Mercedes Benz R107 - REAL Cost of Ownership [2 Years Anniversary]

[@mericavids]

I bought my 1985 380 SL 5 years ago w/ 72,000 miles, and the high idle issue. The replacement electronic box under the dash was the most expensive part I have had to replace at $325. I have changed the accumulator, belts, plugs, wires, distributor cap/ rotor, tires, injector seals, drivers window switch, battery, antenna, driving light bulbs and added a universal stainless steel exhaust with new cat and 02 sensor ( no muffler or resonator required). Cheap enough to maintain, fun to drive, and it sure turns heads with the black pearl over black interior.

[@dansalmi7332]

Excellent breakdown. I will add a of these to my to-do list for my newly purchased 560SL.

[@MinkMood]

Glad you like it Dan! And congrats on the 560!!!! The ultimate R107 experience 👍✅

[@PaulLeitnerWise]

Not bad at all. Basically the cost of regular maintenance on any vehicle with the advantage that you are never likely to need to replace those components ever again.

[@MinkMood]

Exactly Paul!!!! It was eye opener for me.

[@themrgumbatron]

lovely car and thanks for sharing your ownership experience.

[@davidcutter1030]

I enjoyed your video. Thank you. I just purchased an 86 560SL in need of some TLC. I feel as you do, I'm the custodian for this vehicle which when properly taken care of, will provide many years of pleasurable driving. I also perform my own mechanical repairs. I find the Mercedes cars inherently interesting both good and bad. Best of luck with your car(s).

[@MinkMood]

Thank you mate! Keep us posted on how the journey goes! These 107s are solid tanks

[@ediwudgo]

Great video! Just got my 380sl this past summer and plan to do most of the fixes you've done. Question, what's your mechanical experience? Do you feel those fixes can tackled easily? Thanks!!

[@MinkMood]

Glad you like it Edward!!! And great choice on the 380, I love them. This was the car I started this channel and passion of wrenching. Patience, lots of reading and just doing it, is my best advice for you!

[@sophiathe380sl]

Did you record the transmission fluid change? :-)

[@MinkMood]

I did not, and in my case was a pain bc the exhaust was not the original and I had to remove to take out the oil pan. Filter, gasket and oil was MB. Non aftermarket here lol

[@danf4447]

if the ac is the evaporator coil...which is often where it leaks due to dissimilar metals manufacturing error...the coil is 775...with 18 HOURS of labor to disable airbags and remove the entire dashboard to replace...in other words about 2700. without taxes...sooooo..

[@MinkMood]

That’s a deep one Dan, thankfully this one was professionally tested and leaking from the AC compressor unit.

[@JP-mu3xl]

Timing chain tensioner for my 85 model 3.8 was only $23 thru autohausaz in Arizona, also replaced guides, cam oilers, etc....

[@MinkMood]

That’s amazing Jim!!!!! Very good price and great hint on where to get them!!!! Thanks for sharing