'85 380SL prepurchase help. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

DAC68 · #1 03-05-2013, 05:51 PM

Am currently looking at a 1985 380SL for my wife, maybe to resell.
The usual stuff, paint, some seals, etc. Transmission shifts wonderfully, starts well (although a slightly rough idle). No visible smoke, hesitation, power lag, stumble.
The only real concern I had was inside the oil cap, there was evidence of water mixed with the oil. There was condensation in the breather tube coming form the left side valve cover. We did not get the car really warm during the test drive (my bad). The oil has not been changed in a year and there was no evidence of water on the dipstick.
The question is - walk away or not?

rowdie · #2 03-05-2013, 09:03 PM

Tannish colored gunk on the filler cap is common on one that is not driven much. Caused by condensation and nothing to worry about.

A major concern is the upper timing chain guides/rails, tensioner and chain stretch. Also cam oil tube pipe fittings. If these have never been replaced it is necessary to avoid engine failure. Around $450.00 in combined MB and OEM parts for a DIY.

meltedpanda · #3 03-06-2013, 11:14 AM

I would agree , drive it 10 -15 miles , get her real hot and I suspect that would go away .
My concern with your post is "maybe to resell" market is way soft on these cars right now

DAC68 · #4 03-09-2013, 02:52 PM

Thanks for the replies. I did buy the car. Got it home and the wife ran a carfax. Was stolen in Florida when 2 years old, aparently recovered 2 years later. Was repossesed and had two minor accidents involving left front. Evidence is there, fixed.......decently.
I was able to justify a cooling system pressure tester to the wife (from NAPA). It lost 2 pounds in 10 minutes. Being attached to the 28 year old recovery tank, I didn't think that was too bad. Left it pressurized and started it, no smoke of any color, at any time. Engine seems to run very well.
I'll look into the guides and followers as suggested.
The odometer doesn't work, or the clock.
For resale purposes, I hope I can turn a small profit in about a month when the weather warms up. Only having 3400 in it, I think I'll be ok.
Thanks for your guidance and time!

meltedpanda · #5 03-11-2013, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DAC68

. Only having 3400 in it, I think I'll be ok.
Thanks for your guidance and time!

perhaps, dont sink a lot into her if you are going to flip it ...just saying