I can imagine people buying a Mercedes or a BMW of this age under the pretence of their previous quality, but unaware of the potential pitfalls based on the age of the car, so this advice is very beneficial for those so inclined to.
while most older cars simply don't exist, these are still around.. so it's just common knowledge, old cars do rust. the only real problem for R107 is that bulkhead. that's all.
Fantastic video! Great to hear from a person who actually "owns" what they are reviewing rather than borrowing a car to tell you why you should "buy" it. Raised in the '50's/'60's but really grew up in the '80's. Always dreamed of an SL. Now retired and considering buying one like yours. Thanks for your review!
A rotten bulkhead is not a write off for these cars. The SL Shop can carry out a bulkhead restoration. It isn’t cheap - around £8k from memory but these cars are appreciating and it is worth doing on some examples. Always worth calling them. If they don’t think it’s worth doing on your car they will tell you.
A rotten bulkhead is a big problem but it doesn’t make the car bow or mean the car is “throw away”! It’s repairable but not cheap to do (prices vary). I’ve had it done it on mine and it is something that if your car lives in the UK and hasn’t been done definitively needs to be checked.
Very unusual to see a rotten MB in Australia. Our cars have faded paint, lacquer peel, faded and sun damaged interior, dashboard cracks, gravel rash,chipped windscreens, baked rubbers……. Not much really……😄……. cheaper to fix than rust repairs though.
@@alancrisp1582 But it would be a funny picture showing two larger people in the back seats. I took the back seats out of my '84 280SL Euro 5-speed, and bolted two 6x9 speaker boxes in its place. The car was gray-marketed into the states.
not true, R129 is not classic, it's old modern car with lots of "not worth it" solutions. R107 was built to last forever. Rust is the only problem but even that is for totally neglected cars, because metal was much thicker than later cars.
I used to hate R107 too. but now i love it. it's not perfect but it's the only great vintage car that will stay better than any other car as cars get only worse. V8, RWD, convertible, sturdy, smart, repairable, comfortable, Mercedes, timeless, reliable, hardtop... you just can't find anything like this! R107 is the ultimate car.
I felt the same way till I ended up deciding to restore a 79 450SL... with 49k mi. The engineering and build quality alone is mindboggling. What he doesn't mention is that all rubber bushings and plumbings, if not maintained over time, will require replacement at this point. All original is not a good thing at this age... well maintained and documented is. These cars practically need the entire fuel system overhauled if allowed to sit for only a couple years. They must be driven weekly. Troubleshooting any running issues with these cars is very difficult due to its engineering complexities, and no one really works on these engines anymore but specialists. However, the experience driving an r107 cannot be compared to much else.
Great video, comprehensive analysis too.
Much appreciated!
I can imagine people buying a Mercedes or a BMW of this age under the pretence of their previous quality, but unaware of the potential pitfalls based on the age of the car, so this advice is very beneficial for those so inclined to.
while most older cars simply don't exist, these are still around..
so it's just common knowledge, old cars do rust.
the only real problem for R107 is that bulkhead. that's all.
Another fantastic video, many thanks.
Many thanks!
Fantastic video! Great to hear from a person who actually "owns" what they are reviewing rather than borrowing a car to tell you why you should "buy" it. Raised in the '50's/'60's but really grew up in the '80's. Always dreamed of an SL. Now retired and considering buying one like yours. Thanks for your review!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Where's Mrs Hart? When she met her husband, it was moyder! 😁👍
One of the most beautiful convertibles in the world
A rotten bulkhead is not a write off for these cars. The SL Shop can carry out a bulkhead restoration. It isn’t cheap - around £8k from memory but these cars are appreciating and it is worth doing on some examples. Always worth calling them. If they don’t think it’s worth doing on your car they will tell you.
A rotten bulkhead is a big problem but it doesn’t make the car bow or mean the car is “throw away”! It’s repairable but not cheap to do (prices vary). I’ve had it done it on mine and it is something that if your car lives in the UK and hasn’t been done definitively needs to be checked.
Excellent video. Very knowledgeable chap.
Much appreciated!
Can you do a video of the Mercedes Benz W111 fintail Buying Guide Great videos you do
Write off if rust on bulkhead ?? You are wrong on that front. Plenty of options to repair.
What about the R107 SL500? Is that a set in another bracket by itself?
Very unusual to see a rotten MB in Australia. Our cars have faded paint, lacquer peel, faded and sun damaged interior, dashboard cracks, gravel rash,chipped windscreens, baked rubbers……. Not much really……😄……. cheaper to fix than rust repairs though.
We're more than a bit jealous!
I Come from the land of ice and snow, Rust everywhere
great job !! you really put me off buying one ((
An discrete 6.2 litre AMG V8 conversion would be a good laugh in one of these.
Keep'em original !!!
Wonderful cars
My 87 occasionally just stops running. The engine just dies. Any ideas?
Crank sensor ??
After 82 they got galvanized no ?
Not so ! Many hydralics to fix or repair with the 129's
No way you can put 4 people in this SL
@@alancrisp1582 But it would be a funny picture showing two larger people in the back seats. I took the back seats out of my '84 280SL Euro 5-speed, and bolted two 6x9 speaker boxes in its place. The car was gray-marketed into the states.
Here's the best advice if you want a classic Mercedes GT buy a R129.
not true, R129 is not classic, it's old modern car with lots of "not worth it" solutions.
R107 was built to last forever.
Rust is the only problem but even that is for totally neglected cars, because metal was much thicker than later cars.
Not so fast, good cars but hydraulics will need to be replaced, expensive!
Four people and a load of luggage? 🤣
Red ones are worth 20% less than the other colours as the paint ages so badly - as we see with this poor old girl
The car does not appeal to me at all. It's just my humble opinion.
Good - Go buy a Kia or Hyundai. You will be doing me and hundreds of people a favour!
I used to hate R107 too. but now i love it.
it's not perfect but it's the only great vintage car that will stay better than any other car as cars get only worse.
V8, RWD, convertible, sturdy, smart, repairable, comfortable, Mercedes, timeless, reliable, hardtop...
you just can't find anything like this! R107 is the ultimate car.
No account for taste, obviously
You have no taste, my friend
I felt the same way till I ended up deciding to restore a 79 450SL... with 49k mi. The engineering and build quality alone is mindboggling. What he doesn't mention is that all rubber bushings and plumbings, if not maintained over time, will require replacement at this point.
All original is not a good thing at this age... well maintained and documented is. These cars practically need the entire fuel system overhauled if allowed to sit for only a couple years. They must be driven weekly.
Troubleshooting any running issues with these cars is very difficult due to its engineering complexities, and no one really works on these engines anymore but specialists. However, the experience driving an r107 cannot be compared to much else.