Basic SL questions...

[raysea390]

May be looking to buy an older (late 70's, 80's to very early 90's) SL later this year and would like to ask:

- does the 300 model have the same engine as my '87 300E (70's, 80's and 90's models)?
- do all the 300's have that really high revving 4-speed automatic transmission/differential ratio like my 300E (2750 rpm @ 60mph)
- do all the 70's and 80's models have that bench seat in the back?
- do any of the 90's models have a bench seat in the back?
- is there a particular year to look for or to avoid?

Thanks for any advice you can give!

[Dee8go]

Bench seat? SLs don't have a rear seat.

[Mistress]

Avoid the 380 SL 81-83 they have the dreaded single row timing chain.

[tecqboy]

I can only speak for the 90 thru 95 300SL which I am familiar with. The engine is a 24 value version with valve timing. The automatic transmission is a 5 speed, but starts in 2nd gear unless punched or manually over-ridden. If your RPM concern is gas mileage, I get about 19-21 mpg overall mixed driving, but 25-27 mpg on a steady highway trip on my 91 300SL ( 129). The 129 can be fitted with an after market rear seat, but it is a bit of a joke, as only a small child could fit back there. Some mid 90's models of 129's have wiring harness insulation problems. Do a forum search. After 95, there were major changes in the engines. Eventually the 300/320 engine was dropped because the new 500 engine offered comparable fuel enconmy.

[Alkraut]

The model 107 has the classic look of the 450SL from the early seventies, and is a great, hand-built automobile. If you get a 560SL (1986-89) you will have the dual benefits of the classic styling and more modern, refined and powerful features. The 560SL is pretty bullet-proof and reliable. They were designed "to last a lifetime" so they are repairable and maintainable. The only critical issue is maintenance of the timing chain guides which should be replaced, as they are nylon and get brittle. If they break, it could be catastrophic for the engine, as a slipped chain could result in valves hitting pistons. The good news is that it is not a real tough maintenance item and much has been said on this forum about it.

The 560SL has the added benefits (over earlier 450Sl and 380SL) of ABS brakes, driver airbag, more reliable A/C, and better seats. The engine is also big and powerful. Good luck.

[JFawcett]

Agree with Allkraut - the 560 is pretty bullet proof and you have more luxury than the other models. He is right on the money about the timing chain....I would also add to check for rust in the soft top housing and in the AC/Heater blower box.
You will have some meaningful shop bills with any older Mercedes - as things just wear out and time is not kind to rubber bushings, grommets and seals.
I would stay away from the 380s for a couple reasons - the single row timing chain and the climate control system.

[Skid Row Joe]

They have back seats, there's no room for legs, however.

[Dee8go]

Wow, you agreed with me about something, Joe! I'm flabbergasted.

[raysea390]

My Jensen Interceptor was like that...the back seat was a work of art but no-one could sit back there!

What does 'grey market' mean?

[Dee8go]

"Gray market" is something that was intended for one country but sold in a different country.

[NSXSOON]

I have an 82 380SL and love it! I've had the timing chain replaced with a dual row and even found what I believe to be the last set of metal guides installed. Whew! Just installed the backseat myself about a year ago when my brother-in-law left the top down in the rain and ruined the carpet on the back "shelf". It was practically the same money to replace the carpet or buy the seat. It comes with the seat belts and the attachment points exist in all of the cars. I am very short and thought that if I installed the seat I would be able to ride back there and give my brother-in-law the idot proof lexus to drive next time. The problem is two fold. The leg room is limited but there is also zero head room if the top is up. The dog does appreciate the extra cushioning when she rides back there though . I think I remember reading that the back seat was offered as an option on Euro models. I get 18 mpg around town.

[Justputt2]

The 'back seat' was an option in the European models,,, and was not offered in the US version because of the requirement for a passenger seatbelt.

[Pete Geither]

And if I were a betting man, I would bet that a 129 is heavier than any 300E.

[plink49]

Pete....if you were a betting man you would have won! Having both an early W124 300E, and a R129 SL320, I can tell you that the 300E specs at 3195 lbs and the SL at 4016 lbs.....a substantial difference. But, the M103 engine produces 177hp where the M104 produces 228 hp. The extra hp more than makes up for the added weight. The early model 129s with the 3.0 engine I can't attest to tho...I'm sure someone else can.

[JPMOSE]

Raysea390,

Your 1975 450SEL had the electronic fuel injection system that was problematic. In 1976 Mercedes started using the Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system that was far more reliable. I wouldn't judge Mercedes V8's on the basis this.

Overall, the R107 is more bullet proof than the R129. The R129 is definately more advanced and offers many improvements. But they also have more problems. I owned a mid 1990's W140 for a few years.....loved it but found it to be less reliable than my prior W126.