Mercedes-Benz R107 · 280–560 SL
Guides
Reference material that answers the question first. Where the answer needs a real diagnosis, each guide hands you into the interactive symptom tree. Every guide states what it applies to, when it was last checked, and what it was checked against.
Fuel & ignition
R107 fuel injection systems
280SL–560SL, including SLC · 1972–1989
How to tell D-Jetronic, K-Jetronic and KE-Jetronic apart, and why the difference changes every fuel diagnosis.
3 sources listed · last checked 2026-09-17
Read guideBody & interior
R107 paint codes
280SL–560SL, including SLC · 1971–1989
Find the data-card paint code, decode it, and match it to modern paint systems.
2 sources listed · last checked 2026-09-17
Read guideR107 interior trim screws
280SL–560SL, including SLC · 1971–1989
Screw and fastener cross-reference for R107 interior trim removal and reassembly.
2 sources listed · last checked 2026-09-17
Read guideIn preparation
These are written but not published. Anything that states a specification, torque, pressure, electrical value or procedure has to be sourced and checked first — so they stay off the site until they are. Meanwhile the interactive diagnosis already covers most of these problems.
Engine & running problems
- Hard warm startWhy a hot R107 cranks and cranks: residual fuel pressure, check valves, cold-start valve leakage.Waiting on: Pressure figures per injection system need a manual citation and review
- Cold start and no-startA start-order walk-through: fuel delivery, spark, air, and what to test first.Waiting on: Test-point values per system pending review
- 560 SL rough idleThe KE-Jetronic-specific idle chain, from air-slide valve to EHA current.Waiting on: EHA current and idle-speed values pending manual citation
- Vacuum leaksWhere R107 vacuum lines fail, how to find leaks without a smoke machine.Waiting on: Line routing differs by year — needs per-year sourcing
- Timing chain and guidesStretch symptoms, single vs double row, and what a chain rattle really means.Waiting on: Stretch measurement procedure and wear limits pending review
Fuel & ignition
- KE-Jetronic / CIS-E fundamentalsHow the system decides mixture, and how to read it with a multimeter.Waiting on: Test values and connector pinouts pending review
- Fuel pump relay and EHA deliveryThe relay, overvoltage protection and delivery path that strand these cars.Waiting on: Relay pin numbering varies by year — needs sourcing
Electrical
- Fuse and relay referenceThe fuse box, relay positions and what each circuit actually feeds.Waiting on: Per-year fuse-box variants being verified against the manual
Drivetrain
- 722.3 automatic shiftingShift quality, vacuum modulator adjustment and what is normal for a 722.3.Waiting on: Modulator adjustment steps and pressures pending review
Climate control
- Climate control (push-button and ACC)How the R107 climate systems differ and where each one commonly fails.Waiting on: System-by-year mapping and refrigerant guidance pending review
Brakes & chassis
- Dragging brakeIsolating a dragging caliper, hose, or master cylinder before replacing parts.Waiting on: Safety-sensitive — requires full editorial review before publication
Buying & ownership
- Common problems by yearWhat changed and what breaks, year by year, across the 1971–1989 run.Waiting on: Needs per-year sourcing before any claim is published
- Pre-purchase inspectionA structured inspection order for an R107 you are thinking of buying.Waiting on: Draft outline complete, review pending
- Maintenance and fluidsService intervals, capacities and fluid specifications by engine.Waiting on: Capacities and specifications require manual citation and review
Start a diagnosis instead — the symptom trees cover the running, electrical and brake problems above.