How fast have you driven in your SL ?

[den500sl]

97 sl500 triple black sport edition 1 w/ 24k miles on odometer
trotting at 85mph. Have to replace front tires - Dunlops' 245/40ZR18 before attempting more high speed runs.

[jr811]

1979 450SL 125 MPH and still going - On Interstate I cruise between 80 & 90 MPH

[David Langsam]

Mushedroom...

Well, I was having the valve stem seals replaced and asked them to check the timing chain at the same time. Turns out one of the guide rails was cracked and there was a lot of wear on the others. So I didn't have any indication that something was wrong beforehand. But I'm told that it should be done regardless between 100 and 150k miles.

The labor for both the valve stem seals and the timing chain was 10 hours, so maybe 5 hours for each? And the parts were about $225.

Hope that helps,

David

[maheath]

As far as the timing chain goes, it may not take as long on other models. I was charged for 8 hours for the timing chain, rails, and tensioner. I was charged 9 hours for the valve stem seals. If I'd had them done at the same time, it would have saved a lot of time. Unfortunately, they were done a month apart.

The timing chain job cost me in the $700 range, but my chain was new, so I didn't have to pay for that. You should change it every 100,000 miles.

[kip Foss]

In 1983 I I lved in Dubai and had a 1976 280slc. Aside from the odd camel (and they are odd) and donkey one can drive between cities about as fast as you have the cajones to. I took the 280 to about 225km/hr (about 140m/h) As mentioned, it seemed that the faster I went the stiffer the steering got and the more the car 'hunkered down'.

[G-Benz]

Originally posted by mushedroom
very true,
that's aerodynamic physics proving itself....

the funniest thing about rear wings, etc....they truly do not become useful till you're past 80+ miles per hour....

So true...that's why NASCAR racers have those subtle aluminum wings for downforce and not those over-the-top "ricer" spoilers you see on the street that actually reduce the performance of those cars!!!

[4NDELIT]

all I've done is 135 out on highway 8 in teh desert east of san diego. It wouldn't go faster... not for me

[tjohn]

all I've done is 135 out on highway 8 in teh desert east of san diego. It wouldn't go faster... not for me

I think 135ish is about the limit for our cars. Most of the faster speeds seem to be posted by R129 guys, or 560s. Personally, I haven't taken mine over 100-105. Engine had more, but I didn't trust my suspension 'cause I haven't replaced all the rubber yet...

[4NDELIT]

yeah... nobody was around, the highway is straight, and I just had new tires and shocks on. I felt confident (and stupid) if you live in socal, highway 8 is a good place for top speed runs 'cause it gets hot (less drag) and nobody drives around there. You just have to watch for illegal immigrants running across teh highway (I actually saw one!!! lol)

[4NDELIT]

need to edit my profile... I'm in san diego

[Eddie Gilmartin]

Once, just once. I took her all the way to the speed limiter, to find that she wanted to keep going. Dealer has since confirmed that a previous owner kindly had it removed, along with fitting a go-faster exhaust. I've added a K&N air-filter. So thats it, an indicated 155mph. Did 150 in my previous W140 500SEL, and I've had the current W126 up to that too. (Highway outside my door, all dawn runs with radar). Best run in another make was 137 in an '89 Alfa-Romeo 164 3.0 V6. The experience of 135+ is something like bigscreen Playstation.

[Deltacom]

Silverstone racing circuit August 10th 2002
Engine temp 90ºC,weather conditions dry, slight breeze 1 lap at 80mph, after last bend before the straight, 100mph, 110mph, 120mph. 130mph, 140mph 150mph
And then!!!!!!!!!



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TIME TRAVEL!!!!!

[Leewolf]

I had a 79 450SL in Arizona, I took it to apprx 125 and it ran very well with a good solid ride. I drove it at around 100 several times and was very happy with its performance. I now have a 79 450SLC, there is a considerable positive difference in the handling of the SLC over the SL. I live in the Missouri Ozarks, an area made for the roadster. The general feel and stability of this car on these curvy up and down roads is exceptional. This car I have had to 135 once. There was none of the floating feeling that I experienced with my 5Liter Mustang or a Porch that I had driven several times on the german autobahn. At 100 the SLC is great.

I had my 87' 420SEL up to 120mph on the interstate! Loved it! I wish I could have pushed it a bit more

I've taken our 1989 560SL up to 115 for short bursts, but feel very comfortable at 85, when traffic is going that fast of course. Mainly I ljust like to heard the engine rumble, so I'm usually in the right lane doing 70, (with noone ahead of me, go figure!).