice sounds when leaned on. ( the car not the guy ) MERCEDES SL 320 1997 Review/Road Test/Test Drive - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYslcukNdSo [QUOTE=ToeDipper;3933950] I'm in my 50s, and I will continue to look longingly when I see a 107 go by... . . On a dark desert highway. . . Her mind is Tiffany-twisted, she got the Mercedes Benz. . . . ( cue red R107 ) Quote:
Keep in mind that any older car is going to need updating so allow for that. Adjusted for inflation, the $ 6,000 + 2,500 parts ( no labor as I do all of my own work ) would be what someone paid in sales tax when they bought it in 1997 for about $ 85,000 . . . Be sure to keep that in mind as these cars are an incredible value even with some repairs. For the most part, the 97 SL320 is the same as a 97 C280 or 97 E320 when it comes to servicing or buying parts like brakes / engine / trans. The only somewhat $ stuff is body / interior parts but there are lots of stuff on E bay for now. I change parts when they get to end of anticipated service life rather than waiting for a random breakdown. This " wait until it breaks " is what frustrates people that buy older cars " the car is always breaking down " says the spouse. . . As mentioned before I disabled the hydraulic top system due to potential leaks , had to pry into the console lid due to a failed automatic lock and unplugged the alarm / remote keyless entry because the alarm would not disarm. The sun visor mounts work loose then break the plastic trim. There really are not any huge issues with these cars other than you really need a good scan tool to test the various computers through out the car. On a 97 you must use the 38 pin underhood connector not the generic OBD2 port in the car. I have a Snap-On " Red Brick " scanner with the Mercedes cartridge and a Star clone.
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