Mercedes W107 fans: any here?

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

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

been there done that. Good luck
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Anybody with any actual W107 experience care to comment?

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

LOL not a fair comparison to my stock California smog street car.

 

Yes, early 81 -82 380's were single rollers. 83 went back to double roller chain.

 

Why not go full classic? W111 heckflosse. I was seriously looking at these but decided I wasn't quite old enough. They are brilliant. This example is a low grille 3.5 euro--desirable!

MercedesHeritage.com » 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Blue/Tan » Classic Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes Classifieds, Mercedes for Sale, Mercedes Parts, Buy Mercedes, Sell Mercedes
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Or, cheap and cheerful...
Wholesale California 949-631-7456

 

All great information.

Thanks!

Jack

 

Does anybody here know anything about this dealer? He has some nice cars, but the web site is a little, um....sketchy, so I wonder if he actually owns the cars.

Mercedes Auto Classics | Premier dealer for pre-owned luxury cars made by Mercedes-Benz

Thanks again.

Jack

 

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

 

Why would that be a shame?

 

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

 

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