107.041 86-89 300SL

[markg612]

Okay,

I've gotten to the point, I really need to know who else out there in the USA ONLY owns a R107 300SL either manual or automatic.

The running estimate is 45 automatics and 5 manuals.

Lets see what the thread brings!

Color, mileage and condition would be fun!

Thanks in advance,
G

[markg612]

White with red interior, black soft top, 9.5 out of 10! 96,394

[greg walsh]

Two weeks ago I got an 86 300SL European trim blue with grey interior. I was having second thoughts about it because I traded a nice 68 912 Porsche for it.After finding out how rare these are I don't feel so bad. It's an automatic with a S/E selector by the shifter. It needs some work but it's got a lot of new parts. I found out that the motor was rebuilt three years ago and it has a new radiator exhaust system,tires and fuel pump. It needs a windshield,seats,and soft top redone.Also a new paint job in the future.

[zakkkk]

I like the updated body on the 86+ 107's. How does that 300 engine compare with the 280 sl euro 110 engine?

[rowdie]

Originally Posted by zakkkk

I like the updated body on the 86+ 107's. How does that 300 engine compare with the 280 sl euro 110 engine?

99% of the body is the same in appearance. The only visible difference is the door handles.

[markg612]

Originally Posted by rowdie

99% of the body is the same in appearance. The only visible difference is the door handles.

Front air dam too

[markg612]

Originally Posted by zakkkk

I like the updated body on the 86+ 107's. How does that 300 engine compare with the 280 sl euro 110 engine?

M103.962. Same as US 300E

[halman2228]

But he's not a member here.

'86 Signal red over bamboo. Black soft top.

37K +/- miles

Kevin

[zakkkk]

On 1986+ 107's the front valance is more sculpted, it has the newer 15 alloy wheels, it has the 3rd brake light.
The suspension seems different- a touch higher in the rear.
Are these 86-89 300 SL's euro gray market imports or official US models?

[rowdie]

Originally Posted by markg612

Front air dam too

Yes but there are many earlier models running around with that added.

[rowdie]

Originally Posted by zakkkk

On 1986+ 107's the front valance is more sculpted, it has the newer 15 alloy wheels, it has the 3rd brake light.
The suspension seems different- a touch higher in the rear.
Are these 86-89 300 SL's euro gray market imports or official US models?

The 300SL is a grey market in the US. No third brake light OE. The wheels, third brake light and front valance/spoiler are all easy bolt on features that have been installed on many pre '86 models. Changing the doors is not as easy but I guess that could be done too..

There were many changes that are not visible on the post '85 models. Suspension, brakes, seats, fuel injection system..........etc.

[markg612]

Originally Posted by rowdie

Yes but there are many earlier models running around with that added.

Originally Posted by rowdie

The 300SL is a grey market in the US. No third brake light OE. The wheels, third brake light and front valance/spoiler are all easy bolt on features that have been installed on many pre '86 models. Changing the doors is not as easy but I guess that could be done too..

There were many changes that are not visible on the post '85 models. Suspension, brakes, seats, fuel injection system..........etc.

BUT!--107.041 and 107.048 were the only variants with standard issue front air damn, anything before 86 was owner added.

The 85 to 86 makeover was huge for the 107 model--the R129 was on the drawing boards and the 107's retirement was coming. The new W201,W126 and W124 all introduced between 82 and 85 quickly dated the systems, interior and appearance of the R107 13 years deep in production. MB matched up the look with the new cars to carry it forward until the 129 was ready. The old timers will clearly remember no vehicle ever went to production in those days until MB thought it was ready, and the 107 needed to bridge the gap and still look new until that happened with the 129.

[rowdie]

Originally Posted by markg612

BUT!--107.041 and 107.048 were the only variants with standard issue front air damn, anything before 86 was owner added.

Nope. There was a small front spoiler (1077900188) beginning around the 1980 model year.

[markg612]

Originally Posted by rowdie

Nope. There was a small front spoiler (1077900188) beginning around the 1980 model year.

I'm speaking specifically to the cow catcher, the early one needed several looks to notice, 107.041/.048 were huge by comparison.

[rowdie]

I knew what you meant to say. You also forgot the .042 and .046 models.