Beautiful car. Mine is an 82 that I’ve had for 25 years. You consistently make references to Mercedes of the 80’s and 90’s. This car was designed in the late 60’s for release in 1972. The 107 was produced for about 20 years.
I can’t even imagine what it’s like driving this car down a straight road listening to the sweetest taboo full blast on cassette. Must be really nice despite the outdated sound system. Great video!
Strong video - thanks for talking about interesting aspects of the car without being boring! So many car vids one has to skip through the tedious parts - not your's. And silver over blue - great SL colors.
Just an update, I bought one last fall, a 1985 380 SL in this exact color. It had a new soft top, it’s in very nice shape, the woodwork is in perfect shape. I replaced the complete exhaust system and it now spends its time turning heads on the roads.
I have a 1989 560SL and don't really care that the seats don't recline, but I sure wish that they were 6-way power seats so common on other luxury cars of the day. When someone tall gets into my car, they always want to adjust the seat, which is very hard to do. A tilt and telescopic steering wheel would have been nice, too !
The seats not being able to recline/move back ALL THE WAY is the biggest oversight Mercedes made on this car. A lot of these cars (r107's) have aftermarket speakers added. For me it's the style/design of the car that I love most. Wanted one since the 80's and finally got one. Old car, bad on gas, not great in city traffic, but I LOVE it still.
Great looking car and honest review. Thank you! Hope you are getting a chance to get out and enjoy it now that spring is here and things have loosened up a bit vis a vis Covid restrictions.
Dear Alex, in total agreement!! I own a '82 380 SL..My German mechanic has kept it in storage for me for a very long time due to the fact I was short on $$ to pay him -- now that I was just approved for a monthly VA pension I will have enough & to bring "her" home..can hardly wait ...It's navy blue with Palamino interior. I have both tops...I know the soft top needs replaced..the hard top has been on all this time. Will start and replace things as the $ comes..I bought "my baby" in late Nov. Of '90..took me 5 yes.to pay it off ....NO REGRETS whatsoever on any level!! .
Nice video Alex and so nice to see you have Euro spec bumpers and lights which are vastly superior to the USA spec versions. Nice coco mats too. There is a reason the seats have limited rear travel. I have a 107 in my collection and at 6’ 2” tall I do wish there was a little more rearward adjustment on those seats! The 107 was designed mostly in the late 1960’s for introduction in 1971. During its development there was anticipation that rollover safety regulations would be introduced and that convertibles would be effectively eliminated. For this reason many manufacturers introduced targa style cars with t bar roofs instead of full convertible designs, think contemporary Porsche Targas, Triumph Stag, Jaguar XJS, Corvettes just to name a few. Mercedes alone proceeded with a full convertible design and to improve roll over survival they strengthened the A pillars/windscreen frame to act as a rollover bar. It works too but to ensure a front rollover bar can keep passengers alive in a rollover, their heads must be relatively close to that rollover bar. They achieved this by restricting seat travel so that it is physically impossible to get too far away from the rollover bar. All of this worked too - the 107 was a fabulous success for Mercedes and for several years it was the only new full convertible available for sale. The restricted seat travel combined with another challenge for the long legged, being the huge steering wheel, which is why you see many 107’s with smaller after market steering wheels, with the Nardi versions very popular in-period. I’ve kept my 107 totally original, like you, and have learned to live with these limitations. It’s a wonderful car, an incredible design and such an excellent car for touring and long drives. Enjoy it!
I hear you as I have an 89 in red. I replaced the speakers with a set of Morel's and it's changed the whole experience dramatically. Wasn't cheap to find a set that fits the unique slot in there, but very doable and worth the investment.
REally enjoyed your video, description of a really nice car and still better with European specs and also, appreciate your accent, really nice and polite !!
I have an 86 560SL I am doing some restoration work on right now. 7 of the front lug bolts snapped off. Drilling them out was by far the hardest thing I have ever done. I urge you to torque them by hand and never use an impact, or let anyone else use one. I am doing the work in Bridgeport but I live between Stamford and Queens. Good to see another New Yorker enjoying Mercedes quality.
Thanks so much for your video. so I drove a lot of vintage BMWs 320 I 528E and add the convertible while I didn’t have any accidents. I always felt like I could drive the car as much as I wanted and get the parts I wanted no worries. I have a 1983, 380 SL love the car beautiful here are my only two regrets number one the fact that I do drive it around and I feel like I’m a conservator parts are very very hard to find and I don’t want to be hit and then the only other regret I have is that I wish I had bought a 560 because I do want to drive it around like a BMW and the 380 just doesn’t have the power of a 560. Thanks for sharing.
I have a really nice 500 SEC with good paint and a really nice interior, but your SL is crazy minty. What a glorious ride. Props. We all hate you! My center console box is basically used as my Starbucks coffee holder. As for 80's sound systems three decades later.... Oh yeah. God awful. I'll eventually have my completely redone, but tastefully. I did have my Becker rebuilt, with the internal tape deck function disabled in favor of adding a Line-in, but that's just a stop-gap. My ride is a keeper so I will want a proper sound system at some point.
You made a great video. This is my favorite Mercedes as well and I am shopping for one. Your color combination is very nice. There are very few nice ones out there and sometimes the price is through the roof.
wurly164 thank you! I was fortunate to get this one before prices went up. If you find a clean one with high miles, and a good maintenance history, it’s usually not a problem. Ones that were stored away from new in collections tend to have more issues from not being driven. Rubber parts/seals and metals have an expiration date.
Nice Vid! I have a 560SL that was my daily driver for 20+ years (350,000+ miles). Now it has been retired to my garage for a weekend car. Totally agree with everything you said about the likes/dislikes. I will add one more of my dislikes - people with neat, clean garages! :) How do you guys DO That!!! :)
I bought a red 1989 560SL with 30k original miles. Love it. Beautiful, solid, and so smooooooth! Like a beautiful, classy older lady strolling by with a smile and perfect posture which attracts all
Great job on your video. I agree on every topic. I own one very much like it incl Euro conversation. Bought it from the original owner in Pebble Beach California in 2018. Tip: H&R springs, which actually raise the rear slightly make a huge difference. They have two versions comfort and sports. I chose the the comfort version because I didn’t wanna ruin the ride.
As a R129 owner, I also miss not having my seats recline. Especially on long trips and you need to pull over for 15mins. That's what the "REST" button is intended for: the heat runs for 15mins w/ the engine off while you take a nap.
I am happy to see that you gave your 560SL the treatment it deserves (as Friedrich Geiger, its designer intended): Euro bumpers and lights! I always thought the North American cars looked like skateboards with the exaggerated 5mph bumpers and the useless sealed beam DOT headlights. I am fortunate to own a W116 450SEL (F. Geiger designed as well) and a C126 560SEC (Bruno Sacco design) both Euro versions. It would be great to meet one day (once things get back to normal) as I am just across the border in Ontario. Cheers!
unfortunately this it is a big investment to change the bumpers and headlights...as i have found out as a new owner of a beautiful diamond blue SL560 - still going to do it though!
I was prepared to buy a 560sl from the 1980s and have completely changed my mind because of the seats' inability to recline. Thanks for revealing this fact.
The car is awesome, another thing, you could probably say about the car is you have the best of 2 worlds, the 560, is sporty, but yet, it has the elegance of one of the sedans, that is a plus, 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
I place my drink in between the front of the passenger seat & the adjustment lever. Holds tight and is well in reach. I don't use the radio too much but it is nice sometimes and is better than nothing. Not much seat adjustment but I can drive all day in it.
i have owned the car you have and I currently have a R129 and that car knocks the older model into a cocked hat! From the looks to the practicality to the fully automatic convertible roof it is an all round improvement to the older model and is actually superior in build quality to the model that followed. Give a good R129 a try and you will be amazed! You will also be surprised at how much more car you get for your money!
There is a ‘cup holder’ of a sort. If you lean forward and slide your water bottle to the right of the console (your prndl shifter) in between the console and the black loop handle for the passenger seat forward and back adjustment, a water bottle fits in there nicely without falling. Even a quick stop won’t dislodge it. I’ve had my 1980 450SL since 2011.
Great review, gorgous color. I loved my 560 SL but share your points - seatback travel inadequate and speakers under sized for a convertible. I was always torn on whether to take off the hardtop as I do not believe any other vehicle looks so beautiful and classy as the R107 with the hardtop in place.
@@AlexBeras If you live in California like I do, you do not use the hardtop ! I have had my 560SL for 20 years now, and the hardtop has only been on the car twice !!!!! Nothing looks better than this car with the convertible top down !!!
My aunt had one, she was about to order the garage accessory to lift the hardtop off. (She has a husband for that =) But if you had not mentioned the solid door sound, I would have moved on to another video. My aunt also pointed that out to me. I have heard about places that can modernize the hi-fi, but what for? They would ruin the marquee like getting plastic cupholders from the convenience store. Too bad about the drizzle, but there will be better days. Love the car, thanks for sharing!
You have a good review here, although if I do happen to purchase a 560SL somewhat similar to yours, I am a big fan of the 5.6L engine, especially doing a cold start of the engine and revving it immediately afterwords (at least one of your videos did just that). A 560SEC, probably before 1988, would be very similar depending on the model year, and I prefer having a blue leather interior with either a blue, white, silver, or black exterior.
Alex , Ok video , everyone has an opinion . I have wanted an SL ( 107 body ) since I was in Jr. Hi ! Tomorrow I will be test driving one owned by an older couple . They have owned it many Yrs. & no longer want to drive / keep it . There son is selling it for them . I hope it Ck.s out Ok . I will be able to have it Cked . out by a local trusted shop . It is black & Tan & No Rust . I have driven a ' 89 SL - 560 with 40 K miles from SW USA WoW ! Nice . This one is an 1988 with 88,100 K miles & overall not bad conditin , we will see on Friday thanks for Video . M. N.
Nice car! I had a 107 300SL about 15 years ago and you are right about build quality and styling - it’s a very beautiful car BUT I simply could not get used to the soft suspension! Maybe it was the set up on that particular car but it just did not give me any kind of sporty drive and I sold it pretty quickly. Fast forward 15 years, I’m now having another look at them…. Let’s see!
I couldn’t agree more! The AC in my car never blew cold air like a modern car. no matter how well it was charged, you just hope the climate control worked well enough to not sweat in traffic.
@@AlexBeras Mine has the earlier climate control system and there's a short in the servo so it only blows AC, no heat :( It's $$$ to fix but haven't done yet because it's warm here. It's the only thing not working correctly in the car. I only have 34K miles on it too :)
Great example you have there Alex, I had a 123 in china blue myself, you make me want to get a 107. Btw what an odd size and place for a speaker. I thought the speaker size in my 123 was odd, the 2.5" slot in your SL probably fit a 3", nevermind about midbass, 3" probably struggle with lower end of midrange.
Amazing color for your W123! I had one several years ago in Smoke Silver with a black MBTex interior. Absolutely loved it. China Blue is a dream color on those cars!... many do upgrade the system and place speakers in the rear parcel shelf, but to maintain the minimalist design cue, I leave it alone.
I had a very good experience with ownership over ten years. I bought the car with a fresh timing chain.! It thankfully didn’t leak oil, but I think if you stay on top of everything obsessively, budgeting oil changes, brakes, and tires makes it a relatively easy car to live with.
Thanks for this great video. I am actually thinking of buying a 560 SL. I live in Sweden so I will probably import one from Germany. You said it drives like a muscle car - what about the engine sound? I like to hear the v8 clearly. But I dont want any roar and not too silent either. What is your opinion?
It’s like a muscle car in that it accelerates incredibly well in a straight line. I went with a Timevalve exhaust system that is OEM fitment equivalent and completely fabricated from stainless steel. I was incredibly satisfied with the fit and the sound.
Totally agree on everything *except* SADE is best enjoyed via 1980’s cassette technology, and the Becker player with Mercedes speakers still provides a very authentic period sound.
The ' 88 I am looking at has the Orig,. Becker Cass. Radio , hope it works Ok. I have a ton of Jazz cass.'s ! I see some guys ad optional speakers in back . Or possibly in doors , or upgrade in dash . we will see .
nice video! have one 560sl myself in germany, imported from the us... beautiful car, but you should not be to tall.. and fit an aftermarket sound system ;)
Hello I had a 79 450 sl it was my first daily driver mercedesbenz and yes the 107snare bullet proof I drove it and only changed the plugs and engine oil and new tires Goodyear ones and it was red with tan interior and yes I noticed the seat reclining I'm 6/5 but it still checked my boxes on a olsldnschool sports car but when I bought it it definately attracted girls but it's is tank on doors but I loved that car I have a 1998 500sl now but I will find another one and restore it to factory and not get rid of it OK I enjoyed yournvideo I'm subscribed enjoy oeace
Hey Im happy I came across this video. I have a 560 on hold till I return next week and If all goes well, she'll be mine. Overall what is your final opinion on the 560? Ran into any maintenance issues?
Quinten Curtis the 560SL is one of the easiest classics to live with. 8 years no issues. If looked after, one of the best, most relaxing grand touring experiences ever. Not a sports car, but a fun cruiser that you can live with in modern traffic.
When I got mine my mechanic suggested that I change the timing chain as an inevitable issue to deal with. He said it was a $500 job at the time (about 15 years ago). I trusted his opinion and had it done.
There's one thing that I cannot stand about my 1987 MB 560SL. The door buzzer. Really? All that German engineering, and they missed the mark on fully reclining seats and a terrible sounding door buzzer! But I absolutely love my car!
I take it that you had the headlights and bumpers changed to the European style. I always had the impression that the 560SL was sold mostly for the U.S. market, as well as Australia and Japan.
Nice SL video. I think to many people overlook the R107 and thats a shame. While the market is full of $30,000 to $50,000 show quality cars, you can pick up a solid driver for $5000 to $15,000 and enjoy a very unique blend of vintage collector car and fairly modern amenities like disc brakes and fuel injection, I currently have a 72 350sl and a 83 380sl and will e looking to sell my 380sl this year and pick up a 560sl so that I can have the best of both worlds with a first year, hubcap, euro bumper car, and the fully developed 560sl which was the pinnacle for this car. (Not counting the euro 500sl). The low side sills and upright driving position are such a different top down experience than modern cars like my 996 cabriolet where you are cocooned inside of the car vs being able to take in the country side as you motor through it.
I have a 1984 500SL red with palomino and I totally agree with your opinion , except for the muscle car comparison . I am not impressed with the power, but then my every day driver is a 2007 G55 AMG , so the poor SL is left wanting.
In my opinion the nicest convertible. love the euro lights and bumpers. Learn how to work on car yourself. The KE Jetronic is a complex but workable system. Very few mechanics know these cars that you can trust to work on them. The M117 engine has lots of room to work on the car. I;ll give you a small advice, lube and lube and lube. Everything from door hinges to throttle linkage. Nice car....
The mechanicals are bulletproof. And in terms of finding the right mechanic, I always used Willy’s in Great Neck. When it comes to vintage Mercedes, he’s the best and very reasonable.
I agree with your remarks about the cup holders, BUT have you seen Mercedes' response to the problem? I have a 2002 CLK430 with a cup holder that fits into a covered recess in the console. After opening the recess, you push a button and the cupholder springs up for use.The problem is that it intrudes on the passenger and is out of balance. It is the typical German engineer's overreaction to a very minor problem.
I am not a pro on the R107 but from what I can tell, this is a Euro-conversion of a US car (560 SL). The bumper and the headlights are Euro-spec. The US cars had massive ugly bumpers, and US headlights were twin headlights. Am I right or wrong about that? Did you get hat work done, or did you purchase the car in this form?
You are right! This is a US spec converted to Euro spec! I bought the car in its original spec and had it converted. The headlights required re-wiring, but the bumpers were a fairly straightforward bolt on procedure with minor bracket adjustments.
Thank you! With Mercedes, parts availability is relatively hassle free. Every part is out there, prices can by crazy for specific parts, and will require you to reach out to the MB Classic center in Irvine at times for those hard to find parts, but everything is relatively affordable and nearly everything is in production/remanufactured.
@@AlexBeras Thanks !! What about good/specialized mechanics? Do you bring it to some specialist or a normal garage will suffice? Do you service and fix it by yourself?
![THE EXTRAVAGANT 1988 Mercedes Benz 560 SL | [4K] | REVIEW SERIES |](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/cuzDgx42JzA/mqdefault.jpg)
0:24 “Backup cameras are for bad drivers.”
0:36 Rear bumper makes audible contact with the wall.
LMAOOOO
😂😂😂 I think you’re the only person who caught that! 😂
@@AlexBeras nope! :-)
If you rely on them sure.. It's a luxury that really isn't needed..
Son, I still remember the day when I told you about the 560 Mercedes. Love this car
That is one of the most beautiful examples I have seen. The color the interior, everything is flawless. Just beautiful!
Alex, you have the perfect R107, a European specs SL 560. It’s design is attributed to Joseph Gallitzendörfer and Friedrich Geiger.
Beautiful car. Mine is an 82 that I’ve had for 25 years.
You consistently make references to Mercedes of the 80’s and 90’s. This car was designed in the late 60’s for release in 1972. The 107 was produced for about 20 years.
Yes! Production run from 72 to 89! Build quality was astounding!
You have a great taste in cars. I love this era of SL
Thank you!!
I can’t even imagine what it’s like driving this car down a straight road listening to the sweetest taboo full blast on cassette. Must be really nice despite the outdated sound system. Great video!
Nothing like a great Sade track!
Hotel California song while cruising along Pacific Coast Highway.
Strong video - thanks for talking about interesting aspects of the car without being boring! So many car vids one has to skip through the tedious parts - not your's. And silver over blue - great SL colors.
Thank you so much!! I’m so glad you appreciate the video! These cars have so much character and presence.
My love for Mercedes started with my mom's (now mine) W209 Clk Cabriolet. It's fast for a V6 and just gorgeous.
Just an update, I bought one last fall, a 1985 380 SL in this exact color. It had a new soft top, it’s in very nice shape, the woodwork is in perfect shape. I replaced the complete exhaust system and it now spends its time turning heads on the roads.
It’s the perfect head turner and conversation starter! This car brought me many friends with a common appreciation for art and design!
My parents just got their restored 560SL last week. I grew up with that car and am happy to see it in better condition than it was prior.
Definitely a car worth restoring!
I have a 1989 560SL and don't really care that the seats don't recline, but I sure wish that they were 6-way power seats so common on other luxury cars of the day. When someone tall gets into my car, they always want to adjust the seat, which is very hard to do. A tilt and telescopic steering wheel would have been nice, too !
The 560sl is one of my favorite favorite vehicles. Enjoyed your video.
Thank you!!
The seats not being able to recline/move back ALL THE WAY is the biggest oversight Mercedes made on this car. A lot of these cars (r107's) have aftermarket speakers added. For me it's the style/design of the car that I love most. Wanted one since the 80's and finally got one. Old car, bad on gas, not great in city traffic, but I LOVE it still.
Great looking car and honest review. Thank you! Hope you are getting a chance to get out and enjoy it now that spring is here and things have loosened up a bit vis a vis Covid restrictions.
This Mercedes is the car that as a kid sparked my love for convertibles. Enjoy!
Dear Alex, in total agreement!! I own a '82 380 SL..My German mechanic has kept it in storage for me for a very long time due to the fact I was short on $$ to pay him -- now that I was just approved for a monthly VA pension I will have enough & to bring "her" home..can hardly wait ...It's navy blue with Palamino interior. I have both tops...I know the soft top needs replaced..the hard top has been on all this time. Will start and replace things as the $ comes..I bought "my baby" in late Nov. Of '90..took me 5 yes.to pay it off ....NO REGRETS whatsoever on any level!!
.
Great color combination!! & definitely take your time in replacing things. For me watching the gradual change over time is part of the fun!
Nice video Alex and so nice to see you have Euro spec bumpers and lights which are vastly superior to the USA spec versions. Nice coco mats too. There is a reason the seats have limited rear travel. I have a 107 in my collection and at 6’ 2” tall I do wish there was a little more rearward adjustment on those seats! The 107 was designed mostly in the late 1960’s for introduction in 1971. During its development there was anticipation that rollover safety regulations would be introduced and that convertibles would be effectively eliminated. For this reason many manufacturers introduced targa style cars with t bar roofs instead of full convertible designs, think contemporary Porsche Targas, Triumph Stag, Jaguar XJS, Corvettes just to name a few. Mercedes alone proceeded with a full convertible design and to improve roll over survival they strengthened the A pillars/windscreen frame to act as a rollover bar. It works too but to ensure a front rollover bar can keep passengers alive in a rollover, their heads must be relatively close to that rollover bar. They achieved this by restricting seat travel so that it is physically impossible to get too far away from the rollover bar. All of this worked too - the 107 was a fabulous success for Mercedes and for several years it was the only new full convertible available for sale. The restricted seat travel combined with another challenge for the long legged, being the huge steering wheel, which is why you see many 107’s with smaller after market steering wheels, with the Nardi versions very popular in-period. I’ve kept my 107 totally original, like you, and have learned to live with these limitations. It’s a wonderful car, an incredible design and such an excellent car for touring and long drives. Enjoy it!
Thank you so much!!
I hear you as I have an 89 in red. I replaced the speakers with a set of Morel's and it's changed the whole experience dramatically. Wasn't cheap to find a set that fits the unique slot in there, but very doable and worth the investment.
REally enjoyed your video, description of a really nice car and still better with European specs and also, appreciate your accent, really nice and polite !!
Thank you so much! I appreciate your comments!😁
I have an 86 560SL I am doing some restoration work on right now. 7 of the front lug bolts snapped off. Drilling them out was by far the hardest thing I have ever done. I urge you to torque them by hand and never use an impact, or let anyone else use one. I am doing the work in Bridgeport but I live between Stamford and Queens. Good to see another New Yorker enjoying Mercedes quality.
Jack Rosenfeld excellent maintenance advice!
Great video man. Commentary and close up panning are on point
Thanks so much for your video. so I drove a lot of vintage BMWs 320 I 528E and add the convertible while I didn’t have any accidents. I always felt like I could drive the car as much as I wanted and get the parts I wanted no worries. I have a 1983, 380 SL love the car beautiful here are my only two regrets number one the fact that I do drive it around and I feel like I’m a conservator parts are very very hard to find and I don’t want to be hit and then the only other regret I have is that I wish I had bought a 560 because I do want to drive it around like a BMW and the 380 just doesn’t have the power of a 560. Thanks for sharing.
I have a really nice 500 SEC with good paint and a really nice interior, but your SL is crazy minty. What a glorious ride. Props. We all hate you!
My center console box is basically used as my Starbucks coffee holder. As for 80's sound systems three decades later.... Oh yeah. God awful. I'll eventually have my completely redone, but tastefully. I did have my Becker rebuilt, with the internal tape deck function disabled in favor of adding a Line-in, but that's just a stop-gap. My ride is a keeper so I will want a proper sound system at some point.
You made a great video. This is my favorite Mercedes as well and I am shopping for one. Your color combination is very nice. There are very few nice ones out there and sometimes the price is through the roof.
wurly164 thank you! I was fortunate to get this one before prices went up. If you find a clean one with high miles, and a good maintenance history, it’s usually not a problem. Ones that were stored away from new in collections tend to have more issues from not being driven. Rubber parts/seals and metals have an expiration date.
@@AlexBeras how much did yours set you back?
@@mhroe I had purchased the car years ago! I have since sold the car to the next custodian who I know will take proper care of the vehicle!
Nice Vid! I have a 560SL that was my daily driver for 20+ years (350,000+ miles). Now it has been retired to my garage for a weekend car. Totally agree with everything you said about the likes/dislikes. I will add one more of my dislikes - people with neat, clean garages! :) How do you guys DO That!!! :)
Brian Chatham I love it!! It was only clean for a day! 😂 but 350,000 miles is awesome!!!
Unmistakable great video. Thank you.
I bought a red 1989 560SL with 30k original miles. Love it. Beautiful, solid, and so smooooooth! Like a beautiful, classy older lady strolling by with a smile and perfect posture which attracts all
Great analogy!
Nice job. Enjoyed your video!👍
beautiful car my friend
Great job on your video. I agree on every topic. I own one very much like it incl Euro conversation. Bought it from the original owner in Pebble Beach California in 2018.
Tip: H&R springs, which actually raise the rear slightly make a huge difference. They have two versions comfort and sports. I chose the the comfort version because I didn’t wanna ruin the ride.
Excellent car...👍👍👍 It first came out in the 70s...
I think this is the most beautiful Mercedes’ machine.
Definitely a great moment for the Mercedes Brand!!
thank you for the great and objective review
Spot on ! The sun visors are really annoying on this car and I'm only 5 foot 6 !
Great explanation... Love this old 80´s mercedes
These were the pinnacle of design. Truly amazing cars!
As a R129 owner, I also miss not having my seats recline. Especially on long trips and you need to pull over for 15mins. That's what the "REST" button is intended for: the heat runs for 15mins w/ the engine off while you take a nap.
R129 was so ahead of it’s time! Amazing car!
Great video! These 80s SLs are fantastic cars.
They sure are!!
That car is amazing. Wow.
I am happy to see that you gave your 560SL the treatment it deserves (as Friedrich Geiger, its designer intended): Euro bumpers and lights! I always thought the North American cars looked like skateboards with the exaggerated 5mph bumpers and the useless sealed beam DOT headlights. I am fortunate to own a W116 450SEL (F. Geiger designed as well) and a C126 560SEC (Bruno Sacco design) both Euro versions. It would be great to meet one day (once things get back to normal) as I am just across the border in Ontario. Cheers!
Cheers buddy! Hoping you are safe and well, and yes hoping the covid craziness ends soon!
unfortunately this it is a big investment to change the bumpers and headlights...as i have found out as a new owner of a beautiful diamond blue SL560 - still going to do it though!
Beautiful car dude, hope to have one myself someday 🙌
I see these EVERYWHERE, had to come look it up
Loved the vid!
Thank you!!
Dream car is a red one like yours. You have Beautiful car. Congratulations.
Thank you!! Yes Signal Red is a beautiful color! Definitely the icon of the 80’s!
I was prepared to buy a 560sl from the 1980s and have completely changed my mind because of the seats' inability to recline. Thanks for revealing this fact.
Its a pretty good car, just one small flaw with the seats. 😂
why? you want to sleep in the car?
The car is awesome, another thing, you could probably say about the car is you have the best of 2 worlds, the 560, is sporty, but yet, it has the elegance of one of the sedans, that is a plus, 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Beautiful car man love the colour
Best 560 review!!!!
I see that you have the Euro spec 560SL - the American spec car has the huge bumpers and 4 twin round headlights - beautiful car you've got!
Good job!
I place my drink in between the front of the passenger seat & the adjustment lever. Holds tight and is well in reach.
I don't use the radio too much but it is nice sometimes and is better than nothing.
Not much seat adjustment but I can drive all day in it.
It’s true, radio use comes second to the driving experience! So good, that I still look through ads from time to time!
I have a 1988 560sl with 2500 miles on it. Also have a Cayenne as my daily driver. 😀 Long Island based.
Amazing two car solution!!! I’m a bit biased! 😂
i have owned the car you have and I currently have a R129 and that car knocks the older model into a cocked hat! From the looks to the practicality to the fully automatic convertible roof it is an all round improvement to the older model and is actually superior in build quality to the model that followed. Give a good R129 a try and you will be amazed! You will also be surprised at how much more car you get for your money!
R129 is a future classic. Personally I love the rare 300SL with the stick. The introduction of the V12 is also incredible.
Great car! Ich habe leider nur einen 280 SL, aber die unvergleichliche Qualität ist dieselbe! Very nice video! Greatings from Germany
Der 280Sl ist ein wunderschönes Auto! schöner Motor! Thank you!!
The aftermarket cupholder will be a must for my wife.
Happy wife, happy life!
Great video.. I'm sure everyone can relate.. I'm only 5'5" so the seat reclining isn't an issue for me... Really tall drivers beware.....
Truly appreciated!! Thank you!
Very nice SL! 👍
Alex you want another one in beige? 65K miles. It’s currently in an auction that ends on 12/17. Located in NJ.
Great looking car
I have the exact same Coco Mats in my 84 blue-interior 500SEL. You have excellent taste :)
Thank you! I absolutely love the company. Amazing people running the company!
Very nice review....I just subscribed.
Truly thankful!!
There is a ‘cup holder’ of a sort. If you lean forward and slide your water bottle to the right of the console (your prndl shifter) in between the console and the black loop handle for the passenger seat forward and back adjustment, a water bottle fits in there nicely without falling. Even a quick stop won’t dislodge it. I’ve had my 1980 450SL since 2011.
I must try this when I get ahold of an r107!
Great review, gorgous color. I loved my 560 SL but share your points - seatback travel inadequate and speakers under sized for a convertible. I was always torn on whether to take off the hardtop as I do not believe any other vehicle looks so beautiful and classy as the R107 with the hardtop in place.
The hardtop in place always makes the vehicle look really special!
@@AlexBeras If you live in California like I do, you do not use the hardtop ! I have had my 560SL for 20 years now, and the hardtop has only been on the car twice !!!!! Nothing looks better than this car with the convertible top down !!!
The car actually looks its best with the convertible top down !!!! Absolutely !!!
Love this video!! Where did you get the roof top stand? I've been looking for one lately.
Thankfully the previous owner was able to pass it along to me!
You my want to check the company ADSIT in Indiana.
My aunt had one, she was about to order the garage accessory to lift the hardtop off. (She has a husband for that =) But if you had not mentioned the solid door sound, I would have moved on to another video. My aunt also pointed that out to me.
I have heard about places that can modernize the hi-fi, but what for? They would ruin the marquee like getting plastic cupholders from the convenience store.
Too bad about the drizzle, but there will be better days. Love the car, thanks for sharing!
Thank you for watching!! R107’s are amazing machines!
You have a good review here, although if I do happen to purchase a 560SL somewhat similar to yours, I am a big fan of the 5.6L engine, especially doing a cold start of the engine and revving it immediately afterwords (at least one of your videos did just that). A 560SEC, probably before 1988, would be very similar depending on the model year, and I prefer having a blue leather interior with either a blue, white, silver, or black exterior.
Kyle Chak the v8 is something else!!
Great video! Me and my fiance want that car so bad and soon enough we will get it
It’s an amazing car! When you get it. You won’t be disappointed!!
Alex , Ok video , everyone has an opinion . I have wanted an SL ( 107 body ) since I was in Jr. Hi ! Tomorrow I will be test driving one owned by an older couple . They have owned it many Yrs. & no longer want to drive / keep it . There son is selling it for them . I hope it Ck.s out Ok . I will be able to have it Cked . out by a local trusted shop . It is black & Tan & No Rust . I have driven a ' 89 SL - 560 with 40 K miles from SW USA WoW ! Nice . This one is an 1988 with 88,100 K miles & overall not bad conditin , we will see on Friday thanks for Video . M. N.
Agree with the seat limitations that make u feel squeezed
💯
Nice car! I had a 107 300SL about 15 years ago and you are right about build quality and styling - it’s a very beautiful car BUT I simply could not get used to the soft suspension! Maybe it was the set up on that particular car but it just did not give me any kind of sporty drive and I sold it pretty quickly. Fast forward 15 years, I’m now having another look at them…. Let’s see!
Great cars, great build quality!
Nice video. I have a 79 450SL, love everything about it :) But I live in LA so wish the AC was a bit more powerful.
I couldn’t agree more! The AC in my car never blew cold air like a modern car. no matter how well it was charged, you just hope the climate control worked well enough to not sweat in traffic.
@@AlexBeras Mine has the earlier climate control system and there's a short in the servo so it only blows AC, no heat :( It's $$$ to fix but haven't done yet because it's warm here. It's the only thing not working correctly in the car. I only have 34K miles on it too :)
@@adco99 perfect mileage! Wow!!
Great example you have there Alex, I had a 123 in china blue myself, you make me want to get a 107. Btw what an odd size and place for a speaker. I thought the speaker size in my 123 was odd, the 2.5" slot in your SL probably fit a 3", nevermind about midbass, 3" probably struggle with lower end of midrange.
Amazing color for your W123! I had one several years ago in Smoke Silver with a black MBTex interior. Absolutely loved it. China Blue is a dream color on those cars!... many do upgrade the system and place speakers in the rear parcel shelf, but to maintain the minimalist design cue, I leave it alone.
lovely car fits perfect with u
Lovely car. ESP with the EU Headlamps and bumpers!! I have an SEC. Always wanted an SL but at 6’3” I am not too comfortable driving one.
just subbed cause i see you get it
I appreciate that!! Thank you!
Love the spec of your r107
Thank you!!!
Great video Alex - how tall are you? I'm in the market but worried my 6' 2" bulky frame will feel too small...
I’m 6’5! It’s a tight fit, but once you’re in, it’s wonderful!
good advice... how about the cost of ownership over several years.. big scary repairs..timing chain...tensioners... oil leaks etc?
I had a very good experience with ownership over ten years. I bought the car with a fresh timing chain.! It thankfully didn’t leak oil, but I think if you stay on top of everything obsessively, budgeting oil changes, brakes, and tires makes it a relatively easy car to live with.
Thanks for this great video. I am actually thinking of buying a 560 SL. I live in Sweden so I will probably import one from Germany. You said it drives like a muscle car - what about the engine sound? I like to hear the v8 clearly. But I dont want any roar and not too silent either. What is your opinion?
It’s like a muscle car in that it accelerates incredibly well in a straight line. I went with a Timevalve exhaust system that is OEM fitment equivalent and completely fabricated from stainless steel. I was incredibly satisfied with the fit and the sound.
Totally agree on everything *except* SADE is best enjoyed via 1980’s cassette technology, and the Becker player with Mercedes speakers still provides a very authentic period sound.
Joe Wellborn you are right. Period Correct is important!
The ' 88 I am looking at has the Orig,. Becker Cass. Radio , hope it works Ok. I have a ton of Jazz cass.'s ! I see some guys ad optional speakers in back . Or possibly in doors , or upgrade in dash . we will see .
nice video! have one 560sl myself in germany, imported from the us... beautiful car, but you should not be to tall.. and fit an aftermarket sound system ;)
Hello I had a 79 450 sl it was my first daily driver mercedesbenz and yes the 107snare bullet proof I drove it and only changed the plugs and engine oil and new tires Goodyear ones and it was red with tan interior and yes I noticed the seat reclining I'm 6/5 but it still checked my boxes on a olsldnschool sports car but when I bought it it definately attracted girls but it's is tank on doors but I loved that car I have a 1998 500sl now but I will find another one and restore it to factory and not get rid of it OK I enjoyed yournvideo I'm subscribed enjoy oeace
Thank you so much!! Greatly appreciated!!
Hey Im happy I came across this video. I have a 560 on hold till I return next week and If all goes well, she'll be mine. Overall what is your final opinion on the 560? Ran into any maintenance issues?
Quinten Curtis the 560SL is one of the easiest classics to live with. 8 years no issues. If looked after, one of the best, most relaxing grand touring experiences ever. Not a sports car, but a fun cruiser that you can live with in modern traffic.
When I got mine my mechanic suggested that I change the timing chain as an inevitable issue to deal with. He said it was a $500 job at the time (about 15 years ago). I trusted his opinion and had it done.
@@solice8844 Must be pre ' 84 ' 85's had upgraded dual row T. Chain system . ( SL - 380 's )
That's one of the cleanest r107s I have ever seen!
Thank you! I took great care of that care. It was even more impressive underneath. Cosmoline!
There's one thing that I cannot stand about my 1987 MB 560SL. The door buzzer. Really? All that German engineering, and they missed the mark on fully reclining seats and a terrible sounding door buzzer! But I absolutely love my car!
It is a funny door buzzer! 🐝
I take it that you had the headlights and bumpers changed to the European style. I always had the impression that the 560SL was sold mostly for the U.S. market, as well as Australia and Japan.
Yes, the American bumpers were bulkier and the Euro ones were tailored to fit the car perfectly.
Hello, it seems that you are a tall guy, what do you can say about the driver seat position? Thank you. Beautiful car
Nice SL video. I think to many people overlook the R107 and thats a shame. While the market is full of $30,000 to $50,000 show quality cars, you can pick up a solid driver for $5000 to $15,000 and enjoy a very unique blend of vintage collector car and fairly modern amenities like disc brakes and fuel injection, I currently have a 72 350sl and a 83 380sl and will e looking to sell my 380sl this year and pick up a 560sl so that I can have the best of both worlds with a first year, hubcap, euro bumper car, and the fully developed 560sl which was the pinnacle for this car. (Not counting the euro 500sl). The low side sills and upright driving position are such a different top down experience than modern cars like my 996 cabriolet where you are cocooned inside of the car vs being able to take in the country side as you motor through it.
$ 5 K $ 15 K ? ?
beautiful car
This is how the SL should look like, not that American version with over extended bumper.
I have a 1984 500SL red with palomino and I totally agree with your opinion , except for the muscle car comparison .
I am not impressed with the power, but then my every day driver is a 2007 G55 AMG , so the poor SL is left wanting.
Yes!! The G overpowers the R107. If the SL lived outside the malaise era, it would certainly perform better!
stunning
Nice ride...Clean 'em, drive them. Seats in 3rd generation Supra are best imho.
In my opinion the nicest convertible. love the euro lights and bumpers. Learn how to work on car yourself. The KE Jetronic is a complex but workable system. Very few mechanics know these cars that you can trust to work on them. The M117 engine has lots of room to work on the car. I;ll give you a small advice, lube and lube and lube. Everything from door hinges to throttle linkage. Nice car....
Yeah, I think that’s the next step. I definitely will take steps to Learn on how to work on my cars.
Great color
Definitely a great color!
Your car stereo from 80ties dont have eoung power? Wich one had these days?
Alex , thinking of buying a 560 SL just worried about the maintenance costs and finding a decent fair priced mechanic here in Brooklyn .
The mechanicals are bulletproof. And in terms of finding the right mechanic, I always used Willy’s in Great Neck. When it comes to vintage Mercedes, he’s the best and very reasonable.
@@AlexBeras thanks ! that's great reference and not that far from me will look the shop up once I make a purchase !
I agree with your remarks about the cup holders, BUT have you seen Mercedes' response to the problem? I have a 2002 CLK430 with a cup holder that fits into a covered recess in the console. After opening the recess, you push a button and the cupholder springs up for use.The problem is that it intrudes on the passenger and is out of balance. It is the typical German engineer's overreaction to a very minor problem.
I am not a pro on the R107 but from what I can tell, this is a Euro-conversion of a US car (560 SL). The bumper and the headlights are Euro-spec. The US cars had massive ugly bumpers, and US headlights were twin headlights. Am I right or wrong about that? Did you get hat work done, or did you purchase the car in this form?
You are right! This is a US spec converted to Euro spec! I bought the car in its original spec and had it converted. The headlights required re-wiring, but the bumpers were a fairly straightforward bolt on procedure with minor bracket adjustments.
What about maintenance and repair costs? Parts availability? Is it hard to find a specialized mechanic? Gorgeous car, by the way...
Thank you! With Mercedes, parts availability is relatively hassle free. Every part is out there, prices can by crazy for specific parts, and will require you to reach out to the MB Classic center in Irvine at times for those hard to find parts, but everything is relatively affordable and nearly everything is in production/remanufactured.
@@AlexBeras Thanks !! What about good/specialized mechanics? Do you bring it to some specialist or a normal garage will suffice? Do you service and fix it by yourself?