Which car should I get?

[mbtjc]

I have a W126 sedan, and I think my next car should be a 2 seat roadster. Then I would have the cushy 4 door, and a sporty convertible! Perfect! However...I'm not sure exactly what car to get. I would love a W107, but to my knowledge none had manuals right? I don't just want a nice car I can cruise the boulevard with, I do want a sports car or at least a "sporty" car that I can hit some corners with. This car has to be a manual. So this makes me think that MBs are more or less out of the question for me right?? I know I will get banished from this forum for even bringing this up...but I have considered an early (96-97) four cylinder Z3. Yes, no? I really don't know what other options I have. I am open to all comments and suggestions.

[jjrodger]

The 107 was available with a manual. Thoroughbred and Classic Cars did a feature on an early 350SL with a 4 speed manual, reckoned it was pretty good as a driver's option if I remember right.

I think the later six-cylinder 280SL and 300SL were also optionally available with a manual transmission. The R129 300SL and SL280 were both available with manuals, too. You can probably get one of these for a song because nobody wants a manual SL.

Personally, I wouldn't get the Z3. It looks the part but the chassis is ancient history. It is not very rigid, either (the Z4 is 285% stiffer!!). Can you get a TVR in the US? That would put hairs on your chest! Otherwise the MX5/Miata is a true sports car in my view. I've only driven a stock Mk 2, but it was among the best drivers I've ever encountered.

[akry]

Definitely steer away from Z3 4-cylinder models.... They are underpower, auto or manual...... Unless you can live with Z3 exterior/interior and the performance of a Neon Sport.....

Why not consider a SLK?? Those are dropping in price fast as next gen is just around the corner.... SLK320 is very smooth, and a SLK230 should be very close in price of a Z3.....

[cbdo]

The 107 was available in the rest of the world with the 2.8 liter inline six (I think it's the M110 engine), as the 280SL *after* 1971 of course. They show up now and again on collectorcartrader.com and elsewhere, usually with a stick (sometimes a 5-speed). They have a rep as a lighter and much sportier version of the car, and still make plenty of power; definitely worth looking for to meet your qualifications!

[mbtjc]

Thanks guys for your comments.

Miata: Possibilty, but I would prefer a more classy car (european).

SLK: Also a possibility and I know they finally put manuals in them, but I am skeptical about the long term reliability of the retractable hardtop. I'd hate to get a repair bill for one of those!! Also, don't SLKs have somewhat of a "chick" stigma attached to them?

jjrodger: Most of the cars you listed were european cars only. I think manual 107s were strictly euro. They did import some 5 speed 129s...but I bet it would be next to impossible to find one. Also, a 129 isn't exactly what is considered a nimble car...right?

I did find a 280SL on ebay. It's a 77, obviously european with the nice bumpers....don't care for the US bumpers much. It is definitely a stripper model...no wood, manual... But I think I would like it that way better. The only thing...it has a bad motor...no compression on one cylinder he says. So the reserve is at $2800. What do you think about that price? The body and interior look almost perfect though from the pictures. I just don't know how easy it would be to fix this motor. Was that 2.8 put in any other US model? If it wasn't, finding parts would be a nightmare. On top of that, I don't know if I can go to FL to get a car!! And I would probably have to add at least another $500 for a Uhaul or something.

I guess the Z3 is still an option. I guess the chassis on a 96 or 97 Z3 couldn't be any more ancient than the one on a 107 that dates back to the early 70s.

Well thanks guys for your thoughts. If you have any more...keep 'em comin!!

[cbdo]

Here's a link to collectorcartrader; a couple look interesting.
http://www.collectorcartraderonline.com/adsearchprocess.html
(I tried to quote the search results--no luck; search box is all I can give you. Go for 280SL, 1974-1985.)

Here's also a link to one that was up for months, and I see is now sold; at least the photos are quite complete.
http://www.vipclassics.com/stk1786330.phtml

The engine in the 280SL was the M110 twincam inline six, which put out 185 hp and was good for 0-60 in 9.2; it was the same engine used in the 280 sedans (114, 123, and even a few 116's) through the 70's and early 80's, all found in US as well as international versions. The 280SL was the second most common gray market 107 imported to the US after the 500SL. It was produced from 1974 to mid-1985.
The Euro 107 will have the small bumpers, usually a stick with 4 or 5 speeds, often but not always AC (which is usually the non-automatic dual-temp version--less temperamental), and may have any of several interiors other than the US-spec leather.

Hope this helps--
Craig

[spinedoc]

Man, unless you are really really glued to a manual tranny I would tell you to go for the SL500, there is no way to describe how INCREDIBLE these cars are. My 96 does have gears 5 to 1 on the shifter, so the only thing missing is a clutch. Sure its not the same thing, but they are such awesome cars.

Barring that I would look into the new SLK's. The older ones were dogs, but from what I read the newer ones are pretty sick as small roadsters go. The Z3's are total chick cars. The newer SLK might be mistaken as a chick car until you blow someones doors off!!

Bottom line, dont count the SL500 out just because its automatic.

[mbtjc]

Although I still would prefer a manual, I think I could settle for an auto....it is true, there is nothing quite like the silver star. Even a blue and white propeller. I'm kinda so-so on the US 107s...personally I can't stand those bumpers and headlights. Headlights are easily changed I know, but the bumpers a different story. If I could retrofit euro bumpers on it, I would consider it. I was looking at an 86 300SL on german ebay....looks absolutely awesome. With that deep air dam, the euro lights and bumpers.....nothing short of "wow". The US ones look goofy in comparison IMHO. Almost like they are two totally different cars. I would only get a US 560 if I know I could make it look like that. Just out of curiosity, does anyone know if it is possible to put a 300HP euro 560 in one from the 126s?

Spinedoc: If I decide on an auto, I'd die for a 129. The styling is absolutely timeless. However, I think the cost of those are kinda steep. I'd want a 96-up since the body is all one color and other improvements I'm sure. Didn't they put a new engine management on them in 96? Then if I was going for a 96-up, I'd want a 97 since that is the only year with the 5-speed auto/DOHC M119 engine combo(I am right on that correct??) Then after looking that year up on Autotrader....all in the 40k range! A little much!!

So I think as far as MBs go, a 107 is my ticket....but only if I could make it look like a euro...

[spinedoc]

Depends on how much money you have to spend and if you are patient waiting for the right deal. The deals are out there, it's a soft market and high end used cars are paying quite the penalty in resale value. But you are comparing earlier SL's to the late 90's SL. For the money, you wont go wrong with a 1992 500SL, you can probably find one for 17k give or take if you look around. They are like tanks and as long as the engine, tranny, drive train, rear end,convertable mechanism and engine wiring harness check out I would not be afraid of one. I have a 1991 500SL and the only difference betw that and my 96 is the 96 is much smoother (50k vs. 120k) and the 91 starts in 2nd gear (used to, Bergwerks shift kit installed). Most of the early 90's were not two toned though, so very easy to find a solid color one. Also the SL went thru many engine changes, I think 90-95 are one engine, 96-98, then 99-01, help me out JJ.

If you did consider a SLK I would assume you would only consider the good engines, the later models, which would put you in the price range of an older SL.

Personally the 80's SL is not my cup of tea, but they are still beautiful cars. I think with the 129 came a new world tech style that was only beat by the 230. Go hit up that rich distant aunt and step up to a SL500, I KNOW you wont be dissapointed.

[spinedoc]

BTW I say 92 and up SL because 92 is when they first had the diagnostic connectors, makes life and the repair bill much easier.

[Eddie Gilmartin]

I'm running a '91 W126 500SEL and a '90 R129 500SL. Fantastic combination. The early Euro spec 500SL has 326bhp. With that upfront I would argue that the tranny is irrelevant. I would also argue that the MB auto boxes are so good that you could not do it better yourself. I am the second owner of the SL. A main dealer recently confirmed that it has been de-limited and fitted with a handmade German freeflow exhaust. I fitted a K&N airfilter. The dealer reckoned it is good for 170mph++. Steering wheel in one hand, cigar in the other....

[jjrodger]

Originally posted by spinedoc
Also the SL went thru many engine changes, I think 90-95 are one engine, 96-98, then 99-01, help me out JJ.

I see I'm getting a reputation as the R129 saddo! The 500SL/SL500 had fundamentally the same engine from 1989 to June 1998. This is the 4-valve per cylinder V-8. It is bullet proof. Mercedes has never had to replace one of these engines under warranty (and it must have made more than a million of them). It was used in the W124 (400E, 500E, E420, E500), the W210 (E420, E50 AMG), the W140 (400SE, 500SE, 500SEC, S420, S500, CL500), the R129 (500SL, SL500, SL60 AMG), and the G500. There were three minor changes to the engine during its life, but they were trivial (they were changes to the fuel injection, there has been a post on this recently).

After June 1998 Mercedes fitted the SL500 with the 3-valve V-8 that is still in use. Again, this engine is considered a work of technical genius. Again, Mercedes must have turned out an awful lot of them. It was used in the W202 (C43 AMG, C55 AMG), the W210 (E430, E55), the W208 (CLK430, CLK55 AMG), the W215 (CL500, CL55 AMG), the W220 (S430, S500, S55 AMG), the G-Wagen (G500, G55 AMG); it is still used in the W211 E500, the W209 CLK500, and the SL500. It is a peach.

You can tell a post-June '98 car because it has SLK-style door mirrors.

You cannot change gear as well as any Mercedes-Benz automatic transmission from 1989 on, especially the later 5-speeders. The gate on an R129 enables you to change manually, and this is very satisfactory.

The R129 handles much better than the R107 or the Z3. Back when it was a current model, it received the same rave reviews as the R230: it was the consumate sports car, luxury car and GT all in one. The 500 is bloody fast, faster than a pre-996 911, faster than any Z3, faster than just about anything other than a top line 2003 ultra-sports model (eg new M3, 996, that sort of stuff).

For me it was a toss up between a 996 Carrera 4 Tip (at 40k pounds) or my SL500 (at 27k pounds). I took the 996 for a four day test drive (it was my father's) so I know what it was like. I have never regretted buying the SL!

[jfsehl]

I had the good fortune of buying a 1980 350SL (Euro) with a four speed manual tranny this past February. The car is an absolute delight. Great fun to shift through the gears. What I like is that it is a V-8 instead of an in-line six (as in 280SL). If you want a manual shift SL but don't have the dollars for the 129 body (1990 to 2001), be patient, study eBay all the time, and a 350SL with manual shift will appear. Take from me...its well worth the wait. You can see a picture of my car ("Brownie") here on this forum. Simply find the lead name "Meet Brownie".

[jjrodger]

Jim: I do like that brown 350. I think brown is a great colour for Mercs because it is classy not flashy; being deeply unfashionable it is a true aristocratic car colour. One of the most handsome cars I've seen was a W140 600SEC in brown (impala?) over mushroom leather, I saw it when they had just come out and I thought it was the business.

[SteveStromberg]

I had a 90 Miata it was ok, this might be a little more fun. Steve