Hello,
I recently purchased a well preserved 450 SL and enjoy driving for about five miles at which point it sputters and eventually dies. After sitting for five minutes, it starts up and repeats the same scenario. Acts like a fuel starvation issue, the electrical seems ok, would appreciate some ideas before replacing: fuel pump, filter, etc... would a fuel pump work for a while and then take a break?
Regards,

 

Hello and welcome to the forum! I would first check the plugs and the air filter as a basic step. I'm also attaching a link to our site's DIY tech articles on the R107 platform; there are a lot of helpful guides and preventative tips as well - hopefully you'll be able to troubleshoot and resolve the issue. Best of luck!

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class R107 (1972-1989) Technical Articles – Pelican Parts

 

Update.
I replaced the fuel pump, filter and accumulater which seems to have fixed the problem. The whole fuel assembly was removed and work done on the bench, only hard part was getting under the car and working upside down. Used all Bosch parts and they all fit like a glove. Just need to know the chassy number for correct parts for your car...
Happy trails.

 

Which number in the VIN designates the interior/ exterior colors, I have a 79 450SL ,
And the vin decoder only goes back to 81. My car is red, and I wonder if that's original
Color.