New guy with a question
 

I'm looking at buying one of two cars, could you guys give me some opinions please.

Car #1 1985 380se 139k miles original owner, excellent condition in/out, with service records $5500.00 obo

Car #2 1987 560sel 114k miles, original owner, excellent in/out except for a 3 inch tear in drivers seat. All service records. $5500.00 obo

Any input on both would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

I would go for the 560sel..... its going to suck fuel but at least it has guts....the 380se has low power and low economy....

Yeah the post 85 gas engines are a lot better mileage and power wise.

Would a 1985 M116 have the updated double row timing chain?

I dunno... I would shop around some more. If I were forced to get one or the other, I would probably go with the 560. Listen for ticking in the 560, if it ticks, skip it.

I second PaulC's advice. Look for service history. I would walk away from both if they didn't have a hint of service history.

Ahhhemmm...
The 380SE has low power, but gets 21mpg highway. Still, I would not pay $5500. I think there is room to talk price. Otherwise you can find something a bit newer for that money.

My father-in-law had a 380 sel - euro version - when I first got married. It was a nice rig but he blew the engine. Had it fixed - never worked right again and he got rid of it. I am not too sure of those engines. Sure my FIL is really rough on cars and I have never seen one that lasts him over 50k miles - but in the end what is the difference in the gas consumption? Probably not that much - if you willing to spend it - get the larger motor.

MORE POWER!