My Quest To Buy A Classic Car (2): Choosing An Engine

Just saying that I'm going to get an R107 is not the end of the story.  With a production life spanning two decades, and taking into consideration gray market imports from Europe, there is a myriad of engine types to choose from.  I have not plunked down money for a buyer's guide yet, but I was able to glean the following after a couple of hours on the net.

1. 350SL/450SL (U.S.)

The 4520 cc V8 was available in the American market from 1972 to 1980.  Mercedes called the first ones imported to America 350s because it didn't want its European customers to be jealous.  They needn't be jealous, as the European versions were more powerful.

The U.S. version started off at 190 hp and had 240 lb-ft of torque, but gradually weakened as EPA regs tightened.  Of note, the '75 and '76 models have their catalytic converters inside the engine compartment.   That means fried wires and vacuum lines.  The 1974 California model should also be avoided as it is equipped with an exhaust gas recirculation unit that is prone to cause stumbling.

2. 380SL (U.S.)

The 380SL is the ugly step-child of the bunch.  From 1981 to 1985, Mercedes cranked out these 155 hp weaklings at a prodigious rate.  Up to 1983, these 3839 cc V8s came equipped with a fragile single-row timing chain.  If I had to buy one of these, I would opt for the later version which had a double row chain.

3. 560SL (U.S.)

This is the grand daddy of them all in the United States.  The 5549 cc eight produced 227 hp and almost 300 lb-ft of torque.  But for me personally, it is just too new, not just in age, but also in price.  Plus, I've read that the big engine means it is not as well-balanced as its smaller siblings.

4. Gray market Euro models: 350SL, 500SL

A couple of days ago, I caught sight of a 500SL.  I so wanted to follow the driver and ask him about his car.  In the 1980s, thousands of gray market R107s came States-side.  They are more powerful and, in my opinion, more pure.  However, I have no idea how easy it is to find parts for them and to repair them.  Another concern is registering them without fudging the DMV application.

In conclusion, I would rank the engine choices in this order of desirability:

1. Early model 350SL/450SL (U.S.)
2. Late model 450SL (U.S.)
3. Gray market 350SL/500SL (Euro)