1985 280sl

[Mino Erhan]

I just came across (in my neighbourhood) a used '85 280SL (107)with 125K on it. This car is almost exactly what I always wanted. Euro bumpers, darkblue (tief blau) with Hardtop and parchment int. It looks very clean clean, no rust, only upgrade is the radio. Second owner. New soft top (non OE). He wants 10K for it. I like it because of the engine and its a automatic. Woodtrim is clean, no cracks anywhere.
What to look for in those cars? Leaks? Engine? Transmission? Potential Price? Wiring? Is that a 110 Engine with K-Jetronic? Are parts available for the engine in the US?

Please give my some advise, as all of you always do.

[mbz1]

Stay as far away from that car as you can!!!!!! Those cars are CRAP!!! Look for a gray market 500SL!!!!!!! 84 or 85






Rob...

[stevebfl]

I find no specific problem with the 280SL other than it being a "Grey Market" automobile. As such the price is totally out of line.

[tjohn]

I guess it depends on what you want. You probably all ready know that these were not sold in the United States, so they're all grey market cars. They do have the six-cylinder engine, which is reasonably peppy as long as the car has a manual transmission. Most 107s are not low end torque speed demons anyway, although the previous poster is correct - a 500SL (another grey market car) will get you the best stock 107 performance around.

[John R. Boyce]

As a happy owner of a similar car, I must respectfully disagree with one of the respondents. Our 280SL is a five speed, so I can't comment on an automatic version (probably much less pep). The euro bumpers, heated cloth/MB tex seats, and dual zone heat (no a/c) suit us just fine. Parts for the 110 twin cam six haven't been hard to find on the aftermarket, because that engine was sold in the US in sedans, just not in the SL. This is a real sweet engine. Most body and chassis parts are common to other 107 body cars. If it's what you want, if it runs well, and if it passes a pre-purchase inspection, why not go for it?

John R. Boyce

[old blue]

I just spent two weeks in Maui driving a 78 280sl that was a whole lot of fun. True, the car (automatic) is not the quickest off the line......... but the straight-six is a lot of fun pulling you around winding roads with the top down. I also appreciate the simple functionality of the car, without a lot of extras.

I agree too, that $10k seems very high, almost double what the car is probably worth. Parts are generally available, but typically have to order them. Bigger problem is finding a good mechanic who knows these cars and can diagnose well.

Steering and suspension should be tight, and responsive to road feel. If there is any play/sluggishness then you are missing the best part of the car (IMHO) and could spend some bucks getting it back to spec.

Best of Luck,

Michael

[rdgarzon]

I have a euro version 1984 MB 280SL R107 M110 5spd stick and it is fun to drive. The fifth gear is like an over drive, you can do 80 for hours and easy on the gas as well. Email rdgarzon@live for pics

[t walgamuth]

I think that would be a very nice car too. To be worth 10k it probably will have to be about showroom new condition though. Parts should not be a problem.

Tom W

[deanyel]

It is a 6+ year old thread.

[t walgamuth]

Ha!