1980 240 Sl? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

96E300D · #1 12-08-2005, 12:34 AM

Hi,

Anybody hear of or know if Mercedes had a 1980 240 SL?

Thanks,

Matt

jjrodger · #2 12-08-2005, 08:47 AM

I have never heard of this. However, it would not surprise me if MB installed the 2.3litre 4cyl petrol engine at around this time for export to some European countries like Italy and France. More recently I have seen a ML230 on French plates. That must be a very slow car.

96E300D · #3 12-08-2005, 12:26 PM

J.J., Nice cars!
Now that you mention it, it is billed as a "european version". There has been an engine swap at some point so I'll at least check it out to see what the condition is.
Matt

jjrodger · #4 12-08-2005, 12:32 PM

Ah ha, there was a 420SL in Europe between 1985 and 1989. This model has a 4.2litre V8 and was produced in the smallest numbers of all 107 SLs (about 2,400 worldwide). It is reputedly a very sweet motor, albeit the performance stands closer to the M103 6-cyl 300SL than it does to the 500SL. I think the w126 was available stateside as a 420SE and SEL?

European versions of these cars were generally much more powerful than the US versions which were equipped with all kinds of emissions gubbins. They also do not have those enormous bumpers that you have to put up with. Also, post-85 cars have better suspension, brakes and HVAC controls as well as a deeper front spoiler and 15" flat face alloy wheels.

ctaylor738 · #5 12-08-2005, 09:27 PM

One of the 113 guys in the DC area, Walter Klatt, has built a 220SL

http://www.sl113.org/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3134

96E300D · #6 12-09-2005, 01:58 AM

Just looked at the car... it's a 09/80 280SL, euro version, although since the original engine has been replaced, I guess the main differences would be the bumpers and headlights. It has 242K and runs very poorly(hardly at all). No acceleration and whiplash when put into gear, reverse especially. The paint is in poor shape but only one minor rust spot under the moulding on the drivers door. The rest of the body is in pretty decent shape, no major dents and only a few small ones. In terms of the engine compartment, after the engine swap, the A/C was not put back on and it's a generally filthy area. It does have the hard top as well as the soft top(didn't check it out). Where would be the best place to find a value on this vehicle?
Thanks,
Matt

ctaylor738 · #7 12-09-2005, 11:48 AM

The guys on the sl113 board in my previous post will be all over it if you ask them.

96E300D · #8 12-09-2005, 01:46 PM

Thanks for the referal. I did post there and they pointed me to a 107 forum.
Thanks again,
Matt

ctaylor738 · #9 12-09-2005, 02:03 PM

I'm sorry, I thought it was a 113 280SL.

A word of caution. There many nice 107's around, and the 280 is the entry level model. Many buyers don't like the grey-market aspect. But the parts cost just about as much as the US cars.

From your description, you are close to the bottom of the market. If you can get it running well and driveable and presentable, it might be worth $4500. Maybe $2500 the way it is.

Walrus · #10 12-09-2005, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 96E300D

Thanks for the referal. I did post there and they pointed me to a 107 forum.
Thanks again,
Matt

Desirable little car. The DOHC 6 cyl is reportably a strong powerplant. Sporty drive, especially if equipped with manual gearbox. The 280, nor the 300SL were not designated for export to the US... Those that have made it here were privately imported, ergo the grey-market status. I agree with the price range stated here. IF you have not already, navigate to oursl.com and look at cars for sale. This might give you an idea on price... Now, if it were a 113...

96E300D · #11 12-09-2005, 06:57 PM

Thanks Guys,

Yeah, the owner is asking $2500 and said to make an offer. I just talked to the mechanic and the tranny has 5000 on a rebuild and the engine was put in with 60,000. I just need to verify smogability.
Matt

SatRoc · #12 12-10-2005, 09:14 PM

Sorry Matt, I think that I beat you to the car! To meet CARB standards we're going to have to install all the smog stuff etc. I was able to pick up the car for $1,200.00, which I think is a great price. I'm new to this site and I'm looking forward to the great help available here.

Roc

96E300D · #13 12-11-2005, 12:07 AM

I guess I better be more careful next time on how much information I devulge on this forum

It'll be interesting to see what you end up with in terms of time and labor. Although as one person put it, the most expensive Mercedes is a cheap one. Good luck.
Matt

SatRoc · #14 12-11-2005, 01:45 AM

Sorry Matt, if you think I found out about this car from this forum. I too get the Penny Saver, and that's how I found out about the car. Please also note that I joined this forum today, after buying the car. It was through doing a 280SL search that I located your post. And yes, I'm looking forward to putting many hours under the hood to make this car right.