Anyone know about SLC's ???

[Austin85]

Considering buying an 81 SLC nice condition.

please any little quirks to check on for this yr & model?

Austin

> VEHICLE INFORMATION
> Make: Mercedes-Benz
> Model: 380SLC
> Year: 1981
> Price: 4477
> Mileage: 144860
> Body Style: Coupe
> Color: White
> Cylinders: 8 Cylinder Gasoline
> Transmission: Automatic
> Doors: Two Door
> Stereo: AM/FM Radio

[PaulC]

The American-spec version of this model was originally equipped with a single row timing chain. Chain durability was usually lousy. As the 3.8 M116 is an interference engine, chain breakage meant piston collisions with a few valves, bending the valves, with ensuing financial carnage. Many of these engines were retrofitted with a dual-row timing chain (and other components to facilitate the use of the chain) with positive results. With the dual row chain, timing chain/upper chain guide replacement is usually something that should be done at 100k intervals.

MB began fitting the U.S.-spec engines with dual row chains around 1984 or so.

If it was me, I would go back two years to the 1979 450SLC with the 4.5 engine. 1980 models had certain engine mods and taller gearing to incrementally enhance fuel economy, causing some deterioration of performance, or push forward to the 1986+ 560SEC.

[diametricalbenz]

I saw one a 500SLC with a 4 speed manual on Ebay awhile back. That would have been a nice ride.

As I recall the 1975 maybe 1976? has the side cats which caused the problems due to emissions requirements.

The other issue is that the engines were detuned each year as I recall until the SLC was discontinued.

[kip Foss]

I have a 1977 450slc and it is as nice a car as you could ask for. I also had a 1976 280slc when I lived in Dubai and it also was great. I had both over 130 mph, which is about as fast as I think I should go on a public road, and each felt as if it had much more to give. They won't light the tires but between 40mph and 130 there just keep winding and winding.

Take your wallet with you when you go to but parts, they aren't cheap. Fortunately there are a lot of spares on the net. Check for rust. Even without rust you can easily put $4k in repairs into one that is in reasonably good condition.

[Austin85]

Originally Posted by PaulC

The American-spec version of this model was originally equipped with a single row timing chain. Chain durability was usually lousy. As the 3.8 M116 is an interference engine, chain breakage meant piston collisions with a few valves, bending the valves, with ensuing financial carnage. Many of these engines were retrofitted with a dual-row timing chain (and other components to facilitate the use of the chain) with positive results. With the dual row chain, timing chain/upper chain guide replacement is usually something that should be done at 100k intervals.

MB began fitting the U.S.-spec engines with dual row chains around 1984 or so.

If it was me, I would go back two years to the 1979 450SLC with the 4.5 engine. 1980 models had certain engine mods and taller gearing to incrementally enhance fuel economy, causing some deterioration of performance, or push forward to the 1986+ 560SEC.

I am asking for them to check this out. There are plenty of service records from the PO. I hope it was serviced or retrofitted to double. It is a really nice looking SLC with Red interior. I would imagine even a 380 would seem pretty quick to me considering my last 2 cars are my current 300D & before that a V olvo 740gl wagen.

aa

[PaulC]

Originally Posted by Austin85

I am asking for them to check this out. There are plenty of service records from the PO. I hope it was serviced or retrofitted to double. It is a really nice looking SLC with Red interior. I would imagine even a 380 would seem pretty quick to me considering my last 2 cars are my current 300D & before that a V olvo 740gl wagen.

aa

0-60 times should be in the 11-second range.

[Austin85]

Yikes It is a double chain.

Now do I go with this at 3700. or a 300CE at the same price???

[PaulC]

Originally Posted by Austin85

Yikes It is a double chain.

Now do I go with this at 3700. or a 300CE at the same price???

What does your gut tell you? You will never be more in love with either car than you are at this moment.

[pj67coll]

Me? I'd take the SLC. Rarer. More refined. More class. Better looking.

- Peter.

[450slcguy]

Originally Posted by Austin85

Yikes It is a double chain.

Now do I go with this at 3700. or a 300CE at the same price???

Currently being a 450SLC guy, I'd go with the 300CE. I like the SLC, but the 300CE gets alot better MPG and the interior is so much nicer and more comfortable. The SLC is nicer looking on the exterior though. My next Benz will be a 300CE or euro 280CE(had one loved it).

[el presidente]

The SLC was the red headed step-child of the SL family....costs just as much to keep up as a W107 SL, but valued at 1/2 of a drop top in same condition.

[al76slc]

DON'T FORGET, IT HAS A BACK SEAT.

Only advantage over the SL - but for me it made the difference. I can stash my kid back there.

Otherwise I would have had to get some sort of normal car.

Am I the only one who thinks its lines are better proportioned than the SL, which looks kind of stubby to me?

[450slcguy]

Originally Posted by al76slc

DON'T FORGET, IT HAS A BACK SEAT.

Am I the only one who thinks its lines are better proportioned than the SL, which looks kind of stubby to me?

Nope , I agree. Color makes a difference in the look too. That extra 14" in length also makes the car feel wider, but it isn't.

[volare]

When I saw this topic title. I thought you were talking about a Vekoma SLC.