Newbie looking at 280SL needs help! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

wags_atm · #1 09-26-2009, 09:36 AM

I have a '83 280SL that my car broker found for me. One owner with 84K original miles and all service records. Its beautiful. I have it for the weekend. My concern after driving it home yesterday is that it does not seem to have any low end torque. Once it gets going, it seems to be fine. Because of this I would be very hesitant to pull out into traffic unless I had a mile of runway. Is this a simple fix, something bigger or just part of owning a 280SL. I have seen YouTube video of ones being driven and they seemed to have decent pickup, nothing special, but decent. Any help/advice would be appreciated. Like I said I have until Monday to back out if need be...

tecqboy · #2 09-26-2009, 11:06 AM

I have a 1990 300SL with the 5 speed automatic. Similar engine and about the same vehicle weight. It's no rocket, especially if the AC is on. This engine doesn't produce much torque until about 3000 rpm's, then it pullls hard. I find the acceleration to be merely adaquate, but on the highway, theres plenty of passing power, especially with a downshift. You can get somewhat better acceleration if you hold back the shifts by manually upshifting the transmission. The engine revs easily and smoothly to redline. On the good side, it gets about 26 -27 mpg on the highway. My general driving average is low 20's. If you feel you need more power, you'll have to get the V8 and settle for poor mpgs.

Bill Adkins · #3 09-26-2009, 11:29 AM

You have to keep in mind that chassis was designed with a V-8 in mind, at least here in the states it was. It's a big car so performance isn't going to be the primary concern with that power train.
Bill

wags_atm · #4 09-26-2009, 02:19 PM

Thanks for the advice. I did take it out this morning and noticed a significant difference with the AC off (to bad I live in Houston where it will be on 360 days a year). It did behave exactly as you said it would. I guess I am so used to driving newer vehicles I forget that a 26 year old car does not perform the same.

Should I be hesitant to purchase this as an everyday car given the lack of low end power?

tecqboy · #5 09-26-2009, 03:41 PM

You need to test drive a 450 or 560, if you like that R107 body style, before you make a decesion. The six cyclinder is fine for cruising at high speed with good economy, like most European driving, but the way we need to drive in the U.S. is often quite different. Yes, my minivan is faster from 0 to 40mph, but the 300SL is much better at accellerating from 40 mph and up. Even at 80mph, the 300SL has lots left, while the minivan has nothing more to give. These SL's were made for the autoban, not running for groceries.

WINTS · #6 09-27-2009, 07:25 PM

Like Tecqboy says, the 280 is really for autobahn crusing, not rapid acceleration. I have an 81 with a 4 speed shift, and that makes for more interesting driving, but most modern cars with smaller engines will be away quicker from the lights.

Fuel economy is good though, and the M110 is a great engine.

Wodnek · #7 09-27-2009, 08:14 PM

Just like a diesel, you get used to it, and your driving habits adapt over time. You can manually downshift to L or S, to hold a lower gear longer when you need more pickup.

rowdie · #8 09-27-2009, 08:20 PM

There must be something wrong with it. While it is no rocket off the line it is not the dog you portray. And the M110 is a very durable engine. I really don't know why everyone is putting it down like this.

Has the one you are driving been "Federalized" meaning smog pump, cats and such. That might explain quite a bit. It would suck the life out of it. If you live in an area that has to pass emission testing then forget it. If not then all that crap can be taken off.

Reread your post. Houston, you are SOL on emissions. Pass on the car and go for a 560SL.

280EZRider · #9 09-27-2009, 10:27 PM

What kind of AC compressor do you have? That would make a big difference, especially if you have the AC on constantly.

Does it have an automatic tranny or 4 speed? Keep in mind that many folks running around in W123s and W107s think they have only 3 gears in their automatics when they, in fact, have 4. These trannys start out in 2nd gear when the selector is in D. In L, it starts out in 1st, but you must manually upshift past 2nd. Many times upshifting from 1st to 2nd is avisable as well.

rowdie · #10 09-27-2009, 11:39 PM

I think some one told him the same thing on another forum.

When did MB switch to the 4 speed auto and do all of them start in second?

wags_atm · #11 09-28-2009, 01:10 PM

Thanks for all the suggestions. I think for what I am needing (an everyday driver that at times I may need to stick my wife in) this is not the right model. I still love the 107 and will try to locate a 560 down the road. This one was just so pristine and with a good history I was thinking of taking the chance, but not at this time.

jplinville · #12 09-28-2009, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wags_atm

Thanks for all the suggestions. I think for what I am needing (an everyday driver that at times I may need to stick my wife in) this is not the right model. I still love the 107 and will try to locate a 560 down the road. This one was just so pristine and with a good history I was thinking of taking the chance, but not at this time.

Perhaps you could post information, such as a picture and the price, as well as the borker's name for anyone on here that might be interested in it.

bradsscooters · #13 09-29-2009, 11:03 AM

Hi,

My 77 450 acted the same way and I just figured that this is the way it runs so I didn't think there was anything that I could do. Well I was changing the fuel pump on it and noticed that there was a vacuum line that ran left to right just above the rear axles. It was braided line and was falling apart. It was broke in several places. I replaced the braided line with rubber tubing and now this car runs like a raped ape! Shifts great and down shifts even better! This might be your problem, but not sure. Let me know and good luck!

London380sl · #14 09-29-2009, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rowdie

I think some one told him the same thing on another forum.

When did MB switch to the 4 speed auto and do all of them start in second?

.
The 4 speed auto came to the SL's in 1981 with the introduction of the 380SL and it started in first gear. The sedans, with the same engine and gearbox, started in second as part of Mercedes attempt to improve fuel economy. I'm not sure about the 280sl but the 500sl also started in second gear in Europe.
.
In 1986 all Mercedes in North America with v-8's started in second gear.