Opinions on this R107

[wistles]

Morning all,

Going to have a look at this tomorrow: -

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/142082560033

I know the ad doesn't give anything away but does anyone have an opinion? Know the dealer?

Thanks for reading.

[lowdrag]

The usual caveat. If it is cheap keep your eyes wide open and your wallet tight shut. And I would watch out for a car that has been "recolonised". If you aren't sure, get an expert to have a good look.

[wistles]

Thanks, that is what I was thinking. Seems very cheap, what do these 500 SLs normally go for? I am quite new to the game.

[CanAm]

Have a look at its MOT history here https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/
Last Test showed 3298 miles and in 2006 it was 10 miles. Look at the Advisories and Fail for corrosion problems noted.

[aeropilot]

lowdrag said:

And I would watch out for a car that has been "recolonised".

I was expecting to see an import from Australia/SA/Canada etc.

But, yes.....that does make one instantly suspicious.

Looks too good for too little money........so my alarms bells are ringing loudly.

[wistles]

Thanks for that. Didn't realise you could look up prior MOTs. Will leave that well alone!

Going to go and look at this one instead: -

http://www.vandp.net/sales/908/1989-mercedes-benz-...

[Rangeroverover]

Please keep posting as I want on too, might go and have a look at the blue one today and bid on it

[Rangeroverover]

.












only kidding

[wistles]

Please do, it's the wife that wants one, will save me £20k!

[mgv8]

Some history, but for 97K should be full.
Body on these can look fantasic in photos, not so good when close up and a heap under things.

Still hope it is good and nice car.

[vixen1700]

jdw1234 said:

Look at these!!

http://www.theslshop.com/car-showroom/slshop.html?...

Was looking daily at the SL Shop site a few years ago when they were a lot lower in price, should have bought one then rather than the 4.0 XJS I bought (and hated).

[acme]

Interesting. I was going to reply with the usual bulkhead rust comment, then I noticed the dealer. I've seen lots (& I do mean LOTS) of cars parked there for some time and wondered what was going on, it's in the middle of nowhere. Looks a bit odd in my opinion.

But, you MUST inspect (quite easy be removing the heater cover & poking around with a torch or check for the original plastic push out lugs on the grill covers) the bulkhead on any 107 you're thinking of buying, anyone who says their 107 doesn't have it is either incredibly lucky or fooling themselves. Look into how they were finished off in there then the construction around it and the issues with detritus sitting in and around the channels and you'll understand why even low mileage garage queens have rust. Plus don't assume the pouring water through the grills either side and water coming out the drain holes at the bottom means all is OK, even if the footwells are dry - what if a cars never used in the wet as I bet many of these aren't these days, there'll be no moisture in there.......

[acme]

jdw1234 said:

Acme,

Sound advice. However...

When I was looking I took the following view:

1). They will all have a degree of rust in bulkhead so no point in trying to find a perfect one.
2). Repair is a fairly known quantity now with SLShop replacement panel.
3). Modern cars depreciate £5-10k a year and are disposable rubbish.

I'd agree, the comment 'they all do that Sir' is as true about 107 bulkhead rust as anything! Though I would suggest there's degrees of it, anyone remember the Wheeler Dealers episode where they bought one then had to scrap it due to bulkhead rust! Though of course that was probably primarily for TV.......

The SL shop repair is interesting and as you say do-able, I just wouldn't want to be in the position where I'd paid top money for a so called mint car and found a £5k bill on top, straight away, albeit people should go in with their eyes wide open. These cars are well built but they do have their problems.

I think the overall point is as long as you have a poke in there and know what you're taking on then you should be fine. Just don't expect to buy and open up the heater cover later to fine perfect metal, they weren't sealed at all (as I understand)....

If you're serious about a 107 join the Merc club, best £33 I spent, some far more knowledgeable chaps than I on there, and the 107 is the biggest single make in the club so lots of knowledgeable and friendly people to help you out.

Edited by acme on Friday 26th August 15:41

[wistles]

Thanks for all your help everyone.

Really paranoid about these as I haven't got a clue, never bought a classic car. I am going to see if there is a local pro I can pay to come with me.

[acme]

wistles said:

Thanks for that. Didn't realise you could look up prior MOTs. Will leave that well alone!

Going to go and look at this one instead: -

http://www.vandp.net/sales/908/1989-mercedes-benz-...

Re that specific car, I note service bill (s) at Waterhouse of Braintree, I'd suggest that's a good sign personally - though of course I can't vouch for the car. Waterhouse was the main dealer in Chelmsford and then lost it when Merc & Chrysler joined forces and quality nose dived. However they're the regions recommended garage for Independent Mercs and you see lots of older stuff when you go in, I wouldn't take mine anywhere else. You could speak to Bev on reception or Sean the workshop manager who might know the car and might be able to help. Shame Grays isn't closer to Braintree or they might've been willing to put it on a ramp & inspect it - not sure they'd do this but always worth asking, Sean's very knowledgeable and great to deal with.

[medieval]

wistles said:

Thanks for all your help everyone.

Really paranoid about these as I haven't got a clue, never bought a classic car. I am going to see if there is a local pro I can pay to come with me.

Forgive me if I am being presumptuous but have you driven one?

With no wish to offend anyone these to my mind are neither fish or foul, not sports car, not GT or cruiser to be honest as the 500 has reasonable go but high thirst, soft handling and never seemed to me to be anything in particular. The hood mechanism is laborious and heavy, th hardtop requires at least two of you to fit and the interior trim is that of the period saloon to be frank.

Probably a reasonable investment but if you not to use then I think it might be wise to just experience the various models into flesh as it were. Earlier cars will not benefit from the galvanising of the larger cars

Best wishes

[acme]

I do think that's a fair comment, they're really quite far removed from a modern car, don't forget despite updates to post 85 facelift models its routes are still in the 60's. I've often quoted someone on here who said you don't drive a 107 but sail it, amusing but true. Then there's the huge steering wheel, sprung seats & challenging roof.

Perhaps look at 129's too, by all accounts they're appreciating.

[acme]

Have to agree, on a sunny day, a relaxing drive roof down in the sunshine is fantastic, a different & relaxing type of driving. And then there's those looks

[glenn911C4S]

I have a 1987 500sl in red that's fully loaded ie leather, aircon, heated seats, rear seats etc etc with 54,000 miles its mint that has sat in mother in laws garage for the past 2 years that I may be tempted to sell??!!

[lowdrag]

medieval said:

Forgive me if I am being presumptuous but have you driven one?

With no wish to offend anyone these to my mind are neither fish or foul, not sports car, not GT or cruiser to be honest as the 500 has reasonable go but high thirst, soft handling and never seemed to me to be anything in particular. The hood mechanism is laborious and heavy, th hardtop requires at least two of you to fit and the interior trim is that of the period saloon to be frank.

Probably a reasonable investment but if you not to use then I think it might be wise to just experience the various models into flesh as it were. Earlier cars will not benefit from the galvanising of the larger cars

Best wishes

+1 Drive one and be prepared to be disappointed. Wooden planks for seats, no-feel steering, awful, truly awful, handling, 10 mpg if you push it, heavy throttle plus a non-responsive gearbox. Mine was my everyday car, and I don't want another.