The 1987 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is a two-door luxury roadster (convertible) from the iconic R107 generation, known for its timeless styling and solid German engineering. It’s ideal for drivers who want a classic grand touring car with upscale comfort, a smooth V8 option, and a top-down cruising experience rather than modern sports-car sharpness. In the marketplace, the 1987 SL sits as a premium collectible that rewards careful maintenance, with values often tied to service history and overall originality. By 1987, the R107 had been refined for years, so many early-production bugs were long sorted, but age-related issues still matter.

1) R107 chassis and classic Mercedes build: A heavy, stable roadster design with a reputation for solid doors, high-quality materials, and long-distance comfort. 2) Engine options (U.S.-market): 560SL with a 5.6L V8, known for strong low-end torque and relaxed highway cruising; many markets also offered six-cylinder versions such as the 300SL (3.0L inline-six), depending on region. 3) Convertible top plus removable hardtop: A power soft top for warm weather and a color-matched removable hardtop for improved security and quieter touring. 4) Grand touring comfort: Supportive seating, a refined ride for the era, and a cabin designed for long drives rather than bare-bones performance. 5) Classic Mercedes driving character: Confident straight-line stability, predictable handling, and an emphasis on durability when properly serviced.

Searches like “1987 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class problems,” “1987 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class reliability,” and “1987 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class common issues” usually come down to age, deferred maintenance, and a few repeat trouble spots. 1) Fuel system and warm-start drivability issues: Owners commonly report hard hot starts, rough idle, hesitation, or fuel smell. On the V8 models, aging fuel accumulators, pumps, injectors, and vacuum lines can contribute, often showing up around 80,000–150,000 miles depending on maintenance and storage habits. A tired fuel pressure regulator or vacuum leaks can mimic larger problems, so diagnosis matters. 2) Oil leaks and seepage: Valve cover gaskets, timing cover areas, and oil pan seepage are frequent on higher-mileage cars (often 100,000+ miles), especially if rubber seals have hardened from age. Small leaks are common, but neglected leaks can foul bushings, mounts, and belts. 3) Cooling system aging: Radiators, hoses, fan clutches, and thermostats wear with time, and overheating risk rises if maintenance is ignored. Many owners see issues after long storage or past 100,000 miles when original components are still in place. A cooling refresh is often a smart reliability investment on a classic SL. 4) Electrical and vacuum-related faults: Power windows, central locking, climate control functions, and lighting gremlins can appear as wiring insulation ages and grounds corrode. Vacuum-operated accessories may act intermittently when lines crack or vacuum elements leak, creating “mystery” issues that require methodical troubleshooting.