SL's vs W123's newbee ???

[Austin85]

I always considered getting an SL or an SLC and now have an 85 300DT for last year.
These are pretty basic to maintain and DIY alot of things.
How will repairs and maintenence compare on an older SL or SLC late 70's to early 80's models...?

Thanks, AA

[PagodaLover]

Buy the best car you can up front, no matter which chassis, will help with you maintenance costs down the road.

In my opinion, the cheapest SL to maintain is the 190SL.

Pre-1972 cars will always increase in value and offset the operating costs. An important thing to consider. See J.Olson's SL market prospectus.

[page62]

Great cars. Easy to work on...at least compared to my '79 Corvette.

Check the threads with regards to timing chain issues with 81-83 380SL's. It's not a deal breaker, but can be an important negotiating point. The worst feature on the late-70's 450SL's is the climate control servo -- they cost about $450 rebuilt, and they're known to fail every few years.

Aside from that, buy one...you'll enjoy it!

[nmucci]

My 73 450SL (R107) is hands down cheaper to fix than my 84 300SD (W126). Spark plugs are cheaper than glow plugs, and gas injectors are cheaper than diesel injectors, etc. Of course, the SD gets almost twice the mileage of the SL. Unless I have to haul large objects or lots of people, I will drive the SL. And in the wintertime, the SL will start no matter what. The same cannot be said of the SD.