A few months ago, I thought I might become a part of the R107 club when my uncle found a Euro-spec 1987 300SL for sale by an acquaintance. It got me excited (temporarily) about the prospect of owning such a car, as I never really gave them much thought beforehand. Of course, as we know now, I did end up with a vintage Mercedes in the garage – just not that one. Overall, I can’t quite figure out why some R107s like this 1989 560SL here on eBay command big interest from bidders while others languish at the bottom of the food chain. Bidding on this U.S.-market car is already at $7K.
This 560SL has been upgraded with European-market bumpers and headlights, which could be a big reason why bidders are hungry. It doesn’t hurt that the mileage is also low, at just over 56K. The seats have been redone and the hard top is said to be in excellent condition. While the slimmer bumpers are a huge upgrade, I’d still be left thinking about owning an actual Euro car that has the less restrictive emissions equipment and no safety bars welded into the doors.
The other point that’s lost on me as it relates the SL’s desirability is the sheer volume these cars were made in. Go on almost any craigslist page and you can find an example for sale. It may not be that nice, but these cars are hardly rare. So why do some of them get bidders waving their paddles and others languish? I can’t figure it out, because it’s lost on me how one of these cars appeals greatly over another.
The seller’s pictures are so-so, only giving us a few glimpses of the overall picture of the car. While this example appears decent and worthy of the current bid, I would still hold out for a gray market car. Of all the vehicles imported to the U.S. in the 1980s, the R107 chassis Benzes were probably the car you saw most frequently come stateside with its free-breathing exhaust equipment still attached and on a diet that left it a few hundred pounds lighter than its U.S. counterpart. I’d hold out for one of those, but which would you choose?
Had a “euro spec” BMW320I The E30 platform and 6 cyl. engine were ahead of the US spec. cars. Finding parts required using another model’s number in order to get the 6 spark plugs or proper oil filter. Great car it’s final demise was the Swiss-only exhaust system that could only be ordered through BMW USA at exorbitant prices. As romantic as the Grey-market seem they come at a cost. Also as we are not racing, extra weight for passenger protection is beginning to make more sense to me. This approach with the desirable cosmetic bits retaining the accessibility for parts at pepboys seems like a good idea.
A lot of these have come onto the market lately, and they usually sell for underwhelming prices. They seem to appeal mainly to older folks because they are Mercs first and foremost, and they are “sporty” in a very soft way. When I have driven them they seem to float down the road. I live in an area where there are lots of retired people and that’s mostly who I see in these.
I would be gunshy of this car because of the easy Euro stuff that’s been put on the car—-something a young guy might think would make it sporty, but it’s just eye candy and doesn’t change the very soft nature of the car.
Lots of cars I would think of buying before a Merc convertible with automatic, all with less floating and lots more performance..
I have always liked them. I’ve had 3-4 Mercedes, nice cars except when they break. Then sit-down and hide your wallet. I have always believed that they sell good new to rich folks who trade them after 2 years and never worry about the problems. Hmmmm. Maybe that holds true for lots of high end cars. The engineering is definitely there. When the first models of them came out in the late 70’s the Germans called them der Panzerwagen ( the tank car) because of their robust structural and mechanical nature. I do believe that they are great cars when viewed practically and a great value as a fun second car.
I own a white/Blue ‘88 560SL with US specs(bigger bumpers). I bought the car from my dad, as he always loved the quality and innovation that Mercedes offered back then(a3nd now). He had three of the 113 Pagodas, but as we all know they have gotten ridiculously over-priced in the last five years, just as the older Porsche 911’s have.
The R107 platform offered a very high quality performing roadster with sustainability and great looks, not to mention the fact that they never break down. The only thing that is of real concern is the need to replace the timing chains/guide rails due to age. Everywhere I go(mainly the grocery and golf course), it receives constant looks and comments. I don’t particularly care about the looks, however it is a testament as to how beautiful and timeless these have become. Mine only has 60,600 miles, and is in beautiful shape.
Maybe I will offer it up on here someday.😀. Thanks for continually keeping me interested in your site BF. I visit it daily.
I was never favorably impressed – cramped interior, gas guzzling, crowded engine compartment makes them awkward to service . . . can’t help but think of J.R. on Dallas.
Jeff, I don’t understand the fragmentation in pricing on these cars either. A look through Barn Finds, Hemmings and Craigslist will find prices all over the place.
For people who are thinking about this car as a sports car, allow me to remind them that the original 190SL was conceived what Mercedes called a “Personal Car” whatever that means, as opposed to a sports car. Therefore suspension and handling, although excellent for its purpose, was certainly not near expectations for a sporting machine. I had a 450SL and the interiors were described as “intimate” which was terrific if you were dating.
Very simple answer to your question.
Value is determined by the mileage, interior/exterior (including the amount of rust; the paint and damage history), and mechanical condition.
These are all important in determining the value of a SL. A negative in ANY of these areas will affect dramatically the value. I have seen some 560SLs with poor interiors or paint issues go for $6000. Others with almost perfect interiors/exterior, & low mileage go for $35,000. Condition condition condition!
I’ll echo Richard’s comments.
Due to the large amount of the 107 series cars produced, there is a LOT to choose from.. The ultra low mileage 560’s, in great condition, have sold for well over $50K, and a 380 is good drivable condition will be lucky to hit 10K.
Something not mentioned by Richard is color combinations. Certain ext/int combinations are much more popular.. so, 75,000 miles black over red, in the same condition as a 75,000 mile Smoke over Brazil brown will garner several thousand more dollars. As Richard mentioned, mileage is very key. If the car is over 100K miles, it will see a distinct drop off in price, despite they’re being built like tanks and very capable of well over 150K or more miles. Under 50K miles and you’ll see a similar upswing in pricing.
My lady and I have a real euro-spec 1985 280 SL. The DOHC 6 cyl puts out more HP than the 380 and 450 in US spec. and is much lighter. The 280 is much “sportier” than the larger V8s and is a lot of fun to drive.