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#1
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Hunt for SL
I've been looking at several SL model ranging from 78-mid 80's. This will be my first: is something in particular I should look or that will give me problem down the road , aside the physical rust?
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1984 300D, 1972 LT1 Corvette, 2014 Artic White 3LT/Z51 C7, 2013 650i Convertible BMW, 1994 Kawasaki Vulcan, 1992 Yamaha Seca II and 1996 Dodge Ram 2500. |
#2
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I'd personally avoid 78-80 if you can. They have Servo Climate Control which can be quite pricey to fix.
80-83 380SL's were built with single row timing chains, which are known to break. Many were converted to dual row, so at this point if you see one still running its probably been converted, but I would pop off a valve cover or see if you can see it through the oil filler. If its still single row it will need replaced or updated for the safety of the car. 84-85 380SL's came standard with dual row timing chains. All euro 380s had dual row, as did euro 500s, if you stumble accross a euro car. USA 3.8s are pretty low on power, but they are alloy block, the late 450s have a bit more power but are also pretty choked by emissions controls and are heavier. My dad had an '84 380SL for a while and he really enjoyed it. I'd personally look for a 74-77 450. They don't have servo climate control and are still very affordable. My favorite would be a 72-73 350 4.5 or 450 SL because they have the skinny euro bumpers and no emissions other than lower compression. Or an 86-89 560SL but those are the two more valuable R107s.
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68 280SL - 70 280SL - 70 300SEL 3.5 - 72 350SL - 72 280SEL 4.5 - 72 220 - 72 220D - 73 450SL - 84 230GE - 87 200TD - 90 190E 2.0 - 03 G500 Nissan GTR - Nissan Skyline GTS25T - Toyota GTFour - Rover Mini - Toyota Land Cruiser HJ60 - Cadillac Eldorado - BMW E30 - BMW 135i |
#3
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Quote:
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1984 300D, 1972 LT1 Corvette, 2014 Artic White 3LT/Z51 C7, 2013 650i Convertible BMW, 1994 Kawasaki Vulcan, 1992 Yamaha Seca II and 1996 Dodge Ram 2500. |
#4
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An 86 560sl under 100k in today's market is well worth $9k if its a nice car.
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68 280SL - 70 280SL - 70 300SEL 3.5 - 72 350SL - 72 280SEL 4.5 - 72 220 - 72 220D - 73 450SL - 84 230GE - 87 200TD - 90 190E 2.0 - 03 G500 Nissan GTR - Nissan Skyline GTS25T - Toyota GTFour - Rover Mini - Toyota Land Cruiser HJ60 - Cadillac Eldorado - BMW E30 - BMW 135i |
#5
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the "if" is important. Ask for records, search for rust , a well sorted 560 is great fun and worth the asking, If you don't know MB's much- take it to get a pre buy inspection ( $100) .
It will be well spent
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Ron 2015 Porsche Cayman - Elizabeth 2011 Porsche Cayman - Bond,James Bond Sadly MERCEDESLESS - ALways LOOKING ! 99 E320 THE Queen Mary - SOLD 62 220b - Dolly - Finally my Finny! Sadly SOLD 72 450SL, Pearl-SOLD 16 F350 6.7 Diesel -THOR 19 BMW X5 - Heaven on Wheels 14 38HP John Deere 3038E Tractor -Mean Green 84 300SD, Benjamin -SOLD 71 220 - W115-Libby ( my first love) -SOLD 73 280 - W114 "Organspende" Rest in Peace 81 380 SL - Rest in Peace |
#6
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The 380 SL is shunned by many because of being low power, but as a result they can be had cheaper for a good example. They are also cheap to run compared to others, returning near 20 mpg on the highway.
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1959 Gravely LI, 1963 Gravely L8, 1973 Gravely C12 1982 380SL 1978 450 SEL 6.9 euro restoration at 63% and climbing 1987 300 D 2005 CDI European Delivery 2006 CDI Handed down to daughter 2007 GL CDI. Wifes |
#7
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Again thank you for all the great insight, I am looking at a 86 tomorrow with 85K miles. If I like, it is coming with me.
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1984 300D, 1972 LT1 Corvette, 2014 Artic White 3LT/Z51 C7, 2013 650i Convertible BMW, 1994 Kawasaki Vulcan, 1992 Yamaha Seca II and 1996 Dodge Ram 2500. |
#8
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Fingers crossed. Good luck.
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1959 Gravely LI, 1963 Gravely L8, 1973 Gravely C12 1982 380SL 1978 450 SEL 6.9 euro restoration at 63% and climbing 1987 300 D 2005 CDI European Delivery 2006 CDI Handed down to daughter 2007 GL CDI. Wifes |
#9
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Good luck!
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68 280SL - 70 280SL - 70 300SEL 3.5 - 72 350SL - 72 280SEL 4.5 - 72 220 - 72 220D - 73 450SL - 84 230GE - 87 200TD - 90 190E 2.0 - 03 G500 Nissan GTR - Nissan Skyline GTS25T - Toyota GTFour - Rover Mini - Toyota Land Cruiser HJ60 - Cadillac Eldorado - BMW E30 - BMW 135i |
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