1982 280sl - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rwolak · #1 01-27-2007, 08:01 AM

Is there anything special i should be looking for when considering a 1982 280SL? I owned a '78 450SL at one time and it was a great car. Unfortunately, I don't have any detailed information on the 280 yet. I am aware of the normal SL rust issues, but what about the drivetrain? Does the 280 have the same timing chain/tensioner issues as the V8s?

any help will be greatly appreciated.

thanx

Roncallo · #2 01-27-2007, 10:00 AM

I have never worked on a 280SL but back in the day when I used to work on MB's, I always felt the M110 engine was about the best 6 cyl on the planet. With the exception of single row 380SL's, timing chains, tensioners and guide rails are about the least of the 107 problems. I would say AC is the biggest problem. It would be nice to find a 280SL with a 5 speed stick.

John Roncallo

t walgamuth · #3 01-27-2007, 11:27 AM

yes. experienced benz mechanics will tell you that the 110 is about the best engine benz ever made for durability. some think it is more durable than a 617 turbo. a non turbo will probably outlast it but you about cannot wear out a well cared for 110. i have heard of them with 400k miles and no overhaul. chain guides are something that is always the first to go on a benz but the ones in the 280 are pretty rugged.

the ac even if working correctly will not cool very well as it will be the york ac compressor, i believe. unless it is up and working really well i would plan to replace it with a japanese comp. adapters are available.

a 280 sl of the 107 variety is on my list of cars to own one day.

i currently have a 280e euro with a five speed. it also carries the 369 rear end like a 240. it is pretty quick and probably lighter than a 107. of course it lacks the cool factor of a removable top and two doors.

good luck.

tom w

rwolak · #4 01-27-2007, 01:14 PM

thanx for the input.

i'm waiting for a call from the 280 owner to get all the info. on the car. Glad to hear that the single row chain isn't a problem with this engine. Don't know if its a manual or auto.---actually, I am hoping a manual. My 450SL was a real dog with that 3-speed auto.

by the way, is there a problem with getting parts for the 280SL? I assume all body parts are same as the 450, but what about motor, etc?

ctaylor738 · #5 01-28-2007, 12:34 PM

Having owned three 280SL's and one 280E, I agree that they are very dependable. They have a tendency to leak from the front and rear seals, and the seal between the cam box and the head. They are prone to cam lobe wear and you would be smart to pull the cover off and carefully check each lobe, because this is an expensive repair. Also, they seem to need valve guides and seals every 100K or so.

The body parts are pure 107 and the engine parts for a 1981 280E will work.
Ron at German Star is particularly good with this model, but I am sure Fastlane can help as well.

The only real problem area is climate control. These cars used a dual temp wheel and manual fan switch that was not sold in the US, and about half had aftermarket AC.

If you need to pass smog, these cars do have a problem with NOx.

They are a blast with a manual trans.

rwolak · #6 01-28-2007, 03:45 PM

Just found out that this is a 5-spped car. It was just repainted and is supposed to have an excellent interior. The car has approximately 200K miles. The owner also has a automatic donor car that goes along with it. Sounds like the 5-spped needs a little work, ie, front wheel bearings and muffler clamp. The owner also stated he felt it would need a valve job in the next 20K miles. Supposedly very small rust spot in the conertible top boot.

POS · #7 01-28-2007, 05:26 PM

My w123 280E is only fun because it's got the manual - you'll love it.

ctaylor738 · #8 01-28-2007, 06:07 PM

Well, that would translate to me that it's smoking and needs a head job. 107's get really tired around 200K if they weren't maintained and updated - front and rear subframe bushings, motor mounts, steering box, tie rod ends, and other steering pieces, etc. Not a reason to not buy the car, just don't overpay. And remember, 95% of other SL buyers want an automatic and are wary of gray market cars.

rwolak · #9 01-28-2007, 08:36 PM

ctaylor738--just got off the phone with the guy. His reasoning for a valve job is that there is a slight "tick" in valves. Claims it doesn't smoke/blow oil. Also, the timing chain/tnesioner was done at 150K. His asking price is in the $9K range, and that includes a "donor" with 106K miles on the engine and auto. tranny.

i'm supposed to see the car tomorrow.

ctaylor738 · #10 01-28-2007, 09:37 PM

There are times when I wish I was not a moderator, and could just let it rip. This is one of them. But in the interest of Moderation ...

Your seller doesn't know know it from Shinola or is pretending not to. The M110 has a completely mechanical valve train, and it makes a lot of noise even when everything is OK. Any sort of pronounced tick is a sign of a flat cam lobe. But if this guy has a parts car, he probably knows his way around the block, so he is practicing the time-honored sellers' technique of pretending not to know anything.

You'll have to make your own judgment on condition, but it doesn't sound promising to me. As for the price, ask yourself if you would pay 9K for a repaint 200K 380SL from a shady seller, even if it came with a parts car.

Good luck, and do keep us informed.

t walgamuth · #11 01-28-2007, 09:59 PM

i agree that the price is maybe double what it should be. i would get it checked by a benz specialist.

i would also suspect rust repairs in spades. again if done correctly it might be ok but who knows if it was done correctly. i would look very carefully at the paint job. and examine the car with a magnet.

this is a car that would be great if it is sound. a money pit if not. the engine is just a small part of the picture.

good luck

tom w

t walgamuth · #12 01-28-2007, 10:00 PM

where you located?

i cant understand why so many folks put no info in their profile. it just makes me wonder what they are hiding.

tom w

rwolak · #13 01-29-2007, 07:43 AM

I'm located in Phila. Pa.

As far as the profile is concerned, don't know if folks are trying to hide anything. Maybe its just a lot of people are concerned about putting personal information out on the net (of course, most stuff is available, anyway, if you look hard enough).

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

where you located?

i cant understand why so many folks put no info in their profile. it just makes me wonder what they are hiding.

tom w

t walgamuth · #14 01-29-2007, 08:24 AM

just me maybe.

the reason i asked was related to rust possibilities. so rust could be a big issue. in my observation, it seems that the euro cars may have less rust resistance than the us spec cars. i dont know why just has been my observation.

tom w

POS · #15 01-29-2007, 09:22 AM

My m110 makes a ticking noise that gets more pronounced as she warms up - I spoke to the original owner and the car made the same noise at five miles on the odometer. It's not as loud as a diesel like some m110s, but it's enough to make a unknowing person question it. It's normal engine noise for an m110, but make sure the valves are adjusted properly.