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#1
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1985 380 Se
There is an 85 380 SE advertised in the paper. Not familiar with the 380. Is it a good engine, what are weak points of engine and general car as a whole? Good car to consider, or stay away from?
Any thoughts appreciated - Ron |
#2
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Practically the same cost of ownership as a 500SEL without the extra power and rear legroom. Not much more powerful than a 300SD without the benefits of a Diesel engine. Middle child syndrome
There are no bad or less desireable W126s with the possible exception of single row timing chain versions of the M116/380 that haven't been converted to double row. Not an issue on an 85 380SE. Sixto 91 300SE 87 300SDL |
#3
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Practically the same cost of ownership as a 500SEL without the extra power and rear legroom. Not much more powerful than a 300SD without the benefits of a Diesel engine. Middle child syndrome
There are no bad or less desireable W126s with the possible exception of single row timing chain versions of the M116/380 that haven't been converted to double row. Not an issue on an 85 380SE. Sixto 91 300SE 87 300SDL |
#4
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SIXTO - thank you for your input. Might give it look see.
Ron |
#5
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I posted this a few days ago but here is a comparison to the american 500 and american 380
www.1985500selbenz.homestead.com/boards.html |
#6
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Quote:
I've driven both a 380SE and a '91 420SEL (only other W126 that I've driven). Lessee...the 155 hp 380SE (stock) does 0-60 in around 10 seconds while the 201 hp 420SEL does 0-60 in 9.3 seconds (car and driver). A 300SD will pull 0-60 in 13 to 14 seconds. Top speed: around 120 mph for a 380SE compared with 128 (Car and Driver, 1989) for a 420SEL. A turbodiesel will pull maybe 105 mph. The 380SE that we own will get around 22 mpg on the highway, maybe 18 in the city. It has some of the best fuel economy for any W126 gasser. Aren't turbodiesels not much better? Engine reliability is as good as any other V-8 W126. Might need some valve stem seal work at 150K plus miles. Oh yeah, replace the timing chain at the normal interval of 100K miles (or make sure it's been done!!) we found that out the hard way. But other than that, our 380SE is a great machine, and we've experienced no other problems (beyond normal wear items like brakes, fuel pump, etc) with it. It's hauled sailboards, camping gear, been driven on gravel Forest Service roads, and it even towed a Saab 900 for a couple of miles once. In the Pacific NW, with all its mountain passes, I wouldn't want a 300SD with slower acceleration than an old non-turbo Volvo or Saab. And the 380SE is the least expensive V-8 W126 car you can buy. Shouldn't that count for something? -Sam |
#7
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Quote:
Sixto 91 300SE 87 300SDL |
#8
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To all who replied - thank you for the input - Ron
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#9
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As a side note on the 380 or really any of the S class. Do they have the same challenges that the 124 has - mainly the B2 piston tranny issue and the leaking AC evaporator?
Ron |
#10
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I never had any of thoose problems in the 500
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#11
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Quote:
No known trans issues. I think they last a long time, ours is at 198K miles on original trans. And the nice thing about the 380--they start in First gear, not 2nd. -Sam |
#12
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380SE
Sam - thank you for your input. Sounds like the 126 has less problems than the 124. Ron |
#13
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Check the doors for rust and the trunk as well. thats about it.
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#14
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Dan - thanks for the input - Ron
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