Thank you to everyone for the incredible support of this channel. If you have a question you've been itching to ask Iain then please reply to this comment and if you're lucky he may just answer it in a future video.
Iain, what’s your daily driver? And what’s in your dream garage? This is my favourite you tube car channel. I love the fact someone more geeky than me exists. Every time a new video drops it feels like port and cigar time.
@@pjrebordao it's how the injectors are laid out... the older ones were simple pintle injectors with a constant cone, the upgraded K-Jet used injectors where the pintle is allowed to roll around in a bigger orifice (we're talking hudredths of millimeters) but this allows for a much more thorough atomization of the fuel. I believe BOSCH found this out because some older cars were getting better mileage with the worn injectors :)
@LIVERPOOLSCOTTISH That's not an issue, the Engieers have any input, sadly. That's all in Controlling, going over the cars with a comb to scoure every little cent possible. As someone driving a new W213, having driving a W205 for over 150k km and a W204 for over 200k km, the Quality has been A LOT better over the last ~ 8 Years. I have more gripes with the Design, than the Quality...
Dear Dad, you always called your 450 SL the tank and, evidently, you weren't the only one. After the GTV, it certainly was a tank - which is why, for all its SPICA injection and coolant/oil exchange woes, we had to get that GTV back. I wish you were here to see this video. Dear Iain, my dad died seven years ago this weekend. I was his first born son. We didn't agree on much - that's biology. But what we did connect on was cars. He replaced a wonderful, temperamental Alfa 2000 GTV with a Robin's egg blue 450 SL - which must have been a stateside-only model - that he called the tank - for all the reasons you mention. Thank you for the timely visit down memory lane. Cheers!
The euro 500 SL and SEC were pleasure cars for Formula 1 Drivers. That speaks volumes of the performance, engineering, quality, reliability. It stoked the gray market import fire here in the states late 70's, early 80's. The '81 US 380SL was Worst of Breed. I worked at dealer changing single row timing chains, bent valves post broken chains. I was very busy.,... Soon after the 190 series with questionable body quality arrived to US shores. More warranty job security. Best of breed during that time? 500/560's, 6.9, 190E-2 .3 16valve, 123/126 300 turbodiesel. Love your presentations. Your very informed and accurate through your experience👍🇬🇧 ✌️🇺🇲☮️ C.D. in New Hampshire
"The car you always promised yourself" advertising slogan was for the Ford Capri (I think). The first 'through flow' ventilation system was introduced on the Ford Cortina Mk1, Series 2, from October 1964.
I work on a lot of these 107's.I am often asked by potential buyers where they rust... Standard answer is always "any part made of steel". Steering box should NOT be adjusted on the car but on the bench . The early 380 engines are quite the road burner. One of my favourite cars in the past was 380SE ,1980, which drove as quickly as the 500SEC I also had at the time. The 380 is now owned by a mate who has restored it. The fastest or quickest 107's to me were always the Djet injected 350's and the Djet injected 450's.
Mr Terrell, I bought a little old lady 1 owner from Dallas in Navy Blue. 1986 500 with 16,355 mi. It looks new. I love it and look so cool now! Thank you for telling me about this gem so I didn’t buy some mid life crisis mobile. 55 years young and not in a Mustang! Door panels are great and steering tight. Thank you sir from Texas!
This era of Mercedes was fantastic. But you really have to go over one in person to fully appreciate just how beautifully engineered they actually are. Many years ago, when I was still working as a mechanic, a customer pulled up at the workshop, (for what reason I can't remember), but he had a 1979 450SE with him on a trailer. Naturally, I asked what he planned to do with it, and instead of getting an expected reply of, "do 'er up", or something similar, got, "banger race it"! Whilst I'm sure it would have made a formidable opponent on the banger circuit, I couldn't let that happen, told him so, offered him £100 more than he paid for it, so £250, and took it off his hands. This car, although solid, was rough, had covered nearly 200,000 miles and had clearly suffered a hard life, (the last few years of it anyway). But, like Ian demonstrated in the video, the doors still lined up perfectly, and shut with that reassuring thunk. I can't imagine you'd be able to say that about certain modern Mercedes. Especially from, say, the early to late noughties.
I think something should be added: at 18:00 you see the idle valve. The other way they improved the fuel consumption was introducing a secondary air circuit. The idle valve diverts air through the two rubber hoses that go along the injectors. This high speed air is introduced very near to the injectors' head. This enables less fuel to be required to be properly mixed with air. Another way they improved the consumption was by starting from stop in 2nd gear by default. Yet another way was by using special materials for the cylinder walls and piston rings, can't remember the materials right now. The ultrasonic injection is done in the simplest way: there's a little spring-loaded needle at each injector. It simply vibrates at ultrasonic speed when the fuel comes through!
Others have already said quite deservedly how great your classic workshops are. I am more than convinced that you would make many of your viewers happy if you did a review on that Saab 900.
Such a desirable icon. For my taste, both the R107 and W116 simply are the most gorgeous M Bs ever made. Reading the R107 being introduced in 1971, it must have been a leap ahead compared to anything else in the world of cars. Even Rolls Royce or BMW weren't close to it at the time. M B simply forwarded the clock of at least 7 years of general car development I think. A modern designed and fully padded integrated dasboard was unheard of for European cars, integrated outside mirrors, fully integrated designed head and tail lights, low profile design with such elegancy. Really a pity rust being a major issue with these cars, specially in the 70s, but it did improve much apparently. It is always a delight hearing you elaborate 🙂
Iain, can you please come to Vancouver and drive my wife and I across the country for a vacation? I can think of nothing more pleasant than listening to you quietly extolling the virtues of any vehicle for the 4,600 mile drive. Thank you for the effort.
As I've grown to love this channel (for obvious reasons), I've recently come to realize one very subtle yet powerful element - Tyrrell is THE consummate salesman, period, end of discussion. He presents his product/subject in the most appealing, passionate way (while gently nudging it's shortcomings) and explains why. THE ultimate salesman in every way. Cheers!
Yes love to hear your impreassions owned a silver saab aero 16S and a great car but a high cost car to repair and service hard on CV joints did a turbo and a gearbox Loved it but glad to see it go in the end
Looks like a late 1980s or early 1990s 900 Aero (or SPG in the USA). I think I can see the whale tail. Black looks sexy and I've recently seen pictures of a restored and slightly modded black UK 900 Aero that looks fabulous. The most "authentic" colour is a very slightly tinted white that was used in the original factory test cars. They made very few of them in that colour, so good luck with finding one. I sold my 1989 900 aero manual in 2013, reluctantly, not enough garage space, and I still miss it. It had been a very good friend. Love the Benz too 😁
This video had passed me by. I love the respect you show the owners cars. After warming the cars nicely another example is the large puddle on the return run to Hawarden airport near Kop House Farm that you avoid in all your videos.....! A puddle that was there even in the late 70s when I used to cycle to Queensferry/Deeside High School from the ferry lane footbridge.
The R107 is a masterpiece of design and engineering. I took the emissions junk out of my 1985 380SL, and the difference in performance was impressive. Great program. Thank you for your enthusiasm and for sharing your knowledge.
Very informative Video ....speaking as an Ex Mechanic from the 70"s and currently proud owner of a 1977 450SL in Australia....wish we had those lovely Autobarns and quite Englishside roads to enjoy driving along ....
I’ve been waiting for Iain to do a video on the R107 SL, my most favourite Benz ever. A lovely original example, shown off by one of my favourite and knowledgeable presenters. Great video..
I've been waiting for the R107 video. Loved it. Thanks. My 107 gets regular continental crushing runs from the UK to Italy with my work, a drive I always look forward to. It's a 560SL and you are right, 24/25mpg on a run. I know I am 10bhp short of the euro 500, but after 35 years, who's counting! Really enjoying the channel, (and the refreshingly grubby engine bays!). Thank you, good work!
Oh Iain, (love the proper Iain spelling btw). You just saved my life. And that is not hyperbole btw. I was feeling so utterly low that I really can't express where my head was at. A Tyrell's Classic vid, um, does something for my mood. In this horror story of a year, your videos are priceless
I like that you acknowledged that Mercedes-Benz from this era tend to rust from the inside out. People who admire these cars without ever owning or being around them tend to think of them as 'bulletproof tanks'. I owned a W116 that showed no visible rust but it was still very rusty. The area around the fuel cap behind the fuel cap cover can be the first semi-obvious place to see it. Check behind the sound deadening mat on the firewall and it's usually rusty there too. Inspect the sunroof drains if the car has a sunroof and if it's rusty there you can pretty much forget it - incontrovertible structural damage and an economic write off. If there's visible rust at the bottom of the doors it's probably too far gone at that point and is being held together by the paint. It's a real shame that they didn't galvanise the chassis and put a bit more thought into drainage because there would be more of them still around today. Aside from the rust issues it was still the best car I've owned. Mine wasn't in perfect condition, it was mostly original, it had about 220,000kms on it and I was maintaining it on a shoestring budget. Nevertheless, this one time, I drove it from Adelaide South Australia to Portland Victoria and back again in a single day, driving it about as fast as I could get away with and it didn't miss a beat (that's about 1,100kms). I doubt I'll ever forget that day.
I love your knowledge and passion I have always loved them I refer to it as the Bobby Ewing mobile . Ford Capri “ the car you always promised yourself “
Me three, my dad had a 83 900 GLi saloon when I was a teen and I've been smitten with the classic 900 ever since. The noise the heating controls made was awesome!
Just been introduced to you channel Iain and I really enjoyed your piece on the R107. I have a 1988 420SL which I've had for 22 years now. I bought it when it had covered 65k and it's now showing 313k on the clock! A real usable classic!
Hello I had a 1979 sl 450 red it was my first 107 with the wire wheels I drove the car for two years straight and it ran very well I serviced the car for myself and I loved it now I own a sl500 1998 model I love it it will last me forever low maintenance and I love it
Probably your best presented video to date. The well known independent SL 107 (&129) dealers in the UK have probably marked their stock up 25% based on your review. What a lovely example.
Great video Iain, I have daily driven my 1980 500SL for the past five years and unlike every other car I've owned has never left me stranded. Love the colour scheme of this particular R107 yet never understood the idea of such a usable car not being driven more. I can attest to the theory of a classic car needs to be driven and not just used for special occasions, they thrive on being exercised. Thanks again Iain.
To follow up on this please see if you can do video review on the Euro spec 300hp 560SEC (or 300hp 560SEL) to talk about how MB further refined the 500 engine by stroking it & upping the comp ratio to 10:1 to meet emmissions requirements without the need to include Catalytic converters. I own both the coupe & SEL in 300hp form and it was a major win for MB engineers back then. My 89 Euro 560SEL is also full HPF active suspension (no coil springs) and that updated HPF version was also another milestone for MB engineers especially for high speed driving of the big SEL to make it hunker down by 30cm and firm up above 120kph - just brilliant and love driving every chance i get
I have owned my 84 500sl fot 17 years now and it has been remarkably reliable. One big plus is that most parts when needed are still available from Merecedes or SL Shop at reasonable prices. These were suprisingly expensive cars when new.
Thanks Ian, lovely video as usual. Memories of Bobby Ewing, Dallas and arriving home after night class at college. A proper over engineered Merc. Really look forward to Sunday’s and getting my notifications!
I replaced the steering idlers and track rods on mine at 60,000 miles - the steering box was still ok (but the 300 engine is lighter) . It made a big difference to the handling.
Ian, I am so delighted that you decided to do this car. I saw it in the background and asked, and you did it! I owned one for 10years and loved every minute! (It’s in my profile picture) an amazing car! Also interesting that you mention the aj6, I’ve got a Jag with one of these in now!
Always great with new posts from U-tube's best channel! I have a R107 300SL since about 20 years back in time, love it. Wish there was someone similar to a specialist like you in Sweden so I could feel safe when I hand in the car for service.
I am a Mercedes fan, never drove anything else for 35 years, but I have never understood why people wet their pants over the R107. They were an old design from the 60's when new and had so many faults. I owned one and sold it as soon as I discovered the hidden damage and ongoing faults. I bought a R129 as my plaything and still have it - such a massive improvement if you don't mind the finicky electrics and replacing the roof control module every 7 or eight years! Such an advance over the R107 in every respect and still a head turner today not because of what it was, but because of what it is - still a remarkably good looking car that compares fantastically to any modern design! A real car!!
Another well presented review video Iain, 40 years ago my wife's uncle had a 350 V8 saloon of somewhere around that era, one of the most astounding features of that car was the complete absence of oil leaks after around 300,000 miles, undercarriage "dry as a chip", and the bodywork looked like it had been completely machined from the one billet of metal.
I drove a friend's 450 SE of the same vintage as this 500 SL for a 200+ km trip on ordinary roads (Thredbo to Canberra for Australians) and I was astonished at how high the revs were just cruising at 100kmh, the speed limit. From memory, they were over 3,000 rpm. The engine was still smooth, but, not being used to automatics, I thought that something was wrong. My normal drive was a Triumph Dolomite sprint manual with overdrive. 100kmh in overdrive top was around 2,300 rpm. 4.5 litre engine vs 2 litre engine. I definitely understand Iain's comments in this area.
On timing chain issues, my recollections on M102 and M110 series in 123 and 124. Was indeed they initially used single chain, that failed and they did recall for double chain.....we all know the story. If my memory serves, a young MB Mechanic from South America discovered/suggested that the two chain oil sprayers be enlarged and this solved the problem, he was duly rewarded by MB AG and they went back to single. I may of course be wrong. Love your videos, awesome work, thank you. Best Ian .
QUIET a few of these still on the roads in my neck of the woods(Nevada..). Lots more sit around in the Scrapyards where they go un-crushed and un-wanted. Lots of U.S. Market early European stuff still out here. In June this year I was given a Black 2-Owner '69 Ford Cortina 1600 with 94.000 original miles. Zero rust,undamaged Interior(it was garaged..)still used but you get the idea. No idea what I'm going to do with it. Nice Vid Mr. T & Co.
When I was a kid (I’m 45) MB was the absolute pinnacle for cars imo. I thought they were otherworldly, with the doors closing like bank vaults, the Batman like seat headrests, and the styling. I still love MB from those days, and I don’t think they ever improved on them. Great stuff, keep up the great work!
I'm of a mind that showing the cars as they come into your shop is the best way to do it. Looking like it's been driven, and appreciated. That's one reason I look forward to your videos
Excellent video on a great car. A euro-500 too! Rare Ferraris and Lambo's are considered exotic now, but as Iain says, in their day, the R107 was an exotic, expensive and classy car, if you saw one parked up... Many thanks.
Another key feature of the euro 500SL and later US 560SL was the introduction of the anti squat rear suspension. Cast aluminum rear control arm with linkage to keep the car level during acceleration. Great episode 👍👍
Fantastic video Iain - yes I've always loved the W107, and the pre-1985 500 SL's were the most classic and exotic. Many thanks indeed for your content.
My mates Dad had a mint 78 SLC hardtop and we used to hang out in his garage, and I’d always ask if I could open and close the door. Growing up in Aus driving pretty crappy cars it was just an amazing thing to behold the quality of the merc and 15 years later I bought a 420 SEL, because of that car.
Been seeing this sitting in the background of the workshop for a while. To me still the definitive Benz SL, and yes, that love for this model came from seeing them on all those TV shows when I was a child. This was the longest running SL, wasn't it?
So glad to hear you use the term ’door trim’ rather than ‘door card’ as most people seem to say nowadays . Was always ‘door trim’ when I used to work on them.
Same here! We started with a 99 and my father had 3 900, The last one was in 86 I think and it was Turbo. I always love the simplicity of the sunroof, worked great with no gremlins like the motorised versions.
Ok yeah. BUT THE 900 AERO..?!? Interesting this MB recirculating ball steering (ZF I presume) also featured on another rustbucket - the Fiat Argenta (I know, I have a 120ie, bit tuned. Will never sell it, will have a look at adjusting the steering play tho - thanx!)
Had one of these Iain...bought from the McAlpine family in the channel Islands ...only 21,000 miles 1981 ( with the lovely Mexican hat alloys) and in Concourse condition. Loved the car and very much regret selling it as Indeed i do a number of beautiful cars I have bought and swore I would never sell. Marvellous video as always.
Thank you for another wonderful video, I love the technical details and history of the subject matter, can we have a video about the black Saab 900 turbo in the background, would love to hear your thoughts and yes I am a Saab man.
Viewers of this channel are all true petrolheads who would love to see more of that lovely SAAB in the back... more comments about that than the featured Mercedes...
Thank you for posting this - i was trying to confirm the name of the car to say the same thing. Then for a moment I thought I was mistaken thinking that it was even a lambo. All is right with the world again after seeing your comment lol.
Absolutely stunned to see a Jarama! probably only the second one I've ever seen, (the first is kept near where I live in a very eye catching Green colour).
Whenever he puts his spectacles on... you know some fascinating pearls of wisdom are forthcoming :P A less pristine example of these would be cool with supercharged SL55 AMG underpinnings whilst maintaining the classic original look. Or is this sacrilege?!...
Hi Iain. Loving your channel and the details you convey during your videos. I love your passion for what you do. Very impressed wih your knowledge base. I did note in this video seeing the nose of a classic Saab 900. I am a huge Saab fan and still own two - a Saab 9000 Aero MY97 (have owned since 1998) and a Classic Saab 900 Aero MY88. Maybe you could do a video on the classic Saab 900. I also have owned a Porsche 928 S4 MY89 for 9 years now and simply love this car. Keep up the great videos. Enjoy your Xmas and looking forward to seeing more great videos. Cheers Tony
Excellent video as always! Couple of small corrections for the 107 fanatic... the only MB V8 to use a single row timing chain was the M116 3.8 liter made for the US market between 81 and 83. All European 3.8's have a double row chain as do US 84's and 85's. As far as I know there were no RHD 560SL's ever offered, cars sold in Japan were LHD. In the 107 convertible the interior options were MB Tex with cloth inserts on the seats and door cards as std, full MB Tex or leather seats, door panels were always Tex even when leather seating surfaces were selected. Velour was never offered on the convertible. The C107 could be had with all 4 interior options.
@@johnmcdonald1647 Tks for the clarification John! I was never 100% sure if the 560's sold in Japan and Australia were RHD, did they have euro bumpers as well? I believe however that the engines were rated at 238hp since the cars had the same emissions package as US bound 560SL's. Can you confirm that? Tks
@@jbrasile,as far as I know all 560SL's US,Japan and Australia were rated at 227 hp that's why the 500SL at 240 hp is considered the "sport" version of the R107.
The undercoating splitting and causing corrosion is something that has to be looked after even on later MBs. I've been fighting with this type of corrosion on my 1991 W126 S Class. I imagine few early R107s sold for the UK or Europe got the Chrysler sourced AutoTemp climate control system - the one with the vertical stack of buttons. That's a good thing, that system was so unreliable that Chrysler quit putting it in their cars 2 years before Mercedes started using it in 1976!. I remember the first time I saw one of the AutoTemp climate control servos, it was on a 1977 300D. I didn't know what it was, but I knew that something with that many wires, vacuum lines, and coolant hoses going to it could not be up to any good! Your friend with the 420 must've had a 420SEL - the W126 was never offered with a V8 and the short wheelbase in the US market. A European 1982 trim 280SEL had more horesepower than a US spec 1982 380 SEL! Mercedes would do well to revisit the door feel from their earlier models. I was shocked at how flimsy and hollow the door handle operation was on a late 2010s S Class.
That KE audio sonic information - something I wasn't aware of, but goes a long way to explain why it's so important to make sure KE cars have no vacuum leaks anywhere. This is an excellent video
Thanks for a very informative and entertaining video Iain. The 107 Mercedes isn't a car I have really been drawn to during my life, but after watching the video, I find myself scouring the Internet for a nice example. Still the best automotive channel on RUclips, by far.
The enormous steering wheel of my 380SE (bought new by my dad in 1985, I later put a modified 560 motor in it) makes it my favorite steering wheel of any of my cars. I wish more wheels were made for us tall/broad people.
Without hesitation these are the first videos I click on in my subscription list. It’s always a brighter day when you release another insight into your work life, Iain. As always, thank you for sharing!
Thank you to everyone for the incredible support of this channel. If you have a question you've been itching to ask Iain then please reply to this comment and if you're lucky he may just answer it in a future video.
... I spy that SAAB... any video on it in your future?
What's your cut off point for accepting cars to work on?
Love the channel, please feature an Islero. There is so little content available on this beautiful GT.
Another brilliant and very interesting informative video Ian,
Hopefully your next video will be on the SAAB 900 Turbo seen in the background👍🤞
Iain, what’s your daily driver? And what’s in your dream garage? This is my favourite you tube car channel. I love the fact someone more geeky than me exists. Every time a new video drops it feels like port and cigar time.
Respect, you know every important aspect of this R107 - Greetings from a Mercedes-Benz engineer in Stuttgart, Matthias
Keep making V8s cause they're the best.
If you aren’t going to make a V8, at least give us 5 cylinders. I’m not buying a 4 cylinder performance car ever!
I've never heard before about Bosch using ultrasounds to improve fuel economy in the K-Jetronic. Can you explain ?
@@pjrebordao it's how the injectors are laid out... the older ones were simple pintle injectors with a constant cone, the upgraded K-Jet used injectors where the pintle is allowed to roll around in a bigger orifice (we're talking hudredths of millimeters) but this allows for a much more thorough atomization of the fuel. I believe BOSCH found this out because some older cars were getting better mileage with the worn injectors :)
@LIVERPOOLSCOTTISH That's not an issue, the Engieers have any input, sadly. That's all in Controlling, going over the cars with a comb to scoure every little cent possible. As someone driving a new W213, having driving a W205 for over 150k km and a W204 for over 200k km, the Quality has been A LOT better over the last ~ 8 Years. I have more gripes with the Design, than the Quality...
Dear Dad, you always called your 450 SL the tank and, evidently, you weren't the only one. After the GTV, it certainly was a tank - which is why, for all its SPICA injection and coolant/oil exchange woes, we had to get that GTV back. I wish you were here to see this video.
Dear Iain, my dad died seven years ago this weekend. I was his first born son. We didn't agree on much - that's biology. But what we did connect on was cars. He replaced a wonderful, temperamental Alfa 2000 GTV with a Robin's egg blue 450 SL - which must have been a stateside-only model - that he called the tank - for all the reasons you mention. Thank you for the timely visit down memory lane. Cheers!
The euro 500 SL and SEC were pleasure cars for Formula 1 Drivers. That speaks volumes of the performance, engineering, quality, reliability. It stoked the gray market import fire here in the states late 70's, early 80's.
The '81 US 380SL was Worst of Breed. I worked at dealer changing single row timing chains, bent valves post broken chains. I was very busy.,... Soon after the 190 series with questionable body quality arrived to US shores. More warranty job security.
Best of breed during that time?
500/560's, 6.9, 190E-2 .3 16valve, 123/126 300 turbodiesel.
Love your presentations. Your very informed and accurate through your experience👍🇬🇧
✌️🇺🇲☮️ C.D. in New Hampshire
Hi do you have any stories from your time back then?
Please do a video on the Saab 900 Turbo Aero(?) that is parked in the background.
Plus one please
Totally agree
another vote on thar
I just came to say the same.
Ahhh, loved my 900T 16S 3dr Aero... had about 14 Saabs lol. Another all time great
"The car you always promised yourself" advertising slogan was for the Ford Capri (I think). The first 'through flow' ventilation system was introduced on the Ford Cortina Mk1, Series 2, from October 1964.
I work on a lot of these 107's.I am often asked by potential buyers where they rust... Standard answer is always "any part made of steel".
Steering box should NOT be adjusted on the car but on the bench .
The early 380 engines are quite the road burner. One of my favourite cars in the past was 380SE ,1980, which drove as quickly as the 500SEC I also had at the time. The 380 is now owned by a mate who has restored it.
The fastest or quickest 107's to me were always the Djet injected 350's and the Djet injected 450's.
Mr Terrell, I bought a little old lady 1 owner from Dallas in Navy Blue. 1986 500 with 16,355 mi. It looks new. I love it and look so cool now! Thank you for telling me about this gem so I didn’t buy some mid life crisis mobile. 55 years young and not in a Mustang! Door panels are great and steering tight. Thank you sir from Texas!
If you ever want to sell it, it's my dream car. I was also born in '86 so the novelty is not lost on me. I'd love to talk to you about your car!
This era of Mercedes was fantastic. But you really have to go over one in person to fully appreciate just how beautifully engineered they actually are. Many years ago, when I was still working as a mechanic, a customer pulled up at the workshop, (for what reason I can't remember), but he had a 1979 450SE with him on a trailer.
Naturally, I asked what he planned to do with it, and instead of getting an expected reply of, "do 'er up", or something similar, got, "banger race it"! Whilst I'm sure it would have made a formidable opponent on the banger circuit, I couldn't let that happen, told him so, offered him £100 more than he paid for it, so £250, and took it off his hands.
This car, although solid, was rough, had covered nearly 200,000 miles and had clearly suffered a hard life, (the last few years of it anyway).
But, like Ian demonstrated in the video, the doors still lined up perfectly, and shut with that reassuring thunk. I can't imagine you'd be able to say that about certain modern Mercedes. Especially from, say, the early to late noughties.
I think something should be added: at 18:00 you see the idle valve. The other way they improved the fuel consumption was introducing a secondary air circuit. The idle valve diverts air through the two rubber hoses that go along the injectors. This high speed air is introduced very near to the injectors' head. This enables less fuel to be required to be properly mixed with air. Another way they improved the consumption was by starting from stop in 2nd gear by default. Yet another way was by using special materials for the cylinder walls and piston rings, can't remember the materials right now. The ultrasonic injection is done in the simplest way: there's a little spring-loaded needle at each injector. It simply vibrates at ultrasonic speed when the fuel comes through!
Others have already said quite deservedly how great your classic workshops are. I am more than convinced that you would make many of your viewers happy if you did a review on that Saab 900.
Such a desirable icon. For my taste, both the R107 and W116 simply are the most gorgeous M Bs ever made. Reading the R107 being introduced in 1971, it must have been a leap ahead compared to anything else in the world of cars. Even Rolls Royce or BMW weren't close to it at the time. M B simply forwarded the clock of at least 7 years of general car development I think. A modern designed and fully padded integrated dasboard was unheard of for European cars, integrated outside mirrors, fully integrated designed head and tail lights, low profile design with such elegancy. Really a pity rust being a major issue with these cars, specially in the 70s, but it did improve much apparently. It is always a delight hearing you elaborate 🙂
And so say all of us, Linda.,, perhaps not so well
Harrys garage new video and Ian's on the same evening... Feeling spoilt 🤣
And a new Retropower - check them out if you haven't already. Obsessive engineering.
yeh i agree.. lifts the mood for us petrol men. got that wrong.. EV men.
And we can thank Harry for Ian doing these videos!
Iain, can you please come to Vancouver and drive my wife and I across the country for a vacation? I can think of nothing more pleasant than listening to you quietly extolling the virtues of any vehicle for the 4,600 mile drive. Thank you for the effort.
As I've grown to love this channel (for obvious reasons), I've recently come to realize one very subtle yet powerful element - Tyrrell is THE consummate salesman, period, end of discussion. He presents his product/subject in the most appealing, passionate way (while gently nudging it's shortcomings) and explains why. THE ultimate salesman in every way. Cheers!
Yes he is.
Black Saab Rules!!!
Please do something on that wonderful late model Saab 900 you have in the back of shot.
Love the Merc.
Also interested in the Saab here
Yeah that 900 is quality and of great interest to me!
Yes love to hear your impreassions owned a silver saab aero 16S and a great car but a high cost car to repair and service hard on CV joints did a turbo and a gearbox Loved it but glad to see it go in the end
Looks like a late 1980s or early 1990s 900 Aero (or SPG in the USA). I think I can see the whale tail. Black looks sexy and I've recently seen pictures of a restored and slightly modded black UK 900 Aero that looks fabulous. The most "authentic" colour is a very slightly tinted white that was used in the original factory test cars. They made very few of them in that colour, so good luck with finding one. I sold my 1989 900 aero manual in 2013, reluctantly, not enough garage space, and I still miss it. It had been a very good friend.
Love the Benz too 😁
Same here, I wouldn't mind seeing a bit more of the Saab.
Your content is far superior to anything that's on TV!
This video had passed me by. I love the respect you show the owners cars. After warming the cars nicely another example is the large puddle on the return run to Hawarden airport near Kop House Farm that you avoid in all your videos.....! A puddle that was there even in the late 70s when I used to cycle to Queensferry/Deeside High School from the ferry lane footbridge.
How are you doing Nick. I hope you are doing well and having a good weather where you are. I'm looking for new friend OK!
The R107 is a masterpiece of design and engineering. I took the emissions junk out of my 1985 380SL, and the difference in performance was impressive. Great program. Thank you for your enthusiasm and for sharing your knowledge.
Not many classic car experts can say they fly to Cali for a singing engagement!
This channel is pure treasure.
Please do an episode with that Saab 900 turbo aero (89?) seen in the background in this video. Also awesome video as usual!
Another vote here for that 900 video.
99 Turbo even better
Would be nice, lots to tell about that car, the aero models until 1993 are very cool.
+1 for the 900 👍🏻 and 9000 aero, if possible!
Me too!! Just posted the same question before seeing this comment. I'd love to see some content on this Saab!
30 minutes of Mercedes appreciation from Mr. Tyrell? Yes please!
Very informative Video ....speaking as an Ex Mechanic from the 70"s and currently proud owner of a 1977 450SL in Australia....wish we had those lovely Autobarns and quite Englishside roads to enjoy driving along ....
I’ve been waiting for Iain to do a video on the R107 SL, my most favourite Benz ever. A lovely original example, shown off by one of my favourite and knowledgeable presenters. Great video..
Well said!
I've been waiting for the R107 video. Loved it. Thanks. My 107 gets regular continental crushing runs from the UK to Italy with my work, a drive I always look forward to. It's a 560SL and you are right, 24/25mpg on a run. I know I am 10bhp short of the euro 500, but after 35 years, who's counting! Really enjoying the channel, (and the refreshingly grubby engine bays!). Thank you, good work!
Oh Iain, (love the proper Iain spelling btw). You just saved my life. And that is not hyperbole btw. I was feeling so utterly low that I really can't express where my head was at. A Tyrell's Classic vid, um, does something for my mood. In this horror story of a year, your videos are priceless
Very humbled to hear you say that. Really. Thank you
@@iain_tyrrell You're most welcome Iain I hang on the month waiting for your next instalment
Likewise, it is medicine for the soul. Hope you are ok @roybone100?
Sorry meant @rorybone100
@@peteracton6360Yeah, much better now. It has been a filthy year but Mr Tyrell and others have helped enormously.
I like that you acknowledged that Mercedes-Benz from this era tend to rust from the inside out. People who admire these cars without ever owning or being around them tend to think of them as 'bulletproof tanks'. I owned a W116 that showed no visible rust but it was still very rusty. The area around the fuel cap behind the fuel cap cover can be the first semi-obvious place to see it. Check behind the sound deadening mat on the firewall and it's usually rusty there too. Inspect the sunroof drains if the car has a sunroof and if it's rusty there you can pretty much forget it - incontrovertible structural damage and an economic write off. If there's visible rust at the bottom of the doors it's probably too far gone at that point and is being held together by the paint. It's a real shame that they didn't galvanise the chassis and put a bit more thought into drainage because there would be more of them still around today. Aside from the rust issues it was still the best car I've owned. Mine wasn't in perfect condition, it was mostly original, it had about 220,000kms on it and I was maintaining it on a shoestring budget. Nevertheless, this one time, I drove it from Adelaide South Australia to Portland Victoria and back again in a single day, driving it about as fast as I could get away with and it didn't miss a beat (that's about 1,100kms). I doubt I'll ever forget that day.
I love your knowledge and passion I have always loved them I refer to it as the Bobby Ewing mobile .
Ford Capri “ the car you always promised yourself “
In my family it's the 'Bobby Mercedes' :)
Wonderful stuff Iain. Thank you. I can see a Saab 900 of some flavour just off camera - would love to see a video on that too!
Ohh yes please
Me three, my dad had a 83 900 GLi saloon when I was a teen and I've been smitten with the classic 900 ever since. The noise the heating controls made was awesome!
As a owner of a 1991 SPG turbo, I’d like a review too!
Just been introduced to you channel Iain and I really enjoyed your piece on the R107. I have a 1988 420SL which I've had for 22 years now. I bought it when it had covered 65k and it's now showing 313k on the clock! A real usable classic!
Hello I had a 1979 sl 450 red it was my first 107 with the wire wheels I drove the car for two years straight and it ran very well I serviced the car for myself and I loved it now I own a sl500 1998 model I love it it will last me forever low maintenance and I love it
Probably your best presented video to date. The well known independent SL 107 (&129) dealers in the UK have probably marked their stock up 25% based on your review. What a lovely example.
Oh yes! Half an hour of Iain talking about a 500SL! I'm saving this for after dinner, looking forward to it more than Christmas.
🎄
Great video Iain, I have daily driven my 1980 500SL for the past five years and unlike every other car I've owned has never left me stranded. Love the colour scheme of this particular R107 yet never understood the idea of such a usable car not being driven more. I can attest to the theory of a classic car needs to be driven and not just used for special occasions, they thrive on being exercised. Thanks again Iain.
I would be curious to know what were the other cars you've owned that left you stranded?
To follow up on this please see if you can do video review on the Euro spec 300hp 560SEC (or 300hp 560SEL) to talk about how MB further refined the 500 engine by stroking it & upping the comp ratio to 10:1 to meet emmissions requirements without the need to include Catalytic converters. I own both the coupe & SEL in 300hp form and it was a major win for MB engineers back then. My 89 Euro 560SEL is also full HPF active suspension (no coil springs) and that updated HPF version was also another milestone for MB engineers especially for high speed driving of the big SEL to make it hunker down by 30cm and firm up above 120kph - just brilliant and love driving every chance i get
I have owned my 84 500sl fot 17 years now and it has been remarkably reliable. One big plus is that most parts when needed are still available from Merecedes or SL Shop at reasonable prices. These were suprisingly expensive cars when new.
"reasonable prices" dont really apply to any parts anymore today 🙃
Thanks Ian, lovely video as usual. Memories of Bobby Ewing, Dallas and arriving home after night class at college. A proper over engineered Merc. Really look forward to Sunday’s and getting my notifications!
I replaced the steering idlers and track rods on mine at 60,000 miles - the steering box was still ok (but the 300 engine is lighter) . It made a big difference to the handling.
Ian, I am so delighted that you decided to do this car. I saw it in the background and asked, and you did it! I owned one for 10years and loved every minute! (It’s in my profile picture) an amazing car! Also interesting that you mention the aj6, I’ve got a Jag with one of these in now!
Always great with new posts from U-tube's best channel! I have a R107 300SL since about 20 years back in time, love it. Wish there was someone similar to a specialist like you in Sweden so I could feel safe when I hand in the car for service.
A lifejacket of sanity in a tempestuous time. Thank you for helping keep me afloat sir. Lovely work.
I am a Mercedes fan, never drove anything else for 35 years, but I have never understood why people wet their pants over the R107. They were an old design from the 60's when new and had so many faults. I owned one and sold it as soon as I discovered the hidden damage and ongoing faults. I bought a R129 as my plaything and still have it - such a massive improvement if you don't mind the finicky electrics and replacing the roof control module every 7 or eight years! Such an advance over the R107 in every respect and still a head turner today not because of what it was, but because of what it is - still a remarkably good looking car that compares fantastically to any modern design! A real car!!
Yes, the 129’s day is coming!
Another well presented review video Iain, 40 years ago my wife's uncle had a 350 V8 saloon of somewhere around that era, one of the most astounding features of that car was the complete absence of oil leaks after around 300,000 miles, undercarriage "dry as a chip", and the bodywork looked like it had been completely machined from the one billet of metal.
I drove a friend's 450 SE of the same vintage as this 500 SL for a 200+ km trip on ordinary roads (Thredbo to Canberra for Australians) and I was astonished at how high the revs were just cruising at 100kmh, the speed limit. From memory, they were over 3,000 rpm. The engine was still smooth, but, not being used to automatics, I thought that something was wrong. My normal drive was a Triumph Dolomite sprint manual with overdrive. 100kmh in overdrive top was around 2,300 rpm. 4.5 litre engine vs 2 litre engine. I definitely understand Iain's comments in this area.
Wonderful..we have a 560SL - love it - can we still get a video on the Saab please.. thanks!!!
On timing chain issues, my recollections on M102 and M110 series in 123 and 124. Was indeed they initially used single chain, that failed and they did recall for double chain.....we all know the story. If my memory serves, a young MB Mechanic from South America discovered/suggested that the two chain oil sprayers be enlarged and this solved the problem, he was duly rewarded by MB AG and they went back to single. I may of course be wrong.
Love your videos, awesome work, thank you.
Best
Ian
.
Saab 900 in the background 😍
Nice one again Iain, love your style. Keep it up
QUIET a few of these still on the roads in my neck of the woods(Nevada..). Lots more sit around in the Scrapyards where they go un-crushed and un-wanted. Lots of U.S. Market early European stuff still out here. In June this year I was given a Black 2-Owner '69 Ford Cortina 1600 with 94.000 original miles. Zero rust,undamaged Interior(it was garaged..)still used but you get the idea. No idea what I'm going to do with it. Nice Vid Mr. T & Co.
Excellent video. I see a nice SAAB 900 aero in the background. Had one as my first car... would love to see a video of that 🙄
When I was a kid (I’m 45) MB was the absolute pinnacle for cars imo. I thought they were otherworldly, with the doors closing like bank vaults, the Batman like seat headrests, and the styling. I still love MB from those days, and I don’t think they ever improved on them. Great stuff, keep up the great work!
'The car you always promised yourself' was the Mk 1 Ford Capri - and very successful it was too. Great channel Ian.
Was just coming to say that John... In fact it was the whole Capri range that was seen as the "budget" classic car !
I typed it too, before seeing your comments.
I also like Mercedes own historic catchline.
"The best or nothing."
I'm of a mind that showing the cars as they come into your shop is the best way to do it. Looking like it's been driven, and appreciated. That's one reason I look forward to your videos
Do the Saab next! Great vid!
I saw quite a few of these 500SL when I was a young boy and always wanted one. A lot of design and engineering went into these (for the time).
Excellent video on a great car. A euro-500 too! Rare Ferraris and Lambo's are considered exotic now, but as Iain says, in their day, the R107 was an exotic, expensive and classy car, if you saw one parked up... Many thanks.
That door closing @10:40 is wonderful Iain. There's no shoving or pushing, just a nudge and it shuts itself.
Another key feature of the euro 500SL and later US 560SL was the introduction of the anti squat rear suspension. Cast aluminum rear control arm with linkage to keep the car level during acceleration.
Great episode 👍👍
Fantastic video Iain - yes I've always loved the W107, and the pre-1985 500 SL's were the most classic and exotic. Many thanks indeed for your content.
My mates Dad had a mint 78 SLC hardtop and we used to hang out in his garage, and I’d always ask if I could open and close the door.
Growing up in Aus driving pretty crappy cars it was just an amazing thing to behold the quality of the merc and 15 years later I bought a 420 SEL, because of that car.
My father drove a US-spec 1978 450SL from new until the mid-2000s. This video really took me back. Thank you!
how could anybody dislike this ?? beautiful car , obviously very well cared for , a walk-round by a very engaging expert ..
My dad had (still has, actually), a W123 back in the 80's.. Even as an 8 year old kid I was impressed by the door closing 'clunk'.
Been seeing this sitting in the background of the workshop for a while. To me still the definitive Benz SL, and yes, that love for this model came from seeing them on all those TV shows when I was a child. This was the longest running SL, wasn't it?
So glad to hear you use the term ’door trim’ rather than ‘door card’ as most people seem to say nowadays . Was always ‘door trim’ when I used to work on them.
Another excellent video. It's really a workshop - when lain opens his mouth learning begins.
What can you tell us about the Saab 900 in the back...?
🗑
It was the Ford Capri - "The car you always promised yourself". Oh, and my 420SE was one you drove !
Have you taken the tennis ball out of the exhaust pipe yet? 😀
Love to see more of the SAAB, my dad had one when I was a kid.
Is that the car to the left of the MB in the beginning?
Same here! We started with a 99 and my father had 3 900, The last one was in 86 I think and it was Turbo. I always love the simplicity of the sunroof, worked great with no gremlins like the motorised versions.
My first car was a W107 the secound a Saab 900. Great to see them together
Was he gay 🌈?
Ok yeah. BUT THE 900 AERO..?!?
Interesting this MB recirculating ball steering (ZF I presume) also featured on another rustbucket - the Fiat Argenta (I know, I have a 120ie, bit tuned. Will never sell it, will have a look at adjusting the steering play tho - thanx!)
Had one of these Iain...bought from the McAlpine family in the channel Islands ...only 21,000 miles 1981 ( with the lovely Mexican hat alloys) and in Concourse condition.
Loved the car and very much regret selling it as Indeed i do a number of beautiful cars I have bought and swore I would never sell.
Marvellous video as always.
Watching your videos takes me back to when the world was a better place and is one of the few pleasures I still look forward to.
Thank you for another wonderful video, I love the technical details and history of the subject matter, can we have a video about the black Saab 900 turbo in the background, would love to hear your thoughts and yes I am a Saab man.
Definitely one of my dream cars, I think the C107 is a masterpiece of design.
I own an Audi 80 b3, it too has that door shutting sound, German engineering around that time was amazing.
True, but the steel used wasn't...🥳
@@MichaelOZimmermannJCDECS my car is fully galvanised.
Viewers of this channel are all true petrolheads who would love to see more of that lovely SAAB in the back... more comments about that than the featured Mercedes...
Lovely. Need to see more of that 900 Turbo!
Hey, it's great to see a classic SAAB 900 in the background. Now that's a wonderful car!
How are you doing James. I hope you are doing well and having a good weather where you are. I'm looking for new friend OK!
I want to see more about the Jarama in the background! They only built 328 of these Lamborghini's!
Thank you for posting this - i was trying to confirm the name of the car to say the same thing. Then for a moment I thought I was mistaken thinking that it was even a lambo. All is right with the world again after seeing your comment lol.
Absolutely stunned to see a Jarama! probably only the second one I've ever seen, (the first is kept near where I live in a very eye catching Green colour).
You are next level Iain, thanks for this .. p.s. ‘The Car You Always Promised Yourself’ - Ford Capri ads from 1969 -1986
Whenever he puts his spectacles on... you know some fascinating pearls of wisdom are forthcoming :P
A less pristine example of these would be cool with supercharged SL55 AMG underpinnings whilst maintaining the classic original look. Or is this sacrilege?!...
Hi Iain. Loving your channel and the details you convey during your videos. I love your passion for what you do. Very impressed wih your knowledge base. I did note in this video seeing the nose of a classic Saab 900. I am a huge Saab fan and still own two - a Saab 9000 Aero MY97 (have owned since 1998) and a Classic Saab 900 Aero MY88. Maybe you could do a video on the classic Saab 900. I also have owned a Porsche 928 S4 MY89 for 9 years now and simply love this car. Keep up the great videos. Enjoy your Xmas and looking forward to seeing more great videos. Cheers Tony
Fantastic video. The Real Deal. How times have changed for Mercedes with plastic chrome, plastic wood, fake vents, fart exhaust noises etc
Yes modern mercs are pretty naff in comparison
Great channel, great cars and a very pleasant Moderator. Keep up the good work.
Used to have a 73 450SLC, smacked the back of my head on that bonnet overhang every time.
Excellent video as always!
Couple of small corrections for the 107 fanatic... the only MB V8 to use a single row timing chain was the M116 3.8 liter made for the US market between 81 and 83. All European 3.8's have a double row chain as do US 84's and 85's.
As far as I know there were no RHD 560SL's ever offered, cars sold in Japan were LHD.
In the 107 convertible the interior options were MB Tex with cloth inserts on the seats and door cards as std, full MB Tex or leather seats, door panels were always Tex even when leather seating surfaces were selected. Velour was never offered on the convertible. The C107 could be had with all 4 interior options.
Sorry Japan and Australia imported rhd 560sl starting 1986 through 1989,factory rhd.
@@johnmcdonald1647 Tks for the clarification John! I was never 100% sure if the 560's sold in Japan and Australia were RHD, did they have euro bumpers as well? I believe however that the engines were rated at 238hp since the cars had the same emissions package as US bound 560SL's. Can you confirm that? Tks
@@jbrasile,as far as I know all 560SL's US,Japan and Australia were rated at 227 hp that's why the 500SL at 240 hp is considered the "sport" version of the R107.
@@johnmcdonald1647 Perfect! You are absolutely right, 560SL's with the emission package were rated at 227hp, my mistake. Tks
That SAAB was strategically parked there.... 900 SPG is a really cool car
I learned so much just now on what to watch out for on my '78 450SL. Thank you!
Very informative from expert experience! Gives me solice, having only owned and daily driving '80s Benzs
Beautiful car, in my mechanic time we had a customer with such a Mercedes, a 6 cylinder, I have always loved it while I am not a Mercedes fan.
The undercoating splitting and causing corrosion is something that has to be looked after even on later MBs. I've been fighting with this type of corrosion on my 1991 W126 S Class.
I imagine few early R107s sold for the UK or Europe got the Chrysler sourced AutoTemp climate control system - the one with the vertical stack of buttons. That's a good thing, that system was so unreliable that Chrysler quit putting it in their cars 2 years before Mercedes started using it in 1976!. I remember the first time I saw one of the AutoTemp climate control servos, it was on a 1977 300D. I didn't know what it was, but I knew that something with that many wires, vacuum lines, and coolant hoses going to it could not be up to any good!
Your friend with the 420 must've had a 420SEL - the W126 was never offered with a V8 and the short wheelbase in the US market. A European 1982 trim 280SEL had more horesepower than a US spec 1982 380 SEL!
Mercedes would do well to revisit the door feel from their earlier models. I was shocked at how flimsy and hollow the door handle operation was on a late 2010s S Class.
Saab 900 T16S in the background Iain, please please please do a video on this most quirky of classics!
Another University / Professor type of presentation! Excellent! Thank you!
That KE audio sonic information - something I wasn't aware of, but goes a long way to explain why it's so important to make sure KE cars have no vacuum leaks anywhere.
This is an excellent video
I own the same car in 300SL guise...same colour incl soft top as well...I’m going to enjoy this 😎
Iain as always your video's are just a lovely informative way to while away half an hour. Thanks and keep them coming.
Thanks for a very informative and entertaining video Iain. The 107 Mercedes isn't a car I have really been drawn to during my life, but after watching the video, I find myself scouring the Internet for a nice example. Still the best automotive channel on RUclips, by far.
Please come down to earth even more with a video featuring that gorgeous Saab 900 turbo!
The enormous steering wheel of my 380SE (bought new by my dad in 1985, I later put a modified 560 motor in it) makes it my favorite steering wheel of any of my cars. I wish more wheels were made for us tall/broad people.
Without hesitation these are the first videos I click on in my subscription list. It’s always a brighter day when you release another insight into your work life, Iain. As always, thank you for sharing!