I’ve driven a few R107 Mercedes-Benz SLs in my day, but never one with a six cylinder engine. I hear good things regarding the handling as compared to the heavier V8 models. As our reader Kevin commented on our recently featured 450SLC 5.0, R107s can be akin to a boat on the water, dynamically speaking. I have noticed V8 R107s tend to have a lot of front end lift on acceleration and dive in corners, but in true Mercedes-Benz fashion, you never feel completely out of control. I like what the R107 roadster has to offer, but if I was to buy one, I’d go for my favorite of the bunch, the 1986-89 300SL. This SL had the ubiquitous M103 3.0 liter six cylinder engine producing 188 horsepower outside of US markets. A dependable motor that returned decent gas mileage (in comparison to its V8 stablemates), this engine always seemed to be a better fit for such a small vehicle than the large, 5.6 liter V8 of the 560SL.
1986 Mercedes-Benz 300SL on eBay
Very rare 1986 Mercedes 300SL with both tops, only a few of these made it to the US. Six cylinder M103 engine getting 24 MPG HWY. This is the last series of the R107 with all the improvements to the suspension, front spoiler and basically same interior as 560SL. Of course you get the the highly desirable small bumpers and full Euro lighting exactly as the factory designed. Astral Silver with Black leather, VIN WDB1070411A047921.
I have driven and owned all the 107 models and feel this is the best with its perfect weight distribution because of the six cylinder engine. The engine is 180hp as compared to a 380SL with only 155hp so there is plenty of power. Most V8 107s are too heavy in front so they seem to plow through corners. Complete history of the vehicle is known. Imported new in 1986, we acquired from original owner in 1990 at 28,000 miles. We sold to the second owner who used it as her fair weather weekend car. Complete service records in our shop since 1990, we purchased car back in 2009 after her careful 30,000 more miles.
Car is totally original, no rust ever. Convertible top new this year. There is one small ding in the passenger door. Leather and carpets all original, driver seat has rub mark where you slide in and out. Beautiful burl walnut interior has only one crack in the finish on the console piece near the shifter. All glass, head lights and tail lights perfect. Car was ordered new with a power antenna but no radio(common in Germany to fit your own radio), outdated Blaupunkt replaced with Sony ES AM FM CD and 2 extra Boston Acoustics speakers in lower deck. Drives absolutely superb, needs nothing. New battery and new Michelins within the last 1,000 miles. For my German customers this has code 620 KAT. We will assist with any transportation needs.
With the R107, very early and very late models tend to be the ones that bring the highest values, with the middle years staying a bit flat. The asking price of $19,000 is a bit steep, as 560SLs with similar mileage tend to command right about the same money, if not less in some cases. Since the 300SL was never officially imported, what price rarity, then? Silver on black is a desirable color combination for these roadsters, and with 60,000 miles and a good history, this car would easily last well into the six figure mileage range with proper care. I would say for around $15,000 or even a little bit under, it would be a good buy and potentially creep up in value as time passes.
-Paul
I’ve never driven the 300SL version of the 107 chassis, but I have driven a few of the 280SL versions (including a 5 speed model). However, the 300 motor is one of my favorites in M-B history and should be a good fit with this car.
W107s always look better with the Euro spec headlights and bumpers, so that is a plus. I like the late model front spoiler, but others may not. However it is correct for an ’86 model. I’ve never been a fan of the flat wheels this car wears, but again, they are correct for the model year.
The worn seat spot can be easily fixed and the rear shelf that has been cut for aftermarket speakers can be replaced (if originality is important to the buyer).
The bigger issue with Gray market cars is always centered around the work done to federalize it for the American market. The ad doesn’t address this but it would be one of the first things I would ask. The mileage claim of 60K is good, but if the speedometer has been replaced (as it should have been during the importation process), then what documentation does the seller have to back up the claim?
It looks great and would be a nice weekend toy, but W107s are very primitive compared to modern cars. The top mechanisms are finicky and cowl shake is fairly pronounced. Plus hard top storage can become a bigger issue than most people realize.
But these cars are a lot of fun on the right day in the right circumstances. I wouldn’t pay $19K for it, but there might be someone out there who would.
$19K is about the going rate of a 10 years newer model with the 5-liter V8 and half the mileage. Interesting, but pass.
Right now I know of a 2000 model SL500 (129 chassis) with under 35,000 miles, silver with gray, that can be bought for a low $20K number.
I also know of a 2003 model SL500 (230 chassis) with about 90K miles, black with tan, that can also be bought for a low $20K number.
That’s not a knock against this car, but people need to realize you can get so much more car for the same amount of money. Someone would have to REALLY want a 107 chassis SL to pay this asking price.
As the owner of a grey import 87 300SL I can personally vouch for the slightly better balance the M103 6cyl engine does for this car. It has enough power without the feeling of oversteer while turning into corners that the heavier 560/500 V8 gives the chassis. It is easy to maintain and gets about 10lt/100km on a spirited run. The best bit is the advantages of the upgraded brakes and suspension of the updated 86-89 models make it a good car to drive a couple of hundred kms, then stop for lunch before the drive home. The lack of computers also make it a car that can be reasonably well maintained by a home mechanic.
@Andrew my experience is that the R107 V8 SLs understeer rather than oversteer. Maybe the one you were driving had bald rear tires? Eitherway yes the inline six models are more nimble and balanced for sure, just lacking straight line pull.
You are correct Evan!
A combination of a late post [Midnight in Melb Aust], a few too many bourbans and I got oversteer and understeer ass about!
Cheers
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