Checklist

1971 - 1989 MERCEDES BENZ 107 SERIES SL

BODY & CHASSIS

Cars that have survived 40 years will most likely have been treated to some body repairs along the way and at least one respray. Expert inspection will identify structural problems, but before spending any money, check sills and wheel-arches, panels adjacent to the headlights, the boot lip and windscreen surrounds. Rust in these areas or obvious repairs indicate a car to avoid. Lift the doors to check for hinge wear and look at headlight lenses for cracks. When inspecting a car with a hardtop, insist that the vendor removes and refits it. This ensures it hasn’t been sealed to the car to prevent water entry. While the top is off, erect the soft-top – if there is one – to check for damage to the fabric or frame.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

Cylinder head cracks and warping were common to the V8s and often due to poor maintenance and overheating. Those issues will be less prevalent now that cars aren’t exposed to the grind of commuter traffic. Still look for contaminated ‘milky’ oil under the filler cap and oily scum in coolant. Neglected fuel injection systems can cause problems including fires so be wary of a car that blows black smoke, is hard to start from warm or smells of petrol. Virtually all of the 107 Series in the market will be automatics and may feel sluggish when asked to kick-down. If there is noise or shuddering, be wary as repairs can be expensive and replacement transmissions aren’t cheap either.

SUSPENSION & BRAKES

W107 steering isn’t especially sharp but if it feels disconnected or notchy look for power steering rack wear and leaks. The springs work hard and should have been replaced a couple of times in the lifetime of an older car. Worn bushings aren’t costly but replacing collapsed sub-frame mountings (front and rear) entails dismantling and big bills. 380SL versions were the first of the series to offer ABS brakes and these systems are now getting a bit ancient. Where safe to do so, brake sharply to see if the ABS is still operational.

INTERIOR & ELECTRICAL

Aged electrics need to be individually checked even before sending a car for professional prepurchase inspection. Noisy, sluggish window lifts cost a lot to rectify and air-conditioning which blows warm air or none at all is expensive as well. Failed electrics won’t necessarily stop a sale but certainly should shave several thousand dollars off the price. There are trimmers which specialise in Mercedes-Benz and other prestige brands but it is better to spend more on a car with good trim than add thousands to the cost by having what’s there replaced.