All 350/450 SLs were 3-speed. 300SL didn't appear until 1986.

 

Between a 350 SL(i'll convert to 450 SL) and a 300 SL which would you choose. Thanks.

 

Between a 350 SL(i'll convert to 450 SL) and a 300 SL which would you choose. Thanks.

I would choose the newer car, regardless of the engine.

 

Don't just let the auto be your decision.

One thing I liked about the V8's is the sound and burble. They will have more torque, though with a 3speed auto they need it.

The 3lt I6 revs well with a 4speed auto as you would know with your 300SEL. It has the sensational 560SL brakes with 4pot calipers and large discs. A more modern ride with '86 updated suspension and greater rust proofing, probably helped by a younger age.

The end of the day they are both classics and if you buy a good one you won't regret it.

Andrew

 

I believe that they are all three speed auto is that right or were they revised at any point in their life for a four speed auto. I am offered a '74 350 sl. I would prefer if it had a four speed auto. Any advise. Would a 300 sl be a better bet instead?

The 350/450's kept the 3speed through their production. The 3speed was a 4speed that was used on other MB's of the era, but with 1st disengaged. Apparently the high low down torque on the engines would have chewed it up. A later 4speed would have to be somewhat retrofitted or custom made. And there were also 4speed manuals/sticks fitted to some 350/450's that made for a sporty ride. But then I'd probably go for the 300SL for that.

 

Can u even get into 4th gear in S'pore?

Erm...in Singapore, does a 3 or 4 speed really matter? Unless you're gonna blast up to Genting for a weekend i can't imagine you noticing the difference in S'pore itself (i know - spoken like a true M'sian )
But from my own experience with a 450SL in M'sia, i'd go for the best and latest car u can get ur hands on..the 300SL. With our weather the car will get soaking wet, so u'll appreciate good rubber, rust-proofing and decent ac much more than the difference between a 3 n 4 speed.
Oh, and the annual road tax difference between 6 cyl 3l and an 8cyl 4.5l is significant here, assume worse down there!
cheers,
Paul

 

The 350/450's kept the 3speed through their production. The 3speed was a 4speed that was used on other MB's of the era, but with 1st disengaged. Apparently the high low down torque on the engines would have chewed it .

I'd rather say 4speed auto was evolution of 3speed auto from previous era. 3 speed auto, as far as i know, was used before first W107 but it ended at the beginning of 80's when it was replaced with 4 speed auto
In last 2 years I've read many topics re dreamin' of 4speed auto box onto 3speed cars and I haven't read anyone did it actualy.

 

BTW, if you aim at 450 without ABS, ASR and limited slip diff, having 1st gear (out of 4) would make the car almost impossible to accelerate from full stop on less than perfect contact of tyres to the road.
I often have such problem if on gravel road or if the road is wet and I am a bit harsh on the pedal with my "castrated" 3 speed auto.

 

Agreed, the only advantage of a 4 speed automatic in these cars would be if 4th were overdrive instead of 1:1.

 

Definately. I am always close to 200 Km/h in Singapore. In malaysia . Chance to speed a hard as road conditions are poor. You tend only to speed on the NS highway which is quite boring. I drive 200 KM per day!

The rod tax difference ain't too much $2000 SGD diff between a 300 SL. I am fine with the road tax difference. Also te 350 SL is pretty cheap over here! So I am considering a 350 for the reason of price!

Looks like evryone points me to a 300 SL. I think I wait for a while till price for a 300 SL come down or buy a 350 and change it for a 500/560 SL engine and gearbox!