sorry i should have posted this on another forum area........

i'm considering buying a 1984 380 SE mercedes benz. The car had 1 original owner and was taken really really good care for. However the seller told me that the engine was replaced with another used engine with about 100,000 miles on it. Reason was because he ran over a huge bump and destroyed the oil sump pan causing the the oil pump to fail and burn the original engine entirely. So now this 380 SE has a used engine with about 100,000 miles on it. The car as a total of 176,000 miles on it and the engine replacement was done not too long ago.

just wanted to know if its a good buy, only 6500 dollars and the outside is outstandingly clean and cared for. What problems should i expect in the long run and is it worth it?

thanks for all the responses
allan

$6500 is a bit much. If the engine was replaced, you should have the double-row timing chain, but ask the owner anyway. These 3.8 engines are known for not only being under-powered, but having timing chain problems. The fix was to convert them to a double-row system. For that kind of money, you can find a very nice 420SEL or 560SEL, newer models, more refined and more power with the same, or better economy.

I owned an 82' 380sel for 2 years. Ran ok, but was under powered with only 155bhp. My biggest problems were the fuel delivery system, replaced at 1000 bucks, and it never ran right after that. I sold it at 250k because of a head gasket leak. Just to let you know I purchased her 2.5 years ago with 150k for 4500.
Why don't you look at a diesel???