SL maintenance history

I am shopping for my first MB and there are many models of the SL available from early '70s to late '80s for similar prices (depending on condition and milage). Are there any model years with particularly good or poor records? Are there paritcular maintenance issues to check when looking at a car? (Ex. I've heard that MB had lots of A/C issues in this time period.)

Sorry, I forgot to ask what a dealer could do to check the quality of a used vehicle. For example, I saw a post where it was suggested to test engine fluids for cross contamination (coolant in oil) to help find the source of a problem. Could I get some suggestions on things like this?

Thanks!

The car you are talking about is the 107. It was built in the U.S. roughly from 1973 to 1989. The 1986-1989 560sl was the best of the 107's hands down. The only problem is that the cars MUST have been well maintained to be in good shape. This would include all records of service and coolant and brake fluid changes! Be sure to have it looked over by a tech who knows these cars well. Good luck!!

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
LEAD TECHNICIAN FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

Benzmac,

Thanks, I'll limit my search to the 560sl model. When getting a used car "checked out", is there anything particular to look at on this model besides the typical stuff (fluid leaks, brake wear, etc.)? What kinds of mechanical or electrical problems may not be revealed by the typical test drive?

Thanks,
rmastell

The 560's were pretty good. Just have it checked. And I would never buy one that had been wrecked.

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
LEAD TECHNICIAN FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

It would be a good idea to have the technician checking the SL to pay close attention to oil leaks in the head gaskets and the transmission front pump area. We have seen these leaks very frequently lately and it can be rather costly to repair. Good Luck! Find A Nice One!

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Mercedes Star Technician,
Mercedes Master Guild Technician, ASE Master Tech. 18 years exp.

Benzmac & IFIXMB,

Thanks for the insight. If I find a good one this summer, I'll let you all know it right here. By the way, this is an awesome web site!

You may want to check out the web site at http://fly.hiwaay.net/~gbf/107sl.html as this is a pretty good reference to the 107 SL cars with info on the changes year to year as well as a Road and Track story on them. I have an 84 380SL that's a blast. Less power than the 560 but essentially the same car. It does depend on the cars condition and your pocketbook on which SL to purchase. Good Luck!