1988 Mercedes-Benz 560 SL

Tulsa, Oklahoma

$17,000 $22,900

Vehicle Details

Make

Mercedes-Benz

Model

560 SL

Year

1988

Interior Color

Tan

Transmission

Automatic

Drivetrain

RWD

Fuel Type

Gasoline

Engine

5.6L V8

Condition

Excellent

Description

This 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560 SL is a single-owner, garage-kept example that has been treated with the care these classics deserve. With exceptionally low mileage and a non-smoking ownership history, the car presents in like-new condition throughout. The interior features pristine leather seating and remains remarkably clean, reflecting its pampered life away from the elements.

The 560 SL remains one of the most sought-after roadsters of its era, and this particular example stands out for its documented care and preservation. Original details have been maintained, and the overall presentation suggests this is a vehicle that's been appreciated rather than merely driven. For enthusiasts seeking a well-preserved, low-mileage example of Mercedes' classic convertible heritage, this represents a genuine opportunity.

Mercedes-Benz 560 SL Buyer's Guide (1986–1989)

Full guide

Emily Chen

JDM Classics

1986–1989

~4 min read

Updated Apr 2026

The 560 SL is the pinnacle of the R107 generation — the most powerful, the most refined, and the last expression of a roadster formula Mercedes refined over 18 years. Values have climbed steadily as buyers realize what they missed. The timing chain guides are the one thing that can turn this into an expensive surprise.

This guide covers

✓ 11-point inspection checklist

✓ Common issues & what to avoid

✓ In-person inspection guide

✓ Market pricing by year & condition

✓ 5 FAQs answered

✓ History & fun facts

Read the Full 560 SL Buyer's Guide

Mercedes-Benz 560 SL Market Overview

Based on 39 Mercedes-Benz 560 SL listings currently on ClassicCarsArena.com

Listed Now

$25,690

Avg. Asking Price

1986–1992

Year Range

Price Position on Our Site — Below Average

This car: $17,000

Low: $9,395 High: $52,495

Transmission Distribution

Automatic 85% ◄

Condition Distribution

Excellent 15% ◄

Good 13%

Fair 3%

Data from ClassicCarsArena.com listings Browse all 39 listings →

💰

What is this car worth?

Check sold prices for the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560 SL

Valuation Tool →

Mercedes-Benz 560 SL Buyer's Guide (1986–1989)

I've always found the R107 SL fascinating from an engineering standpoint. Mercedes built the same basic car from 1971 through 1989 and kept making it genuinely better every year — not through dramatic redesigns, but through continuous refinement. The 560 SL that closed out the generation in 1989 is a categorically better car than the 350 SL that opened it in 1971, even though they're visually similar. The M117 5.6-liter engine is smooth and characterful in a way that later V8s rarely achieve. The market has figured this out, and prices have responded accordingly. Condition and service history are everything — a well-documented 560 SL is a different asset class from one with unknown maintenance.

What to Check Before Buying

✓

Timing chain guide history — Request documentation of guide replacement — essential before any pricing

✓

Oil metal particle check — Wipe oil on white cloth with magnet — metallic debris = chain/guide damage

✓

Cold start chain listen — Listen for chain rattle on cold start — indicates loose or worn guide

✓

Expansion tank inspection — Check plastic coolant expansion tank for hairline cracks — failure causes sudden coolant loss

✓

Cooling hose condition — Squeeze all hoses — hard/brittle hoses need immediate replacement

✓

Soft top operation — Cycle top fully in both directions — check for binding or hydraulic hesitation

✓

Roof seal condition — Inspect all seals for deterioration, check headliner for water stain evidence

✓

Interior leather assessment — Check dash and door panels for cracking/shrinking — restoration cost $4,000–$8,000

✓

Hardtop presence — Verify original hardtop is present — missing unit reduces value $1,500–$3,000

✓

Transmission fluid — Check ATF for burnt smell and correct level — burnt fluid indicates service overdue

✓

Service documentation — Request full service records — documented cars are significantly more valuable

Common Issues

Timing chain guide failure is the defining risk of R107 M117 ownership — plastic guides become brittle over time and can fail without warning, causing chain contact with the timing cover and metal debris circulation. Cooling system deterioration: the plastic expansion tank cracks with age causing sudden coolant loss; hoses harden and fail; overheating accelerates guide and gasket problems. Automatic transmission service intervals are frequently exceeded on neglected cars. Interior deterioration — MB-Tex vinyl ages better than leather; leather dashboards and door panels crack and shrink with UV exposure. Soft top hydraulic cylinder leaks cause top operation failure. Electrical gremlins from aging wiring insulation, particularly in the convertible top circuit.

What to Look For

Timing chain guide service history — ask directly and request documentation. Check oil for metallic debris by wiping on white cloth with magnet. Listen for chain rattle on cold start. Cooling system condition: inspect hoses for softness, check plastic expansion tank for hairline cracks, verify thermostat function. Soft top operation — cycle fully and check for binding. All roof seals for water intrusion evidence (stains on headliner). Automatic transmission shift quality and fluid condition (burnt smell = service overdue). Interior condition assessment — cracked leather on dash and door panels is a major restoration cost. Hardtop presence and condition — missing hardtop reduces value $1,500–$3,000. Request full service documentation.

Price Guide

Driver quality with reasonable history: $18,000–$28,000. Show quality with full documentation and excellent interior: $35,000–$50,000. Low-mileage documented examples: $55,000–$65,000+. The 380 SL (slug: 380-sl) is the same car with the smaller 3.8L engine and trades 20–30% below equivalent 560 SL prices. Factor in timing chain guide replacement ($3,000–$6,000) if undocumented. Interior restoration if leather is cracked: $4,000–$8,000. A correctly priced 560 SL should reflect known service needs.

Did You Know?

The R107 SL was the personal vehicle of choice for European royalty, film stars, and executives for nearly two decades — Princess Grace of Monaco, Sophia Loren, and numerous heads of state owned them. Mercedes built 237,287 R107 SLs over 18 years, a production record that stood until the R129 generation surpassed it. The 560 SL was the most powerful R107 SL sold in the United States when it launched in 1986, a fact easy to forget given its boulevard-cruiser reputation today.

$17,000 $22,900

Price Cut! -$5,900 (-25.8%)

Price is negotiable