Newbie Question

[Dottore]

Am seriously hoping to decide between one of two cars this weekend.  One is a 69 280 SL 4 speed manual and the other is a 68 280 SL 5 speed manual.

Both appear to be in very good shape. The 5 speed appears to be pristine - but seller is asking $30K more.

I have heard there are no parts for a broken 5 speed - but that it is an incredibly robust unit.

Can someone talk me through the pros and cons of these two cars, assuming for the moment that they are both in good shape???

[Mark280SL]

You may hear any number of comments but there is one thing for sure and that is an original 5 speed manual in these cars is rare and I would have to think that (assuming it's original zf and not some type of kluge) it will definitely command a premium price... and especially so if the rest of the car is pristine.

Mark
1970 280 SL Ivory/Cognac

[waqas]

Before you go any further, make sure the 5-speed car actually has the ZF transmission (as opposed to another 5-sp transmission, which some have done).

In any case, I personally don't think having the ZF 5-speed is worth an extra $30k (all else being equal). Given that ZF units can be had for around 3-6k, I would place the premium at about 8-12k. (including the pedigree associated with having the original equipment).

Waqas in Austin, Texas

[Raymond]

If you are new to these cars, you should have an expert examine them.  Find someone who is familar with old Mercedes and get a pre-purchase inspection.  There can be many shortcomings not be readily apparent to an uneducated eye.  Mark and Wagas are correct in that an original ZF 5-speed is rare and desireable.  And, there can be many reasons for the difference in price.

Both of the transmissions are stout, if not as easy to shift as today's manuals.  I have a 4-speed and feel 1st gear is way too short.  It's good for parades or as a stump puller and 2nd is just a bit too tall for regular start off.  Every now and then, I forget myself and try to shift into 5th.  If I had the extra money, and the car was otherwise worth it, I'd try for the fiver.

Ray
'68 280SL 4-spd Coupe

[mdsalemi]

Dottore (and others)

Go here: http://slmarket.com/news/

I am a subscriber and just received--on Tuesday--the latest issue which contains an astoundingly detailed price guide for SL's, updated to today.

SL's in this guide are divided into 6 conditions (1=Trailer Queen 100pt show car; 6=parts car) and things such as the ZF are accounted for in price by a panel of experts whose names are familiar to many of us.

Armed with this information, and someone who knows the cars, you can evaluate the condition of each, the options, and see where the asking prices are.

If you plan on investing the time and money in looking at and getting a W113, best to arm yourself with as much information as possible.

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
President, International Stars Section
Mercedes-Benz Club of America

[Dottore]

Many thanks for all of the thoughtful comments.

I will post pictures of the new purchase in due course.

[domimax]

How do you know for sure if the ZF tranny is original to the car? thanks

[rwmastel]

The data card (http://www.sl113.org/wiki/pmwiki.php?n=DataCard.Start) would have option code for a 5-speed transmission and the transmission serial number.

Rodd
Pagoda Technical Manual
please contibute: http://www.sl113.org/wiki/pmwiki.php
1966 230SL
2006 C230 Sport Sedan