I've always wanted to buy an SL and don't particularly care about the styling differences between the SL models. Can someone tell me which model (560SL, 380SL etc.) is best overall in terms of lowest maintanance?
George
I opted for the SL320. The in line six engine has a great reliability record. I am still pleased with my decision after 2 years. Peter
The W107 4.5L V-8s have solid engines - They seldom need major overhauls. The only engine problem I heard of, was with the 380SLs - Timing chain failure.
The early cars (72,73) don't have the complexity of pollution controls, so have better power than those built in the later 70's. There are some years (76,77?) when the catalytic converter was located in the engine compartment and caused problems.
The earlier SL,s (230/250/280) are good cars, but it's hard to find a good one at a reasonable price. They go for higher prices than the car itself justifies. A lot of W107,s were built so they are more plentiful and go for reasonable prices. Some have been misused, so be careful if price is too low. I don't know much about the more modern SL,s.
Good Luck!
There was an excellent article on the W107 series printed in the March
1994 edition of Road & Track magazine. Maintenance issues are discussed.You can find a reprint of the article here:
George wrote:
Nice link! Thanks!
Marty
From the article mentioned in the previous two posts: " Because it represents the pinnacle of the car's development, Olsin places the 560SL at the top of his SL list. Of course, as relative youngsters, they also command the highest prices.
Next in line come the models that generally cost the least: The earliest V-8 SLs, the 1972-1973 models. Horsepower steadily declined in subsequent years, reaching a low with the 380SL. Moreover, these earliest car don't have catalytic converters to worry about, and they have the esthetic advantage of smaller European bumpers. TYPICAL ASKING PRICES*
1972-1973 350/450SL...$11,350-$12,900 1974-1977 450SL........$12,200-$13,500 1978-1980 450SL........$14,700-$16,950 1981-1983 380SL........$14,750-$17,800 1984-1985 380SL........$20,500-$22,800 1986-1989 560SL........$26,500-$40,000Third on Olson's list are the 1979-1980 450SLs, which represent the pinnacle of development for the trusty 4.5-liter cars. All the other years would come next, except for the 1981-1983 380SLs with their cursed single-row timing chains. These 380SLs would be his last choice among the 1972-1989 SL variants.
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