380sl cracked chassis

[brslxx]

My 1985 380sl has a cracked in the sub frame chassis. I've been told that on the 450sl M.B. will cover the repairs but not on the 380. I'm wondering if any one else has had this problem and how they delt with it. It cracked in the same place as the 450s crack. Thanks for any ideas.

[wallster]

I'm a newbie to the forum (and i just bought my first SL) but I do a bunch of welding on stock cars, motorcycles, and other various projects.
I would think your sub frame could be welded along with support gussets to add more strength (a gusset is a structure designed to reinforce a joint).
Have a certified welder (or a good body shop) check it out.
Good luck with your car.

wally

[page62]

Wallster is correct. A cracked subframe can often be welded and gusseted. You just have to find someone who knows what they're doing...

And no, you're not going to get any satisfaction from MB...there's no use even trying.

[Richard Wooldridge]

I had the same failure on my '82 380SL, except that the driver's side lower control arm rear mount broke completely, dropping the A control arm on the ground. I got another subframe and reinforced it with the gussets that Mercedes sells for the job. One of the specifications was that the gussets must be mig welded so as to give the greatest strength.
Performance Products sells a newer style subframe with much greater strength for around $600...

[Roncallo]

Originally Posted by brslxx

My 1985 380sl has a cracked in the sub frame chassis. I've been told that on the 450sl M.B. will cover the repairs but not on the 380. I'm wondering if any one else has had this problem and how they delt with it. It cracked in the same place as the 450s crack. Thanks for any ideas.

This is correct the warente covers the 350, 450 SL's and SLC's only. Best place I have found to buy a new subframe is Performance Products ~$600.00 last I checked. But perhaps Phil can match that. It's not too difficult a DIY job but it will require a spring compressor and engine support bar.

John Roncallo

[JBoggs]

It's been 4 years since I had a 380sl but mine had the same issues. I took it to the dealer who initially balked but when I described to them how my wife drove the car a good bit with my 4year old in the car with her, and how I would hold them personally liable for anything that happened to her, they finally agreed to the repair. I think I had to pay 3 hours labor or something like that. That was before all the Chrysler stuff so your mileage may differ.

JB

[Roncallo]

I think MB must be waiting for someone to get killed. Those 380SL are getting older and new replacement tires are getting stickyer, putting more force on these components. The light engine story seams like BS to me. It's only the bare block thats lighter. If MB is gambling on a 50Lb block weight difference as there margin of safety over a iron block 117 they are NTFB.

You know, its not like these were Chevy Chevetts. These were 50K cars 25 years ago.

John Roncallo

[Mike Miller]

My dealer offers a complimentary car wash after he hangs you by your heals and empties your pockets.

Take it to your indy and have him weld in the gussets or a new subframe. Give your money to a guy who earns it!