For you R107 lovers....(or just fans)

[BENZ-LGB]

The May edition of CLASSIC & SPORTS CAR, a British mag, has a nice write-up on the R107.

They like the R107's classic lines, its stout engine/mechanicals and the fact that it is a classic that can be driven on a daily basis.

They call it a bargain classic.

An interesting note, however. The author writes that the Pagoda SL's are "feminine" while the R107's are more masculine.

I never looked at it that way. I've always liked the Pagoda's lithe, shapely form. Maybe that makes it more feminine...

In any event, after this article the asking price for R107's is bound to go up.

[Jim B.]

I don't have ez access to the car magazines, that you do, but I have read a few articles that describe the 230/250/280 Pagode-roof SL as feminine....

They are a different ballgame than the R107, which to me look very tough and masculine....what a LOOOONG model run, 1972 to 1989, still quality built, best to avoid the 1975 and 76 US models because they had their catalytic converter plumbing under the hood (high temp/underhood fire risk) and US 380 models with the single row timing chain.

There were a few 1984 and 1985 R107 with the 500 engine and manual, imported, that is the best combo, most fun to drive, and euro 500 engine slightly more hp than the US 560

Most of them were second or third cars and likely well kept.. A few 280 SL sticks were brought over.

They gray market ones look real nice with euro lights and bumpers. But then again, the '72 and '73 US versions had skinny bumpers and look good too.

I used to read John Olsen's SL Market Letter to which access on line still exists.

Probably the best selections are available in Southern California, (best kept, rust free, largest selection) As always, again.....

They are a little cramped for big drivers compared to the larger sedans, but every bit as reliable as them.

I wouldn't expect much over 15 mpg, with the 560 engine, but then the fun factor is HUGE! The closest competitor-if there was one, at the time to the 560SL, was the Jag XJS and Porsche 928...

Signal Rot never looked better than on these....

[Bondavi]

Originally Posted by Jim B.

There were a few 1984 and 1985 R107 with the 500 engine and manual, imported, that is the best combo, most fun to drive

Are you serious....MB actually produced manual transmission 500SL's? I would have thought these were third party conversions....

Either way, these cars run like a raped ape....my car never ceases to amaze me with the sheer power across the rev range even with autobahn gearing and a slushbox that starts in 2nd gear which won't shift to 1st yet (sticking kickdown solenoid yet to be fixed).

Now about those euro 560 cams.....

[ljmauricio]

Not sure about that "raped ape" comment. My 500SL with no cats or center resonator can't come close to my wife's Lexus sedan from a standing start. (I hate that!!!) But I do believe they are the most fun of the 107's to drive.

[GSMITH]

Having owned both a 86 XJS and 560SL as daily drivers Here are my impressions.
Performance:
The rearend gearing on the XJS will let you get to 70mph in first gear
but the combination of 4200lbs and gearing the car has no umph until you get past 20mph. Although it does chirp the tires when it shifts to 2nd at 70 . The 560 gets off the line better in 2nd then the jag in 1st. It will also chirp the tires when it shifts from 1st to 2nd but at a much slower speed.

Cornering seemed better in the Jag but I never had the courage to get the 4200 lbs to break the tires loose in a corner. There was less roll in the Jag.

Everything in the Jag was based off the number 12.
quarts of oil, plugs, injectors, mpg

I loved the Jag but it lived up to the british rust impressions and had to get rid of it when I no longer felt safe in the car with rust holes in the floor and firewall. Traded it on a 85 500SEL and loved that car. Wish I still had it.

On line support:
Both cars have great support online. There was one Jag guy that had a 200+ Word doc with great how to's and work arounds to expensive parts. example TPS jag $120.00 same a $5.00 ford. Had to mod the ford part slightly to hook it up. But I did this and it did work.

Maintenance:
Both cars are about the same cost for parts if you shop around.
The only real difference was the 12 quart vs 8 quart oil change.

Daily Fun:
I prefer the 560SL over the XJS. If I had a XJS convertible it would be hard to choose.

Anyone out there to do a compare of the 928 to the SL???

[ericdee]

Hey thanks I picked up a copy this weekend, good reading. Did you notice the car they use was in the classifieds?