Getting a 85 380sl for $9500.00

[Tony1628]

Hi there,
I am thinking about getting 1985 380sl. The car is in good condition. I see a few paint cracks along the body and under the hood. Is that a concern? I didn't see any rust under the wheel wells and the trunk. The engine sounds real good. no smoke. the steering has some play to it but not too bad. The A/C does not work. It will blow hot air first, then cold air and finally just air. Is this expensive to fix? Also , the brake is very low and spoogy , but the guy said he will fix it before he sell it to me.
The car has 89000. miles on it.
I need help ... thanks....

[Michael K]

Sounds like fun. I would do two things. Check Kelly Blue Book kbb.com and have a dealer do an independent inspecition. Take a step back. Make a deal that's a win for you. Good luck.

[georgie]

find out if they did the double timing chain retro-fit. 380s are notorious for having a weak timing chain, the factory came up with a retrofit to fix the problem.

[RickM]

I believe 84 or 85 was the first year where the factory updated the timing chain to a double row configuration.

[DaimlerChrysler]

Okay, here goes:

1. The A/C ain't cheap to fix on these things. If it's the compressor it isn't too bad. Most other things are serious denero. BUT, you're buying a roadster anyhoo so the A/C to me would be a moot point. If it's sunny the top goes down! Negotiate with the selling to bring the cost down unless he's willing to fix it too, and while you're at it convert it to R134a.

2. 1984 was the year they changed over the timing chains to the double row. If it's an '85 it has it. BUT, understand that with 89,000 miles on it you're looking to replace the chain soon.

3. A front end overhaul on these beasts is about $1500 without the steering box. The box can be adjusted but MB doesn't want you to know it. An independent can do it, but with the low miles you have I'd bet you need to replace the front end.

4. Check the condition of the top. My boss just bought a MINT 560SL and then had to throw $1000 at it to replace the top because it was rotted.

5. Check NADA price. The Kelly blue book is too low. They had my 1984 380SL with 45,000 miles, pristene condition. New tires, exhaust, top, etc at $4800! The asking price was $12900, we compromised at $10,000. The NADA value was listed at $13,800. Quite a difference!

6. ENJOY YOUR CAR! Okay, so it doesn't have the bells and whistles of a 560SL. BUT you also will get better gas mileage and you can use regular gas instead of premium!

[Tony1628]

Thanks for all the help.
I have to check the condition of the top, eventhough the seller said it is in good condition. He just lowered the price for $700.00 because I know his sister-in-law.. I don't know whether he is helping me or trying to get ride of the car. The car has only one owner. I just don't want to be a money pit. (I am getting a boat too) Talk about going thru a mid-age crisis.... I figure I can spend about 2000.00 to make it nice again... and can get it back when I decide to sell it if and when I settle down.