 1981 Mercedes-Benz 380SL convertible |
The 1970-1990 Mercedes-Benz SL (R107) was the long-lived successor to the W113 SL
series, based on the same concept, but larger, heavier, and plusher. The car
was more imposing, too, with lines echoed in 1970s S-class sedans, because
Bruno Sacco designed both.
The
SL (R107) was less agile than its lighter predecessor, but still quite capable --
and more predictable in corners with Mercedes-Benz's traditional rear swing
axles altered to function as semi-trailing arms. It was sold only with various
V-8s in the U.S., where styling was compromised by quad headlamps
(versus single flush units) plus protruding "safety" bumpers from
1974.
Remarkably
few changes were made over many years (mostly engines), though a more efficient
four-speed automatic was substituted along the way for the original
three-speeder. Manual shift was available only on six-cylinder models. The
later 5.0- and 5.6-liter V-8s are preferred for performance, but there's
nothing wrong with the "little" 3.8-liter V-8 of the early '80s -- or,
for that matter, a six.
The
SL (R107) was finally replaced for 1990 by a far more ambitious SL, the all-new
R129.
Pluses
of the 1970-1990 Mercedes-Benz SL (R107):
- Solid, highly refined touring machines all
- Good performance with larger engines
- Mercedes cachet
- Convertible allure
- Not long gone, so parts/service backup still ample
Minuses
of the 1970-1990 Mercedes-Benz SL (R107):
- Not sports-car agile
- Mileage disappointing to drunkardly
- Rather too common in some locales
- Mercedes North America won't help with "gray market" Euro-spec cars
Production
of the 1970-1990 Mercedes-Benz SL (R107):
- 350SL: 15,304 (1970-1980)
- 450SL: 66,298 (1971-1980)
- 280SL: 22,598 through 1984 (1974-1989)
- 380SL: 45,056 through 1984 (1980-1985)
- 500SL: 6053 through 1984 (1980-1986)
- 300SL: NA (1985-1989)
- 420SL: NA (1985-1989)
- 560SL: NA (1986-1989)
Note:
Parentheses indicate production years, not model years.
Specifications
of the 1970-1990 Mercedes-Benz SL (R107):
Wheelbase,
inches: 96.7
Length,
inches: 172.4-182.3
Weight,
pounds: 3,390-3,880
Price,
new: $10,540-64,230 (U.S.)
Engines
for the 1970-1990 Mercedes-Benz SL (R107):
| Type | Size | Horsepower | Years |
| ohc V-8 | 3,499 cc (213.5 cid) | 230 | 1970-1980 |
| ohc V-8 | 4,520 cc (275.8 cid) | 190-250 | 1971-1980 |
| ohc I-6 | 2,746 cc (168 cid) | 177-180* | 1974-1985 |
| ohc V-8 | 3,818 cc (233 cid) | 218* | 1980-1989 |
| ohc V-8 | 3,839 cc (234 cid) | 155 | 1980-1985 |
| ohc V-8 | 4,973 cc (305 cid) | 231-240 | 1980-1989 |
| ohc I-6 | 2,962 cc (181 cid) | 188* | 1985-1989 |
| ohc V-8 | 4,196 cc (256 cid) | 218* | 1985-1989 |
| ohc V-8 | 5,547 cc (339 cid) | 227 | 1986-1989 |
*DIN (European models); otherwise SAE net
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