Serious pain in the ass to work on. Try and change something as simple as a door check strap and you will know what I mean.

Parts are much more expensive than your diesel. Check the price of a new visor to get an idea. Or even better yet, a new soft top ($$).

Gas mileage is less than 15 with the 450.

Engine bay is tight and something as simple as changing the spark plugs becomes a chore, instead of a pleasure as with an inline motor.

If you do want a 450, spend good money upfront and get a '77- k jet 450 motor with hydraulic lifters and MANUAL CLIMATE CONTROL. SL's didnt get the (evil) servo until '78.

All that said, driving a nice 107 SL will make you feel like a rockstar on the way to the playboy mansion. By the single (tape of course) of "hotel california" and you are set.

PS- nagging problems? These are sophisticated (for their day), expensive cars, so you probably know the answer to your question already. But if you know how to play the old MB game, you can swing a 450 with some effort (or $).

__________________
'90 300SE 298k
-300K and it gets put into retirement.
'80 300D 255k Purchased new by family in 1980.

Had a:
1973 220 (gas)
1980 300SD
1992 400E