They Forgot How To Build Cars: 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560 SL

The 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560 SL Is Proof We Took A Wrong Turn

They say "they don't make them like they used to." Usually, that’s nostalgia. In the case of the R107 Mercedes-Benz 560 SL, it is a quantifiable engineering fact. This car represents the final moment in automotive history before cost optimization replaced over engineering as the dominant philosophy.

In this episode, we dissect the 1987 560 SL not as a classic collectible, but as a standard of build quality. We look at the physics of the M117 V8, the "bank vault" construction, and the specific reasons why modern luxury cars feel flimsy by comparison.

OWNER INTEL WARNING: If you are shopping for an R107, you need to know about the "Shopping List of Doom." We cover the timing chain guides, subframe mounts, and vacuum system failures that can turn a $15k bargain into financial ruin.

Tech Specs (The Numbers):

• Engine: 5.6L M117 V8 (Naturally Aspirated)
• Output: 227 hp @ 4750 rpm / 279 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm
• Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic
• Curb Weight: 3,670 lbs

The Reality: 0-60 in ~7.0 seconds (but that's not the point).

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