I am looking to purchase a 1970 --> 1980 450SL.
I have seen 2 very nice cars.
One is a 73 but it does not have A/C or the hard top. Something I want.
I also found a very nice 75 but I was told to stay clear of this year becasue the catalytic converter was under the hood which causes lots of heat which in turn causes many problems.

Anyone care to comment on this or give me advice.

Thank you

Car and Driver had a real good article about all of the years of the SL's. Basically it said that the best years for the SL's were 73 and 74 due to no catalytic converters. The next best years were the 79-80, the last years for the cast iron block. The 1980 engine only had 160 HP tho so it is no drag racer.

I believe that the article came out in 1992 (May?). I have a copy of the article and would be happy to FAX it to you if you send your fax address.

We have a 1980 SL with only 47,000 miles on it. It drives like a dream once we got some of the bugs fixed. It has plenty of engine for our needs.

Happy Hunting!

Changes to U.S. Mercedes 107 Roadster from 1972-1989


Year
Model
HP
(net)
1972
350SL 4.5
195
107 introduced to U.S.
4.5-liter, Iron-block V8 117.982. Bosch electronic fuel injection.
3-speed automatic
Power-assisted steering, air conditioning, hard and soft-tops were standard.
Chassis: 107.044
1973
450SL
"
Rebadged to 450SL
1974
190
Addition of 5-mph bumper
1975
"
180

Addition of catalytic converters (in engine compartment).
1976
"
"
117.985
Addition of cruise control, transistorized ignition, hydraulic valve adjusters
Switch to Bosch Jetronic (CIS) fuel injection. K-Jetronic
1977
"
"
Catalytic convertors moved downstream. Catalytic converters moved back beneath the floor
Climate-control system introduced (Type 1)
Battery moved to trunk
1980
"
160
3-way catalytic converter introduced, final drive ratio reduced
1981
380SL
155
380SL introduced. Chassis: 107.045
116 3.8 liter all-alloy V-8 116.960 V8
4-speed automatic.
Electric window lifts are standard.
The hood was made of aluminum and an "economy" dial was added.
1982
"
"
Type II auto climate control
1983
"
"
116.962
Recalibrated engine and transmission for improved performance and fuel economy.
1984
"
"
Switch from single-row to twin-row timing chain.
1985
"
"
ABS became standard; driver-side airbag was optional.
1986
560SL
227
Chassis: 107.048
- 5.6-litter, all-alloy V-8 (117.967) and 4-speed transmission into U.S. market.
Limited-slip differential, front air dam, leather upholstery, anti-theft alarm are standard.
new-style 7x15in alloy wheels.
1988
"
"
1989
Last year of 107 production.

I have a 1980 I think it is great.Better gas milage than most of them.Still not an econmy car.The 80 is the ultimate refinemate of the iron block engines.Michael