Growing up as a kid in the 70's and a Teen in the 80's these cars were only acquired by the very well to do. Doctors / Lawyers/ Movie Stars/ Movie producers/ Bankers... it was "the" status symbol back then. A timeless classic that still looks great today. Brown Metallic with Chrome Bundt Wheels.. that's my "fave". I have a 1992 190E sedan that I love so much. "Cheers"
These legendary Mercedes of 80's were made to last. They were built with honesty. Always great to look at and easy to work on, with plenty of parts available. A thing of beauty is a joy forever. A good genuine cars are are hard to find.
BS: single row timing chain, hvac servo, head gasket leaks, undersized cam oiler tubes, jerky transmission defects. Very expensive to maintain…. All Bosch fuel management. Also whole engine in controles with vacuum and rubber hose and fittings that rot but it’s 40 years old. Oh. You need new visors and cracked dash. Be prepared to spend 15 to $20k over 10 years dyi.
@@FBfogo Yes, I wonder how people are saying these older Mercs were easier to maintain.. Looking at how complicated the mechanical fuel injection is alone.. I own CL which is super complicated with active suspension but these seem even harder to maintain tbh.. although really appealing I must say
@@FBfogo absolutely no R107 was ever produced with a single row timing chain. And very few have headgasket leakage. The k- jet system is easy as hell. The new Mercedes-Benz car's are crap......
The timing chain issue was strictly early model M116 380 (3.8 liter v8) models. They were equipped with a single row chain rather than a stronger dual row timing chain (double width) and were more susceptible to failure. Later engines and all of the larger variants found in the R107 chassis (420, 450, 500, 560 M117) all originated with dual row chains. As they age (any of them) the timing chains and their guide rails must be checked and replaced as the material can break down and fail. If buying a car with no records of any timing chain work, it likely needs it regardless of single or dual row. Regarding acceleration, your transmission bowden cable/modulator/throttle linkage need some adjustment on that car as it is not holding the gears nearly long enough (if you were flooring it), should go right up to redline in each gear. MPG should be easily upper teens, my 420SEL is a much larger car and averaged 16-18mpg city, 20-22 highway. 11-13 is way too low, likely its running a bit rich.
Upgrading the single row timing chain to a double row is soooo expensive if you don’t know how to do it yourself. Usually not worth the cost. It’s a big job. My mechanic says that with a single row just learn how to change out the chain yourself and do it every 50 K miles. No worries. It won’t snap.
Nice video, thanks. I have an Australian specification 1981 380 SL R107. The single row timing chain issue on 380’s does not apply in Australia, as they had dual row chains from the beginning, probably because our 380’s didn’t have all the anti pollution gear and were rather more powerful. These SL’s are fantastic in every way. Exceptionally well built as you said, fabulous ride, good power, good safety for the period, heaps of style and easy to, I’ve with. On servicing, find a good independent specialist (preferably one who worked on them new back in the day) and look after it. Enjoy! Oh and the door closing action and sound on a convertible is incredible - as is the rigidity of the whole car. One of Mercedes’s best ever cars. Finally, I’m 6’ 2.5” and have plenty of room.
How funny! I've enjoyed your w123 videos about a year now since I bought one. Turns out I also have an 85 380sl which I've owned for 7 years. I use both as drivers. Yes, the r107 is a gas guzzler. Yes, be sure your early 80s r107 has been changed to a double row timing chain. Yes, these cards are a blast to drive. It gets compliments all the time. Thanks for another great video!
I have a 1982 380sl in mint condition. The gentleman is absolutely right, I'm 6'6" & I have plenty of leg room. I've driven my SL over 800 miles in the last 3 days on both the Florida Turnpike & I-95 The seat is incredibly comfortable, I did not want my road trip to end An absolute pleasure to drive.
Thank you brother for talking the time to make this video, i could not find a good video with someone also giving a driving review. You have helped me decide on the 1988 or 89 560sl, and no, I don't care about the gas mileage, Im looking more for the drive. I had an 2001 sl500 and loved it, but the top sucked with all of the complications, it was nice until it wasn't. I love the simplicity of the 80s sl. Again thank you.
I have owned my 560SL for over thirty years. I also have a newer Mercedes which pales in comparison. I must say the 560 is the best car I have ever owned. With regular maintenance this car does not disappoint. As for driving experience, it is satisfying in every way. I keep telling my wife that if they were still available as new cars today, I would buy one in a minute. That's not a joke!
My dad still has his 1985 SL380. second owner since 1988 and still is in absolute mint condition. Also, it's the European version without the huge bumpers
I saw your listing on Facebook marketplace a few months ago here in Denver. That got my R107 obsession started and buying my 450SL next week. You're the man
I have an '88 560 Red/Black that is a gem! I know these cars pretty well having restored a 1980 450SLC about 20 years ago and honestly they are easy to own if you have some mechanical aptitude and some good tuition ie: old guy and/or chat gpt... Looks like Mr. Nugget enjoys it as much as Mr. Brown (my dog) loves his.
Superb car - prices in UK increasing too. Your one sounds super smooth - and looks great in black. Enjoyed the video, and drive etc....Please do another video in daylight!!
I have both, 1988 560sl and 1983 380sl. Taking the car on the same 400 mile trip through mountain highways, the 560 uses the same amount off gas as the smaller 380. The passing capacity is awesome on the 560. The 380 shifts down to 3rd gear a lot till the speed goes up and shifts back to 4th. Sometimes a constant back and fourth. The 560 has enough power so this won’t happen. On a flat road the 380 has plenty off power.
Hey Sir Drifto, this is beautiful. The large bumpers look fine here...black is the only color that can carry it off well. It is amazing that this is a daily driver for you. I have a question that relates to the fuel system comments at the 17:40 point in the video. Have you ever experienced something called "surging?" It is the phenomenon where a cold start is flawless, but then at times, once on the road there is this constant pushing or revving of the engine...it feels like something is pushing the car as I am driving it, stopping, then pushing it again over and over. Once out on the highway, it levels itself out. Then, if you stop off somewhere, park, and then come back within a short time, sometimes it is difficult to start again. So far, the issue has not been resolved on my car yet and it is really an annoyance. It feels like something is skipping a beat in the rhythms of the idle. Other than that, I really love the car and I am sorting out some other minor things, like the odometer that doesn't work as it should, and a "CLUNK" when shifting from D to R. It does not happen when shifting from P to D, or from D to P. In spite of these issues, I would rather have it than something brand new. If someone gifted a new to me, I would sell it and find another classic from the 60's, 70's or 80's. Thanks for sharing this.
Mr Nugget is the bestest boy ever, there is no doubt about it. Also, can you please tell me WHAT ARE THOSE RIMS?! Please, I am drooling over here like an over excited toddler, they look absolutely amazing, best I've ever seen for a black on black R107. I need to get me some. Thank you!
Ahhhh yes… Wonderful gas mileage with 80’s Mercedes V8’s. I filled the tank in my 500 SEC today and spent about $70. 14 mpg sucks, but I have a Euro with good horsepower and of course, it is a joy to drive. One day I hope to add a 500 SL, which is much more powerful than the US 380 and 560’s. There is a reason why my daily is a Prius. Edit: Parts are really going NLA on these 80s V-8’s, so that’s a serious problem. After market ball joints, rubber seals, etc. are all complete crap compared to the original. The AC can be an expensive problem. My SEC is r12, but was rebuilt by someone who knows what they are doing. That’s the key. Otherwise, yikes! Welcome to hell. I have a few cans of R12 for down the road, but they are really becoming difficult to track down.
I had a '84 280SL and two things stick in my memory. Firstly, the quality was worthy of Mercedes reputation (from that era). Secondly, I found the drive lacking in any fun or driver involvement. A great car to get from point to point in quality, comfort and safety, but far from a drivers car. I found it dynamically bland, but remain loyal to them.
The R129 is a much better car and daily driver. It also looks far better in my opinion and worth buying for the fully automatic roof alone let alone all the improved tech and build quality.
But in cities, towns, and some interstates speed cameras are everywhere...so much power becomes pointless. So many don't enjoy their cars because they are so focused on getting somewhere before anyone else, only to see those they left behind at the next traffic light. Pointless! Unless you live in areas that are mostly like what is in SirDifto's video. That is a different story. For me, the 380SL has enough power to take me where I want to go in style.
The 380SL is a total dog, especially compared to the later 560SL. In addition, the 560SL, sold in model years 1986-1989, had many other improvements as well. Always buy a 560, not a 380. They are far less likely to rust due to improved priming and construction, etc etc.
Agreed and they are ugly compared to the classics. It's like they don't know what to do anymore...frog eyes for headlights, too many seams, LED lights, and strange looking grills.
Growing up as a kid in the 70's and a Teen in the 80's these cars were only acquired by the very well to do. Doctors / Lawyers/ Movie Stars/ Movie producers/ Bankers... it was "the" status symbol back then. A timeless classic that still looks great today. Brown Metallic with Chrome Bundt Wheels.. that's my "fave". I have a 1992 190E sedan that I love so much. "Cheers"
Also in many TV shows the car was status symbol like in Hart to Hart, Falcon Crest, Dallas ( Bobby Ewings SL )
Yes these are amazing cars. I bought the 2006 w215 for a bargain
Exactly right… reserved for the upper crust of society. I remember.
It still is a status symbol
I'm a second owner of a 72 350Sl purchased in 1994. Looks damn near new, always garaged and well maintained. It's just been a fun fair weather car.
These legendary Mercedes of 80's were made to last. They were built with honesty. Always great to look at and easy to work on, with plenty of parts available. A thing of beauty is a joy forever. A good genuine cars are are hard to find.
so true!
BS: single row timing chain, hvac servo, head gasket leaks, undersized cam oiler tubes, jerky transmission defects. Very expensive to maintain…. All Bosch fuel management. Also whole engine in controles with vacuum and rubber hose and fittings that rot but it’s 40 years old. Oh. You need new visors and cracked dash. Be prepared to spend 15 to $20k over 10 years dyi.
@@FBfogo Yes, I wonder how people are saying these older Mercs were easier to maintain.. Looking at how complicated the mechanical fuel injection is alone.. I own CL which is super complicated with active suspension but these seem even harder to maintain tbh.. although really appealing I must say
@@FBfogo absolutely no R107 was ever produced with a single row timing chain. And very few have headgasket leakage.
The k- jet system is easy as hell.
The new Mercedes-Benz car's are crap......
Wrong, do your research most 380’s were single row…. Clackity clack clack disaster!
The timing chain issue was strictly early model M116 380 (3.8 liter v8) models. They were equipped with a single row chain rather than a stronger dual row timing chain (double width) and were more susceptible to failure. Later engines and all of the larger variants found in the R107 chassis (420, 450, 500, 560 M117) all originated with dual row chains. As they age (any of them) the timing chains and their guide rails must be checked and replaced as the material can break down and fail. If buying a car with no records of any timing chain work, it likely needs it regardless of single or dual row.
Regarding acceleration, your transmission bowden cable/modulator/throttle linkage need some adjustment on that car as it is not holding the gears nearly long enough (if you were flooring it), should go right up to redline in each gear.
MPG should be easily upper teens, my 420SEL is a much larger car and averaged 16-18mpg city, 20-22 highway. 11-13 is way too low, likely its running a bit rich.
Upgrading the single row timing chain to a double row is soooo expensive if you don’t know how to do it yourself. Usually not worth the cost. It’s a big job. My mechanic says that with a single row just learn how to change out the chain yourself and do it every 50 K miles. No worries. It won’t snap.
Epi-tome 🙄
Nice video, thanks. I have an Australian specification 1981 380 SL R107. The single row timing chain issue on 380’s does not apply in Australia, as they had dual row chains from the beginning, probably because our 380’s didn’t have all the anti pollution gear and were rather more powerful. These SL’s are fantastic in every way. Exceptionally well built as you said, fabulous ride, good power, good safety for the period, heaps of style and easy to,
I’ve with. On servicing, find a good independent specialist (preferably one who worked on them new back in the day) and look after it. Enjoy! Oh and the door closing action and sound on a convertible is incredible - as is the rigidity of the whole car. One of Mercedes’s best ever cars. Finally, I’m 6’ 2.5” and have plenty of room.
How funny! I've enjoyed your w123 videos about a year now since I bought one. Turns out I also have an 85 380sl which I've owned for 7 years. I use both as drivers. Yes, the r107 is a gas guzzler. Yes, be sure your early 80s r107 has been changed to a double row timing chain. Yes, these cards are a blast to drive. It gets compliments all the time. Thanks for another great video!
Those are one of the sweetest driving cars made😍❤️
I can say as a 50 year old in 2024 that this car was the ultimate show of wealth when I was young.
Black pearl over black '85 380 SL, I have owned for 5 years. Clean, drive, love, repeat
I have a 1982 380sl in mint condition. The gentleman is absolutely right, I'm 6'6" & I have plenty of leg room. I've driven my SL over 800 miles in the last 3 days on both the Florida Turnpike & I-95 The seat is incredibly comfortable, I did not want my road trip to end An absolute pleasure to drive.
Great video presentation of a beautiful automobile! Thanks for always sharing you wonderful automobiles!
Thank you brother for talking the time to make this video, i could not find a good video with someone also giving a driving review. You have helped me decide on the 1988 or 89 560sl, and no, I don't care about the gas mileage, Im looking more for the drive. I had an 2001 sl500 and loved it, but the top sucked with all of the complications, it was nice until it wasn't. I love the simplicity of the 80s sl. Again thank you.
Glad it helped with the decision process. What did you end up choosing ?
I have owned my 560SL for over thirty years. I also have a newer Mercedes which pales in comparison. I must say the 560 is the best car I have ever owned. With regular maintenance this car does not disappoint. As for driving experience, it is satisfying in every way. I keep telling my wife that if they were still available as new cars today, I would buy one in a minute. That's not a joke!
My dad still has his 1985 SL380. second owner since 1988 and still is in absolute mint condition. Also, it's the European version without the huge bumpers
Very cool
380sl, not sl380
I bought my 1986 560sl few weeks ago , I’m so happy ..
Great choice!!
I saw your listing on Facebook marketplace a few months ago here in Denver. That got my R107 obsession started and buying my 450SL next week. You're the man
Awesome to hear!
thank you.I think every Mercedes is a big joy,if well kept.
Thank U !Am thinking about a 84 380 . They are well made cars which impresses me
They really are.
I have an '88 560 Red/Black that is a gem! I know these cars pretty well having restored a 1980 450SLC about 20 years ago and honestly they are easy to own if you have some mechanical aptitude and some good tuition ie: old guy and/or chat gpt... Looks like Mr. Nugget enjoys it as much as Mr. Brown (my dog) loves his.
Superb car - prices in UK increasing too. Your one sounds super smooth - and looks great in black. Enjoyed the video, and drive etc....Please do another video in daylight!!
Man, I can't wait to own one. What a beauty!
I have owned my 1971 350 SL with manual gears over 12 years now and it does about 13 liters / 100 km equals about 18 mpg
I have both, 1988 560sl and 1983 380sl. Taking the car on the same 400 mile trip through mountain highways, the 560 uses the same amount off gas as the smaller 380. The passing capacity is awesome on the 560. The 380 shifts down to 3rd gear a lot till the speed goes up and shifts back to 4th. Sometimes a constant back and fourth. The 560 has enough power so this won’t happen. On a flat road the 380 has plenty off power.
81 and 82 model years had the single row timing chains.
I owned 1983 2.8 SL loved it in the 90s I paid 700 quid for the exhaust.
Dog is thinking “ he is doing the door thing AGAIN !
Hey Sir Drifto, this is beautiful. The large bumpers look fine here...black is the only color that can carry it off well. It is amazing that this is a daily driver for you.
I have a question that relates to the fuel system comments at the 17:40 point in the video. Have you ever experienced something called "surging?" It is the phenomenon where a cold start is flawless, but then at times, once on the road there is this constant pushing or revving of the engine...it feels like something is pushing the car as I am driving it, stopping, then pushing it again over and over. Once out on the highway, it levels itself out.
Then, if you stop off somewhere, park, and then come back within a short time, sometimes it is difficult to start again. So far, the issue has not been resolved on my car yet and it is really an annoyance. It feels like something is skipping a beat in the rhythms of the idle.
Other than that, I really love the car and I am sorting out some other minor things, like the odometer that doesn't work as it should, and a "CLUNK" when shifting from D to R. It does not happen when shifting from P to D, or from D to P.
In spite of these issues, I would rather have it than something brand new. If someone gifted a new to me, I would sell it and find another classic from the 60's, 70's or 80's. Thanks for sharing this.
Beautiful car. Cute dog too.
My total dreamcar along with the citroen ds 20❤❤❤
Mr Nugget is the bestest boy ever, there is no doubt about it. Also, can you please tell me WHAT ARE THOSE RIMS?! Please, I am drooling over here like an over excited toddler, they look absolutely amazing, best I've ever seen for a black on black R107. I need to get me some. Thank you!
Beautiful video. What part of the country is this? It is gorgeous. Thank you!
Colorado
Love it. Thanks for the reply! @@SirDrifto
This Mercedes would be a better daily driver than the MG Midget . Captain Nugget would give this a stamp of approval .
Except the gas milage. Midget averages 30mpg. Benz maybe 13 if i have a tailwind 🤣
NEED THAT TRUNK RACK! Love it. 1985 380SL, (78K miles) 1985 300D (240K miles)
I have two of them 220 had it it 85 and I have seet in back
I’m not a big fan of those rims but overall a very nice car.
I am.
Ahhhh yes… Wonderful gas mileage with 80’s Mercedes V8’s. I filled the tank in my 500 SEC today and spent about $70. 14 mpg sucks, but I have a Euro with good horsepower and of course, it is a joy to drive.
One day I hope to add a 500 SL, which is much more powerful than the US 380 and 560’s.
There is a reason why my daily is a Prius.
Edit: Parts are really going NLA on these 80s V-8’s, so that’s a serious problem. After market ball joints, rubber seals, etc. are all complete crap compared to the original.
The AC can be an expensive problem. My SEC is r12, but was rebuilt by someone who knows what they are doing. That’s the key. Otherwise, yikes! Welcome to hell. I have a few cans of R12 for down the road, but they are really becoming difficult to track down.
They do make up for it in the smiles per mile
'As you drive, you are constantly aware some major disaster may be just over the horizon.
'14 e550a cab
I had a '84 280SL and two things stick in my memory. Firstly, the quality was worthy of Mercedes reputation (from that era). Secondly, I found the drive lacking in any fun or driver involvement. A great car to get from point to point in quality, comfort and safety, but far from a drivers car. I found it dynamically bland, but remain loyal to them.
i had a 380, i put straight pipes on it with a dual flowmaster and it was much more efficient than yours, i was getting 24 mpg in michigan
Hmmm, what is a duel flowmaster?
Is this for sale on marketplace right now?
I think the timing chain problem applies to the 380SL only, not to the other SLs- You've got a 380
Only up to 1983, the double row was added in 1984 I think.
Great review on the 380! @sirdrifto what size rims are you sporting?
15” thanks for watching
11-15 MPG? Not my 85....more like 16-20
The best mileage is obtained when going fast on the freeway.
Красота какая!!)
Приветствую из России!🎉
US bumper requirements are ridiculous
We call them diving boards for a reason 🤣
change your o2 sensor and see what happens to your milage
The R129 is a much better car and daily driver. It also looks far better in my opinion and worth buying for the fully automatic roof alone let alone all the improved tech and build quality.
not trying to knock you, but what is up with the rims. me no like
You're not knocking. I frankly haven't an idea where these came from lol
Is that your airplane?
@@better_together-w4m only in my dreams 😆
The answer NO. The longer wheelbase SLC did drive better. Better again the 560 SEC the most Awesome Mercedes ever Solid State.
Beautiful. Heavy feel, not powerful
But in cities, towns, and some interstates speed cameras are everywhere...so much power becomes pointless. So many don't enjoy their cars because they are so focused on getting somewhere before anyone else, only to see those they left behind at the next traffic light. Pointless! Unless you live in areas that are mostly like what is in SirDifto's video. That is a different story. For me, the 380SL has enough power to take me where I want to go in style.
The 380SL is a total dog, especially compared to the later 560SL. In addition, the 560SL, sold in model years 1986-1989, had many other improvements as well. Always buy a 560, not a 380. They are far less likely to rust due to improved priming and construction, etc etc.
In your opinion, my 380SL is great, and the issues I am sorting out happen on 560's as well. All of them can be bad if not well taken care of.
working on it yourself, when you own a jet? time is money man,.. you're a ceo
I don't own a jet 🤣, heck that jet doesnt even have engines, so yes I will still be working on this car myself,
No that car did not drive well new let alone now. The SLC drove a little better.
Modern Mercedes really feel cheap, as fuck
Agreed and they are ugly compared to the classics. It's like they don't know what to do anymore...frog eyes for headlights, too many seams, LED lights, and strange looking grills.
Shame on these pimp my ride rims
I mean I can't argue with that they are a bit pimpy 😆
Your car looks sharp in black!! 🤌
I always wondered if these cars looked good in wire wheels. The answer is yes :)
What type of wheels are those?
Thank you!