Mercedes Benz SL (R107)
Posted: 2:20pm, 30 April 2007
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FOR Understated style and exceptional build quality
AGAINST Not particularly sporting to drive. Exterior and trim parts pricey
Ease of ownership Well-engineered car capable of phenomenal mileages The right car for you Latest is best. The post-1985 300SL has the benefit of Mercedes-Benz’s ongoing mechanical improvements and reasonable fuel efficiency. The 500SL (1980-onwards) offers 140mph performance and a 0-60mph time of 7.1sec. Pre-1977 cars not as well rust protected. Beware Rust in the heater plenum chamber and a faulty heating system – both require the interior to be stripped out to fix. Says specialist Roger Edwards of Roger Edwards Motors (020 8902 3509): ‘It can run into hundreds and even thousands of pounds to put right.’ All R107-series SL models came with hard tops – the serial number should match the chassis number. Wheel arches can rust. ‘Be suspicious of a car with chrome wheel arch trims,’ says Edwards. Are they easy to buy? Definitely. Nineteen years of production and Mercedes-Benz’s solid engineering means many are still on the road. Go for a drive An R107-series SL is a solid, comfortable car. The ride should be ultra smooth. Suspect neglect or accident damage if it isn’t. All models have exceptional long distance ability. Manual gearboxes are rare. Can I use it every day? Without question. The R107-series SL still feels modern and the hard top makes it perfect for winter use. What will it cost to run? Servicing is £400, with another £500 for other work. All models run on unleaded. Insurance starts from £183. Specialist support There are more than 20 specialists around the UK and an R107-series SL can be serviced by any competent mechanic. The Mercedes-Benz Club (www.mercedes-benzownersclub.co.uk) is a good source of help, too. OWNER’S VIEW Jeff Richman only bought his 1986 300SL in February. The 120,000-mile car is his daily driver. Says Jeff: ‘I decided to go for a classic after my MGF depreciated by £10,000 over three years.’ He enjoys driving it and finds it surprisingly manoeuvrable – his only complaint being the weight of the hard top. ‘It takes three people to lift it off,’ says Jeff. To tell us about your ownership experiences, click the 'Add comment' button below Words: Glen Waddington Pictures: Classic Cars archive |
 Mercedes-Benx SL (R107), 1971-1989, 2746cc straight six – 4520cc V8, 127-134mph, £3000 (rough 450SL) – £13,500 (perfect 560SL) 
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