280slc 1974 m110 w107 Euro - worth buying/tips?

[body_infinity]

Hi again, while driving around testing my steering (see other post) saw a great w107 on side of the road with a small 4 sale sign, was surprised to see it was a 280slc (not very common here as most like in the US are the v8 450slc) anyway just wanted to know if anyone has one of these and how they perform against the 450slc (1974 w107)....any info would be great :-)

Thanks.

BI

[mbdoc]

With a 4 speed manual the M110 engine is OK. With the auto trans that is underpowered.

Still a "fun" car that is RARE anywhere. Price/condition $$$ would be the biggest concern.

[JimFreeh]

Originally Posted by M.B.DOC

With a 4 speed manual the M110 engine is OK. With the auto trans that is underpowered.

Still a "fun" car that is RARE anywhere. Price/condition $$$ would be the biggest concern.

Euro M110 has 185hp. Not really underpowered....

My 84 280SL with an automatic is a much nicer car to drive than the US 450/380 cars.

Essentially the same power, 4 speed auto vs 3 speed in 450, noticably lighter in the front which yields nicer handling. Feels as quick as either the 450 or 380 US engine.

MUCH easier to work on, you can see the side of the engine!

I prefer mine to the V-8 version. Small bumpers, euro headlights, Ronal R-9s, Nardi wood wheel, and a zero rust AZ body keep it sharp in my eyes.

Watch out for rust, though. These cars can get some serious rust out.

Jim

[mbdoc]

Yes, JIM the later euro motors had 185+ HP..I raced a 1981 280E for 3 years. BUT the earlier versions didn't do that well.

I've had 5 euro 280's (M110's) & I can tell you there is a BIG difference between the early & later engines!

[JimFreeh]

Originally Posted by M.B.DOC

Yes, JIM the later euro motors had 185+ HP..I raced a 1981 280E for 3 years. BUT the earlier versions didn't do that well.

I've had 5 euro 280's (M110's) & I can tell you there is a BIG difference between the early & later engines!

Ah,

I've only had an 81 280E euro and my current 84 280SL euro.
Didn't realize there was that much diference between the specs for the euro injected engines. Carbs and US spec, yes I can tell that difference....

Jim

[body_infinity]

thanks for the great info so far..also wanted to add this as it states only 300 were built in the first year (1974) ...

http://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/mercedes_280SLC_107_technical_specifications.htm

thanks again BI

[300SDog]

Also first generation twincam m110 commonly suffered lobes wearing flat, rocker surfaces wearing thin. This happened to me on '74 280/8 at 135k miles. Definitely pull the valve cover to visually inspect camshaft lobes.

[todds]

A (comparitively) light SL with a straight six and a manual seems to me to be much "sportier" in a classic sense to me than the V8 models. I realize the m117 isn't THAT much heavier than the m110, but it IS all front end weight and any little bit in a 107 would help right? Furthermore I think other driveline components, including the manual 'box would be lighter as well. Maybe move the battery to the trunk, throw on some wider rubber and you'd have noticeably nicer handling than a 450 I think?

I always thought the SLC's were cool, even tho the proportions are a little odd. Seems kinda like a squashed 280C, too bad they couldn't cant the engine over. I'd buy it if it was in good shape.

Are the seats cloth?

[cth350]

74? That would mean D-jet. The M110 with Djet was a nice thing. Going to buy the car? If not, pass along the contact info. Thx -CTH