Daily Driving an 80's Mercedes SL Roadster. An Ownership Review. 

The timing chain issue was strictly early model M116 380 (3.8 liter v8) models. They were equipped with a single row chain rather than a stronger dual row timing chain (double width) and were more susceptible to failure. Later engines and all of the larger variants found in the R107 chassis (420, 450, 500, 560 M117) all originated with dual row chains. As they age (any of them) the timing chains and their guide rails must be checked and replaced as the material can break down and fail. If buying a car with no records of any timing chain work, it likely needs it regardless of single or dual row. Regarding acceleration, your transmission bowden cable/modulator/throttle linkage need some adjustment on that car as it is not holding the gears nearly long enough (if you were flooring it), should go right up to redline in each gear. MPG should be easily upper teens, my 420SEL is a much larger car and averaged 16-18mpg city, 20-22 highway. 11-13 is way too low, likely its running a bit rich.

Growing up as a kid in the 70's and a Teen in the 80's these cars were only acquired by the very well to do. Doctors / Lawyers/ Movie Stars/ Movie producers/ Bankers... it was "the" status symbol back then. A timeless classic that still looks great today. Brown Metallic with Chrome Bundt Wheels.. that's my "fave". I have a 1992 190E sedan that I love so much. "Cheers"

My dad still has his 1985 SL380. second owner since 1988 and still is in absolute mint condition. Also, it's the European version without the huge bumpers

I’m not a big fan of those rims but overall a very nice car.

Красота какая!!) Приветствую из России!🎉

Is this for sale on marketplace right now?

The R129 is a much better car and daily driver. It also looks far better in my opinion and worth buying for the fully automatic roof alone let alone all the improved tech and build quality.

These legendary Mercedes of 80's were made to last. They were built with honesty. Always great to look at and easy to work on, with plenty of parts available. A thing of beauty is a joy forever. A good genuine cars are are hard to find.

The answer NO. The longer wheelbase SLC did drive better. Better again the 560 SEC the most Awesome Mercedes ever Solid State.

Black pearl over black '85 380 SL, I have owned for 5 years. Clean, drive, love, repeat

Ahhhh yes… Wonderful gas mileage with 80’s Mercedes V8’s. I filled the tank in my 500 SEC today and spent about $70. 14 mpg sucks, but I have a Euro with good horsepower and of course, it is a joy to drive. One day I hope to add a 500 SL, which is much more powerful than the US 380 and 560’s. There is a reason why my daily is a Prius. Edit: Parts are really going NLA on these 80s V-8’s, so that’s a serious problem. After market ball joints, rubber seals, etc. are all complete crap compared to the original. The AC can be an expensive problem. My SEC is r12, but was rebuilt by someone who knows what they are doing. That’s the key. Otherwise, yikes! Welcome to hell. I have a few cans of R12 for down the road, but they are really becoming difficult to track down.

I owned 1983 2.8 SL loved it in the 90s I paid 700 quid for the exhaust.

Nice video, thanks. I have an Australian specification 1981 380 SL R107. The single row timing chain issue on 380’s does not apply in Australia, as they had dual row chains from the beginning, probably because our 380’s didn’t have all the anti pollution gear and were rather more powerful. These SL’s are fantastic in every way. Exceptionally well built as you said, fabulous ride, good power, good safety for the period, heaps of style and easy to, I’ve with. On servicing, find a good independent specialist (preferably one who worked on them new back in the day) and look after it. Enjoy! Oh and the door closing action and sound on a convertible is incredible - as is the rigidity of the whole car. One of Mercedes’s best ever cars. Finally, I’m 6’ 2.5” and have plenty of room.

Thank you brother for talking the time to make this video, i could not find a good video with someone also giving a driving review. You have helped me decide on the 1988 or 89 560sl, and no, I don't care about the gas mileage, Im looking more for the drive. I had an 2001 sl500 and loved it, but the top sucked with all of the complications, it was nice until it wasn't. I love the simplicity of the 80s sl. Again thank you.

I had a '84 280SL and two things stick in my memory. Firstly, the quality was worthy of Mercedes reputation (from that era). Secondly, I found the drive lacking in any fun or driver involvement. A great car to get from point to point in quality, comfort and safety, but far from a drivers car. I found it dynamically bland, but remain loyal to them.

My 380SL gets 21 MPG. The Euro version had higher compression pistons resulting in 200+ HP. The US version had 150 HP.

Those are one of the sweetest driving cars made😍❤️

working on it yourself, when you own a jet? time is money man,.. you're a ceo

I bought my 1986 560sl few weeks ago , I’m so happy ..

Mr Nugget is the bestest boy ever, there is no doubt about it. Also, can you please tell me WHAT ARE THOSE RIMS?! Please, I am drooling over here like an over excited toddler, they look absolutely amazing, best I've ever seen for a black on black R107. I need to get me some. Thank you!

I have an '88 560 Red/Black that is a gem! I know these cars pretty well having restored a 1980 450SLC about 20 years ago and honestly they are easy to own if you have some mechanical aptitude and some good tuition ie: old guy and/or chat gpt... Looks like Mr. Nugget enjoys it as much as Mr. Brown (my dog) loves his.

I have owned my 560SL for over thirty years. I also have a newer Mercedes which pales in comparison. I must say the 560 is the best car I have ever owned. With regular maintenance this car does not disappoint. As for driving experience, it is satisfying in every way. I keep telling my wife that if they were still available as new cars today, I would buy one in a minute. That's not a joke!

I saw your listing on Facebook marketplace a few months ago here in Denver. That got my R107 obsession started and buying my 450SL next week. You're the man

Great video presentation of a beautiful automobile! Thanks for always sharing you wonderful automobiles!

11-15 MPG? Not my 85....more like 16-20

Your car looks sharp in black!! 🤌 I always wondered if these cars looked good in wire wheels. The answer is yes :) What type of wheels are those?

This Mercedes would be a better daily driver than the MG Midget . Captain Nugget would give this a stamp of approval .

Thank U !Am thinking about a 84 380 . They are well made cars which impresses me

I have two of them 220 had it it 85 and I have seet in back

Man, I can't wait to own one. What a beauty!

Beautiful video. What part of the country is this? It is gorgeous. Thank you!

81 and 82 model years had the single row timing chains.

Beautiful car. Cute dog too.

thank you.I think every Mercedes is a big joy,if well kept.

Dog is thinking “ he is doing the door thing AGAIN !

My total dreamcar along with the citroen ds 20❤❤❤

The new one is 240 000 thousand

Beautiful. Heavy feel, not powerful

not trying to knock you, but what is up with the rims. me no like

My DD is a 1973 350slc European spec c107. My dog loves it. It gets looks from all age groups. Fuel economy is not great but it drives very spirited. 3.5L higher compression engine. 3speed automatic shifts very firm, chirps tires, feels solid. You need to know how to drive...absolutely 0 safety nannies.

I think the timing chain problem applies to the 380SL only, not to the other SLs- You've got a 380

The 380SL is a total dog, especially compared to the later 560SL. In addition, the 560SL, sold in model years 1986-1989, had many other improvements as well. Always buy a 560, not a 380. They are far less likely to rust due to improved priming and construction, etc etc.

How funny! I've enjoyed your w123 videos about a year now since I bought one. Turns out I also have an 85 380sl which I've owned for 7 years. I use both as drivers. Yes, the r107 is a gas guzzler. Yes, be sure your early 80s r107 has been changed to a double row timing chain. Yes, these cards are a blast to drive. It gets compliments all the time. Thanks for another great video!

I have both, 1988 560sl and 1983 380sl. Taking the car on the same 400 mile trip through mountain highways, the 560 uses the same amount off gas as the smaller 380. The passing capacity is awesome on the 560. The 380 shifts down to 3rd gear a lot till the speed goes up and shifts back to 4th. Sometimes a constant back and fourth. The 560 has enough power so this won’t happen. On a flat road the 380 has plenty off power.

i had a 380, i put straight pipes on it with a dual flowmaster and it was much more efficient than yours, i was getting 24 mpg in michigan

Superb car - prices in UK increasing too. Your one sounds super smooth - and looks great in black. Enjoyed the video, and drive etc....Please do another video in daylight!!

No that car did not drive well new let alone now. The SLC drove a little better.

Is that your airplane?

change your o2 sensor and see what happens to your milage

Shame on these pimp my ride rims

Modern Mercedes really feel cheap, as fuck

Great review on the 380! @sirdrifto what size rims are you sporting?

NEED THAT TRUNK RACK! Love it. 1985 380SL, (78K miles) 1985 300D (240K miles)

Benz is the father of the automotive industry....greetings from Jamaica 🇯🇲