Finally got one! Signal Red, black interior, 5-speed, A/C (a must here in Arizona's 115°F/46°C summer highs), and 34K miles on it. Will probably have to have a catalytic converter welded on to pass emissions.
I always learn something new from Pierre. The 500SL and the 280 absolutely beautiful cars. Unfortunately, they also draw too much attention if you are a simple guy like me who likes to blend into crowds and keep a low profile. I drive a 1984 w123 Mercedes 200 with a 102 engine and I still get lots of attention on the road. I love my car and would not trade it for any other. Pierre is a godsend for those of us who love our classics. I am happy that I am a Patreon supporter as I am sure producing these videos cost money. I think we should all support Pierre and the channel. He is the ONLY one I know who gives us Mercedes owners valuable advice with no strings attached and this is rare in today's world. PS: I've never met Pierre, live in Kenya in case anyone thinks I have any connection with this channel. Thank you Pierre, God bless you and stay safe!
We really appreciate you Its-Ali for viewing our videos and leaving a comment. I tried to read as many as I can and take your responses for consideration on future videos. Thomas Polk UA-cam Creator.
Pierre-----I remember viewing a 280sl in a Mercedes dealer in 1970 and being astonished that the sticker price was $10,000 when an American car (loaded) was maybe $4,000 or less brand new.. This was pre-r107. I was too young to understand the car had superior craftsmanship compared to a Buick or Chevy. But I do remember marveling at the exceptional beauty of the 280sl.
Thank you for for the great update. About to purchase a r107 280 5 speed 1982 with badge delete, all options purchase in Germany. Has 180k on the clock, very very well maintained. I need to find a nice home for my 280sl, 1971 pagoda. I am getting to old at 6 foot+ to get in and out the little pagoda. Full restored, no bolt left unturned. Thanks again.
I too love the D Jetronic M110. I had a 1979 450SE. Now I have a Euro 1975 280SE. It feels a lot more spritely than the 450. The sound of the M110 at high rpm is very addictive too!
Hei ønsker deg en god påske er det mulig at du kan snakke om W 107 300 SL 1986 Manuel jeg hører deg hele tiden og snakke om to til 35 timer du snakker aldri om 300 det hadde vært fint å høre litt om 300 SL
Pierre, I’ve been following your channel for quite a while. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience. I really enjoy learning from you. RESPECT !
Really good info! I will start hunting for a 280 og 350 sl with manual transmisson. Thanks 🤠 - have owned a 77 280ce manual - it was great and felt faster than my later 350 slc auto.
I know you are very busy Pierre but just a reminder last time I said anything was probably a year-ago but please.... do a review video of the underrated gem that is the 190e 2.6 , Americans really overlook this car and look at it like nothing because they can still see it on the road and not very well taken care of . I don’t even think there is enough appreciation for this model even on UA-cam on the American side unless if it’s the 2.3 16 valve . Big fan of your channel thank you for the great content
I would love to drive a late 280SL with a Manuel. I did drive a Signal Red/Tan Euro 300SL in NY. Belong to my friend which he shipped from Europe. Was a revvy car felt a lot lighter than my 560. How do I make my 560SL AC better? It’s so weak. Unless the soft top or hard top is up. Than it feels good. My pods are bad hence the center 2 vents don’t work so what I did was open up the center vents for now. Until I can rip apart the dash.
From what I could dig up on the gearing of the R107 280 SL, here goes. From its 1974 introduction through 1981, three transmissions were available: 4 speed, both manual and auto plus a 5 speed manual. Through 1980, both 4 speeds came with a 3.69 rear end while the 5 speed was teamed up with a 3.92. In 81, the 3.69:1 ratio of both 4 speed transmissions was changed to a slightly taller 3.58:1. This would've brought down highway cruising revs but very little. The 5 speed kept the same 3.92. In 82, a few more changes occurred. The 4 speed manual was dropped. Only the 4 speed auto and 5 speed manual remained. There were no further changes to the auto but the 5 speed switched from the short 3.92 to a significantly taller 3.58:1. Additionally, the 5th gear ratio also became taller going from 0.88 to 0.81.
If you're cruising at the speed at which an early, short-geared (3.69 rear) 4 speed 280 SL would hit 4000 RPM, here are the the effects of these gearing changes. At that same speed, an early short-geared (3.92 rear/0.88 5th gear) 5 speed car would rev at about 3740, a late, tall-geared (3.58 rear) auto 3880, and a late, tall-geared (3.58 rear/0.81 5th gear) car 3140 RPM. I rounded off the numbers and this is all theoretical based on the ratios.
Good evening thank you for your knowledge the 280 SL. Watching all your videos with great interest. I'm interested in buying a 280SL 1984 auto with 109000 miles on the clock. It's a UK car. Do you think its worth investigating in this? First time classic buyer. Thank you
It doesn't seem like the slightly lower power of the 6 is a problem given weight penalty of the V8, especially since that weight is in the front. Am I wrong?
I bought a M110 bolted to a manual transmission all rebuilt with efi, harness, computer for $400 off a friend of mine. What car should I put it in? She’s gorgeous. How can i figure out if it’s a 4spd or 5spd
Finally got one! Signal Red, black interior, 5-speed, A/C (a must here in Arizona's 115°F/46°C summer highs), and 34K miles on it. Will probably have to have a catalytic converter welded on to pass emissions.
I always learn something new from Pierre. The 500SL and the 280 absolutely beautiful cars. Unfortunately, they also draw too much attention if you are a simple guy like me who likes to blend into crowds and keep a low profile. I drive a 1984 w123 Mercedes 200 with a 102 engine and I still get lots of attention on the road. I love my car and would not trade it for any other. Pierre is a godsend for those of us who love our classics. I am happy that I am a Patreon supporter as I am sure producing these videos cost money. I think we should all support Pierre and the channel. He is the ONLY one I know who gives us Mercedes owners valuable advice with no strings attached and this is rare in today's world.
PS: I've never met Pierre, live in Kenya in case anyone thinks I have any connection with this channel. Thank you Pierre, God bless you and stay safe!
We really appreciate you Its-Ali for viewing our videos and leaving a comment. I tried to read as many as I can and take your responses for consideration on future videos.
Thomas Polk
UA-cam Creator.
This is a great car, I have a 1980 model now completely restored, love driving it here in the Canadian Rockies.
Pierre-----I remember viewing a 280sl in a Mercedes dealer in 1970 and being astonished that the sticker price was $10,000 when an American car (loaded) was maybe $4,000
or less brand new.. This was pre-r107. I was too young to understand the car had superior craftsmanship compared to a Buick or Chevy. But I do remember marveling at the exceptional beauty of the 280sl.
This should have been a so called „ Pagode“.
Thank you for for the great update. About to purchase a r107 280 5 speed 1982 with badge delete, all options purchase in Germany. Has 180k on the clock, very very well maintained.
I need to find a nice home for my 280sl, 1971 pagoda. I am getting to old at 6 foot+ to get in and out the little pagoda. Full restored, no bolt left unturned. Thanks again.
I too love the D Jetronic M110. I had a 1979 450SE. Now I have a Euro 1975 280SE. It feels a lot more spritely than the 450. The sound of the M110 at high rpm is very addictive too!
If I ever get another R107 it will be a 280 with manual trans. Would love one.
Hei ønsker deg en god påske er det mulig at du kan snakke om W 107 300 SL 1986 Manuel jeg hører deg hele tiden og snakke om to til 35 timer du snakker aldri om 300 det hadde vært fint å høre litt om 300 SL
You’ve answered my questions on the 280SL, Thanks
Pierre,
I’ve been following your channel for quite a while. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience. I really enjoy learning from you.
RESPECT !
Thanks for the knowledge!
Thank you, thank you, thank you Pierre, God Bless your too!
First view. First like. I nailed this one 31 seconds after posting.
Thanks for your diligence
LOL
Thanks for your videos ✌🏼
Shame that the US did not get the R107 300SL with the single overhead camshaft M103 12V engine. The sweet spot of R107s.
less is more you need no more than an 280 insted an v8 that is my humble opinion less maintance and not much less power
I agree
Really good info! I will start hunting for a 280 og 350 sl with manual transmisson. Thanks 🤠 - have owned a 77 280ce manual - it was great and felt faster than my later 350 slc auto.
1st is the worst 2nd is the best!
I know you are very busy Pierre but just a reminder last time I said anything was probably a year-ago but please.... do a review video of the underrated gem that is the 190e 2.6 , Americans really overlook this car and look at it like nothing because they can still see it on the road and not very well taken care of . I don’t even think there is enough appreciation for this model even on UA-cam on the American side unless if it’s the 2.3 16 valve . Big fan of your channel thank you for the great content
Pierre can you do a video on the M110 Engine and the Solex 4A1 Carb. I never understood why everyone changed to a holly or rochester.
I would love to drive a late 280SL with a Manuel. I did drive a Signal Red/Tan Euro 300SL in NY. Belong to my friend which he shipped from Europe. Was a revvy car felt a lot lighter than my 560. How do I make my 560SL AC better? It’s so weak. Unless the soft top or hard top is up. Than it feels good. My pods are bad hence the center 2 vents don’t work so what I did was open up the center vents for now. Until I can rip apart the dash.
How quickly things change in the classic car market. 280 SL are going for well over $100k on auto tempest.
Hi Pierre what is your opinion about a R107 300 sl with manual gear box,?
back in the days the M110 was known to burn oil … fill up the oil and check on the gas... not sure why
Pierre, what is your opinion on the 300SL (1986 to 89)?
And the 300SE 1990?
300SL R107 Manual 5sp.
Great video Pierre! Would this apply to the replacement 300SL from 85-89?
From what I could dig up on the gearing of the R107 280 SL, here goes. From its 1974 introduction through 1981, three transmissions were available: 4 speed, both manual and auto plus a 5 speed manual. Through 1980, both 4 speeds came with a 3.69 rear end while the 5 speed was teamed up with a 3.92. In 81, the 3.69:1 ratio of both 4 speed transmissions was changed to a slightly taller 3.58:1. This would've brought down highway cruising revs but very little. The 5 speed kept the same 3.92. In 82, a few more changes occurred. The 4 speed manual was dropped. Only the 4 speed auto and 5 speed manual remained. There were no further changes to the auto but the 5 speed switched from the short 3.92 to a significantly taller 3.58:1. Additionally, the 5th gear ratio also became taller going from 0.88 to 0.81.
If you're cruising at the speed at which an early, short-geared (3.69 rear) 4 speed 280 SL would hit 4000 RPM, here are the the effects of these gearing changes. At that same speed, an early short-geared (3.92 rear/0.88 5th gear) 5 speed car would rev at about 3740, a late, tall-geared (3.58 rear) auto 3880, and a late, tall-geared (3.58 rear/0.81 5th gear) car 3140 RPM. I rounded off the numbers and this is all theoretical based on the ratios.
i’m thinking about doing a full rebuild on a 280 SL euro
Good evening thank you for your knowledge the 280 SL. Watching all your videos with great interest. I'm interested in buying a 280SL 1984 auto with 109000 miles on the clock. It's a UK car. Do you think its worth investigating in this? First time classic buyer. Thank you
I want a R107!
Could a 560sec. Be paired with a 5spd man ?
Just got a 1975 280sl D jetronic Matic transmission. How’s the performance of these? Scared of the D jetronic system
It doesn't seem like the slightly lower power of the 6 is a problem given weight penalty of the V8, especially since that weight is in the front. Am I wrong?
While the 280 does not produce 500 levels of power, it moves along quite well
1979 Mercedes-Benz 280SL vs refresh post 1980 280SL?
I think both of them are great cars. I think a build quality in the 1980 is a little bit better
I was just waving !
And I did just trade the Beemer for an Audi just in case....... Is that better 😕
Hmm do a video on the 1987 560SL R107
I bought a M110 bolted to a manual transmission all rebuilt with efi, harness, computer for $400 off a friend of mine. What car should I put it in? She’s gorgeous. How can i figure out if it’s a 4spd or 5spd
Would like to buy it off you if you would consider, contact me at ggre123 gmail. Thanks in advance!
@@ggre213 Hey I sent you an email, If you want the engine let me know because I’m trying to make some space in my shop
Pierre's shaking his legs while talking
I think he needed to pee