Mercedes SL R107 back seats + engine question + rust spots
Discussion
Gentlemen,
I know that it is possible to retrofit backseats, but I would like to know if
it is comfortable to travel in the back with either the roof down or up and if it is possible
to install a childrens seat and if so, aren't people too exposed to the wind (at the back)? Legroom? In our case, only our daughter would sit in the back, the reason I am asking is I don't want to buy a car we 3 can't use together, I already have two cars like that.
My second question is about the engine; are there horror stories about the 4.5 engine I must know?
Where are the typical rust spots, I presume the sills, +?
many thanks
Bacchus
I know that it is possible to retrofit backseats, but I would like to know if
it is comfortable to travel in the back with either the roof down or up and if it is possible
to install a childrens seat and if so, aren't people too exposed to the wind (at the back)? Legroom? In our case, only our daughter would sit in the back, the reason I am asking is I don't want to buy a car we 3 can't use together, I already have two cars like that.
My second question is about the engine; are there horror stories about the 4.5 engine I must know?
Where are the typical rust spots, I presume the sills, +?
many thanks
Bacchus
Bacchus said:
Gentlemen,
I know that it is possible to retrofit backseats, but I would like to know if
it is comfortable to travel in the back with either the roof down or up and if it is possible
to install a childrens seat and if so, aren't people too exposed to the wind (at the back)? Legroom? In our case, only our daughter would sit in the back, the reason I am asking is I don't want to buy a car we 3 can't use together, I already have two cars like that.
My second question is about the engine; are there horror stories about the 4.5 engine I must know?
Where are the typical rust spots, I presume the sills, +?
many thanks
Bacchus
Yes, retrofit is possible. Speak to the SL shop. All SL 107 engines are pretty reliable if they've been well serviced. Rust. Where do you want to start? Pre 86 cars are normally the worst affected but thoroughly check the bulkhead, heater box area. Sills, rear arches and check carefully around the recess for the soft topI know that it is possible to retrofit backseats, but I would like to know if
it is comfortable to travel in the back with either the roof down or up and if it is possible
to install a childrens seat and if so, aren't people too exposed to the wind (at the back)? Legroom? In our case, only our daughter would sit in the back, the reason I am asking is I don't want to buy a car we 3 can't use together, I already have two cars like that.
My second question is about the engine; are there horror stories about the 4.5 engine I must know?
Where are the typical rust spots, I presume the sills, +?
many thanks
Bacchus
The rear seats, at least the optional ones fitted from new are very upright, kids can go in them but depending upon age/booster/full seat requirement it could be an issue. As you mention they're very exposed as the wind break goes across the top of the rear seats making them unusable.
As mentioned rust is a massive issue on these cars, even on facelift cars that have been garaged. Bulk heads are the number one issue, as are sills, & where the sills meet the mudflaps. Inboard of the headlights are holes which allow water in, underneath are drain holes. If someone says their 107 doesn't have rust they're either lying or haven't found it, but they're reliable if looked after. Great cars overall.
As mentioned rust is a massive issue on these cars, even on facelift cars that have been garaged. Bulk heads are the number one issue, as are sills, & where the sills meet the mudflaps. Inboard of the headlights are holes which allow water in, underneath are drain holes. If someone says their 107 doesn't have rust they're either lying or haven't found it, but they're reliable if looked after. Great cars overall.
My old 500SL had the rear seat arrangement and it was less than comfortable with a thin seat squab and very perpendicular back rest and as said, very exposed to the element with no rear quarterlight option on these cars sadly.
Rust on the front and rear arches are a key issue with the rear arches being the costly ones as they are one piece with the rear apron from memory.
Don't touch anything with chromed arches sir
Rust on the front and rear arches are a key issue with the rear arches being the costly ones as they are one piece with the rear apron from memory.
Don't touch anything with chromed arches sir
While I would largely agree with the above, I would dispute the reality of pre and post facelift rust......... they are all rusty by now as whatever galvanising they had at the time was pretty rubbish.
Bulkhead on all.... quick check is dampness in footwells, if the owner is willing you can remove the grills at the front of the windscreen and see much better inside. They all go, it's more a question of if it has been fixed.
Boot.... check the forward part on both sides that is effectively the rear inner arch, also lift the spare wheel.
Sills..... Mainly at the front. If they are really crusty walk away. If they are just a little then they can be fixed with made up sheet metal and welded in. New full sills are a major expense as they are truly structural and cost a fortune.
Front Wings..... If there are bubbles at the leading edge above the headlights, it is not surface rust, it is coming up from underneath and pretty terminal for the wing as it is an area of double skin. New wings are about £500 each and pattern parts are rubbish.
Rear Wings are a big issue although they are slightly less prone there than the fronts in my experience
Bumpers.... if the rear bumper is not absolutely solid, walk away. That means the Mount is corroded as well as the bumper internals and they are seriously expensive.
Having said all of that..... I would not part with mine unless I was offered a ridiculous amount of money, it simply makes me, my wife and those who see it smile.
As far as the rear seat, with a booster I would suggest not too bad up to early teens. I have taken older kids to the Prom in it, but that means me having the seat very far forward. As for buffeting, it is a completely flat deck, so I suspect plenty of it.
Bulkhead on all.... quick check is dampness in footwells, if the owner is willing you can remove the grills at the front of the windscreen and see much better inside. They all go, it's more a question of if it has been fixed.
Boot.... check the forward part on both sides that is effectively the rear inner arch, also lift the spare wheel.
Sills..... Mainly at the front. If they are really crusty walk away. If they are just a little then they can be fixed with made up sheet metal and welded in. New full sills are a major expense as they are truly structural and cost a fortune.
Front Wings..... If there are bubbles at the leading edge above the headlights, it is not surface rust, it is coming up from underneath and pretty terminal for the wing as it is an area of double skin. New wings are about £500 each and pattern parts are rubbish.
Rear Wings are a big issue although they are slightly less prone there than the fronts in my experience
Bumpers.... if the rear bumper is not absolutely solid, walk away. That means the Mount is corroded as well as the bumper internals and they are seriously expensive.
Having said all of that..... I would not part with mine unless I was offered a ridiculous amount of money, it simply makes me, my wife and those who see it smile.
As far as the rear seat, with a booster I would suggest not too bad up to early teens. I have taken older kids to the Prom in it, but that means me having the seat very far forward. As for buffeting, it is a completely flat deck, so I suspect plenty of it.
Just remember, there's no such thing as a cheap 107, buy the best you can afford, as said parts prices make grown men cry, the rear seat is suitable for any age, just cut off their legs and they'll fit in fine( and their head if putting the soft top up)
But, sitting in mine with the roof down on a sunny day listening to the V8, who cares about impracticalities?
But, take a friend and a bucket, pour it doen the screen above the grilles, water ingress=big problem. Many owners never go out in the rain so dry carpet isn't always proof of a solid bulkhead.
But, sitting in mine with the roof down on a sunny day listening to the V8, who cares about impracticalities?
But, take a friend and a bucket, pour it doen the screen above the grilles, water ingress=big problem. Many owners never go out in the rain so dry carpet isn't always proof of a solid bulkhead.
I honestly don't know what you can replace it with. Classic style, but easily keeps up with modern traffic.
I love it. Mine is a navy blue/crème leather 1989 300sl.
As a wise man once said "...It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up".
OP - There is another thread on R107s. There is a very cool picture of two kids and a dog in the back of one whilst in motion (taken with a GoPro or something).
I love it. Mine is a navy blue/crème leather 1989 300sl.
As a wise man once said "...It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up".
OP - There is another thread on R107s. There is a very cool picture of two kids and a dog in the back of one whilst in motion (taken with a GoPro or something).
Thank you very much for your replies!!! Are the american SL more prone to rust?
Something I completely forgot, when the hood is up or the hardtop mounted is there enough headroom
in the back for a child?
Can I send the link of the car I'm interested in to someone that he can have a look over the pictures?
Something I completely forgot, when the hood is up or the hardtop mounted is there enough headroom
in the back for a child?
Can I send the link of the car I'm interested in to someone that he can have a look over the pictures?
here it is, I'm probably too late, someone reserved it...
http://www.vemucars.com/car/mercedes-450-sl-1973-e...
http://www.vemucars.com/car/mercedes-450-sl-1973-e...
Gassing Station | Classic Cars and Yesterday's Heroes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff