1985 280sl

[Mino Erhan]

I just came across (in my neighbourhood) a used '85 280SL (107)with 125K on it. This car is almost exactly what I always wanted. Euro bumpers, darkblue (tief blau) with Hardtop and parchment int. It looks very clean clean, no rust, only upgrade is the radio. Second owner. New soft top (non OE). He wants 10K for it. I like it because of the engine and its a automatic. Woodtrim is clean, no cracks anywhere.
What to look for in those cars? Leaks? Engine? Transmission? Potential Price? Wiring? Is that a 110 Engine with K-Jetronic? Are parts available for the engine in the US?

Please give my some advise, as all of you always do.

[a2aa]

those are rare cars. The m110 engine is a very popular engine and should have lots of parts available. I'm redoing my M110 engine for a 123 coupe and all the parts are available. I beleive that the dual overhead cam config will be sufficient enough for the 107 body. hope the haggling won't be long. Good luck

[Mark Herzig]

you might not like the performance. The chassis is very heavy and the engine does not have the oomph of the 450 or even 380SL. Plus being grey market, the resell will suffer.

Not to discourage but simply something to think about.

[a2aa]

mark has a point. Now the final factor in this decision is what are you buying the car for??? Uniqueness?? Dragracing? or Buy it then sell it?? If your buying it for brute power.. obviously you already know that it's a 6 cylinder and won't give the hp that you would get from an 8. If you want the car because you've been looking for this specific model, then it's the right one for you.
I would rather pay less than 10 though. 8.5-9.5 would be appropriate-- for me. I got my 1986 560 SL with 106k miles for 12k. So as Mark has commented earlier, grey might bring it down some. Regards to you two Texans.

a2-SanMarcos, Texas:p

[John R. Boyce]

I've never driven the 280SL with automatic, but our car with the 5 speed is pretty quick, likely as quick or quicker than any 450 or 380 with automatic.

The M110 twin cam six is real smooth and a joy to drive. MB imported the same engine in the late 70's and early 80's in sedans (never in the SL, though), and I haven't had any problem finding parts for it.

Price is relative. We paid $14K for ours over three years ago. It was a very clean original one owner car with low (70,000) miles. That may have been too much to pay, but I figured we got a quality Mercedes sports car for the price of a new Neon or similar. I have never regretted buying it, and we certainly enjoy driving it.

My recommendation would be to have the car looked over by a qualified mechanic and if it passes inspection make a reasonable offer, complete the deal, and enjoy a fine ride!

John