Mercedes W107 fans: any here? | FerrariChat

Mercedes W107 fans: any here?

Discussion in 'Other German' started by Jack-the-lad, Apr 13, 2014.

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  1. Jack-the-lad

    Jack-the-lad Six Time F1 World Champ
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    Jun 22, 2004
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    Pass, I know you're out there (although I realize these are of a different era than your fabulous cars). Any other W107 enthusiasts here? I've been looking at premium 560SLs....low mileage, good colors, totally documented...you know the drill. But I'd like to get feedback on the actual ownership and driving experience.

    Thanks!

    Jack
     
  2. Pass

    Pass F1 World Champ
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    Call Auto galleria in Scottsdale. 480 922 1206 He always has some spectacular low mile 560SL's. Those are his specialty ask for Craig.
     
  3. Smiles

    Smiles F1 World Champ
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    I've always wanted one, especially a 560SL.

    It's a great all around car. In the 21st century, it feels a little low around you, a little old fashioned. Which it is. But it's a great car.

    I'd like to hear ownership stories, too.

    Matt
     
  4. BT ZR1

    BT ZR1 Karting

    Nov 22, 2013
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    I think I am done with the cars of yesterday bug. They can be difficult, they don't drive as well and lack the technology I want.
     
  5. Jack-the-lad

    Jack-the-lad Six Time F1 World Champ
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    #5 Jack-the-lad, Apr 14, 2014
    Last edited: Apr 14, 2014
    Many of us have an appreciation for the analog cars that allow more driver involvement (unless you think diddling with satnav, bluetooth, etc. is "driver involvement") and are less dependent upon technology, especially those that are still modern enough to be competent and reliable daily drivers if so desired. And if they provide some appreciation when selling time comes, so much the better.
     
  6. Smiles

    Smiles F1 World Champ
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    Yup.

    Plus there are some fantastic single DIN stereos that will give you blueteeth and iPod compatibility, if that's what you want. They have ones that slide out and up for a NAV system too. And they're comparatively inexpensive.

    Matt
     
  7. BT ZR1

    BT ZR1 Karting

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    #7 BT ZR1, Apr 14, 2014
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  8. Jack-the-lad

    Jack-the-lad Six Time F1 World Champ
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    Anybody with any actual W107 experience care to comment?
     
  9. Smiles

    Smiles F1 World Champ
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    I'm surprised that there hasn't been more action on this thread.

    My daily driver is an '08 CL 63. My local dealership is owned by Bobby Rahal, and they have quite good customer service and are quite willing to support both AMG cars and older ones.

    A year or so ago they had a late 80s 560SL. I loved it. It had good power, a great mix between soft suspension and cornering, and felt solid as a rock. At 70,000 miles, it had a surprising amount of dark smoke from the exhaust. I don't know if that's normal or not.

    One of the British car magazines, perhaps Octane, did a great retrospective on how the W107 was the last cost-is-no option Mercedes.

    For me, it's a bucket list car.

    Matt
     
  10. Jack-the-lad

    Jack-the-lad Six Time F1 World Champ
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    Matt,

    I sold Bobby my 914/6 a few years ago. I still wish I had that one back! Let me know if you can remember what issue of Octane. I have a complete set and would lke to read that article.

    Thanks.

    Jack
     
  11. 575 Maranello

    575 Maranello Formula Junior

    Jun 3, 2013
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    I owned a 76 450SL many years ago. Fun reliable and easy driving until I have to pass some one or quickly turn left in front of someone. Bottom line the car was SLOW. I now have an 03 E500. Much faster much better to drive. I frankly would never go back to the old 450SL.
     
  12. Jack-the-lad

    Jack-the-lad Six Time F1 World Champ
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    Good to know. I've not driven a 450SL as they aren't really on my radar screen, but I've driven several 560SLs and they seem to have plenty of grunt.
     
  13. Omnivore

    Omnivore Formula Junior

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    Who you calling slow?!

    Look at 450slc 5.0 homologation specials--quite special cars if you can find a nice one.


    Mercedes-Benz 500 SLC Väth // Thomas Poppe Bergrennen Hillclimb Reitnau 2013 - YouTube
     
  14. Pass

    Pass F1 World Champ
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    76 450SL especially a Cal smog version suffers from excessive smog control garbage.. Worst year to get. any pre 74 car is great for power. 560 is probably best. stay away from the 380's unless they are extreme low miles.
     
  15. 575 Maranello

    575 Maranello Formula Junior

    Jun 3, 2013
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    I must agree. The 380 has a weakness with the timing chain being only single wide and breaking. The 450 560 no problems with the timing chain. I did once test drive a 560. It was better than my 450 but still slow compared to my 03 E500.
     
  16. 575 Maranello

    575 Maranello Formula Junior

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  17. Pass

    Pass F1 World Champ
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    Yes, early 81 -82 380's were single rollers. 83 went back to double roller chain.
     
  18. Omnivore

    Omnivore Formula Junior

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    #18 Omnivore, Apr 15, 2014
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  19. Omnivore

    Omnivore Formula Junior

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  20. Jack-the-lad

    Jack-the-lad Six Time F1 World Champ
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    All great information.

    Thanks!

    Jack
     
  21. Jack-the-lad

    Jack-the-lad Six Time F1 World Champ
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  22. Texas Forever

    Texas Forever Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    The last of the great hand-built Mercedes. These are really cool cars, but it would be a shame to use one as a daily driver. That is, unless, you drove it as it should be driven, i.e., it ain't no hot rod.

    Dale
     
  23. Smiles

    Smiles F1 World Champ
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    Why would that be a shame?
     
  24. Texas Forever

    Texas Forever Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    Texas!
    Sorry for the delayed response, but even Texans have to pay rent.

    The problem with using a car like this as a DD is that it would slowly, but surely, get beat up. Plastic gets brittle. Windshields get cracked. Rubber wears out. And all that woodwork is the real thing.

    As a Sunday driver, a 280SE is cool as hell. But time moves on. Life is tough out there on the streets.

    Dale
     
  25. Hoodude

    Hoodude F1 Rookie
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    RE
    Jack,
    His sl's do look nice,but one pic? Guess he wants you to drop in ;) ... I've asked him to tell more about that TD,got a bugg about a sw...and I guess he's in nj..bet he wants the moon too,but if he's legit I'll advise,or not.
    Cheers,
    RE
     

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