Hello sl107.com!

I have received a wonderful 1985 280SL 6 months ago and it has been running very well After removing the rice rocketeer muffler the previous owner installed (That sound isn't a Merc... lame) I enjoy the ride much more than my parents R129 and less challenges from Civics The thing is, I read up about R107s and I don't see any specific information on the 280SL. Basically what I'm asking is what makes this car unique.

I have a couple questions too. When I try to accelerate on the freeway, the car only seems to be going up 3 gears with it's automatic transmission. Is this really alright? No 4th gear? It doesn't make me feel at ease going 60mph at 3000RPM 70mph at 4000RPM... (I've been used to driving a Jeep Cherokee before) And the previous owner also replaced the model nameplate on the car to 500SL... I don't want people to get the wrong idea. How much would an original 280SL cost?

Also, how much do those rubber side attachments go for? Mine look worn and beat

(here's a pic! I got to drive a dictator around for a day with lion king music blasting from my awesome speakers )
http://media.airsoftpacific.com/main.php?g2_itemId=21205

Hi there,

Just thought I'd chip in with some answers since no-one else did.

First, the 280SL (as well as the 500SL) were not officially sold in the US. The 280SL has a 2.8 liter six cylinder engine - some people say it feels more sporty to drive, due to the lighter engine.

Got no clue about the gears.

For the rubber - look for side mouldings at webpages that sell mercedes parts. Therea are quite a few! Adsitco.com, Mercedessource.com, budsbenz.com, and many many more. I bought one extra piece that was missing, I think I had to pay something like $50 for it.

Otherwise, there are chemical products that will make the rubber look black again, like "back to black" which I've used, it worked reasonably well.

Also, try to search this site for "280SL", you might find something interesting.

The 280SL has a 4 speed auto in it but I think they start in second gear. At any rate, you would only get 3 shifts even if you started in first gear, right?