250 vs. 280 why one over the other?

[Innerplay]

I am working hard to understand the difference (to the driver) in the way a 250 handles vs a 280. Is there a big difference? Is the extra horsepower necessary? Is the later car recommended? Also in terms of sheer driving fun, do the european 280's have tighter suspension than the US models. Any info appreciated.

Rob Weiss
wanna be 280 owner
Santa monica

[norton]

Hi Rob If your looking for a Pagoda with air and auto trans Your most likly to find these options on a 280SL. One thing you don't want to do is pay a premium price for a "rare" 250 SL, some sellers would have you believe that the low production of the 250 demands a higher price, and it's just not true. I would think that Santa Monica would be a great place to find a rust free car, I'd look for a local car from a private owner. Good luck

Mike Halleck
Chesterfield Mi
71 280SL
68 250SL (parts car)
94 E320 Coupe

[Ben]

I agree with Mike and since you seem to be ruling out the 230SL's I can assume you are not interested in driving a manual transmission car, correct ?

IMO a manual 230SL is quite peppy and the motor feels a bit more "cammy" so in all it feels a bit sportier, though no faster or slower than the auto.

If you definitely want an auto then the extra torque of the 280 makes more sense.

Overall I would concentrate on finding a car that has good bodywork and the options you want, forget whaty the bootlid badge says !

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.

[Innerplay]

Thanks Mike, I will look around, but finding a 113 in So. Cal seems like an automatic 10,000 mark-up. Let me know if you want to sell yours...  BTW I am not focused on air or auto trans, just heard that the 250 has stiffer suspension and is a better driver.

quote:Originally posted by norton

Hi Rob If your looking for a Pagoda with air and auto trans Your most likly to find these options on a 280SL. One thing you don't want to do is pay a premium price for a "rare" 250 SL, some sellers would have you believe that the low production of the 250 demands a higher price, and it's just not true. I would think that Santa Monica would be a great place to find a rust free car, I'd look for a local car from a private owner. Good luck

Mike Halleck
Chesterfield Mi
71 280SL
68 250SL (parts car)
94 E320 Coupe

Rob Weiss
wanna be 280 owner
Santa monica

[Vince Canepa]

There are many myths that surround the various SLs.  One is that the suspension became softer and that more rubber was used as the cars progressed, but that is just a myth.  There is no appreciable difference in suspensions.  The early 230s had a larger sway bar.  The 280s have a rubber idler arm bushing.  That is about it.

Vince Canepa
1967 250SL
113.043-10-001543
568H Signal Red
116 Caviar MB-Tex

[J. Huber]

Heresy! Scandal! I'm terribly wounded! (not really -- but don't rule out the 230SLs!) They have a lot of unique and positive attributes. The criteria for buying any of the models is the same -- condition matters much more than model. I wouldn't pass up one versus the other, if it's condition matches the amount you are willing to pay.

James
63 230SL

[norton]

Rob I agree the So. Cal dealer prices are quit high, that's why I suggested a car from a private party, maybe from an ad in the paper. And as others have said, don,t rule out a 230, there great cars and seem to sell at a discount to the 280's.

Mike Halleck
Chesterfield Mi
71 280SL
68 250SL (parts car)
94 E320 Coupe

[Raymond]

The handling will depend on a lot of maintenance factors and not model differences.  The 250s and 280's have four wheel disc brakes, and I think that is an advantage over the 230s.  All other things being equal, the 4-speed will be quicker to 60.  But, as has been said here often, "It's not about speed, it's about elegance."

I haven't driven a 230.  I like the '67 to '69 cars because of the brakes, improved FI pump, and the less complicated emissions plumbing than later models.  The torque of the 280 is nice.  

They are all the inherently cool Pagoda.  Condition is everything.  I bought a mistreated one and have just about got her nursed back to health over 2-1/2 years.  But, she had no rust.  What do you want out of the car instantly?  A showpiece driver, or a mechanical hobby.

Ray
'68 280SL 4-spd Coupe

[Chad]

Yep, I vote consider 230 also.  There are many trim features on 230 that are much classier. Anyway, the 250 and 280 are heavier but weigh about the same, right? So the 280 would be preferable in that match to me.

-CD-
1967 230SL, 113.042 10

[TA250SL]

Rob,

Also investigate local cars you find listed at www.collectorcartraderonline.com as well as the local Recyclers.  Even the LA Times lists an occasional Pagoda.  I looked at about 12 cars before I found my Euro 250SL in Hollywood.  It was originally sold in Belgium and brought over by a Set Designer from Malibu 25 years ago.  You'll learn that not all local cars are rust-free, and descriptions and photos rarely match the actual car.  It's a fun adventure and I would love to do at again, someday.  Good luck!

Tom
1967 250SL    
Los Angeles

[n/a]

Couldn't agree more--the "bootlid badge" is not the reason to buy a car.  I posted this on this forum some time ago and received no argument--as far as I know, the 230's are the fastest; maybe 6-8 years ago I saw a TV documentary, interviewing all kinds of M-B engineers, who said that.  Mine is a '67 230 and when the engine was rebuilt they put a 2.5 L block in.  Anyway, I've never driven one faster (and my father used to have a '67 250SL).  I think it drives better and looks better.  True, the brakes are a little squishy, perhaps 4-wheel disks help, but that is common on these cars.

And I live outside of Denver but bought mine in Rancho Santa Fe, CA (adjacent to La Jolla).  I cannot claim to be a current expert, but in my (past) experience Southern California is THE BEST place to find them; sure, certain showrooms will be steep, but greater variety and selection can means better cars and better prices.  And, you can always try and deal with the high-brow dealers; look around and try it, and eventually one will click.

[TheEngineer]

I had a 230SL thirty years ago when they were more common. It was a good car. Now I have a 280SL and I like it better because it has power steering, disk brakes, halogen lights and A/C. I also like the color better: It is signal red with black interior. My 230SL was blue with grey upholstery. This kind of car is like a toy: When you see the right one you'll know it and the price won't matter.

'69 280SL,Signal Red,007537,tired engineer, West-Seattle, WA

[hands_aus]

Hey Rob,
There is a break in the 250sl series at #2979 / #2980.
The 'early' 250sls have the same internal livery as the 230sls BUT also have the 4 wheel disk brakes and the larger 82litre fuel tank.
From #2980 a new livery was introduced and this was continued to the 280sl.
Basically the 'later' livery has less chrome than the 'early' livery.
Plastic was introduced with dash padding and the steering wheel changed for supposed safety.

I went for an 'early' 250SL because I like the chrome and not the plastic, plus the engineering / emission system was introduced on the 280sl.

Bob Smith (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto

[TA250SL]

Having driven both I found very little handling difference between the 250SL and 280SL.  Every model fom the 113 series is very fun to drive.  As Bob said, there are many cosmetic differences you might appreciate.  Early 250SL's also had the wool square-weave carpet instead of nylon, the hard door pockets rather than the elastic version, a lack of bumper guards in the US, and the highly desired all-red tail lights.  That being said, they are all great cars and it's more important to find a complete, rust-free and mostly un-altered example.  If I can be of further assistance in your search, let me know.

Tom
Early 250SL
Euro version    
Los Angeles

[A Dalton]

I am surprized no one has mentioned the 7 main bearing engine of the 250 over the 4 of the 230... between the all wheel disc and the 7 main bearings , the Early 250 has the best of both models..
 ..probably the best $$ value of the 3 , specially if you can find a good Euro one ..

[Ricardo]

OK...... so Arthur what do you drive?
Curious minds need to know

Richard
early '67 euro 4 speed...simply the best...[:p]

[A Dalton]

Well, up to moving to Fl for retirement , I had both Early/Late .043s and a 250/8 ,  but I sold off and am now down to my favorite .. Guess what that would be  An Early .043, Euro/Stick , of course ..[ 000213]
 
 I also  own a 1956 121 and my driver is an E320. [ the only auto I own]
 Looking at replacing the E320 with new , but have not decided with what yet. But expect to soon. That SLK350 looks cool...
 I have been a Benz guy for over 40 years and  owned a shop for a few years, so I have owned many chassis [ including all 113 productions]and worked on all models pretty much at one time or another..
 A definate BenzHead, so they tell me.............

[Benz Dr.]

All this banter is quite interesting and shows how little people really know about these cars. So, the myths continue, eh?



Dan Caron's
 SL Barn
benzbarn@ebtech.net
 slbarn.mbz.org
  1 877 661 6061

[Khurram Darugar]

Benz Dr,
        Do you have an opinion on the yet unanswered question between the 230sl and 280sl. Like to like is one slightly better than the other, and if so WHICH ONE!  
Kay

[Benz Dr.]

That's like asking me which is best:
blondes, redheads, or brunettes......

 And the answer is .......

  There isn't one.

Dan Caron's
 SL Barn
benzbarn@ebtech.net
 slbarn.mbz.org
  1 877 661 6061

[J. Huber]

Ahh, spoken like a true lady's man...

James
63 230SL

[Chad]

As long as they're not rusty they're all nice to me.

-CD-
1967 230SL, 113.042 10

[Abbas]

I am a newly joiner to this forum. A car dealer is offering me an SL 230 1967 - german origin. I was wondering if the SL230s of those years ever came with wheel disk brakes at all or is it only for the 250s and 280. What about powers steering?



SL Car Fan
E280 W124 1995 Silver

[Ben]

No 230SL's had rear discs, and power steering was always an option !

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.

[LFrank]

While there may be no earthshaking difference between 230/250/280 there is a BIG difference between being a "lady's man" and a "ladies' man"; I've been the former for some time (but I do recall the latter, fondly).

LFrank
Washington DC
65 230 sl - auto
DB334/Hellblau