Thoughts on the 107 (yeah, I know...)

[n/a]

I know, I know, we're all about 113s. I've been toying with the idea of a daily driver and am considering a 450SL (or some other 107 derivative). My 113 only ventures out on the finest of days and only can hold one other family member. I have seen nice jump seat options for the 107 and theoretically take the wife and 2 small kids out for a ride al fresco. I know there were issues with the 4.5 engine and I'm not a big fan of 70s vintage manufacturing quality, but we are talking Mercedes Benz.

What opinions are out there on a 450SL as a daily driver? Reliability? Comfort? Maintainability? Safety? Any years better than others? How's the A/C and heat?

I figure I can pick one of these up for a reasonable price in good condition. I'd expect it would run far longer than the average car. I love ragtops, but also like a hardtop in winter. It does get nasty here in Philadelphia.

I'm open to a spirited conversation.

Shawn Rock
Philly, PA USA
1968 280 SL 4 speed

[SL113fan]

Having operated a 450SLC as a 10-year daily driver (purchased used), I strongly endorse these 107s for any intended use.  I found the car was even quite capable in snow, provided one used proper M/S or snow tires.

Best years are '77-'79 and, to a lesser extent, '72-'73.  The '77-'79 period offered the best tradeoff between luxury (wood (SLC) + A/C) and power.  Reliability (IMHO) was bulletproof, so long as one had a good timing chain tensioner, minimal chain slack, and no broken chain rails.  The A/C system--a Chrysler design--was the main weak point but was cheap to repair if DIY.  Most parts are reasonable $ (if DIY) and readily available.

The '72-'73 period offered the best power and aesthetics but was short on some luxury features.  They were slightly less robust from a reliability standpoint (it had EFI vs. the later CIS).

Year 1980 was too underpowered and the other years had reliability issues stemming from a poorly designed emissions system.

Invest as much as you can to get the best example possible (rust problems are inherent in these models too), and don't discount the SLC.  It offered superior handling (body rigidity) and room.

[Bob G ✝︎]

I perefer the look of the early year R-107 350SL /450SL much more clean and defined oreintation of S class luxury and engineering the SL classclearly aiming with new 5 link trailing link suspension and anti dive braking none of the frills like wood and electric windows had yet infested their way into the German driver's enviroment.. My next choice would be 1988 or 1989 the last years for the promenent power house of the 5 liter 560SL. This car although a design for the next generations of touring cars from Dailmer -Benz a design that prowdly stood the test of time over an 18 year run. till the introduction of the R129 SL.This was the last classic exsample of a truly two seater roadster with canvans top and removal hard top capable of cruising the autobaun at blitz double ditit numbers we drive here in the states and offer the luxury of a comforable sedan like enviroment for two with luggage to travle to a weekend get a way .
Bob Geco
Bob Geco

[n/a]

Frank Barrett's Mercedes buyers guide has some great info on 107 cars..the one to have is a 450SL IMHO, the 380 is kind of anemic (and there's the timing chain problem) and the 560 guzzles fuel. If you get a good one, it can be a great daily driver. I agree about getting the newer FI, too.

[ja17]

Hello Schrock,
These are bargains by today's standards for a Mercedes convertible (way over 100,000 made). They are gas guzzlers except for the 6cyl euro delivery version (280-SL W107). The earliest USA versions and the euro delivery cars had the pretty small chrome bumpers. The USA cars had the big ugly black rubber safety bumpers. a nice combination is an european model with the small chrome bumpers, high compression engine, euro headlights, and factory front spoiler.
If maintained these are very drivable, modern and reliable. 1975 thru 1980 USA delivery cars are the worst years. Manufacturers were having to add lots of USA emmissions equipment. The catalytic converter, lower compression and other emissions droped the horse power on USA models to 185hp! 380-SL, SLC had timing chain problems. They do handle a little heavy but the V8 engine is impressive and durable. Poorly maintained or high mileage  examples may be ready for an expensive valve job. The bottom ends are normally indestructable.  thew 450-SLC 5.0 is the rarest and most collectable. They had the 5.0 liter aluminum engine around 900 were made. Only the coupes (SLC) were produced.

Things to look out for; chasis rust, cracked expensive exhaust manifolds, inoperative climate control or heating system, worn electric window regulators, oil smoke (valve job time).

The later 500 and 560 series are more powerful, refined and luxurious as stated and a bit more expensive.  Gas consumption can be an issue. 18mpg on the road and 13mpg around town is not unusual for an USA emission W107.



Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1974 450-SLC all euro specs with 4spd trans.

[hauser]

Shawn I can not offer any technical advise on these cars other than there's quite a few of 'em out there. If your seriously looking for a W107 take a look at the www.oursl.com site. You can find information that will help make your decisions easier. Many of the Germans are importing these cars since most of theirs are rusted out. With such a lage production run spare parts should be easy to find.



Sports Leicht Restorations did a ground up on an SLC. It would have been less costly for the owner to go out and buy a nicely kept car. Obviously he must of had sentimental reasons for this costly venture. The restoration is pictured www.sportsleicht.com . I spoke with Bjorn about it. The car belonged to the customers wife. (Sentimental reasons) :evil:  The most difficult part was tracking down molded plastic interior panels. This was the most difficult part of the job. Everything else was easy.

1969 280sl 5 spd        1999 ML320          Gainesville,Fl.