280 sl vs 230 sl

[suzy]

there have probably been long discussions about the merits of the 280 over the 230 (or vice versa from 230 owners) but i tried finding them and came up blank, so may i pose this question again?

i owned a 280 and loved it and it was recently stolen.  i was told about a 1964 230 in my area (los angeles) and i'm going to check it out.  i am after a daily driver, not a perfect car for weekends only.

my understanding is that the power and brakes and weight are different in the 280 vs the 230, but are there any other significant differences? any reasons not to look at 230s as well as 280s?

thanks for any comments you might provide--suzy

suzy adler

[Kemal]

So impressed with your attitude Suzy.(' ')
I would still be in bed with my head buried under my pillow upset on losing my car...(' ')
However you are out shopping for a new one, good on you .
Best of luck either way .
(' ')
Kemal
280 SL Manual 69

[sjiatrou]

Caveat: I'm a 230sl owner and have never owned or cared to own a 280sl but I did consider a 250sl.  

With that said, here's my take:  you're correct about the engine/power difference and the brakes (230s drum rear, disc front) but if it's brakes you want the 250sl also has discs all around.  The 280sl will have headrests and shoulder harnesses but these can be put into a 230sl (the seatbelts are easy, putting in headrests or replacing the seats can run up some large bills!)  Once you step outside of these areas (brakes, engine, seats/belts) I think you've exhausted the significant differences.  I'll leave it someone else to discuss any transmission differences.  

The 230s are also considerably less expensive for comparable condition. Looking at the market it seems that a very good condition 230sl will run about $30K (drivers go in high teens or low 20s)whereas a 280sl in similar condition will run in the mid $40s (drivers in the high 20s or low 30s).  The 250s fall out somewhere around the price range of the 230sl I think.  You should check Roy Spencer's site http://www.oursl.com for some background on the various models and current market (he's in Burlingame CA, on the south side of San Francisco.)

Why did I focus on a 230sl?  I like the idea of having the original configuration of a unique car for it's time and I found one in good shape for a good price.  There are a lot of 280sl's running around my area but very few 230sl's (maybe I'm a snob?)  

I hope this helps.

Steve
Seaside, CA
1964 230sl roadster
White (050)/Black (116)

[DaveB]

http://www.silverstarrestorations.com/113SL.htm is worth a look as it describes the production changes through the range.
The page includes this quote "Most people seem to prefer the 280 SL because they are more plush and are usually automatic. I prefer the 230 SL in a 4 speed with no options. It is a light, simple car that performs excellently."


DaveB

[Raymond]

You sound like you'll be happy in any version that runs well.  There isn't a huge difference in weight.  The options were adopted over time. My 280 is identical to a 250 with the exception of displacement.   It is not true that all 280s have headrests, although they are a valuable whiplash preventive.  Not all 280s had shoulder belts, but you'd be foolish to drive daily without them.  The power steering is a big help in a crowded downtown.

I don't know what year you used to have.  Obviously, the greatest differences are between a '63 and a '71. From what I have read here and from owners I have spoken with, the '70 and '71s with automatic and air conditioning have the greatest challenge in hot weather.  I think this is due to the ignition timing and emission control.  My '68 manual with air doesn't run hot except when stopped a long time in traffic over 95 degrees.  (Does that ever happen in LA? )

I would guess you want a/c in SoCal.  Perhaps some of the 230 owners can tell you how well the smaller engine handles the heat with air on.  

I chose the '68 because I believe the "68 and '69 are the peak execution of the design.  Best brakes and best engine unchoked by poor emission regulation.

That said, the nuances of the differences should not be your prime concern.  A good, safe, rust-free car is your prime concern.  You'll be admired for driving. and keeping alive, any of the three models.  

Good luck, and post a photo when you buy your new auto companion.

Ray
'68 280SL 4-spd Coupe

[philmas]

Hi suzy!

If you're looking for an-almost-daily driver,I think you'd be safer choosing a 280.Why? Because 280's are more recent, more modern, and, if well maintened, should last longer!(remember that the last 280 series ended up in 1971)

Moreover,there is something else to be considered: many 230 specific spare parts are NLA, while you can find almost everything on the market for a 280.

Philippe from Paris
'71 280SL manual 4sp