Mercedes R107's

[Candellara]

TISPKJ said:

Prices are getting silly, pal has just bought a 450 with very low miles and one owner and he wants £40k for the car, IMO the early cars like the above although not as good as later models will be the sought after cars.
Mine will never be sold.

Yes, prices for good cars seem to be creeping through the twenties with the odd one or two in the thirties.

[Sid's Dad]

Candellara said:

Sid's Dad said:

You can comfort yourself with the knowledge that if it's well-stored it probably isn't costing you anything to keep. They are gently appreciating each year so the grand or so it costs you each year is probably at least covered by its appreciation in value.

At least that's how I justify keeping my 300SL....

Yep, it's regularly run and well stored. Prices are going silly (i guess in part because Pagoda's are climbing fast and pulling 107's up) Out of all the car's i've owned / own - the SL gets more positive attention than any of them

How long have you owned yours Adrian?

Eighteen months. It's the one car I continually turn back just to look at as I walk away from it in a car park. And it's lovely being in a car that people smile at in the street, but no-one thinks is wky or pretentious. If yours has none of the heater problems/scuttle leaks/cloudy wood trim problems, then its practically making you money. Almost.

[TISPKJ]

It's interesting regarding prices and values, we paid around £20k in 79 for my one and for many years even the best ones would struggle to sell for 15 or more, turned down a potential offer of 25 for the car late eighties from memory, guessing now and I don't follow the market particularly, 40 - 50k range so bit of a roller coaster value wise over the years.

[6750cc]

Shezbo said:

Yertis said:

graemel said:

If you are tall with size 11's they are too crampt and my feet would brush the underside of the dash by the pedals.

Excellent. Now I can stop hankering.

I am over 6ft and have size 11's sometimes 11.5's - my feet genuinely don't touch any felt. If this was a problem - it would have been mentioned on the MB Club 107 forum...and it has not?

Graemel - perhaps yours was hanging down or not fitted correctly?

The only thing I am not keen on is the truck sized steering wheel...that can easily be swapped though?

Also over 6ft and had no issue with 2-seat 450SL (78) and later 300SL (87). But I found I couldn't fit comfortably in a 300SL (88) with rear seat option.

The 450SL was much more of an event and would be my choice, despite the horrific fuel consumption.

Cheers,

Andy

[Shezbo]

6750cc said:

Also over 6ft and had no issue with 2-seat 450SL (78) and later 300SL (87). But I found I couldn't fit comfortably in a 300SL (88) with rear seat option.

The 450SL was much more of an event and would be my choice, despite the horrific fuel consumption.

Cheers,

Andy

Hi Andy - would not disagree with the V8 assessment, I think arriving in any V8 car is epic! However the straight six (3.0 ltr) engine is excellent and is in demand as it is a more modern engine=better econ etc.

Mark

[Candellara]

Sid's Dad said:

Eighteen months. It's the one car I continually turn back just to look at as I walk away from it in a car park. And it's lovely being in a car that people smile at in the street, but no-one thinks is wky or pretentious. If yours has none of the heater problems/scuttle leaks/cloudy wood trim problems, then its practically making you money. Almost.

I'd agree re wky or pretentious - i only get really positive remarks when out & about. I think i've been fairly lucky with mine as i read up on the 107's when i bought mine. In terms of corrosion, i removed the ABS pump, cleaned & waxoyled that area and i had some small amount of surface rust on the edge of the soft top compartment - which i got to in time.

The rest was maintenance - full brake & suspension refurb, replaced both rear lights (small hairline cracks, replaced every last rubber seal on the car and resolved a hot start issue by replacing most of the fuel system

[graemel]

6750cc said:

Shezbo said:

Yertis said:

graemel said:

If you are tall with size 11's they are too crampt and my feet would brush the underside of the dash by the pedals.

Excellent. Now I can stop hankering.

I am over 6ft and have size 11's sometimes 11.5's - my feet genuinely don't touch any felt. If this was a problem - it would have been mentioned on the MB Club 107 forum...and it has not?

Graemel - perhaps yours was hanging down or not fitted correctly?

The only thing I am not keen on is the truck sized steering wheel...that can easily be swapped though?

Also over 6ft and had no issue with 2-seat 450SL (78) and later 300SL (87). But I found I couldn't fit comfortably in a 300SL (88) with rear seat option.

The 450SL was much more of an event and would be my choice, despite the horrific fuel consumption.

Cheers,

Andy

That is interesting. Our 500SL was an 86 car with rear seat option. Maybe that was the issue. Not sure why I had the pedal issue, it might have had additional floor mats or something. Amusingly it was sold after the missus was getting out of the car whilst it was on a slight incline. Right leg out and the door swung back on her shin. Oops

[CY88]

Silver '79 350 SL here Another example of a car that's rarely driven but starts each time on the button and just keeps wafting for as long as is needed. Several years ago we did an impromptu trip to Stuttgart and back (there;s a write up linked in my profile) and it didn't skip a beat. I always smile at how proper sidewalls and deep absurdly springy seats absorb every tiny bump in the road.

[acme]

Candellara said:

Anyone got one?

Had mine for three years, keep improving and enjoying her. The arrival of a new born has given rise to thinking - i've too many cars to look after, but every time i drive this, makes me think, i couldn't bear to let her go.

Sacrilege, as i took her for her annual MOT outing (passed again with flying colours) but i only did 300 miles last year :-(

Yep, had it for 2.5 years, though it's been in the family for almost 20. 300SL, and I'm amazed at MPG you get, on a long motorway trip this summer I managed 27, but 22 is more normal for leisurely trips out.

Beautiful to look at, engineered from another era (we compared to a mates 2002 SL500 & the difference in quality was comical) but they do rust........

[TISPKJ]

regarding the comments on rear seats making a difference to leg room etc, to my knowledge the floor pan and rear are exactly the same regardless if you have the rear seat option or not.

[Superdavros]

"rollneck jumper/Islington-trendy" - really?

[acme]

TISPKJ said:

regarding the comments on rear seats making a difference to leg room etc, to my knowledge the floor pan and rear are exactly the same regardless if you have the rear seat option or not.

I would advise ANYONE thinking of getting one to take a good long time sitting in one, the ergonomics are shall we say prehistoric - springy seats, huge wheel, seats don't recline far, minimal gap between wheel & seat base - once in they're not too bad though.

Re pedals, mine were altered by Roger Edwards Motors in the 90's, so that both are at a similar position.

[vpr]

I've had quite a few 500's over the years and regrettably sold a very low mileage car a couple of years ago

GENUINE low mileage un-molested examples are becoming so rare now and prices have risen sharply. If I had the space I'd buy every low mileage example I could find and put them away.

This one is a real find.

http://www.sportscarclassics.co.uk/#!mercedes-450-...

[chris182]

graemel said:

A good few years back I bought the missus a 500SL. If you are tall with size 11's they are too crampt and my feet would brush the underside of the dash by the pedals. Also had an 560SEC. You could see why the SEC was a lot more money new. Far better car all be it not convertible.

I bought your 560SEC , sadly it is sold on again now. It was an awesome car though the SEC has a surprising lack of headroom for such a big car. I love the feel of the old 80s Mercs, not sporty in any way but built like tanks with body panels of a thickness to match.

[dickyf]

candarella. im looking for a 107 for my pals dad, we missed out on a corker a few weeks back. any variant is ok 86 onwards. if any one has one and wants a quick fuss free sale drop me an email
thanks

[drmark]

Another plug for The SL Shop : no connection other than just bought a 2 owner 70k mile 87 300 SL and one of the easiest purchases I have ever made. Bruce, Sam and Andy are professional, enthusiastic and non pushy. Plus the place is stacked with R107s.
Here is my new steed - red not normally my colour but very Eighties!

PS I am six three with size 11 feet and no issues once I found the lever for lowering the seat. Big wheel though!

Edited by drmark on Wednesday 6th November 18:17

[Candellara]

drmark said:

Another plug for The SL Shop : no connection other than just bought a 2 owner 70k mile 87 300 SL and one of the easiest purchases I have ever made. Bruce, Sam and Andy are professional, enthusiastic and non pushy. Plus the place is stacked with R107s.
Here is my new steed - red not normally my colour but very Eighties!

PS I am six three with size 11 feet and no issues once I found the lever for lowering the seat. Big wheel though!

Edited by drmark on Wednesday 6th November 18:17

Lovely. For me, the springy seats, large wheel - is part of the car's charm. There's nothing like driving the SL, whilst watching the mad world that we live in, rush past you - eager to get everywhere at warp speed.

I find driving the SL a very relaxing experience - just chills you out. Good for your heart rate - must drive her more :-)

It's not a "drivers" car IMO, but if i want that on a particular day, i'll drive my Lotus Exige. There's just something very charming about the SL 107, that i can't quite describe. If you "get it", you'll love it - if not, you won't.

Edited by Candellara on Wednesday 6th November 19:11

[Setch993]

Lovely. For me, the springy seats, large wheel - is part of the car's charm. There's nothing like driving the SL, whilst watching the mad world that we live in, rush past you - eager to get everywhere at warp speed.

I find driving the SL a very relaxing experience - just chills you out. Good for your heart rate - must drive her more :-)

It's not a "drivers" car IMO, but if i want that on a particular day, i'll drive my Lotus Exige. There's just something very charming about the SL 107, that i can't quite describe. If you "get it", you'll love it - if not, you won't.

Edited by Candellara on Wednesday 6th November 19:11

[/quote]

I "get it"

[graemel]

chris182 said:

I bought your 560SEC , sadly it is sold on again now. It was an awesome car though the SEC has a surprising lack of headroom for such a big car. I love the feel of the old 80s Mercs, not sporty in any way but built like tanks with body panels of a thickness to match.

I'm glad you enjoyed your time with the SEC. They are fantastic cars. What have you replaced her with ?

[Shezbo]

drmark said:

Another plug for The SL Shop : no connection other than just bought a 2 owner 70k mile 87 300 SL and one of the easiest purchases I have ever made. Bruce, Sam and Andy are professional, enthusiastic and non pushy. Plus the place is stacked with R107s.
Here is my new steed - red not normally my colour but very Eighties!

PS I am six three with size 11 feet and no issues once I found the lever for lowering the seat. Big wheel though!

Edited by drmark on Wednesday 6th November 18:17

Excellent - lovely motor, make sure you join the Mercedes Benz Club www.mercedes-benz-club.co.uk - excellent regional events and 6 cracking MB Magazines a year. The MB Owners Club forum is also superb!