1975 R107 280sl / 450sl Parts interchange

[JGP]

It would seem that the 280SL (107.042) has been largely absorbed under the common listings for the 450SL in most parts search engines... EPC excluded.

Can it be assumed that the chassis i.e. other than the Drive line components and related accessories and power plant specific suspension components are common within the 107 models by year?

I would like to know what other 107.042 enthusiasts have experienced.

[75 280SL]

Quite a bit of time has elapsed since your posting, but perhaps this is of some use.

As you have implied, the EPC is an excellent source of interchange info.

While restoring my 75 280 SL, (mine was somewhat dismantled and with a few missing parts) of necessity I have been seriously looking at interchange options.

While doing so (I also have a 1981 380 SL with collector plates) I have dismantled two 107 380s, both as spares for my 81 and for use in my 75 280.

The challenge with the earlier 107s is that the D-Jetronic was used for only a few years, only in the 450s in North America, in the Euro (grey market) 280s, plus a very few other uncommon models. Many 280s of that period (the USA models?) used carbs, so there is no fuel system interchange with them, and none at all from the later K-Jet series.

Having said the above, I have obtained several missing pieces of non-D-Jet engine parts from 280 sedans up to 1979. Starters and alternators will interchange as they will for many years on many models of MB.

As you will know none of the 450 D-jet components have the same part numbers as in the 280. I am however about to strip a 73 450 SLC, on the assumption that an imperfect spare part may be better than no spare. The price is right so the only potential waste is my time.

As far as the non-engine "consumable" parts are concerned me, virtually everything can be interchanged for the entire production run, with a very few exceptions that include the front calipers and discs, the instrument panels (the early ones had cable speedometers and oil pressure lines to about 1980), ignition switches, seats are different starting in about 1980 but I understand they will interchange within all SLs (the SLCs are different but perhaps will interchange). The muffler will directly interchange as will the silencer from the SL (the SLC version will interchange with a bit more effort) after cutting off the pipes just a few inches in front of the silencer, and spending a few $ for exhaust pipe sleeves. That is what I did and it worked well.

I obtained a spare (almost identical ratios) MT from an 1977 240D. The clutch was not the same however.

If you want to get in touch with me, I am in Vancouver, BC

Cheers

Gary

[vandor]

Did the R107 280SL have the twin-cam six cylinder engine? That sounds like a neat engine, especially with a standard transmission.

[nobby]

Originally Posted by vandor

Did the R107 280SL have the twin-cam six cylinder engine? That sounds like a neat engine, especially with a standard transmission.

Yup. I have that exact combo. I looked specifically for a 5 speed and it just happened to come with the M110 engine.

That was before I knew about the HOLY GRAIL....500SL mated with a 5 speed.

Rare as hen's teeth but I might have held out for one had I'd known.

The 280SL 5 speed is fun to drive....not the fastest but probably the most fun.