1986 Mercedes Benz SL 560 Review

[@doubleclutchonline5811]

Great review. After looking at these for many years, I finally bought a low-mileage ‘88 about a year ago. The build quality is insane. It’s as if they intended for it to stay in the family as an heirloom. There’s a huge enthusiast community, and parts are widely available. if not necessarily inexpensive. The wood is real. And the veneer cracks around the switches from the sun.

[@malikaminor]

How’s the maintenance? I’m looking to purchase an 88 pretty soon

[@SpockvsMcCoy]

R107 built in Sindelfingen Germany from 1971 to 1989, as stated. I worked at a Lexus dealership in the 1990s so I saw a few of these as used cars. In the 1970s they were commonly sold new in the U.S. as the 450SL and then in 1980s as the 560SL. As much of a status symbol as you can imagine in that era...many movie stars and other celebrities had them. Those alloy wheels were a pain to keep clean as the brake dust collected in those slots leading to corrosion. Very heavy steering for a small sports car as expected for a German car of that era..but that led to great stability on the highway. The "outrigger" bumpers were controversial. European spec SLs had the composite headlights, minimal bumpers, and usually had the smaller 2.8 Liter Six or the 3.8 Liter. Once in awhile you would see an SL of this design with manual transmission and crank windows (gray market cars).

[@JW_Reviews]

Thank you for that awesome insight! It’s funny you mention how tight of a driver’s car this was for it’s time. The current owner told me that when he bought it, when it was about four years old, he thought it had such tight steering and a sporty ride. But when he drives it now he says that his new truck feels sportier and the SL is more comfortable 😂 and you’re right about those notches in the wheels being a pain to clean, I detailed this car for the video and those wheels were awful!! And this car was VERY dirty lol. Thank you so much for the great comment and for watching the video!

[@SpockvsMcCoy]

@@JW_Reviews Maybe you can find a BMW 6-Series from the 1970s and 1980s...they were as impressive as this Mercedes.

[@JP-mu3xl]

Euro spec'd ones got the 280, 300, 350. 420 and 500SL's, and the Euro spec 500SL, had the most horse power 245HP, due to no emissions & higher compression

[@dr.colinhodgen711]

Great reviews. Enjoyed all of them, but so happy to see you review an MB. This was an epic model for the brand. Got a 1998 SL500 that is another premier model. Please keep up the good work!

[@shepard76]

Hello James. 👋 A few month ago I thought it would be great if you also presented Mercedes cars. You always make your videos with so much passion and background knowledge that it is an absolute pleasure to watch them. I can only say that your first video about a Mercedes is really excellent. I Look forward to more! 👍👍👍 Greetings from Germany, Ingo. 😊

[@JW_Reviews]

I'm so glad that you liked this video! I have been wanting to review one for a long time, it was great having the opportunity to review this one. I loved it! Thanks for watching the video 😁

[@247jimbo]

Beautiful review! Iconic car! Great photography, commentary, & I learned a lot! My McLaren edition Mustang had the same exact roof set-up!. Three window also! It was very heavy to work by yourself. Makes me appreciate my power roof now big time! BTW, beautiful job on your detailing of this car James, another talent of yours. ;-)

[@JW_Reviews]

Thank you!!! I'm glad you learned a thing or two 😄 That's actually interesting that your mustang had a similar setup for the roof! I guess if it's not broken, why fix/change it. Thank you for noticing how clean the car was! This was the dirtiest one BY FAR. I probably spent about ten hours on it, definitely needed a good clean inside and out lol

[@247jimbo]

@@JW_Reviews I think McLaren actually used the Mercedes frame and roof set-up, or copied it. Less weight without a motor and all, but so much work!

[@barryelghanayan2608]

Love the sound of that engine when the car is accelerating. When I was young, my parents had a lot of these cars, of which the best, in my opinion, was a 450 SEL 6.9 - Talk about feeling acceleration and hearing that roar.

[@onewagonho]

EXCELLENT review. I stumbled across your review and it was just what I was looking for. I grew up with this car being the ultimate symbol of wealth. Now as an adult, I would like to buy one to enjoy yet as an investment in a classic. Your review went over every single detail I had about buttons in the interior or how to put the top up. The hard part now is to find one reasonably priced!

[@drjonathanvrban706]

Great job reviewing this car James. I am new to your channel and I truly enjoy your detail and and enthusiasm. By the way., as a Mercedes-Benz owner., if it looks like wood, it is genuine wood. Keep up the great reviews

[@MrDcross101]

Hello James. My wife and I are the original owners of an '87 560SL. I wanted to let you know that all R107's came with a hard top. I wouldn't want you to think they were optional.

[@susanjspaulding]

🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 *LOVE the classic lines on this SL 560* !! *VERY well kept Mercedes* !! *What a timeless design* !! #JamesWasylyshyn

[@JW_Reviews]

Thank you so so much, Susan!! I'm glad you like the SL 😎

[@roadwarrior144]

Back from a time when a Mercedes-Benz was a MERCEDES-BENZ!

[@JW_Reviews]

Very true! Thanks for watching, Robert 😎

[@RootBeerGMT]

They surely aren’t anymore. Was in a “Mercedes” SUV of recent vintage. Shutting the door felt like a Suzuki. I was appalled. Nothing like my moms old diesels

[@MichaelLee-gb7hb]

"Engineered Like No Other Car In The World"....I am astonished that my mechanic loaned me a running 1985 380 SL while my car was in the shop for few days. I enjoyed the retro and have seen these cars new during that time it was about $60K. Lots of money! Thank you for sharing. My Best, M.L.

[@BrisLS1]

I drove one of those with a woman and child, couple hours on the highway, and it was effortless. I am sure it was illegal as heck to have a passenger in behind those seats, but long ago. Very nice ride.

[@mrluvit8232]

😆🤣

[@Tommyplaysguitar]

🤩🤩🤩 I have a 1983 280sl it may not make as much power and be a v8 but heck man it’s fun. really love this. if you could try getting the SLC aversion because there is so little info about that one

[@JW_Reviews]

Wow that's awesome, what are the odds! And I think I've seen an SLC before, but only once. That was the SL that was a coupe and not a convertible, correct?

[@Tommyplaysguitar]

@@JW_Reviews yeah. funny that you have now reviewed 2 of my cars 😂 1st the 78 eldorado biarritz exact same color and trim. now this

[@JW_Reviews]

It's so funny! Do you have any other cars that I'd might happen to review? 😂

[@Tommyplaysguitar]

@@JW_Reviews nah sorry also we are from totally different continents 😂 I’m form denmark

[@JW_Reviews]

Ah okay! That's not exactly what I would call an easy drive lol. I'm glad these were similar to your cars at least

[@jeremiahallyn4603]

Boy, my guess was not even close the other day, lol. Great job man, this car sure is a sweet old ride. Bet it was fun getting to review and drive it 💯✌

[@JW_Reviews]

Haha that's okay, I'm glad it was still a surprise! The picture I gave didn't make it easy lol. Thanks for watching the video, Jeremiah 😄

[@halhenryg]

James, I agree with you about the build quality of this period of M.B. built like a brick $house! I have always admired the SL's and I like the European version better; front end is much better looking. Once again James' you sense of choosing the right bumper music and videography technology is outstanding! 

[@JW_Reviews]

I think I like the front end of the European version more. It just looks a bit cleaner and more refined. I'm so glad you like the music and videography! I think this video turned out especially well which is likely due to my new camera 😁 Thanks for watching!

[@SpockvsMcCoy]

The R107 Euro spec SLs often had the smaller 2.8 Liter Six or 3.8 Liter Eight. Some of them had manual transmissions.

[@halhenryg]

@@SpockvsMcCoy Still an amazing quality build. Thanks..

[@SpockvsMcCoy]

@@halhenryg Yes. I worked at a Lexus dealership in the 1990s so I saw and drove many used Mercedes, including the SL. Both Mercedes-Benz and Porsche had incredible build quality in that era.

[@Fall-off-currencies]

The most beautiful Mercedes ever!

[@JW_Reviews]

It certainly is beautiful 😁 Thanks for watching!

[@Fall-off-currencies]

@@JW_Reviews the r129 is probably better in terms of comfort, smoothness, safety etc, and it stays my favorite car of all time. However the r107 is so classic and elegant. It really has the looks of a million bucks... Great review by the way!

[@MarkWasylyshyn]

Another wonderful review! Brings back great memories of my 1976 450 SL that my father bought new. Thank you!

[@JW_Reviews]

Thank you so so much, Dad! I thought this car would bring back some memories 😁

[@ges2810]

I love the drone work and it appears that a dog liked the car enough to chase it. The SL won that race though. :)

[@JW_Reviews]

Thank you, Greg! I thought that dog was really funny 😂 I didn’t even notice it was there until I started editing the video lol. Thanks for watching!

[@robzombie5969]

I bought this Mercedes today. The car is amazing!

[@josemigueltobiazamora7857]

Just a quick comment, that is the representation of Daimler´s signature however he never approved or signed off that car or any other model the company has made since he kinda died in march 1900 years before that car

[@douglasthompson9482]

I absolutely love the r107 Mercedes Benz cars. My present Mercedes Benz is a r129. I actually prefer this car over the r107. My reasoning is that the r107 is a little long in the tooth. Just really splitting hairs though. Both generations are dynamic. Thank you for your review.

[@Bizmyurt]

Daimler was one company that eventually started to use Mercedes as their product name. Benz was another company and they merged in 1926, the hyperinflation years in Germany.

[@1962RollingStone]

Bumper is not chrome but polished stainless steel.

[@mikemccormick8115]

Quality of German cars definitely declined after this era.

[@dalehampton4554]

James, happy to hear that your subscriptions are growing. It’s videos like this that will keep your channel growing. Beautiful MB and excellent review. 👍

[@JW_Reviews]

Thank you, Dale! That is the hope 😎 I'm so glad you liked it, I had a ton of fun with this car!

[@lonwaslien104]

I was off by more than a country mile with my guess 🤣. This Merc is incredible! Several quirky controls surprised me! Thx for the very interesting review!

[@jeremiahallyn4603]

I was too, don't feel bad. This was a great review of a sweet ride 👏

[@JW_Reviews]

Haha, I didn't make it easy for you! I agree, it is incredible. Thank you for the support and for watching the video!

[@lonwaslien104]

@@JW_Reviews so what’s the clue for the next review? 😊

[@JW_Reviews]

@@lonwaslien104Don’t worry, you’ll find out soon enough!

[@NanaSuze77]

Great little car! Nice review. Loved the drone shot with the dog chasing you 😛

[@JW_Reviews]

Thank you!! Haha, I love the dog too! I didn't even notice that it was there until I started editing the video

[@M123OCT]

If I might make one suggestion - it's a pity to have music right at the moment you start the car. I've seen the same in other videos you've done. I reckon petrol-heads quite like hearing the distinctive sounds of various motors on start-up. 👍

[@JW_Reviews]

Thank you for the suggestion, that’s great to know! I do, however, have an engine startup section earlier in the video soon before the interior section. Does that perspective give a decent feel for what the engine sounds like or do you think there is a better angle?

[@M123OCT]

@@JW_Reviews Oops, I may have missed that part - if so, I apologise. Perhaps it's the nature of impatient internet users such as myself to skip forward to the juicy stuff. 😉

[@jalopy_jeff]

Love the R107! Well done!

[@Peter-tk6rm]

The decline started in 1992 when the Bean Counters took over development. The Hideous W140 Biodegradable Nightmare was the Beginning of the End for Mercedes. Gottlieb Daimler & Karl Benz would be turning in their Graves if they could Witness the Lunacy of their Company now😭

[@jrw5831]

James, you knocked it out of the park once again. I always enjoy watching you!

[@JW_Reviews]

Thank you so so much 😁 I'm so glad you like the videos and keep coming back!

[@lonwaslien104]

Mecum tomorrow! 👍

[@JW_Reviews]

I really wanted to go to Mecum this year, but I had to skip it. I started a new job this week and unfortunately couldn't find the time to go. Maybe next year!

[@lonwaslien104]

@@JW_Reviews wishing you the best in your new job James👍

[@bristergrigsby6499]

But I love the video, my father owns a 87

[@spg5658]

Nice review! What a beautiful area there. If that's where you live you are fortunate! Also, the word "different" can't be followed by "than". It must be "from". 😋😊

[@alexnather7614]

you make great videos man

[@JW_Reviews]

Thank you!! I'm really glad you like them 😎

[@TheHomeExpert5]

Thank you for showing pictures of the lineage of the SL. This adds tremendously to the video.

[@mehdisol7094]

sl means Sport Leicht in german.

[@catalintheodor8065]

This its aperfect aspectuos wonderfoll car

[@gsilverstone]

Wood is real. There is no Mercedes with fake wood (yet) to my knowledge...

[@maxsager139]

The aesthetic adaptations to the American style have made that car look stupid.

[@bristergrigsby6499]

It’s Not SL 560 it’s 560SL

[@grantfawcettjr]

Just bought one and I call it an sl380

[@ririshow]

Shame about the bumpers and head lights! This car is ruined.

[@michaelpavelson9385]

at 28:56.... a turbo showed up and kicked in....

[@catalintheodor8065]

Ther you drive it peace of tehnic ingenios and soul

[@tompease3022]

Another great review! This was kind of the last of the “old” Mercedes where they spent the engineering money on things that didn’t necessarily meet the eye. They didn’t do cupholders because you should be driving, not swilling a Frappuccino. They didn’t have power seat controls or a power drivers mirror because how many times were you going to change the seating position? Certainly you shouldn’t do it while you’re driving. Tilt/telescoping wheel? After they spent years testing exactly the best and safest position for it to be in? Yes the wheel is giant; if the engine for some reason dies you’ll need that leverage to steer (not that. Mercedes engine would dare die on you..) Power top? Buy a Cadillac. The economy gauge was goofy and several cars of the era had them. You step on the gas and the gauge tells you.. you’re using gas. The clock would have been better where the outside temp gauge was, but the clock had always been in the dash cluster, and that center position was originally an extra air vent which was for when they sold the SLC, which was the stretched, fixed roof coupe version that had the backseat.

[@rayborg7378]

This virtually the last Mercedes SL made as it should be done.I personally know a thing or two about its successor the SL R-129.There is power of all the features you may require.Its when these start to go wrong than thats another story.Being simple means being good too.

[@Bizmyurt]

The engine produced 300 hp in europe.

[@ready4sea301]

I'd love to have one of these with a manual transmission.

[@MDavidG1]

Great review of a great car!

[@JW_Reviews]

Thank you! 😁

[@leightonfarms4962]

excellent

[@JW_Reviews]

Thank you so much!!

[@andydanko7074]

Great review James, never been a fan of MB. I drive limos and from my hands on experience driving various models all the way up to a S550, we've had way to many expensive problems. The style of the earlier models never appealed to me either. The newer german sedans all look similar and have a jelly bean design..I agree with you about too "Techie" Now, built to breakdown.

[@tripadventurengabret]

beautiful car,i hope to have one someday

[@twbelieves]

The wood is real. Had a tour at the factory and watched them making the wood. That was in 1986. I have an 87 560SL

[@fighter3120]

👌

[@jamesreckling6697]

If you live this car please review its successor the R129. It is is a much faster sportier car than the 107.

[@joshharrison1160]

As you stated in the video, it's a 560 SL, not an SL 560. SL xxx came later.

[@monk3yboy69]

1993 to be exact ….

[@apurugganan]

My aunt had one of these, she made sure I heard that heavy *thunk* of Mercedes doors of that era. She was going to get that contraption for the garage that lifts the hard top, but she had a husband who could deal with it but who would never spend an extra dollar just to hoist the roof. Hers was an earlier era because the steering wheel had that MB logo surrounded in a circular fashion by cushion in a color that matched the interior.

[@theprofessional8966]

That’s a beautiful car, it would match my collection perfectly. Great review.

[@habsom1406]

Awesome review dude! Very detailed and informative and oh man what a setting you live in, beautiful scenery and roads and wonderful weather too, perfect for reviewing an SL with the roof down. Especially loved the drone footage which shows this stunning vehicle at its best. I believe the later models had some galvanised panels but the early ones could rust badly especially in countries where salt is used in the winter time. Looks like such a stately driving seat with an awesome view down the long bonnet. I have always been in love with the shape and proportions of these SLs since I was a kid, it's my dream to own one one day! Thanks for creating, editing and uploading. 😎👍

[@catalintheodor8065]

This is Mercedes plasure to walk

[@zetchymc]

Lezzgoo! Nice video, James!

[@JW_Reviews]

Thanks, Zetchy!! I'm glad you watched the video 😁 Have you been working on any big new videos/projects?

[@zetchymc]

@@JW_Reviews Yes! Working on a few projects. Summer's around the corner so I'm excited to put out more content 💪

[@JW_Reviews]

@@zetchymc I can't wait to check it out! I know your videos will be fantastic 👍

[@catalintheodor8065]

German enginers are crazy 😂😂❤❤❤

[@Peter-tk6rm]

Bruno Sacco designed Masterpiece ❤🫡 The veneer Burr Walnut is real. The R107 were hugely expensive. Especially the 560 Sl varient.

[@musicislost]

This car is cool! I was looking for a nice cruise ride in cali and this review sold me

[@chener77]

Exceptional quality review👏👌🙏 of the legendary R107

[@niki7040]

There were no electrically operated seats for the r107 body.

[@catalintheodor8065]

Insane wonderfoll car

[@catalintheodor8065]

Its a beautiful wallk

[@jamesreckling6697]

The wood is real.

[@mikemcmutry326]

Nice

[@douglasb.1203]

Excellent intro! What a great springtime in the middle of the country. 5.6 had gobs of torque and as you felt, effortless power. Beg the owner to fix the bolster.

[@JW_Reviews]

Thank you, Douglas! Yes, spring has sprung. My favorite time of the year 😃 And I think the owner has regained his love for the car seeing it all clean again. He is going to get several things fixed with the engine which will probably be expensive (it actually broke down while I had it). Maybe he'll work on the seat someday soon too. Thanks again!

[@Pauley_in_GP]

Great review. Wonderful drone footage at the end.

[@azmike3572]

Nice aerial drone photography.

[@thorshammer8547]

What a cute otter! 😍

[@JW_Reviews]

Thanks for watching! 😁

[@monk3yboy69]

What’s an otter?

[@thorshammer8547]

@@monk3yboy69😂😂😂

[@ram457moreno]

love that car i want to own one

[@DeNorsemen]

Lots of info love it

[@lseguel]

Great video!

[@nitram03121981]

nice!

[@catalintheodor8065]

Its Mercedes and rest of a cars

[@Peter-tk6rm]

Modern Benz are Rubbish. Ive owned W126 beforehand. Literally shamed Rolls Royces in the Quality department. Quarter of the price, but twice the car. As Gottlieb Daimler once stated. " The Best or Nothing "