Tormented - do I want a 107?

[ToeDipper]

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

[97 SL320]

Originally Posted by ToeDipper

"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.

Don't blame a mechanic that is working on a complicated / old / needy car, it isn't their fault. Good work isn't cheap, a competent general shop is going to take longer to fix a car they normally don't service and a specialist shop is going to want to be compensated for their uncommon knowledge.

Originally Posted by ToeDipper

"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 leave the hard top on my SL at all times and only drive in summer months. The car looks better with hard top on or top down.

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 )

Originally Posted by ToeDipper

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

1996 would be the 2nd choice as this is the first year for the updated interior but lacks the electronic shift trans / full electronic throttle. 96 back to 93? has a somewhat fussy half mechanical, half electronic throttle. Be sure to stay away from 90 to 92 ish cars ( or some R107 ) as they have CIS injection that is big $$ to repair. Also, early to 94 ish cars had wiring insulation that would fall apart due to engine heat. Volvo and Jaguar had this problem too as early as 1982 ish.

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.