Shift It Yourself SL: 1988 Mercedes-Benz 300SL vs. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300SL

The R129 Mercedes-Benz SL was a car met with much anticipation at the end of the 1980s, as the existing R107 SL had been in production since the early 1970s. Few models have had such longevity in the Mercedes product range. In a departure from prior models, both a six-cylinder (300SL) and V8 (500SL) would be offered in the new model. Customers could even opt for a 5-speed manual in the US market with the 300SL, but takers were few, making the early R129s with three pedals quite the rarity. The R107 was available with a six-cylinder engine all along in other markets, culminating with the similarly badged 300SL in 1986 that would cease production along with the rest of the range after the 1989 model year. These two 300SLs here represent possibly the best of the best when it comes to the six-cylinder/manual transmission combo in SLs of yore. We’ll start with this 1988 300SL for sale in northern Germany with a remarkably low 27,000 miles on the clock.

Click for details: 1988 Mercedes-Benz 300SL on eBay

Year: 1988
Model: 300SL
Engine: 3.0 liter inline-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 44,000 km (~ 27,341 mi)
Price: 49,700 (~ $58,711 USD)

Delivered on 23.06.1988 by the Swedish Mercedes-Benz general importer Philipson. Since then the car has had only 2 owners, the change of ownership took place in 2001. Thereafter, the 300SL lingered in our own collection of the second holder to 2013. The interior of the SL is in immaculate original condition and the leather seems to be close to as good as new. Even the pearly gray original paint is in an exceptionally beautiful condition. Hard top and soft top are both excellent and original. In addition to the service book there is a folder with all TüV from new to the change of ownership in 2001/2 with the respective current mileage. The entire mechanics of the 300SL is completely fully functional and free of defects. Through the 5 speed manual transmission, this SL moves lively and quietly at high speeds, eg on the highway, than the automatic version. TÃœV and AU are new and valid until 2016. The four sets of keys are available. Board wallet and supplements, Mercedes-Benz Service Directory 1988, Mercedes-Benz warranty booklet, Mercedes-Benz instruction book, Anti-theft alarm system, full service history at delivery 1988 – 8,830 km – 21,633 km – 31,075 km – 38,508 km – 44tkm

codes and equipment – 300 SL Roadster:

Finish: 122 Mother of Pearl Grey Metallic
Interior: 261 black leather
620 Catalyst
442 Airbag for driver
532 Automatic antenna without radio installation
470 Antilock Braking System
570 Front armrest folding
240 Outside temperature gauge
451 Tachometer
551 Anti-theft alarm system
583 Power windows
425 5-speed floor shift
731 Burr walnut wood trim
580 Air conditioning
280 leather steering wheel and leather gearshift
640 Five alloy wheels
254 Becker Europa Radio Cassette electr. Full stereo courier
600 Headlight washer system
873 Electric seats
543 Sun visors with illuminated mirrors
592 Insulated glass with band filter Hecksch. Laminated Glass
466 Central locking
008 Integrated fog lights
001 Hardtop in body color
121 Radio Cassette
013 Electric exterior mirrors

The asking price for this SL is certainly above that of any 560SL I’ve seen for sale in this market. However, we’ve seen some strong prices for six-cylinder R107s abroad, most notably the 1986 300SL we featured last May and the special build 1984 SL36 AMG we took a look at in September. For the price, this car would still be a tough sell in this market, as was the case when it was new. No surprise, then, why Mercedes-Benz denied us this variant. Still, for the SL fan who is dying to be different, there are few better ways.

If you are seeking something with a bit more of a modern look, then have a look at this 1991 300SL for sale in Portugal. This car has covered an equally low amount of miles and must be one of the few early R129s without airbags.

Click for details: 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300SL on eBay

Year: 1991
Model: 300SL
Engine: 3.0 liter inline-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 50,000 km (~ 31,069 mi)
Price: 22,500 (~ $26,579 USD)

1991 Mercedes 300SL 24V

1 Spanish owner from new!

50.000mkms

Full Service History

Full Original Factory Paint

We are glad to offer a perfect 300SL-24V with a very Sporty and rare combination of the high rev engine with the manual close ratios gearbox. This car was bought and always serviced in the same official Mercedes dealer. Have the original purchase invoice and services invoices! Preserves the factory original paint in all panels and still have the factory wax protection and production marks.

It was always stored in garage and covered with a tailored made car cover that is included in the sale. The soft top it’s the factory original in perfect condition. It includes some delicious details like the period Mercedes Dealer Key holder and the Mercedes period first 1500 kms Running IN Instructions! The Spare Tyre never run and still have the production marks!

This car is perfect in every respect and completely original. It’s impossible to find another one in this condition, originality and support history! Only for who wants the best original example.

22500€

For those of us stateside, only the 1988 300SL would be eligible to import, although at the asking price, would make it prohibitively expensive in a market where even the best 560SLs are topping out around the $40,000 mark. Still, it’s the one I desire more. If I was going to go for an R129, I’d want a later model with the AMG accents, as those had an attractively brutish look about them. The R107 300SL in this guise looks timeless with the flush headlamps and slimmer bumpers and with the engine/transmission combination, would be easier on the wallet to service, especially with a manual gearbox. An R107 like this one is one of my bucket list cars, but for now, I’ll keep dreaming from afar.

-Paul