Mercedes-Benz R 107 Buying Guide

Every roadster carries its own adventurous gene. The Mercedes-Benz R 107, introduced in 1971, is no different. Its great trump card was that it elegantly combined its allure with a sensible streak.

It’s the sophisticated art of seduction that Mercedes-Benz cultivated with the R 107 model series. Its restrained design doesn’t beguile; it impresses subtly with its harmonious proportions. Back in those days there was no real opportunity to enjoy an opentopped, sporty automobile. The sports car known internally as the Mercedes-Benz R 107, with its long production period lasting an impressive 18 years, is evidence of the success of this concept: what other model in the class can look back on a comparable career? The 237,287 specimens that were manufactured during this period are also recordbreaking – as a representative of the top class, the SL was always in the upper price segment as well.

These stark figures paved the way for the Mercedes-Benz R 107’s unique process of maturation. Despite its long phase of almost two decades as a new car, it never suffered from rushed adaptations to current tastes. From the very start it came across as dignified, as if, like its buyer, it had “arrived” on the scene. The roadster accompanied many a successful freelancer and entrepreneur through the last phase of the former Federal Republic, ready with their tennis racquets in the boot or their Michelin guide in the glove compartment.

The mere fact that the last models of this major series have long since felt like classics, but only achieved “H” registration plate status a couple of years ago, goes to show how long Mercedes-Benz offered the series for sale as new cars. Today, just as back then, the SL rolls along the handsome streets of the world with the aura of an ever-present, but never obtrusive, boulevard beau. It is every bit as at home in Munich as it is on the Maloja Pass, in Saint-Tropez or on Sylt. And even when it’s not out and about in one of those distinguished places, it brings something of their grandeur with it.

Admittedly, an Mercedes-Benz R 107 is by no means an exotic choice. However, with excellent spare parts availability and highly reliable technology, the SL of the 1970s and 1980s is simply the perfect choice for anyone who likes to drive with the roof down and go on long trips, without having to constantly worry about the upkeep of their classic car.

Market Value of the Mercedes-Benz R 107

The R 107 has never sunk to the depths of “used car” status. An astounding number of examples are in good condition, and there is no shortage on the market. The sustained increase in value of around 50 per cent in the last ten years is noteworthy and it seems that prices will continue to rise – at least for the top specimens. The 280 SL entry models go for a little over 30,000 euros in condition 2. The highly coveted 300 SL from the late Mercedes-Benz R 107 phase, also a six-cylinder, will fetch a little more than this, while some V8 models start at a significantly lower price: early 350 SLs are the cheapest, 420 SLs are a little more expensive, but also rarer, while the 500 SL is a particularly coveted SL variety these days. In condition 2, a reasonable sum would be close to 50,000 euros. Examples with an impeccable history top these levels considerably, and special features can also increase the price. US reimports, including the 560 SL, are often less sought-after and noticeably cheaper. Expensive retrofitting plays a significant role as well.

Body

The structural solidity of the SL is convincing and continues to impress most owners to this very day. In a sound R 107 model there is no vibration or creaking that could possibly spoil the pleasure of driving. This is no coincidence: Mercedes-Benz rigorously implemented passenger compartment safety requirements in the roadster. Robust A-pillars with reinforced frames, together with laminated panes, not only ensure the best possible protection in the case of an accident, but also guarantee good long-term stability.

Surfaces and gap dimensions are always worth checking. There is always a reason for any anomalies found here – an accident or welding work carried out by a non-professional could be responsible. Moreover, less well-maintained examples could be subject to corrosion. The crossbars in front of the radiator are particularly at risk, as are the wings in the area around the headlamps and the web plates. On the bulkhead the heater box can also harbour significant problems, while further down it’s not unusual for the side bars to be starting to disintegrate. Examples built from 1985 onwards are much better protected, with wing liners installed as standard. On earlier R 107 vehicles, these can easily be retrofitted.

It’s worth giving the sills a thorough examination, particularly at the ends and around the jacking points. At the rear end the apron is one of the sensitive areas, and some rear lamps can suffer from penetration of water. From time to time there is also rust along the edges of the bonnet, but this is easily detected.

Engine and transmission

The sophisticated technology of the Mercedes-Benz R 107 is in line with the high demands that Mercedes-Benz had already been placing on its bodywork. The car is extremely reliable and will last a long time, if its owners adhere to the maintenance intervals specified by the factory. However, it’s well worth inspecting the timing chain rigorously on all drive trains with high to very high mileage. Excessive play is clearly audible – and this is definitely not music to the ears of a seasoned R 107 enthusiast.

In addition, the Bosch D-Jetronic in SL specimens built prior to February 1976 can cause unpleasant and unplanned interruptions to a journey – in other words, breakdowns.
The six-cylinder engine of the 280 SL model is especially problemfree and durable. Its successor, the 300 SL, is somewhat more sensitive, in that the camshafts in cars of the first model years from 1985 can sometimes weaken. The V8 variants have also demonstrated their stoic reliability over many hundreds of thousands of kilometres, although consumption levels – particularly in the 450 SL, which was available up until the 1980 facelift – were rather high.

Vehicles with automatic transmission from the earlier model years should also be subjected to a thorough inspection – wherever possible, in a specialist workshop. Their mileage does not quite reach the level of later versions.

Manual transmissions, on the other hand, are very reliable and long-lasting, with the exception of the rare and highly sought-after five-speed models from the era before 1976.

Interior

Inside, the SL shows its class with long-lasting fittings, although early models had considerably simpler appointments than the later ones. Sometimes the padding of the driver’s seat has worn through, which is an unmistakable sign of high usage, as is a shiny steering wheel rim or worn pedal pads. An upholsterer can replace defective seat covers – many materials are still available. On the other hand, replacing stained plastic parts is not so easy: in this case it’s best to preserve original elements as far as possible. Incidentally, not all SLs were two-seaters – a foldaway back seat was an available option for a long time. Nowadays a reproduction is available.

Instruments and operation

When you take a seat in an SL, you’ll immediately notice that it’s a Mercedes-Benz. The steering wheel and instruments are familiar, as is the switch on the steering column, which has multiple functions. It should be checked in all positions to ensure that it is fully operational. The same applies to the gauges. Faded pointers are typical and show that the car has often been parked outdoors. There are rarely any problems with the rotary switch for the lights, which is located to the left below the air vent.

During a test drive you should also switch on the heating with the blower and, if installed, the air conditioning, which was a popular feature in US export vehicles in particular. Ideally the original key will lock the doors and boot lid, and will also fit – without too much play – into the ignition switch.

The correct audio equipment became increasingly important in recent years. Modern retrofitted stereos are frowned upon by insiders. Real enthusiasts attach great value to the original radio installed ex factory. The data card gives specific information about this feature. If the card is missing, specialists can often help without too much trouble. It’s also important to look out for any potential damage. Retrofitted speakers or telephone consoles have left unsightly traces in some SLs.

Wheels & suspension

The SL has proved to be long-lasting and reliable with regard to these components as well. There are no unusual weak points.

In cars with high mileage the rubber bearings of the axle elements are sometimes worn all the way round and must be replaced. The tie rod ends and the pitman arm can also exhibit too much play after many kilometres. The steering gear and the servo pump should be dry on the outside, as should the shock absorber.

If there is wear in the suspension area, replacing the parts is generally not a problem in technical terms, but the costs involved should be taken into account in the purchase price. The same applies to the superb brake system and the tyres. Their profiles can also indicate a great deal about the

Soft top

Even older folding tops should operate without too much effort. The condition of the fabric, including the seams and panels, can be quickly assessed. The triangular windows in particular can suffer if the roof has been frequently opened. Since there are varying qualities of replacement, it is important to check how it fits when closed. It is equally important to take a close look at the soft top compartment and the cover – the peripheral areas can suffer from rust. Incidentally, from 1980 onwards Mercedes-Benz supplied a hard top in the colour of the car with every Mercedes-Benz R 107. On its underside are the last six digits of the vehicle’s body number.

The Mercedes-Benz R 107 models

The R 107 model series from Mercedes-Benz is easy to understand: between 1971 and 1989 there was only one type of SL. The only difference was the engines, and there was also a facelift in 1985. The car, designed by Friedrich Geiger, started out in April 1971 as a 350 SL version with a V8 engine. Another eight-cylinder, the 450 SL, arrived in 1973. The first six-cylinder 280 SL appeared in 1974, followed in 1980 by a new V8 generation with the 380 SL and 500 SL. Five years later the last round of SL engines came out: 300 SL was the name of the new six-cylinder model and the 420 SL replaced the 380 SL, leaving only the 500 SL.

A new addition was the 560 SL, specially configured for the US market. It had to remain a touch below the 500 SL in terms of performance due to US emissions regulations, and yet it was particularly nippy thanks to its shorter transmission. From 1985 onwards it could be fitted with an optional catalytic converter, which then became standard from 1986 onwards, or 1987 for the 500 SL. ABS was available as an option from 1980, and driver air bags followed two years later. From 1971 to 1981 Daimler- Benz built the SLC model (C 107) as a variant with a fixed roof and longer wheelbase.

MODELS

280 SL
Vehicle data
Displacement 2,746 cc
Output 136 kW (185 hp)
Top speed 192-205 km/h
Built between 1974–1985

300 SL
Vehicle data
Displacement 2,962 cc
Output (with cat. converter) 132 kW (180 hp)
Top speed 200 km/h
Built between 1985–1989

350 SL
Vehicle data
Displacement 3,499 cc
Output 147 kW (200 hp)
Top speed 210 km/h
Built between 1971–1980

380 SL
Vehicle data
Displacement 3,818 cc – 3,839 cc
Output 114 kW (155 hp) – 160 kW (218 hp)
Top speed 205-215 km/h
Built between 1980–1985

420 SL
Vehicle data
Displacement 4,196 cc
Output 164 kW (223 hp) – 180 kW (245 hp)
Top speed 205-213 km/h
Built between 1985–1989

450 SL
Vehicle data
Displacement 4,520 cc
Output 118 kW (160 hp)-165 kW (225 hp)
Top speed 215 km/h
Built between 1971–1980

500 SL
Vehicle data
Displacement 4,973 cc
Output 177 kW (240 hp)
Top speed 225 km/h
Built between 1980–1989

560 SL
Vehicle Data
Displacement 5,547 cc
Output 170 kW (230 hp)
Top speed 223 km/h
Built between 1985–1989

Mercedes-Benz R 107 Clubs

Mercedes-Benz R/C 107 SL-Club Deutschland e. V. Plettenbergstr. 49, 70186 Stuttgart, Germany www.107sl-club.de

Sternzeit-107.deInteressengemeinschaft www.sternzeit-107.de

vdh e. V. Weidenbacher Str. 11, 91737 Ornbau, Germany www.mercedesclubs.de

Mercedes-Benz R 107 Books

Chris Bass: Praxisratgeber Klassikerkauf Mercedes-Benz 280-560 SL & SLC (R/C 107), Heel Verlag (2008), €12.00

Günter Engelen: Mercedes-Benz SL – Die Baureihe 107, Motorbuch Verlag (2015), €49.90

Heribert Hofner: Mercedes-Benz SL – Die Baureihe 107: Trendsetter und Dauerbrenner, Heel Verlag (2017), €39,95

Brian Long: Mercedes-Benz SL und SLC – Die Baureihe R/C 107 von 1971 bis 1989, Delius Klasing (2012), €39,90

A contribution in cooperation with Mercedes-Benz Classic Magazine and Looping Group.

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Text Thomas Wirth Photos Götz von Sternenfels / Daimler AG

Author: Looping Group

Looping Group is a brand publishing house with the best story tellers on all media with offices in Berlin, Hamburg and Munich. This text was published first in Mercedes-Benz Classic Magazine which is also produced by the Looping Studio Hamburg. More information about the agency on www.looping.group. View all posts by Looping Group →