Advice please on buying last of MB 107 SL Model

I have decided that I am going to buy myself one of the last of the SL's - 107 Model. Or maybe the first of the 129 Models
At this time of the year they are going for a song.

I used to own one (Type 107) about 15 years ago and have always regretted selling it.

My E320CDi Wagon is an amazing car but it lacks the ultimate style that only a SL has.

Want a 4 speed auto so I guess 87-90 year is what I am after. (Yes they did register a few in 1990 in the UK) Or 1990 - 92 for a 129.

What do I need to look out for on the mechanical and particularly the body side.

I will have an engineer check out whatever car I decide on and would like to prime him on known issues.

I have already identified 3 car with less that 60k miles and with full MB History.

All advice gratefully received.

Mike

[Roger]

I would suggest you find out why such low mileage on these cars, and verify proper maintenance for that particular treatment. You may find a real jewel.

A low mileage car possibly sat up for much of the year, or was used solely for short trips, or, worst of all, both. Or maybe stored for an extended time? I have found the latter was a problem with my New1000+ mile '68 XKE which languished while I "toured" Vietnam till '70. Time is the limiting factor on sooo many parts.

I have found an auto with unusually low annual mileage may be more problematic than ones with more normal mileage, all other factors equal. So don't be put off by some extra miles. I would be wary of a pre '90 car with less than 60,000. I might even be more comfortable with one over 80000mi. I'm talking Mercedes here, not BMW or Fiat.

I bought my 560SL with about 101000 miles (7,000/yr avg) on it, and have put less money into it in two years than the difference in price with a 60000 mi car of the same year. None of my repair/replacement $ has been due directly to mileage.

I say don't turn down a well maintained bargain for low mileage. Granted, folks ooh an ah over low mileage. Me, I 'd rather have the money. Some say to expect to spend an additional 20% of your cost on surprises. I came in under budget. A lot of it is luck.

So good luck and ENJOY!

Roger
'86 560SL
'75 240D
currently 4 others of lesser pedigree
15 others recycled

[Roger]

I would suggest you find out why such low mileage on these cars, and verify proper maintenance for that particular treatment. You may find a real jewel.

A low mileage car possibly sat up for much of the year, or was used solely for short trips, or, worst of all, both. Or maybe stored for an extended time? I have found the latter was a problem with my New1000+ mile '68 XKE which languished while I "toured" Vietnam till '70. Time is the limiting factor on sooo many parts.

I have found an auto with unusually low annual mileage may be more problematic than ones with more normal mileage, all other factors equal. So don't be put off by some extra miles. I would be wary of a pre '90 car with less than 60,000. I might even be more comfortable with one over 80000mi. I'm talking Mercedes here, not BMW or Fiat.

I bought my 560SL with about 101000 miles (7,000/yr avg) on it, and have put less money into it in two years than the difference in price with a 60000 mi car of the same year. None of my repair/replacement $ has been due directly to mileage.

I say don't turn down a well maintained bargain for low mileage. Granted, folks ooh an ah over low mileage. Me, I 'd rather have the money. Some say to expect to spend an additional 20% of your cost on surprises. I came in under budget. A lot of it is luck.

So good luck and ENJOY!

Roger
'86 560SL
'75 240D
currently 4 others of lesser pedigree
15 others recycled