What are the INEVITABLE repairs for a 107?

[metavenue]

Hi -

There was a thread a couple of weeks ago on 107 Maintenance costs and someone brought up the fact that a lot of them are actually "inevitable" repairs - stuff that needs fixing on every tired SL - rather than maintenance stuff.

This seemed like an important distinction and worth clarifying.

So leaving aside maintenance stuff - fluid changes, tires, plugs etc. - what do people think are the inevitable repairs for a tired SL and what do they cost to fix in terms of labor hours and parts? And what are the "likely" and "possible repairs"?

Below is my list of "inevitable", "likely" and "possible" repairs. I'd be curious as to what everyone else thinks...

NOTE: THIS HAS BEEN EDITED TO REFLECT COMMENTS BELOW (2/16/13)

INEVITABLE @ 30K miles or 10 years

Shocks (1 hr labor, $300 in parts)

INEVITABLE @ 100K miles or 10 years

Timing Chain / Guides / Tensioner (4-6 hours labor, $400 in parts)
Front Subframe Mounts / Motor Mounts / Control Arm Bushings (5 hours labor, $500 in parts)

INEVITABLE @ 150K miles or 15 years

Ball Joints/Control Arm Bushings
New Gas Cap

LIKELY @ 100K

Muffler (2 hours labor, $400 parts)
Flex Discs /center support (6 hours labor, $200 parts)
Steering box or at least Steering Coupler
Transmission rebuild
AC / Heat rebuild (inc. Heater Fan replacement / Heater Box etc.)
Valve Gaskets
New Front/Rear Wheel Bearings
Rear drive axles or at least new boots
Radiator
Reseal Differential
Total brake system overhaul (at least reseal calipers, new master cylinder, new flex lines)
Driveshaft donuts, inner sleeves, center bearing
Rear Subframe Mounts ($400 parts)

POSSIBLE REPAIRS

New Soft-Top (7-12 hours labor (?), $500 for a new top)

[rs899]

Depends on the timeframe or duty cycle you are talking about.

If we are talking a million miles and 100 years it's going to be something , or if its 30 years and 100k miles it's something else.

For example, I would take exception to the steering box or transmission being on the list until you get to 250k, which many of these cars don't ever get to

[VicSkimmr]

if not the steering box, at least the coupler

You could also probably put new shocks and bushings for the suspension, but that applies to pretty much any car from the '80s or older.

[OldWorldShepherds]

This kind of relates to the recent thread about newbie questions as well. While the stickies up top are helpful, a one page quick reference like you have laid out above would help a newer potential owner know at a glance what potential issues are with the 107, along with a ballpark on costs. I think that would be a HUGE contribution if such a document were stickied up top. Again, not trying to step on toes just provide a little input on what would be helpful, quick and likely reduce some of the typical first timer questions...

Another advantage - potential buyer can easily print a one or two page thread or document and bring when looking at a car or give it to a PPI agent.

[Vinter]

Originally Posted by OldWorldShepherds

Another advantage - potential buyer can easily print a one or two page thread or document and bring when looking at a car or give it to a PPI agent.

Agreed - if you look at my thread "getting pre-purchase inspection done tomorrow - any tips" - you will find a lot of the items that typically need replacing. I took a bunch of small cue-cards and summarized the items on each page - which allowed me to speak intelligently to the mechanic and the seller.

As far as costs go - some provided guidance, others didn't, but you can find the info depending on if your a DIY or get a mechanic.

[Fonzi]

A list of repairs and their recommended frequency (miles or months, whichever comes first) is probably something that makes most sense. Here is an example, but probably not accurate:

- timing chain guides (1974+): 100k miles / 15 years.

- timing chain tensioner: 100k miles / 15 years

- timing chain: 100k miles (but mine was badly stretched with only 70k miles)

- timing chain sprockets: 100k miles

- shocks: 30k miles / 10 years

- subframe bushings: 100k miles / 10 years

- rust/water infiltration inspection including blower compartment, trunk and floor pans: 5k miles / 1 rain storm.




Is that the format that makes sense?








Sent from AutoGuide.com App

[metavenue]

OldWorldShepard - I agree completely. I'm no longer a new owner but a one-page summary that we all agree on would be very useful for me, and was exactly what I was looking for when I got the car. All the information is in the forum, but it's buried a bit and I couldn't find a summarized version.

Fonzi: I like your list - but I'd add into your version labor hours and approximate cost of parts. Mechanics can vary a lot in price but the labor hours and parts pricing should be comparable. This way folks have an idea of what they're getting into.

I'll edit the original post to reflect all the suggestions so far so it's all in one place too - a Wiki guide to inevitable repairs for the 107!

[OldWorldShepherds]

FWIW I would follow Metavenue's format which includes ballpark pro (indy) prices (DIY guys are more likely to research deeper and/or automatically know they can take a good % off parts pricing); the direct them to EG v107 for more specific details on the repair.

It's a guide only, not a bible, but to a perspective buyer it will educate them enough to have an idea of what they are getting into - some have no idea - ahh, here is my chance to repeat the thought for the week - "If you want a car that won't break, buy a new car. These are old cars and at times some maintenance and repairs will be needed" (proper credit to Shawn @ Significant Cars )

[rs899]

I think a more useful format might read a bit more like the maintenance matrix in one's owner's manual:


100K miles/10 years:

Timing Chain/guides/tensioner Parts $ 400 Labor 10 hours $800
Flex Discs /center support Bearing Parts $200 Labor 6 hours $500
Tierods/Center Link/Idler Arm Parts $xxx Labor y hours $yyyyy

150K miles/15 years

Ball Joints/Control Arm Bushings etc

There would need to be a lot of windage and discussion about age vs mileage etc.

I am sure there will be some controversy about the increments...

My 2 cents.

[isthisdave]

.



Back in the day we tried several different "Start Here" sticky thread titles. Those who search do, most don't.

It is what it is.


Build a thread, I'll put it in the Welcome sticky, but it's up to the the community as a whole to direct traffic.

Thanks to lfedje for the banner!

Here's a 3 minute video from Dave and Dig that contains the information presented in this post, below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVWwaPBx1rY

Are you a new member with a question? Many other members of the 107 Nation would like to help but first, they need some basic information from you. Before you post a question, please complete your profile with the following information;

• The year and model 107(s) you own. For example: 1989 560SL lets everyone know immediately what systems or parts apply to your car and can avoid discussing those which are not applicable.
• Your location. You can be vague but it helps us direct you to the best sources near you.
• The total number of miles on your chassis. If your odometer stopped working a year ago, take your best guess at your mileage and include it in the "Vehicle" section (Refer to the avatar at the top / left of this post).

We still want to hear your questions as well as your opinions but it will be easier to help you if you've done a little research first. There is a SEARCH function in the upper right corner of the forum page that lists the threads. Type in a keyword such as "subframe" or "burble" and you will see all of the posts containing those words. There is an absolute treasure trove of information to be mined here.

Also, listed in The Encyclopaedia Germanica Volume 107, the BW107 reference library, are links*** to threads containing many commonly discussed issues. They are a valuable first step, and possibly even the last word, in learning about the care and maintenance of your 107(s). Please note that in many cases, once the original topics in these threads have been thoroughly discussed, the threads may begin to wander a bit. That's just how we roll!

*** indicates that the link is off BenzWorld.

Here is a thread that is an example of how to create a useful DIY instructional thread. While the subject matter is lighthearted, the techniques employed in the creation of the thread make it easier for others to follow your work.
Front License Bracket (US) remove & replace / 3 post tutorial by Digmenow


Attention: If you have any suggestions for improving this Thread, please make them by clicking on this link to the Suggestions for Forum Top sticky thread. Thanks!



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