Faults:

Needed a new alternator and a catalytic converter.

General Comments:

This car must be the worlds #1 under appreciated car. It is built like a tank and utterly reliable, even after 25 years. I use this car as a daily driver, and have had no problems with it. The subtle rumble of the V8 is a source of joy, and it pulls strongly from low rpm. Mileage is around 18mpg, nothing to be proud of, but still better than most modern SUVs.

I use this car year round, in contrast to most owners who never need their hardtop. It really has a dual personality with the 2 tops. In the summer it's a great, breezy convertible with a dark and cozy canvas hood, and in the winter it's a quiet, brightly lit coupe. Despite its small size and especially its small trunk, I always found enough space in the car to store my gear away - I even went on bike trip throughout New England with a bike rack on the trunk. The SLs sheetmetal is so thick, it didn't leave any scratches. But be aware - despite its big engine, this is not a sports car. Yes, it can accelerate quickly if need be, but this car is a cruiser. With the top down, it makes you feel like you steer a Riva yacht, in a good way.

Faults:

Present mileage (Dec 2007) - 107,000 miles.

The weak point in this car are the seats (not comfortable). The "kinder seat" in this 2+2 are not useful.

PROBLEMS : New Radiator - 75000 miles, Rebuilt Transmission 80,000.

General Comments:

I had purchased this 1986 MB500L 2+2 (with a factory kinder seat) in Belgium back in 1986 (60km when purchased). I drove it around Europe for a month and then shipped it back to California around Nov 1986. This MB500SL was converted to EPA/DOT/California standards after ir arrived California.

As with the other MB W107 reviews, the engine is extremely powerful, great paint (original paint), good body integrity.

Faults:

Passenger side headgasket failed.

A/C Compressor failed.

Auxiliary fan failed.

Control Arm slop.

Seats needed recovering.

Dash cracked.

General Comments:

The cabin is not as comfortable as you would expect from a Mercedes. It's a big small car but the seats are definitely on the small side.

The engine has a beautiful note and is a lot of fun. Plenty of torque. I love that engine.

The car has very classic lines. Truly eye-candy. Mine is black with chrome wheels. Freshly washed and polished, it's a head-turner.

My car was overdue for an overhaul. Once the overhaul is complete, I think it will be relatively inexpensive to own. My mechanic says that 560SL's are relatively trouble free.

This is really a Jekyll and Hyde car. On the one hand it is very pleasant transportation, but it also has fantastic speed and handling capabilities in the right hands. I encourage any other owners to take their 560 out someplace safe and push it as hard as it will go. If you've never tried this, you will be surprised how quick your car really is and how eagerly it responds.