1987 Mercedes-Benz 560 SL

Michigan

$17,895

Vehicle Details

Make

Mercedes-Benz

Model

560 SL

Year

1987

Mileage

182,000 miles

Exterior Color

Black

Interior Color

Black

Transmission

Automatic

Drivetrain

RWD

Fuel Type

Gasoline

Engine

5.6L V8 strong

Condition

Good

Description

1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SL – Black on Black | Timeless R107 Roadster | Runs & Looks Great Up for sale is a well-kept and iconic 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SL, finished in classic black over black with matching black soft top and original color-matched hardtop included. With its blend of elegance, engineering, and enduring style, this is a true driver’s classic that’s ready to be enjoyed today. Specs & Mechanical: Mileage: 182,000 (highway-driven, consistently maintained) Engine: 5.6L V8 – strong, smooth, and reliable Transmission: Automatic – shifts clean and crisp Title: Clean title in hand – ready for transfer Mechanical Condition: Good overall, regularly serviced, dependable Exterior: Factory black paint – classic and striking Black soft top in excellent condition Original color-matched hardtop included Chrome wheels – sharp and period-correct Original trim and lighting – complete and functional Interior: Original leather interior – clean, with normal wear Dash is crack-free All gauges, lights, and accessories working properly Additional Highlights: Garaged and well cared for Turns heads everywhere – a favorite around downtown New Orleans and vintage spots Excellent candidate for weekend cruising, classic rallies, or even as a reliable daily classic A true appreciating asset in the collector car world

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 24 Mercedes-Benz 560 SL listings currently on ClassicCarsArena.com

Listed Now

$25,100

Avg. Asking Price

1986–1992

Year Range

Price Position on Our Site - Average Range

This car: $17,895

Low: $9,395 High: $57,995

Transmission Distribution

Automatic 83% ◄

Condition Distribution

Excellent 33%

Good 25% ◄

Fair 8%

Data from ClassicCarsArena.com listings Browse all 24 listings →

💰

What is this car worth?

Check asking prices for the 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560 SL

Valuation Tool →

🔑

Selling a classic? Here's how

Fees, audience and photo limits compared: sell my classic car .

List Yours →

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.

$17,895

1987 Mercedes-Benz 560 SL

Michigan

Contact Seller

Listed by dealer

Classic Car Deals

Car alert

Get an email when a 1982-1992 Mercedes-Benz 560 SL is listed

At most one email a day. Stop anytime with one click.

ⓘ

Nationwide consignment dealer

Classic Car Deals lists vehicles from owners across the country. The vehicle is at the owner's home, not at the dealer's address. Contact the dealer to confirm the vehicle's actual location before traveling.

⚠

Buying safely?

Read our scam-avoidance tips before paying →

Listing Actions

Browse by Era

1980s Classics for Sale

All 1987 Classics

Browse all 1987 Cars for Sale