Mercedes R107's

[Dapster]

Tankman104c said:

So I think I will start looking for a 107 next year hoping they are similar driving experience but less complicated?

I remember reading CAR back in the late 80's when the R129 was launched, and George Kacher saying that he couldn't believe that there wasn't a model between the 107 and the 129 that Mercedes had developed but simply forgotten to launch, such was the gulf that separated them both!

[jdw1234]

I love the r129, but I would see it as an addition not a replacement to a r107.

R107 is like driving an aqua riva!

[EdJ]

Dapster said:

I remember reading CAR back in the late 80's when the R129 was launched, and George Kacher saying that he couldn't believe that there wasn't a model between the 107 and the 129 that Mercedes had developed but simply forgotten to launch, such was the gulf that separated them both!

Great quote - I remember that too! Kacher still writes for Car after all these years.

I've hardly driven mine at all recently. I had some minor work done on the front wing where the panel gap was slightly wider than it should have been. I also upgraded the speakers (still using the same housing though, so not much room for improvement).

Still love it though and hope that I never need to sell it!

[Tankman104c]

I suppose with the wide range of engines/gearboxes available in both models it must be very difficult to compare the 107 and the 129. I've found the 129 a great comfortable GT car for road trips getting 32mpg on a trip to Scotland last September but I'm still concerned about how complicated they are. Even two of my local independant MB garages couldn't diagnose correctly a problem with the ventilation system wich turned out to be a vacuum system fault which I had to find myself!

[lowdrag]

I was 36 when I bought my first Mercedes, and still 36 when I traded in my W123 230 coupé for the 380 SL. I thought it was the bees knees at the start, but after a while the plank-like seats, the woolly steering, and above all the fuel consumption dial really pi**ed me off. I've already posted about the demise of the said car, but while I wistfully look back with rose-tinted glasses, and look seriously at the SL Shop website, I'm not sure I could ever pull the trigger again.

[iSore]

I had a 1973 350SLC around 20 years ago. It had been restored - new wings, rear arches and the usual remedial work and it was a lovely old thing. But I also had a V12 XJ-S, and as badly made as they were, they really were in another league.

[Lowtimer]

Dapster said:

I remember reading CAR back in the late 80's when the R129 was launched, and George Kacher saying that he couldn't believe that there wasn't a model between the 107 and the 129 that Mercedes had developed but simply forgotten to launch, such was the gulf that separated them both!

I read that again just last weekend and it made me smile. It was an astute observation, and does reflect the incredible length of production for the 107. They sure had their money's worth out of whoever did the design for that car. Mind you, the 129 had a good run by modern standards too.

[jdw1234]

Anyone else see the "sportline" upgrade for the 300SL the SLShop is working on? Looks cool.

[acme]

I saw that too and thought it looked incredibly naff! (probably the badge as much as anything) Of course each to their own, but if the SL shop is launching it I suspect they're fairly certain there's a market for it.

I think it was someone on here who said 'you don't drive a 107, you sail it', which I thought was very accurate, and I kind of like that, but appreciate some might want something a little more accurate!

[EdJ]

Took my R107 out for a spin yesterday with the hardtop on. Always surprises me how refined it is with the hardtop in place, and the 420 engine has plenty of power.

I'm struggling with the battery for some reason. I leave my car garaged for weeks - sometimes months - at a time, and despite putting in a new battery just recently, it was completely dead when I tried to start her up. I've wondered whether the old alarm system (long since out of action) is draining it, or perhaps the electric aerial, but it's annoying.

Not sure what to do about it. I've just bought a trickle charger, but I'd prefer to identify why the battery is draining. Any ideas?

[jdw1234]

Very enjoyable video...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWjbtZ8o-Z4&fe...

[Dapster]

Now here's something interesting if you have deep pockets...



My schoolboy German car tell you

Mercedes Benz 560SL AMG 6.0. Original. Celebrity F1 owner. Extremely rare. Dark Blue Metallic. Dark blue leather interior

http://suchen.mobile.de/fahrzeuge/details.html?id=...

[jdw1234]

The SLShop has just launched their SportLine 300SL. Looks awesome.

http://www.107sportline.com/

Not sure it would be for me as I like the relaxed auto cruise.

However, the wheels and interior look amazing.

[Lowtimer]

I do like the wheels. What are they, some sort of hybrid 16" or 17" take on the Mexican Hat? If thye could do them in a different offset, could be a great solution for a C126 as well maybe.

[Dapster]

http://mercedesblog.com/ceausescus-mercedes-350-sl...

[idiotgap]

Your link seems broken
Try this. http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[vpr]

Here's my 4000 miler

Just perfect though not my favourite colour

Edited by vpr on Saturday 26th March 10:42

Edited by vpr on Saturday 26th March 10:43

Edited by vpr on Saturday 26th March 10:46

[jke11y]

I did more than 4000 miles in the 4 months I owned mine.

[sim16v]

jdw1234 said:

The SLShop has just launched their SportLine 300SL. Looks awesome.

http://www.107sportline.com/

Not sure it would be for me as I like the relaxed auto cruise.

However, the wheels and interior look amazing.

Not to everyone's taste, but I really like it.

As all of the Merc's of the era are parts bin specials, most of the things done to the 107 will work on the 123, 124, 201 etc. so it could open the doors to some nicely tuned classics.

[S8QUATTRO]

That modified sl is really nice, would love to have something like that. Spoke to SL shop guys recently about some old parts and the service was really good, and a pal purchased an sl from them once and they were great then too, they obviously know the old SL very well