Looking for a fun convertible.....E30 or R231 Mercedes SL?

[mjr24]

Looking to add a convertible to my stable for $20k-35k.....

Either a really good condition E30 or a R231 SL550 (2013-2016).

Any thoughts on this? My first BMW was a E30 (not a convertible) but they always have had a soft spot with me. The issue is finding one that doesn't really need any work as I don't really have a ton of time to be restoring it.

I've had 2 R230 SL's and liked them, too. I like the hard top. You can find a nice SL550 for under $35k. I have heard the R231 is pretty reliable (this is why I don't want a SL63....because it has the ABC suspension standard and I still have nightmares of dealing with that on my R230....even though it's supposedly less problematic in the 231).

Any thoughts?

[Efthreeoh]

I owned a 1989 E30 2-door sedan for 18 years, so I know the E30 very well. The '89 E30 came with the M20B25 used in the 325is. Fantastic car.

About 8 years ago out in my rural neck of the woods a '89 E30 Cabrio manual trans came up for sale. It was a road-side advertised deal. It looked great and the interior was in good shape, but it was dog ass slow and had none of the dynamics of the 2-door sedan as fondly remembered it driving. To find a near perfect E30 Cabrio at this point, it will be on BaT (Bring a Trailer.com) and the price will get ridiculously jacked out of proportion.

Can't speak to the Benz.

[chassis]

Originally Posted by mjr24

Looking to add a convertible to my stable for $20k-35k.....

Either a really good condition E30 or a R231 SL550 (2013-2016).

Any thoughts on this? My first BMW was a E30 (not a convertible) but they always have had a soft spot with me. The issue is finding one that doesn't really need any work as I don't really have a ton of time to be restoring it.

I've had 2 R230 SL's and liked them, too. I like the hard top. You can find a nice SL550 for under $35k. I have heard the R231 is pretty reliable (this is why I don't want a SL63....because it has the ABC suspension standard and I still have nightmares of dealing with that on my R230....even though it's supposedly less problematic in the 231).

Any thoughts?

M278 V8 engine in the SL is a time bomb for many reasons, the most serious of which is bore scoring. Stay away. Read mbworld.

[Alfisti]

Honestly it is hard to go past a nice clean E85 Z4 with either the 2.5 or 3L 6 cylinder engines. Fairly simple cars, modern enough but still super analog and well within your budget.

[spazzyfry123]

At that price point, I don't see how you can go wrong with an E85 Z4 M Roadster.

[Alfisti]

An M adds complication and maintenance, I suspect OP wants "lively" not "pin your ears back". Could be wrong. However i agree there's little to no motivation to go older than that other than nostalgia.

[ShocknAwe]

I second the E85. M or nonM, take your pick!

Or shudder to suggest. How about a boxster?

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

I second the E85. M or nonM, take your pick!

Or shudder to suggest. How about a boxster?

If OP is looking at an E30, I think a 986 Boxster would be appreciated! IMS bearing will most likely have to have been done at this point, but check that and a general once over by a professional is always recommended.

If anyone wants to get me an early birthday gift, this will do:
https://carsandbids.com/auctions/rwR...sche-boxster-s

[LH44]

S2000.

[mjr24]

Nope, it’s between these two cars only….not interested in a Z4 or Boxster or anything else like that.

[Sedoy]

If you want Merc SL, go with SL55 AMG. Bullet proof engine/transmission, but you will have to uninstall unreliable ABC suspension and replace it with coils, plenty of options there

[spazzyfry123]

Originally Posted by mjr24

Nope, it’s between these two cars only….not interested in a Z4 or Boxster or anything else like that.

Well my biased opinion is the E30 with no knowledge of the SL. They seem to be polar opposites, but an E30 will always be fun.

[ShocknAwe]

Then get the E30. Easy choice.

[StradaRedlands]

Nostalgia is a hell of a drug... E30 is going to feel like an antique.
AMG SL55 all day!

But serious, Boxster splits the difference nicely... give one a try before pulling the trigger!

Or, you know...

Miata
Is
Always
The
Answer

[mjr24]

Originally Posted by Sedoy

If you want Merc SL, go with SL55 AMG. Bullet proof engine/transmission, but you will have to uninstall unreliable ABC suspension and replace it with coils, plenty of options there

I had a SL55, I want nothing to do with ABC in the 230 anymore. Most 231 SL550 models don’t have ABC. It’s standard on the SL63….which is why I don’t want it.

[mjr24]

Originally Posted by chassis

M278 V8 engine in the SL is a time bomb for many reasons, the most serious of which is bore scoring. Stay away. Read mbworld.

I think you have scared me away from the 550 based on this.....
Just curious, what does something like this cost to fix when it happens? Is it a whole new engine or ?
Also, I've read they fixed this issue on the 278 after 2015?

I assume the SL400 did not have this issue?

[vt100]

LS-swapped...

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

Miata
Is
Always
The
Answer

Corrected for you

[ShocknAwe]

Originally Posted by mjr24

I think you have scared me away from the 550 based on this.....
Just curious, what does something like this cost to fix when it happens? Is it a whole new engine or ?
Also, I've read they fixed this issue on the 278 after 2015?

I assume the SL400 did not have this issue?

If it's real bore scoring and not a scary fairy tale that only shows up on scopes and doesn't affect anything at all then it's a big deal.

You need to answer an important question.

V8 or not V8. Because if V8 is in your heart then only a V8 will scratch that itch.

[BlkGS]

I wouldn't buy either. MAYBE an SL500 or SL55. But those are automatic only, which is a big big big drawback.

[mjr24]

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

If it's real bore scoring and not a scary fairy tale that only shows up on scopes and doesn't affect anything at all then it's a big deal.

You need to answer an important question.

V8 or not V8. Because if V8 is in your heart then only a V8 will scratch that itch.

Eh, it's not a requirement, per se. I thought I miss the V8 once I bought my i7 (had like 6-7 V8's in a row to that point) but I actually don't. Then again, electric cars feel as fast as the V8. I don't miss the sound anymore.....BMW has been neutering the exhaust for 5-6 years now anyways on M cars (and AMG the same).

[ShocknAwe]

Older cars fix that sound issue. I promise.

[Bald Guy]

Also look into a Miata, s2000, Corvette, Z4, mustang, etc. All convertible versions and options.