944S2NUT

Hey what can you tell me about a 1975-74 Mercedes 450SL?? My dad might buy my mom one tomorrow for a suprise. Knows nothing about them I just dont want him to make a mistake. THANKS FOR UE INFO!

THANKS FOR ALL YOUR INFO

DangerIsland

the 450 V8s are generally good engines I think. I don't know a lot about what to look for in an SL, other than the obvious repair history, rust, etc. I had a 1978 280E that ran like a clock for a long time I loved it. straight 6, DOHC, pretty advanced stuff for a car that was as old as me. A lot of SLs are owner by rich couples that pamper them, and you can get a good car with not that many miles in good shape. It pays to look around for that special one that's been really taken care of.

Also, a mercedes with 150k miles on it is just getting started, I wouldn't be afraid of owning one even with close to 200k, they really do just run forever and ever. I would love an older SL.

Tom R.

Hey screw loose,
read your other post. I told someone in the other post that this month's road & track has a whole article on the SL's.

It would look really good (to you probably) lowered about an inch with 20" chrome rims and a neon license plate frame.

Mark Parker

I'm a big fan of Mercedes in general. From my import repair point of view, they are the best built cars in the world. They seem not to suffer from the electrical system weakness apparent in or Pcars and the other members of the Audi/VW family. I hope your mom enjoys her car. <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

phantom309

After 27 years, "bad" and "good" become verrrrry relative terms...
In their time they were superb cars.

yoyoguy2

i've had nothing but good experience with diesel mercedes of that era, the gas models are not quite so indestructable, but i would not hesitate to own a well maintained 70's mercedes with any number of miles. some of the best made engines ever, it seems, there's really no stopping them.

944S2NUT

[quote]Originally posted by Tom R.:
<strong>Hey screw loose,
read your other post. I told someone in the other post that this month's road & track has a whole article on the SL's.

It would look really good (to you probably) lowered about an inch with 20" chrome rims and a neon license plate frame.</strong><hr></blockquote>

OMG Tom you are so funny. Sigh
I had this big rebuttle speach, but I am not wasting anymore time on you. <img src="graemlins/offtopic.gif" border="0" alt="[offtopic]" />

BRB_85.5_NA

<img src="graemlins/soapbox.gif" border="0" alt="[soapbox]" /> Is is just me or does anyone else think the 450SLs are butt ugly compared to the 280SLs etc. and especially the 190SLs? <img src="graemlins/icon107.gif" border="0" alt="[icon107]" />

My mother has a '78 240D with 350k+ miles. A single engine rebuild at about 150k (originally a San Fran city car, now all freeway), no tranny work (4 spd. manual), one collapsed brake caliper, 200k on the current clutch. 35 mpg. A dog under acceleration but that's not what it's for.

Dales944

944S2NUT, my family has always driven Mercedes (since the '80s). My dad had a late '70s SL. He had always wanted one. I drove it a few times. It was heavy and slow. He sold it (now owns a modded 911). If your mom likes a soft cruising roadster that won't get her into trouble, I'd say go for it!!! They're wonderful cars if you don't expect performance. As others have said, mileage is not much to worry about on these cars. The gas engines go on forever and the diesels last even longer (is that possible?). Mercedes offers a new car if you reach a million miles. This milestone HAS BEEN REACHED!

Whatever your mom gets, I hope she's pleasantly surprised and happy. The SL is (forgive the chauvanism) a perfect "lady's car."

Good Luck!

AndyK

MY uncle had a '77 280E Coupe. Bought it new in '77, and I loved that car! I was only 13 then, but man, it was fast, and handled great by the time I got to drive it in '80! Stiff, German ride, and sweet leather and wood interior! Much nicer than the boxy and retro SL's, IMHO.

SamGrant951

[quote] Mercedes offers a new car if you reach a million miles. <hr></blockquote>

I thought only volvo did that...pretty cool though...