daily driver sl's

[cbdo]

Mine's a 560, which is a pretty-much-daily-in-season driver. For that kind of duty, I'd say with regret that I wouldn't go older than a 107. The Pagoda is a gorgeous car and a sweet drive, but the safety technology is circa 1960, as is all the rest of the technology in the car. Supporting the 6-piston pump for the FI needs a level of understanding that's increasingly rare, and there's the every-3000-mile chassis lube that goes with the older suspension. Dad had a 1969 Benz that he bought new, and even as a new car needing routine care only it took comparatively a lot of shop time; it's just the way Benz built in those days. It's work a competent DIY can do, for the most part, but there's going to be a good deal of it.

My 1989 is already old enough that there's an ongoing stream of Stuff That Happens, albeit quite manageable, as will be the case with any car pushing two decades and older. On the flip side, a lot of the Stuff a 107 encounters is pretty manageable without needing professionals, and the electronic presence in the car is pretty minor, unlike the 129. And I'd second the mention earlier of the Euro 500SL version of the 107; my own dream 107 would be exactly that, with the non-automatic AC that was the usual system fitted Over There.

As far as what specific car to buy for your purpose, I'd point toward something under 100K on general principle but not ultra-low; a car that's been driven and has been well maintained will probably hand you fewer surprises than a garage queen with the problems that disuse allows to develop. Pay for a minimum-mileage museum piece if your intent is to own one and keep it that way, but why pay the premium for something that will then gain 12K miles a year and lose that value?

[gqmagic]

"Thanks. I'm sorry, but I'm being seriously shallow and don't like the way the r129's look.. too flat for me and living in southern california that car is simply common (I'm so spoiled by my exotic coupe that's now on its way to the junkyard, boooo). That's why I was looking at the older styling, not many around even here, and I like curves.. I do see a few 450sl's here as well, but the model type for 1990 and onwards are an everyday sight."

Exotic coupe- common everyday sight, hmmm

Sounds like you need a Maybach a Maclaren SLR, SL999AMGBRABUSLORINSER

or just catch the bus.

[coleyjf]

Well then - Go for a Euro facelift ( 1986-89) 107

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/image.php?u=23877&dateline=1138372105&type=profile

You've got better looks ( at least I think so but then I'm biased but it seems so do many on this forum)

The engine is sweeter as it's not been butchered for US emission too much

It's less common than the "Manufactured for US" model ( nicer bumpers - sorry fenders! and headlights etc)

It should hold it's value better due to more scarcity.

It does more MPG and has better power for the engine size.

All in all seems to meet your requirements

And also - it's great to drive with fairly modern features - ABS decent suspension - not brilliant accelleration from stop but the 20 - 100mph is quite good.

Cheers

Jim