Newbie thinking of buying an early 80s 380SL Advice appreciated

[coleyjf]

Hi there

I think you should go for a post 1985 "facelift" model ( 1986-9). There are fewer problems and a better engine, slightly better looks ( some might disagree ) more "modern" features like ABS, and a generally better car.

I get 24-27mpg (UK galls that is) in my 300SL ( I think that converts to about 19-20 mpg US) and the other (bigger) models accordingly.

BUT in the end whatever you get buy a good one, as you will find that a "not too bad" model will cost you a lot in repairs and a poor one will never be out of the garage.

And as was said earlier - a replacement hood is up to $1000

Happy motoring

Jim

[neds380sl]

I get 22-23 mpg on the highway with mine.

[Punnyabrata]

Hi Everyone,

Just found this forum on Google and this is my first post here. I apologize for reopening an old thread but I need some advise here.

I have just won a bid on ebay for a 1983 380SL for fairly low price of US $2.2K. Hagerty states a fair condition car should fetch atleast 6.5K.

This is my first time buying a classic car so I don't have any idea what I'm getting into. I have a friend who is a mechanic at BMW and owns a very old Impala, so he will be maintaining the car if I complete the transaction. Can this car be used as a daily drive?

Following are the vehicle details:

Mileage: 209,985
Vehicle Title: Clear
Exterior Color: Blue
Fuel Type: Gasoline
Interior Color: Blue
For Sale By: Private Seller
Number of Cylinders: 8
Drive Side: Left-hand drive
Transmission: Automatic

My son and his fiance drove this away on their wedding day this year, see photo. Then they flew down the freeway with the top down at 70 mph for 20 miles and the brides hair did not get messed up because of the great airflow diversion trait these cars have.

This has been in West of USA it’s whole life. Very original. Some minor dings and scratches.

Runs out very well, smooth, no smoke, starts right up even after sitting for months. Need room for my work equipment so must sell.

Automatic transmission. Brakes work well. Clean Oregon title good until 2018. Soft top has some wear and a small hole in each side window, see photos. Original hardtop was not used much, very nice condition and its heavy and has the original pulley system with small block and tackle to allow one person to lift the top while in the garage, then tie it off to the cleat.

Floor panels solid. Only rust is a small bubble on the left rear of the trunk lid, see photos. Chrome wheels have typical corrosion from years of age. Spare wheel is not chrome and appears unused. Tires matching and in good shape with lots of tread. Lights work except for a couple interior. Glass is in great shape with some rubber showing minimal ageing. Carpets are in great shape. Dash appears to have an aftermarket cover (something I'm not familiar with) but it looks good. Release mechanisms for hood and hard-top work well. Doors open and close properly. Electric door windows roll up and down properly. Electric mirror on passenger side does not function. Aftermarket radio/CD works somewhat. Finish on some of the console wood is cracked from age. Glove box is nice. Front right turn signal lens is broken. Original owner’s manual. Driver's door pouch is off the car but comes with the car as does the drivers visor.
Original tool bag and most tools (see photos), very clean trunk, original jack. Engine compartment is clean and looks to have all OEM components.
Buyer is responsible for shipping or pick up. I can store the car under cover for up to three weeks after close of auction as long as the payment schedule is met. Title will be signed over and either given to you or your pick-up person or can be priority mailed to you. Thank you


Drive this home and save shipping costs!
See video on youtube and more photos on photobucket.com (use my screen name Saltzchuck).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRUdqWxcoK4

83 380SL MB by saltzchuck | Photobucket

[meltedpanda]

Does it have the single row timing chain? That is a lot of miles if it does and id stand clear. Any service history? At those miles its a must

[rowdie]

Originally Posted by meltedpanda

Does it have the single row timing chain? That is a lot of miles if it does and id stand clear. Any service history? At those miles its a must

Even if converted to dual row that's a lot of miles if no proof of recent timing chain system service.

[corbitt]

I know this forum has a low opinion of the '81 380SL, but I will say that mine, with 78K miles, one family owner, and garaged life, is a real treat. Yes, the climate control is completely stupid, but it DOES crank out some SERIOUS heat. Female passengers love that!

I hope that preventive maintenance will help keep this weekend driver out of the shop. Meanwhile, all my friends love the car and so do I. I wasn't looking to buy a vintage car... I like to say the car found me. Any vehicle this old will need parts to be replaced... I love my 380SL, possibly because of its condition and the buyer's inspection.

[okyoureabeast]

Congratulation and my condolence, buying an early to mid 80s r107 is a crap shoot especially from Ebay. I specifically looked for 380SLs between 1984 and 1985 because of their similarity with my old 300D as well as the purported 20 mpg figure.

I paid a premium for mine, because it came with receipts, looked good, and had other goodies.

At least she looks good because mechanically she's a nightmare. Paid a pretty penny to have my front end subframe repaired. Couldn't do that myself without a lift and welding equipment.

I've repaired several vacuum leaks, replaced the injectors, cleaned the fuel tank, replaced hoses, replaced all of the fuel delivery components, fuel distributor, WUR, and a handful of other components I can't remember.

Over the Thanksgiving holiday I will be replacing the intake plenum gaskets, donuts, and the thermostat. The crappy dealer who did the rebuild replaced the donuts but not the gaskets. Instead of finding out where the vacuum leak was, they retarded the timing and put in a 72* C thermostat to get it to pass smog.

Over Christmas, I will also be replacing my CV axles as the boots have town and rebuild the parking brake. Thankfully, I've done this before on my old w123 and am familiar with all of the little procedures.

My power steering box just started leaking. Frustrated and angry, I just poured in some stop leak and give it a middle finger.

I'm embarrassed at the amount of money I have put into this car. With the exception of my front end rebuild, all the other work has been by own blood sweat and tears.

In retrospect, I wish I just bought my era car from a forum member.

Yet, I still find immense enjoyment keeping it going. My mistake was buying this car as a daily driver instead of a fixer-upper. I should have known better about the stupid subframe.

My advice? Too late! You're already married to it.

I would first check to make sure you actually have a double timing chain and next up make sure the subframe has been retrofitted with the fixes. If neither has been done, seriously question whether you wish to proceed.

[meltedpanda]

Originally Posted by corbitt

I know this forum has a low opinion of the '81 380SL, but I will say that mine, with 78K miles, one family owner, and garaged life, is a real treat. Yes, the climate control is completely stupid, but it DOES crank out some SERIOUS heat. Female passengers love that!

I hope that preventive maintenance will help keep this weekend driver out of the shop. Meanwhile, all my friends love the car and so do I. I wasn't looking to buy a vintage car... I like to say the car found me. Any vehicle this old will need parts to be replaced... I love my 380SL, possibly because of its condition and the buyer's inspection.

um this one has 209,000 on it Like to know if the OP bought it ?

[Mighty190]

Because this thread was revived here is my opinion on all this:

These cars are slow. Sometimes they feel very slow if you start on a hill. A 380 makes 155hp in north american spec and have rarely been converted you euro spec. They also have single row timing chains and more electronics than the earlier cars. However they are 4 speed autos rather than 3 and have the more common 185mm diff so you can put a LSD in one in theory.

If you have the money get a genII 560 that already has euro bumpers. More power, possible LSD, 4 speed auto, updated suspension, and all the creature comforts in the old body style. If you want a coupe like me you realistically need to find a good deal on a 450. Very early US cars do have small bumpers but are also more prone to rust. They also have D-jet rather than K jet.

[rowdie]

Not all North American 380SL had single row chains, only the '81-"83 models. All 560SL models came with LSD as standard equipment.