86 560sl...strong running son of a gun - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

davestlouis · #1 03-26-2006, 09:39 PM

I just picked up my first SL, spent all weekend cleaning it and have driven it sparingly so far. This thing is a lot faster than my 86 420SEL...had the kids giggling as we zipped down the on-ramp onto I-70 tonight. What kind of real-world fuel economy are other owners getting? I have to imagine it weighs less than the SEL, but how much?

There's deferred maintenance to attend to, but so far it's a lot of fun.

cbdo · #2 03-27-2006, 09:56 PM

Freeway onramps can indeed be a rush; it just wants to keep going faster!
Mine averages about 17 or so overall, mixed city/freeway/country. Welcome to the club!

davestlouis · #3 03-27-2006, 10:15 PM

It is a really neat car...several neighbors came over and commented on how cool it is, torn up seats, rusty door and all. I have to prioritize my repair list, and balance it with the repairs all of my other rolling projects need. The car has visual presence. People recognize what it is right away, and seem enthused about it, much more so than the sedans I normally come home with.

iwrock · #4 03-27-2006, 10:35 PM

They do indeed have presence. A neighbor of ours has a 1989 560SL, and I do have to admit that she does look awesome...

When we got our SL600, he came down and admired it. Yes, it is a car that is leaps ahead of the 107, and it does have the same soul. However, you lose the classic styling where everything had a purpose, and you get a car that has become like your living room. You get stuff you don't need, but it is there just in case.

And the rush getting onto the freeway is amazing.... You push it to the floor, and it will take off like a bat outta hell. Yes, other Mercedes have the same effect, but when you push that pedal in the SL, you know you are in something of true beauty, elegance, and prestige.

t walgamuth · #5 03-27-2006, 10:52 PM

are built so robustly that they weigh as much as most of the sedans.

glad you are enjoying it.

tom w

Richard Wooldridge · #6 03-27-2006, 11:50 PM

Hi - I have an '82 380SL that has an '86 560SL installed. It is extremely quick, I'm sure it will do 0 - 60 in under 7 seconds.

Strife · #7 03-28-2006, 12:46 AM

They do weigh a lot; in that era, without computer simulation, the engineers erred on the side of caution and put a lot of metal into it! Can't afford to do that today...

I think a 560 is pretty fast, and with new suspension parts and decent tires, handles well for a heavy car. I have "Summer" tires, and they don't stick very well when they are cold and it's under 50, though...this car can, and will, fishtail!

I've been doing some work recently and ran it without the first gear start and I really missed it. I've replaced the infamous ECU resistor to get only 2 degrees retard (too scared to go to 0, although this car never sees less than 92 octane) but until I get the FGS reinstalled, the jury is out on whether or not this does anything that I can feel.

I think that I get 15-16 MPG, but I don't baby it.