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PS: Many of the SL Mercedes-Benz questions are answered in our SL Market Letter, published about 12 times per year. For a nominal subscription fee, you can have SL Mercedes price trends and exclusive SL articles written by author, John R. Olson – publisher of the SL Experience book. You can subscribe to the SL Market Letter here.
April 24th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
what was the total production run of US version 450 SLC ?
April 24th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
Hello Bobateck,
Production: 15,359 450 SLC Mercedes-Benz were sold through USA dealers from 1972 through 1981. SLC production began in June 1971 with the 3.5 liter V8. Modifications made for USA delivered cars included a 4.5 liter V8, to cope with anticipated emissions restrictions. The first American versions were built in February 1972 and North American dealers only received 333 SLCs that year. Initial price was $15,094 (east coast). Pristine examples of these cars have experienced zero depreciation, ever, due to the rapid 1970s climb of the Deutsche Mark in relation to the US dollar. By 1976 suggested list price was $18,330. By late 1978 that price broke $30,000 and in 1980 “window sticker” was $42,800. Another 16,380 450 SLC were sold during these years to non-US markets.
It didn’t stop there as three other engines were offered, a 2.8 liter six (10,66 built) and the 3.8 liter V8 (5,626 of which 1,489 were sold through US dealers in 1981 before arrival of the successor SEC Coupés of the 1980s.
Collector Potential: The “flagship” of the SLC Coupés is the very rare 5.0 liter V8. Launched at the 1977 Frankfurt Auto Show (taking some of the thunder away from the Porsche 928 debuting at the same show. This is the SLC variant with the most collector potential, regardless of mileage or condition. Only 2,769 were built and there are less than 100 have been found in the USA. The standard 450 SLC has collector-potential if it is aggressively preserved as original. As a car of the 1970s it has one more decade to go to be taken seriously by collectors. They are currently preoccupied by cars of the 1960s.
Reputation: The 450 SLC has a generally excellent track record… strong, reliable cars with very few chronic issues. There still is a free front suspension recall (M-B called it a “Bulletin”) in effect, and the A/C climate controls of the late 1970s were troublesome but there are “fixes” and today the SLC one of the safer “old cars” you could be in if a bad accident occurred.
Recommendations: Do not try to restore a tired, poorly maintained SLC as you can’t fix it for the price difference of $10,000 to get an outstanding example with known history that probably never saw winter and may still have it’s original paint (highly desirable on older cars.
June 1st, 2008 at 8:09 pm
I have a 1967 SL roadster, baby blue exterior, black interior. It has minor blemishes on the exterior – one dented rear chrome piece, a small crack (appears to be in the paint only) on driver rear wheel well. When it was parked in 1991 in a garage it was running. Fuel tank leaks and must be replaced. Many other repairs must be done to the engine as well as rear axle. I inherited it when my brother passed away and had big dreams for it. Unfortunately, the quote given to restore just the running parts with no interior or exterior cosmetic work is prohibitive to my budget. Is there anyone out there who is looking for an SL to restore? I live in Southern California. By the way, the car is a European model, purchased in Italy around 1976 and brought to US via military transport. It was driven often for a few years and then only for occasions (weekend – special events) from 1982 – 1991. Please e-mail me if you are interested at ellenp1@cox.net or call my son, Dan, at (760) 644-0592. She’s a beauty and I’m very sentimental about her. It will be hard to part, but I must let her go. Thank you
June 15th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Found a 380sl owner said vacume goes and comes makes cruise and door lock only work part time do you think it is bad compression or just vacume hoses
August 27th, 2008 at 6:18 am
I am seeking a SL for part time driving (fair New England weather), highly reliable but yet a model that may appreciate in value over the next few years. In researching production history/models I have come across a 1990 300SL in mint condition. Understanding production ceased in 1994, is this a solid year/make, will it have appreciable value and does the 6 cyl engine provide adequate sport ride/reliability? If not, please recommend a few other years/models to pursue.
September 6th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Good Afternoon,
Having trouble locating a replacement automatic antenna for my 1966 Mercedes 230 SL.
Would you have any recommendations ?
Thank you,
Kevin Barnett
September 22nd, 2008 at 8:16 am
My 230SL needs a new interior. The original cognac color is attractive but all the replacement cognac materials that I have seen do not match the original cognac color and they are also not very attractive. In your opinion do I hurt the value of my 230SL if I change the interior vinyl color from cognac as on my vehicles data card to something like bamboo or tan? Please advise your thoughts. Thank you.
Best,
Steve
September 25th, 2008 at 11:32 pm
Short answer: Unless the car is too original already, go ahead and change the interior color.
Long answer: There has always been a “romantic notion” that preserving a car’s original color and equipment make it more valuable. In the real world it is only true for cars in good-enough original condition, overall, to be eligible for the newly emerging “Heritage Class” of cars at prominent Concours d’Elegance (different labels for different shows). A car can easily fall out of elgibility for that distinction, when only one component, such as interior, or paint get bad enough that they would only be placed in, but never win even a third place in this category. A a well executed interior or exterior color change, will not hurt, and may well help the value of most collectible cars. By “well executed” I mean a correct paint color or upholstery material for the year the car was built and well enough executed that it impresses the judges at a car show. In this same vane, adding authentic period options, such as an up-graded radio the was in fact available through the original manufacturer that year… is never faulted if I am chief judge. Each concours has it’s own rules of course, and sometime it extends to allowing after-market options if they are correct to that time period… such as metal, exterior sun visors common to cars of the 1940s and 1950s.
Many a trophy winning car (75% in one survey I did a few years ago) has had a color change, or even an engine replacement. As long as it is correct for the model and year in question AND the especially when earns car show awards, it will not hurt value. Preparing a car for judging is not for everyone but if a Condition 1 level valuation is sought show-judging bring a “third party” (not the owner and not the restorer) measure of workmanship and authenticity lined up along side other cars vying for the same distinction. For me, even a fresh “total” restoration does not earn Condition 1 status until it has been so judged by third party judges.
October 5th, 2008 at 3:36 am
I am planning to buy an import a SL320 1997 or 1998 back to France. Has anyone done it and what are the difficulties, modifications and cost to have it registered?
Thanks.
December 11th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Hello, re: 1972 450SL
I hope this is the correct location for such a question.
My neighbour has to move this weekend and is at the last minute selling a 1972 450SL for $2000. It is complete and runs fairly well. He has been driving it once a week to work 10 miles round trip for the last 20 years. It is garage kept and has lived it whole life in Southern California. He has done the least possible work to it for the last 20 years. I am going to look at it in the next day or so. What are some things I should specifically look to find? Is it priced about right? I would use this car also on a once a week basis for about the same distance. Thanking you in advance for your assistance.
Kerry O’Shea
December 15th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
I have been hearing more and more about the need to replace tires if they are more than six years old regardless of tread wear. Is this a valid requirement or just some marketing hype to sell more tires. I have a ‘99 SL600 with eight year old tires and plenty of tread left. I don’t recall ever hearing about a time limit on tires in past years.
December 28th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
What was the original, brand new price of a 1986 560SL? I own one now and want to know what the original price was back in 1986. I just paid $7,000 for the one I just bought.
Thanks.
D. Rutter
January 23rd, 2009 at 5:53 pm
I am looking for a SL55 2003 or 2004 model that is Aegean blue and have not seen one pop up on any of the popular sales sites – did they make any SL55’s in that specific color at all (any year)?
January 31st, 2009 at 5:19 pm
do you know of any other sl owners with persistent water leaks into the luggage compartment
my sl is a 350 2006
February 11th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Hi – I was wondering what the fair market price – person to person – would be for a 1991 560 SEC COUPE (last yr. they made that model) WITH ONLY 50,000 miles – mint condition – black on black – originally priced at $110,000. Always garaged. One old lady owner??? Thanks.
February 12th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
I am wondering what a silver colored hard top, in great condition, for a 1966 Mercedes Benz 230 SL fetches these days. (The car itself was destroyed in the 1989 San Francisco earthquake.) The hardtop is located in San Francisco, CA. I’ve been asked to finally sell it for my friend who, after the earthquake moved back to the Philippines. A Bay Area Mercedes Benz dealer suggested I contact you for help.
Thanks for any help.
Bill
February 22nd, 2009 at 10:01 am
I have a 81 500SLC, correct in every way, I would like to find out if there is a 5-speed that can be adapted to this car.
February 22nd, 2009 at 3:13 pm
I have a 1981 500SLC I would like to put a 5-speed (manual) trans in the car ….any suggestions.
March 15th, 2009 at 9:33 am
Hi there.
Can anyone let me know how to go about activating my DVD player in my 2006 SL600 to be able to play full video. I heard it can be done but so far have not found any one that can do this.
Thanks in advance.
Chris
March 24th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
Hi i have a 1971 280sl the car is in very good shape but is running bad and I notice that the fuel is contaminating the oil, the oil level goes up and I replace the injectors, but no change do you think that the fuel pump is leaking fuel in to the crank case? Is this a common problem?
and please do you think is posible to overhaul.
Tanks Luis.
April 10th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
I was changing a fuse on my 1985 380 sl, the panel is located on the right wall by the passenger side , I knocked a wire the was connected on the 2 rows that seems to work the aux cooling fan, can you tell me which fuse numbers to reconnect this wire?
April 19th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
Hi,
I own a 1977 450SL.
Is there a possibility to convert / replace the existing 3 speed automatic transmission to a 4 speed automatic trans.?
Driving on the highway, it feels like it’s “missing” another gear.
Is there a possibility to change the final ratio in the differential to allow better usage of the 1’st and 2′nd gear?
thanks
Yoni
April 20th, 2009 at 11:54 am
I have a 75 450sl that is kind of a hot rod. Big European AMG cams, custom 10:1 Pistons, Ported cylinder heads and manifolds, European Exhaust manifolds, etc. I love the car; fun to drive and VERY fast. It has the original 3 speed automatic transmission and 3 piece Monoblock wheels with 245/45ZR17 tires. This car just runs out of gear, 75MPH is almost 3000 RPM, which is kind of high for a V-8.
I would like to put in a 5 speed manual for several reasons. Is there an overdrive 5 speed available anywhere (European wrecking or used market) that can be made to work? I know there 4 speed 350 sl 107 chasis cars that can donate a pedal cluster.
I would consider an automatic with more speeds, but I would still need rear end gears as I understand there are no Mercedes automatic transmissions with an overdrive.
The car was a ground up build, so the suspension and steering are new, and it has big brakes.
Any information you can provide me with will be greatly appreciated. Thank you
April 24th, 2009 at 10:09 am
I have always been a huge fan of the mercedes sl and am finally in the position where I am looking to purchase my first. I am unsure however which year and exact models I should be looking at as far as overall fun and collectiblity. I also would prefer one with a rear seat since I have two small children and would enjoy taking them on weekend drives. Any suggestions would be very apreciated.
April 30th, 2009 at 2:13 am
I have a 1983 380 sl and would like to install a trans from a 1986 420sel.I was told i could but the only different thing is the drive shaft,and i would have too use one out of a 560 sl.What do i have to do to install the trans from the 420 sel into the 1983 380 sl.I all ready have the trans,thanks paul.
May 30th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
I have a 1983 380SL. I want to lower it and remove the floating ride. How would you recommend this be done? Lowering Springs, shocks, etc.
June 3rd, 2009 at 2:35 pm
The soft top on the 107 SL series is prone to wear in an area about 2 to 3 inches in from seam above windows. Is there a way to reduce the wear?
Related question – MB list a part (44 in EPC diagram) that is probably the rubber foam pad that runs above the windows on some but not all tops. The part appears to be u-shaped, but the ones I have seen on car tops is flat. Is this the same part and does it do anything to reduce wear or is it just a draft seal?
June 10th, 2009 at 6:08 am
I have a 300sl 1986 Model drives fantastic it is currently Metalic silver/Green with Green Interior.eerrrre (purchased the car because it was very well looked after and was in need of a new owner. I purchased it for on 24,000AUD. (In pounds – estimated to be 8000.00.) I am never planning to stage it as a prize original Mercedes in any competition. But if I were to change the combination what are my 3 best options? Red with Palomino interior, Silver with Black or Blue, Black – I just don’t like the Green. Also would I be increasing the value of this type of car, decreasing or making no difference to the value overall? Please help as I am trying to settle a debate.
June 15th, 2009 at 6:21 am
Bob Hill (Comment #26): SL Mercedes-Benz 107 ride quality, springs and shocks; John Olson answer is here.
Nicolas (Comment #27): 1986 SL Mercedes-Benz 300SL repaint; John Olson answer is here.
June 16th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
I have a 1985 380Sl. full load, heated seats, ac, hard top etc… I am the second owner and the car is all original with 92,000 km’s Teal with natural leather… 8 out of 10 condition. How can I determine value today…are they going up or down in value…
Thanks in advance….
Kevin
June 19th, 2009 at 10:51 am
Kevin Stanley (Comment #30): 1985 380SL question;
John Olson answer is here.
August 1st, 2009 at 12:18 pm
I have a 2001 SL500 with the Panaramic Roof. It has been maintained to Merceedes standards. It has 62,000 miles with new tires. It has 38,000 miles left on a comprehensive policy for any mechanical problmes.
What is the value. It is silver with AMG sports package.
Al Erhart
John Olson Replies Here
August 23rd, 2009 at 7:46 am
I am intersted in selling a hard top for a 1986 Mercedes 560 SL. The top is black and in excellent condition, hardly used and garage kept. Does anyone know of a forum where such items can be bought and sold by Mercedes owners and collectors. Thanks!
August 27th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
Good Day…..
Looking for a 1971 280SL Factory Service Manual. I had one since 1976 and currently can not locate the manual. Looking to replace it at the moment. The manual covered the 230SL, 250SL and the 280SL…..Blueish/gray cover….11″ in length by 9″ across….paperback…not a binder…..large like a telephone book…..I realize things are now computerized and there are DVD and CD’s ….but I am looking for the original Service Factory manual. My mechanic is having a time finding the one I left with him and we do need some info. Please notify if anyone has an extra or willing to sell their manual as they no longer have the car.
Thanks for you time…
E-mail below….
ofthesun4@aol.com
August 31st, 2009 at 10:47 am
If I replace the original Becker radio and speaker in my 1983 380SL in excellent condition, is this going to have a seriously negative effect on it’s resale value.
September 1st, 2009 at 5:07 pm
I have a 1989 300sl and the radio just quit today – however it still makes a loud clicking noise – no LCD display though – and the antennae goes up and down randomly. Is there an easy fix?
If not, what is a good replacement 3rd party radio?
John Olson Replies here.
September 5th, 2009 at 8:38 am
Hi ther,
I have a 1988 mercedes 300 sl but it takes a couple of tries to get started when really cold and need to hold the revs for a minuite or so to prevent it from stalling. I have no idea what this could be.
Can you please advise?
Thanks
September 10th, 2009 at 11:46 am
Dear Sir,
i have mb SL320 year 1996, L6 that need automatic transmission replacement.
Question 1: where can i buy from trusted and reputable company?
Question 2: the car transmission is 722.507, can i apply to install 722.605? If yes, what other things need to be change?
Thank you.
September 10th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
I have a 1977 450SL…. and I’m not driving any more…(Age)… It’s in good condition… but it doesn’t look like it would sell easily these days… How can I value it as a Tax-Deduction, if I give it to one of the Charities? I’ve seen prices all over the place.. from $3,500 to $18,000.
There doesn’t seem to be any sort of a Blue-Book on it.
Thanks………….Paul Heller
September 23rd, 2009 at 7:48 pm
I’m looking at a 1986 300 SL with 46,000 miles in great condition. I also understand this particular model was only produced in Europe. What is a fair market price?
September 25th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Truth is these are excellent cars — assuming proper maintenance that all cars need. They don’t often break, get excellent MPG (23 to 28 on the road), and are among the safest “old” cars you could drive. Price-wise the marketplace is confused; poor-mouthed by American dealers that couldn’t sell them when new, even though the 280SL and 300SL both have more horsepower than the American 380 SL V8 of 1980-1985. Body and engine parts are interchangeable with other US models, and independent M-B mechanics usually understand and appreciate them.
BOTTOM LINE: Personally I’d pick the car you have found over a 380SL V8 (all else being equal) and would expect to pay 10% to 15% less for it. Treat it well and it will never depreciate another dime; treat it like a permanent asset and it will become one.
October 2nd, 2009 at 1:35 am
Hello,
I’ve just bought MB SL500 1998 panorama. There is one spot, near right door, where hard top does not stick to car body. I would like to ask if there is some way to ajust it? Or it could be result of body deformation?
regards,
Girvydas Rimidis
October 6th, 2009 at 7:07 pm
I have a 1986 300SL 5-speed manual. I love the car very much but note that outside of a Website in Germany, I almost never see manual gearbox R107 300SL’s offered for sale. Could you tell me, of the 13,000-odd R107’s that were produced in total from 1985 through 1989, how many were fitted with manual gearboxes?
Thank you.
October 22nd, 2009 at 9:08 pm
Quick question, I am looking for a wind block “backwash” windscreen for my 1978 450 SL. I see them online for several hundred dollars……would anyone have one, ( used) that could purchase? Where would I look?
Thank You, Jim Pimentel Kansas City, Mo.
November 21st, 2009 at 4:13 pm
I have a 1980 450SL here in Canada. Great car, a keeper.
But I’d like to replace the Panzer bumpers with those from a 71….any suggestions?
Would also like a set of 15″ bundt wheels….
December 6th, 2009 at 10:44 pm
I’m looking to buy a 80’s or 90’s SL but I want to be sure I chose something that won’t give me mechanical headaches. Are there any particular model years or engine displacements I should be worried about?
December 9th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
I am restoring my 280 SE 3.5 Coupe, it is modified to my spec., I had original 76/27 A5-5-Speed-Box ( very rar), Megasquirt EFI, modified cyl.heads and cams, Spax(adjust), 6.3 Offset on frontaxle with (10 mm not 20 mm plate-steeringbox and 15 nearer leafsprings like 6.3), 3.92 rearaxle (modified to take central spring and normal thrust arm) with brake anti-dive from the air suspension cars (welded in chassis) and rear swaybar.
Front brakes with 300mm, substitution of the viscovan with 2 e-van (MSII-driven), watercooler improved with new type net…
I will made PU-Bushings for the thrust-arms and torsion bar (screw 5mm shortend for early insertion)…
Now I’ve seen the progressive springs which I am looking for some time.
This springs are in progression curve like the air suspension or more progressive? Will it better for me to use the stifter ones?
Can you deliver to Germany or Italy?
Best Patrick
December 24th, 2009 at 11:04 am
I am trying to buy a non running 1978 450sl. Bad paint, bad softop, interior torn and full of cat hair (owner’s cat slept on and in the car), car has been outside with soft top on for at least 4 years, fuel leaks on ground when you put any in, 110,850 miles, non-stock chrome wire wheels (yuck!). All running gears and parts appear to be intact. I want to pay about $1000 but I don’t want to offend this lady. She has owned the car about ten years, can’t afford the repairs, and will not garage it. Your input will be greatly appreciated.
Doug
January 4th, 2010 at 1:42 am
Dear Sir,
I have a 1968 280SL.
I wish to replace the springs and have been trying to find the ” best ” solution.
I see you produce sport and also progressive springs.
It has been suggested on the SL.org website you recomend sport on the front and progressive on the back.
Is this the case?
Also the spacers ( rubber I assume ) seem to come in different sizes – people seem to experiment with different sizes – I could do this, however I feel with your experience you must know the definitive answer?
I look forward to receiving your reply and dult ordering the appropriate springs.
Regards,
Alan.
January 13th, 2010 at 3:05 pm
I am in Florida for 4-5 months each year and am looking for a very good second car .
My ideal would be a 1971 280SL but they have run away on the upside .
I consider the 1994/5 E320 convertible as a good choice . What is the collecability of this model as I would pay up a bit to get a very good one >
January 13th, 2010 at 3:05 pm
I am in Florida for 4-5 months each year and am looking for a very good second car .
My ideal would be a 1971 280SL but they have run away on the upside .
I consider the 1994/5 E320 convertible as a good choice . What is the collecability of this model as I would pay up a bit to get a very good one >
January 14th, 2010 at 8:22 pm
I’m a new subscriber and just got my first issue of SL Market Letter. It’s great. I was wondering if you ever cover the E320 Cab’s. I am trying to decide between one of those and a pagoda. Any thoughts?
Thank you.
January 19th, 2010 at 6:57 pm
I have the chance to purchase an 1986 300sl in great condition. Are there any parts for it I would have difficulty finding in the U.S.A.?
What is you opinion on this car compared to a 380sl?
Thanks
January 20th, 2010 at 2:30 am
Dave, while the 1986 300SL is a “grey market”model in the USA (meaning they were not made available for sale via US M-B dealers), they share 98% of their parts with models that were sold by US and Canadian dealers (though dealers don’t always admit it). There were no notable problems with this model and a lot of good to be said about all Mercedes-Benz six cylinder engines. Concern yourself most with learning its history — its private importation Customs Release papers should accompany it’s title to prove it is here legally. Most are… but you want to me sure, just as want to be sure it has not been sitting in the snow for ten winters getting rusty. Frankly, I prefer the 300SL six to the 380SL V8. The 300 six gets better MPG and oddly has more HP.
February 6th, 2010 at 10:45 pm
I have a 380sl Is there ways to bring to a higher performance level, not to mistreat it but rather bring out it’s best performance. am i limited to just spark plugs or ?