Here's the deal. Until 3 weeks ago I was working at a job that didn't give me much time to look for another used vehicle to buy, and my Toyota truck is pretty beat and needing replacement and after reading of them going 300k, I decided I wanted a Benz diesel. Of course when you look, the deals aren't around and I ended up buying this non running 380SEL, with "fuel problems".
Well, it had a temp sticker, had recently been purchased at an auction.. registration fees paid. I did just enough research to learn that fuel relays are a problem with these cars, but not enough to learn that timing chains are. After a few weeks of denial and more research (and taking the valve covers off), I found the cam was broken on one side, and I believe I am looking at 3 or more bent valves.

Soon after I learned that and started looking into what tools I dont have and will need to get the head off, the company I worked for was informed by their only client that their services would no longer be needed. Thus, I am now unemployed. I am still driving that beater Toyota (needs work too), and the Mercedes is sitting on the street, with an expired temp sticker in the window. I of course can't register it without a smog and insurance and it doesn't run..and I can't really do much while it is on the street.

I have two options. Find someone willing to provide a place for the car for a bit, then pull that head or heads and either repair it/them or find used ones and swap them out.

Next option is sell the car, buy something better than my 85' Toyota, then go looking for another job. I just signed up for UI, but even that is a problem because my ex employer messed up in reporting!

I really hate to sell the Mercedes, as except for splits in the front seats, the car looks pretty nice. The car has about every option, and has been repainted at some point.


How can you help? Well, I keep hoping that there is someone who has some space, maybe some interest in these cars and wouldn't mind helping with the cause of getting this bad head/heads removed, repaired and replaced. I have hand tools, power tools, etc. I have a floor jack, and even have a 220V compressor in storage. I need to buy a few special wrenches, a few sockets and I just found a good deal on the gauge for setting the valve train. I'd just call a tow place and get the process rolling, is the idea. The longer I am out of work and on UI, the worse off I will be. I'm in the east county area of San Diego, btw.

I'd be willing to pay a reasonable amount, or work on your computer problems, upgrades gone bad, data recovery, etc.. help you work on your car, or whatever arrangement we could come to.

OR... I sell the car at a loss (I paid too much + towing + bought an unneeded fuel relay), and move on. I'd really hate to see this car go, as I think the W126's are great, but at this point I have to admit that it is complicating my life.

Send me a PM or an email if you have any ideas or?

Thanks!

George

The only place in San Diego to have your MB worked on ....if you decide to take it to a shop..

Exclusive Motors
Pat Petrovic
858 552-1112

Pat is a great guy..he only works on MB's and he drives one too!

I went in the other day after having troubles installing my new ignition tumbler...He popped it in and didn't charge me a dime. He wouldn't even take a few bucks when I insisted.

__________________
Brandon



2008 S550
1957 Dodge D100
1967 VW Microbus 21 Window
2001 Suburban
2004 Beach cruiser bicycle
-----------------GO DUKE!-----------------

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded freedom of worship here." Patrick Henry 1776

Thanks for the shop recommendation, Brandon.

I called one shop that was recommended, after hearing how the guy was an old school tech who repaired (not replaced) when possible, but he didn't seem too interested in the work. I guess because at shop labor rates, and him wanting to pull both heads off, the cost would be more than a good running car could be had for.

I'm still looking for someone in San Diego county who has some space on a slab outside, or in a garage... and who wouldn't mind me using that space to tear the top end off this 380SEL.

I had a house with a garage for many years but I don't currently and I'm in a bind here. I don't want to lose this car due to it's registration being incomplete. I lost my job 3 weeks ago and unemployment is not going to make me rich, but I am willing to pay for use of the space. Anyone?