Mercedes SL documentary! 300 SL vs W113 Pagoda vs R107 vs R129 vs R230 vs R231

[@autogefuehl]

►Follow us on Instagram @autogefuehl and @thomas.letsgo ►Subscribe here: kzbin.info ►Compare the first Mercedes S-Class W116: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2S8hJyBq919ebc ►Compare the 300 SL gullwing review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZKWdKuwnNmVbdE ►Compare the Mercedes SL R231 Facelift review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZzdhmStpt-Ci7M ►Check out our feature with the pre-facelift Mercedes SL R231 from Southern France: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIGzlKqtdtSlY5I 00:00 Introduction with race car and 300 SL gullwing 00:45 Mercedes 300 SL roadster W198 1954-1963 01:54 Mercedes SL W113 Pagoda 1963-1971 03:39 Mercedes SL R107 1971-1989 06:11 Mercedes SL R129 1989-2001 07:40 Mercedes SL R230 2001-2011 08:51 Mercedes SL R231 2012-2020 09:19 Driving 300 SL Roadster (1958) 11:33 Driving W113 Pagoda (1968) 16:12 Driving R107 500 SL (1982) 20:32 Driving R129 SL 600 (1995) 26:11 Driving R230 SL 55 AMG (2005) 30:58 Driving R231 SL 400 / 450 (2018) 33:00 What is the best Mercedes SL ever?! #Mercedes #MercedesSL Transparency note: Autogefühl videos are independent and free from editorial influence on opinion and rating. But since manufacturers enable us to do the reviews in the first place, for legal reasons this video is marked as _advertisement_.

[@gadnyayiemiombuyi6053]

;!

[@ajnracing6034]

The 300 SL will always be my dream classic car. The most beautiful classic car ever made.

[@thomaswschaller]

I absolutely agree. Always the most beautiful classic car

[@artcastro6920]

It is one of my favorites but the 56 Porcshe Speedster tops it. Although the gullwing adds something special... Idk man I'm torn now lol

[@selassietetevie4966]

@@artcastro6920 maserati ghibli,lamborghi miura are in the mix

[@stephaneaderca7948]

Most beautiful classic car ever made is pushing it too far. There is heavy competition. Mercedes-Benz 540 Spezial Roadster & Cabriolet A. The stunningly beatuiful Bugatti T55, Bugatti T57 Atalante, Bugatti T57 Aravis. Alfa Romeo 8c 2300 & 2900 by the various coachbuilders. And in the post-war era, the sublimely beautiful Ferrari 250 Lusso and 275 GTB. The Bentley R Type Continental fastback. A tiny elite of cars that are as beautiful, if not more so, than a 300 SL, and significantly rarer. Put a Mercedes-Benz 540 Spezial roadster near a post-war 300 SL and compare.

[@johncollymore1697]

You're correct Thomas - I agree with you about the 1982 500 SL R107 - it sits in the Sweet Spot of SL's, especially the 500, the most powerful version - lovely to drive, effortless & gorgeous rumbling 5-litre V8, and still suitable for everyday roads today - ABS, A/C, cruise control, nice ride and steering. Great video Thomas - many thanks to you and to Mercedes-Benz Classic! Best wishes.

[@autogefuehl]

✌️

[@neilmurray6943]

I love my 1988 560SL!

[@ikgeignirengiu]

Not even talking about the gorgeous cars - you make such a good point about our passion. A lot of people have that passion. They don't have to know model numbers or history to have a connection to cars and driving, and it's so heartwarming to share that connection with others.

[@autogefuehl]

👍

[@nevarran]

The R230 just looks so slick. One of my favorite MB models.

[@iCoolaxe]

I've always loved the look of the (pre-facelift) R230 SL, just such a timeless, elegant design.

[@dalegass526]

Bought a 1996 SL500 in Emerald Green with only 72,000 miles on it three years ago. I love this car. After sorting through all of the oil leaks when running and not running, the car has been very reliable and very fun to drive. A huge bargain at the moment and it is truly a hidden gem. Thank you for the very informative video of the SL series. Very well done, and I learned a lot!

[@rhoever]

Great review. I have owned a 1993 600SL (R129) since 2007 and I absolutely love it. Feels like I’m driving a brand new car every spring when I first take it out of its winter storage. It’s a lifetime keeper for me.

[@autogefuehl]

👍

[@ГурченкоАндросов]

I live in La and drive it the whole year long ! Most beautiful car … I had about 9 cars in my life but never any other car but 129 received so many compliments and propositions to sell )

[@johnmcdonald1647]

Great video Thomas thank you I have a 1980 500SL that I've daily driven for the past six years and it has never let me down. I personally think the R107 series is the perfect compromise between classic Mercedes Benz styling and modern drivability. You have a new subscriber thanks again.

[@raimus357]

SL-Class is such a special type of vehicle, it's what makes Mercedes truly stand-out among other manufacturers. Really grateful for the video. Amazing job 🤗

[@billbligh4547]

What a great SL compilation - well done MB for arranging this and thank you Thomas for such a thorough evaluation. I very much look forward to your drive of the new iteration!

[@autogefuehl]

thanks! We ll keep u updated!

[@doc2746]

I’m just impressed this guy can speak English. Imagine a blue blood American connecting with an audience in other parts of the world by speaking their native language Bravo young man

[@autogefuehl]

highly appreciated !

[@Anti-FreedomD.P.R.ofSouthKorea]

Privileged americans, really. Most will never recognize

[@rw80]

For the rest of the world it’s quite normal to speak more than one language….

[@luckyspetfriends5588]

Hey Thomas. I love my 1985, 380SL and enjoy driving it in California. She has 250,000 miles. I wish I could have all those models in my collection. Great review as always.

[@puttyputty123]

Thomas and Autogefühl one of the few reviewers that understands Mercedes SL: Comfort cruising with open top + a bit sporty. Worst SL was R230 by far, but I don't think those years were great for Mercedes in general. Thanks for a great documentary!

[@autogefuehl]

thanks so much m8 !

[@MikeD19809]

The R107 with the 'Thomas' Blue interior is a classic!

[@caglassc]

I own a 2000 r129 SL 500. As the range goes, this is the car to own. It is “old school” Mercedes - the last SL that can really say that. Even if you can afford the previous gens - they are not practical to own and actually enjoy. The r107 could be a “weekend” car but I wouldn’t want to own it as a daily driver. Great review.

[@ГурченкоАндросов]

I own same year dark red sl500 129 ,most beautiful and safe car ever … compliments almost every day from other drivers … after that Mercedes start produce cheaper plastic sl , not solid heavy metal anymore with cheap plastic falling apart details inside … fells just cheap inside .. can’t drive those new ones

[@westkenyon3464]

Great comparison! Have spent a lot of time in Germany and have loved the R107 since I was a little kid. I now have a 450SL that was just fully restored from the ground up and love driving it as much as my new Mercedes.

[@autogefuehl]

✌️

[@nedcoburn6421]

Early pre-facelift R129s are one of the loveliest looking Mercedes ever imho, I remember them being hugely desirable when they were first released in '89 or '90.

[@monticella]

I bought new and still own my SL55. The M113K engine as well as the 722.6 transmission operate flawlessly. The Achilles heel is the ABC suspension, but with timely fluid (Pentosin) changes and the system filter, the car is essentially problem free. My garage has been set-up to accommodate the cars needs. Mine is black with gray interior. I love the car and the car rewards me back with pleasurable driving. Retired Chief Engineer

[@autogefuehl]

Good tip! 👍

[@mosca3289]

At least once a week the ’Pagoda’ is my dream car.

[@chriselley2261]

@@kaytow5688 My Pagoda is named “Queeny” because she’s a garage queen.

[@ahemgee9542]

R129 300SL Gullwing & Pagoda are my top three

[@jayandwise]

I own a R231 here in Korea and this video means a lot to me. Thanks Thomas :)

[@wernerjacq]

Thomas, thank you for this marvellous video. The SL gullwing is the ULTIMATE car. How come design from the fifties is so sumptuous, glorious….? even in watches, furniture, that era has given us top design. Love your history videos, you rock mate!

[@autogefuehl]

Cheers m8!

[@pershooo]

This video means that the new SL is already revealed to motoring journalists.

[@szpecunio]

Nice pfp

[@brianhoefer7148]

In March 2021, I purchased my first M-B, a 2000 SL500 garage queen with only 62k miles for under $10k. Could not be happier with the car.

[@dragospahontu]

I would stick to a Lexus SC

[@ГурченкоАндросов]

Got my 2000 r129 sl dark red looking new with 49000 miles for 12000$ from a collector jn Palm Springs ! Best car ever ! Agree with you

[@robertehlers3757]

Thanks, Thomas! I really enjoyed seeing these classic models. It made me nostalgic for my 1992 300E sedan, which stands out in my memory for two features: 1) the in-line 3.0 liter 6-cylinder engine that sounded like silk tearing when I accelerated, and 2) the most comfortable (firm, but very supportive) front seats of any car that I have owned before or since. I appreciate all the modern features and conveniences that we have today, but that '92 was so rock solid and reliable.

[@autogefuehl]

👌

[@臺灣是國家臺灣是國家]

Love these classic reviews, thank you Autogefühl, thank you Thomas.🥰

[@neelananthony4794]

Nice review,, classic cars

[@paulyandle1286]

In "Elevator to the Gallows" there are really just two stars...Jeanne Moreau and the 300 SL.

[@annecy49]

Awesome comparison, thank you Thomas. Love the Pagoda but would go for the R107 as I absolutely love the line. Superb!

[@autogefuehl]

🙏

[@xc40p8]

Once again, just a great review from Thomas. Thank you, you are way better then rest of the KZbin car guys. Now I’m waiting for the Mercedes E-class thru time review. Hej då från Sverige.

[@refentsejoko8901]

Thank you Thomas .... Really loved it 🔥

[@autogefuehl]

glad u enjoyed :)

[@Omega-lj1nw]

Good review of the SL generations. The vehicle missing among the lineup is the 190 SL. It was among the 1st generation but more widely produced and less expensive than the 300 SL.

[@philafflack1298]

i've been watching you forever! just subscribed, don't know why i didn't do it sooner! this is your best video! i've always loved the SL, my wish for a documentary? the history of the BMW roadster! the 507, the z1, z3, z8, z4!

[@autogefuehl]

Thanks and great u re with us for so long!

[@autogefuehl]

Seen this episode? We have z4 history in it :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4KvpZyfYrabars

[@endaf]

Sl55 r230 for me, I have owned a few mercedes from the 1980's, very boxy, interior is ok but fall apart with age! , but for driving I much prefer the SL55 that I currently own and the curves are sexy compared to the 80's models

[@yossefcatach2759]

I would like to own the pagoda. Love the classic look and sensation of wind.

[@thomaswschaller]

The 300SL Roadster is so spectacular. But I have a soft spot for the 113 - owned a 1965 model for years - such a phenomenal ride

[@coldude2559]

Keep up the good work Thomas👍👍👍

[@autogefuehl]

[@Lianne459]

Excellent history of the SL. I have a 90 560 SEC 126 and love it. Still drives like a new car. Quality really matters.

[@julianadams2206]

Great video. R129 is such good value. Older ones are just super cool.

[@Posttraumaticgrowth]

Very beautiful and in depth doc. Thank you and your team.

[@kristians2704]

I can’t wait to see the new SL

[@billyrayvalentine7972]

Even at 10 years old in 1970 I fell in love with the SL and the SEL.

[@Backwardlooking]

WONDERFUL. Thank you again. As regards the R129 vs R230: the reduction in interior quality; cheaper parts etcetera, was the result of their new C.E.O.’s diktat that Mercedes cars should change from being built to a standard, to being built to a price. That dropped Mercedes reliability from No. 1 to at the bottom end of the rankings internationally. Something that only changed from the W212.

[@autogefuehl]

interesting!

[@2JZDestroyer]

I like my happy medium R129 SL500 specifically because it shares an engine designation with the sauber c9, c11 ,and clk-gtr . In other words an understressed endurance engine, meaning gobs of reliability. Not to mention if something should go wrong with the soft top you have the redundancy of a hard top(if the hard top is missing when you go to buy ask the seller where it is .every R129 came with one it was standard equipment) . I especially love the styling just wish it came with the 190e evo 2s wing . It's a really fun car in Twisties.

[@williamdejonge]

Remember a ride up to Berllin for a 300 SL Coupe and Roadster (W198) meeting. Driving around tgrough Berlin and its region, sleeoing close to the Brandenburger Tor in hotel Adlon. Took the car up to 200 km/h, noise changes from a sluggish 100 km/h to a racy sound when you push the throttle - it was a real joy. Filling petrol in the tank, I discovered you could put your hand into the filler pipe, probably designed to fill the reservoir when racing.

[@ahemgee9542]

I have a Ruby Pearl 96 SL500. IMO the R129 is one the greatest Mercedes ever made. Interestingly the SL600 in this video has the wrong steering wheel, it has a 99-02 version fitted.

[@fist003]

love these historical videos. gives more appreciation to the new car approach

[@autogefuehl]

Cheers!

[@arcadevampire]

All nice but R129 or R230 for me, always found they look much better in red /dark red. Would love one but i dont think you can get it with cloth seats unless you go way back to older cars. Btw, nice video!

[@ГурченкоАндросов]

I have dark red sl129 2000 , best car ever

[@mohammad_JDM]

More of these videos for every class of Mercedes-Benz .. Thank you .

[@timjones8837]

I love the pagoda top....stuff of childhood dreams ❤

[@agustinliden6189]

I love this Mercedes-Benz SL drive review.❤

[@mr08tsx]

The Pagoda is a true "dream car"! Thanks for the video.

[@craigsommerville2300]

What a fabulous opportunity you got to drive all of those amazing SLs! Love the Pagoda

[@autogefuehl]

👍

[@craigsommerville2300]

@@autogefuehl still jealous of that 😉

[@sundar999]

This was a very good review

[@autogefuehl]

Thank you so much! Please recommend / share our channel and our videos 🙏

[@wmbchristie]

I love my 107 despite having the rather tame 380 engine. For my purposes it is a fantastic cruiser😁. (If I want to misbehave I can drive my Porsche Turbo😂) Thank you for this great comparative video👍

[@jmz388]

Best video Autogefuhl ... Thomas you sound so into the gefuhl and the facts presented ... just great My favourite is the pagoda as its lineage is much more car even compared with the 300 SL The later models are not as beautiful ...

[@autogefuehl]

Thanks 🙏 feel free to recommend!

[@monicabagstevold4582]

I have a R129, sl500, love the sound of a v8😍❤

[@denisletourneau3398]

Bravo! Very interesting, I understand and see everything. Well filmed, all is clear. I have a 1975 W116 450se, ( I appreciate your review!) and a 1995 R129 SL320. The six in line is for me the historical SL engine. The V8 were introduced in the SL line with the R107. Of course, more power, but...The six 3.2 in my SL is the last six in line Mercedes had produced (M104). I am musician and of course, I listen...The six engine's sound is much more charming than the V8, and moves the car with his spirit. Also, the R129 was the last SL that had been concieved by ingeniors, not accounters. In the R129 first generation, the progress keeps Mercedes atmosphere. Quality was all around. In the last generation, ( as the one you drive here,) interior plastics looks cheaper stering seems a little toy... Visual perception...Anyway, I really apprciate your film! Merci beaucpoup!

[@autogefuehl]

Well said !

[@kr00zn]

Thomas, thank you so much for making this video and showing these classic vehicles. I would have loved to ride in each of these. I envy you!

[@autogefuehl]

👍😊

[@stephenscott4166]

I drive a 2009 SL550. I love it!!!

[@CanyonsCarver]

My favorite is the R129, but would have a 1958 roadster in a heartbeat

[@preet6936]

great work love your channel

[@autogefuehl]

Welcome! Please recommend!

[@keithbradfield7825]

Marvellous video thanks

[@autogefuehl]

👍

[@HQBProductions]

I have had an R231 for four years and it is a constant delight. It will not set the Nurburgring alight but it gives all the performance you can use on normal roads with great refinement and also astonishing economy. The engine and gearbox are a creamy smooth delight…the ride is good or outstanding depending on U.K. roads and I think the only one to replace it will be the 2022 model once the price had dropped as it certainly will. So if you ever ponder an SL, do try one..it is one of the best “secret” cars on the road today.🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂

[@theemscarter]

I was lucky enough to own a 1988 560SL & a 2005 SL500 loved them both

[@ilyanizhnik6874]

I'm so happy you are in shorts today, so you are not stretching your trousers knees when sitting.

[@jimmyk6336]

What's it worth??? One family owned 1966 W113 Pagoda (Euro model) with rare 5spd. manual trans. Originally purchased in France then shipped to Southern California where it's been since the late 60's. The car has all documentation since new that also includes a certificate of authenticity from Mercedes Benz, best of all this beauty is in Concours Condition. Ironically the car is the same gorgeous gold as seen in the video that's complimented with a black interior, tan soft top and gold pagoda hardtop. We're going to see what it's worth (hopefully around mid August 2021) on the Bring a Trailer auction site, stay tuned... Great Video BTW!!!

[@kabelogeorge5016]

Best review 🇿🇦

[@marceloccarmello7978]

Hi Thomas, Great video, thanks!

[@brotochannel5023]

I love this video... My favorit classic car is the 300 SL

[@autogefuehl]

👏👏

[@gened9632]

Great comparison. Owning an SL55, I can tell you that the one in the video has had a couple of updates. The steering wheel is from a later model (conversion) and the front bumper is from either a 63 or a 65 (I believe it's from the SL65). No big deal - I've modded mine also. But it's worth noting.

[@autogefuehl]

Thanks 😊

[@petejr7583]

Very enjoyable Thomas, thank you! I have to agree with you on the R107 hitting the sweet spot, especially with a manual gearshift. The late ‘90’s R129’s with the relatively reliable V12 is quite interesting for an affordable near super car. Honestly I would love any of them except prefer my simpler ‘05 CLK55 cabriolet W209 to the R230. 😀

[@kommentarler]

Um diese Ausfahrten beneide ich Dich sehr. Dennoch Danke für dieses tolles Video!!

[@Dave-zk4fv]

I’d take the Pagoda any day of the week. One of the most attractive cars ever made. Even better in black.

[@michaeldonaher2851]

Can't wait for the 2022 SL!

[@siegfriedbarfuss9379]

Great pleasant video. Danke! So what’s next? R232?

[@treedeblue]

We love all the Pieces! 😃

[@kevinjackson6387]

I have a r230 best car I’ve ever had just love the shape.it’s only the 350 but more than enough power for me ,

[@colinmcleod4190]

I would go for the pagoda, simply for the style. There is no other car that looks like it, just fab.

[@mys0076]

Fabulous cars, legendary❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤Mercedes always had their own style, unique elegance and signature design... since forever, all praises due. Thank you, Thomas🙏

[@autogefuehl]

Feel free to recommend 😊

[@mys0076]

@@autogefuehl yes...💪

[@nathanpoole6281]

Thanks for your review of the SL models. I currently own a 2009 230. I love the look of the newer generation with the AMG package on my particular car. Around town the car drives great. I recently have discovered how uncomfortable the seating is on my drive from San Diego to Colorado. The seating comfort on long trips is not the best. My butt has never been as sore as it is today from this drive. Very unexpected, but what should I have expected since I never drive the car except around San Diego. I plan to go back to 129 models which I enjoyed driving much more.. Thanks again for review job well done

[@autogefuehl]

Thanks for watching and thank you even more for sharing your experience!

[@richgallagher725]

I’m disappointed you didn’t elaborate more & drive that later model Red R107. It appears to be a Euro spec 560, does it have the 5.5L V8 to accompany that manual gearbox…I hope ? 🤞

[@Enthusiastic777]

Great success 👍🏻😃👍🏻

[@dragospahontu]

I like both of them

[@LawrenceMarkFearon]

Bruno Sacco's exquisitely decadent R230 design has no bad angles. Perfectly balanced like a Rembrandt. Even the power roll bar is an exercise in swagger and the whole car reeks of speed. The only generation with rack and pinion steering, it's driving dynamics are profusely dominant. The SL55's only improvement was the now extinct SL65's Twin Turbo V12 AMG.

[@dragospahontu]

I'd stick to a Lexus SC

[@LawrenceMarkFearon]

@@dragospahontu The Lexus SC wishes it could be an SL. But only SL55 has the autobahn breeding.

[@ofirs5830]

The beautiful red R107 with the manual, which model is it? I'm guessing 280?

[@jcvicelli]

Really good, please do more vintages drives!

[@niki7040]

R107 facelift (86-89), and the sweetspot of them is the 300SL.

[@mozartcarclassics]

No mention of the C107 SL Coupé...

[@agustinliden6189]

❤Beautiful line-up❤

[@dedygho4073]

R129 for a daily driver. W113 Pagoda for a weekend cruise.

[@doca8792]

I’ve two, ‘85 euro 380sl and ‘01 sl500. I’ll die with them.

[@yoon9724]

0:26 This one with silver paint will make everyone crazy including me

[@honguenloh4612]

Hi Thomas, i am thinking of getting an SL. With the pandemic ongoing, cannot do much travelling so maybe get a Mercedes to keep me busy. Was thinking of either the r107 (280 sl) or r129 (300 sl). R129 more modern and affordable but the r107 more classy, expensive and traditional. Which one would you recommend?:)

[@autogefuehl]

Well I love the design of the R107. But if you want more modern features like 100 % electric roof and less hassle with possible repairs etc i think the R129 is the more economical choice

[@shimon1166]

I own a 1988 560SL with only 2000 miles on it. Black with Red Interior.

[@ximenacoronado9102]

omg I love this video

[@raulcrudele1]

How come 113 did not have power windows?

[@jamesreckling6697]

Since the 300SL and Pagoda are out of reach for most people my choice would be the R129.

[@MrRedcelica]

i think r129 but they a riddled with roof issues and quite expensive to fix!!

[@guycohenhanoch7721]

Do the 2011 SLS AMG!!