I am looking @ 1 for the wife and have never had a MB gasser.
this 1 is rust free, 216k, and the cosmetics are pretty nice for an 85.
Did these have any design/engineering flaws or problems I should be aware of?

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81 Mercedes 300SD 289k.......SOLD
82 Mercedes 300CD 252k......slow ride

82 mercedes 300 SD...mi Unknown
83 Mercedes 300D ????ksniff..gone too
84 Mercedes 300D 148k........SOLD
85 Mercedes 300TD 386k and holding some one elses project

I wounder why people would by a 380! It's weak and consumes gas because it's V8.
For your information the acceleration of a 300 is must better than a 380. I got it once but will never do it again.

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Master Computer Engineer, A+, Network+, MCP/MCSA/MCSE 4/2k/2k3 - Messaging, MCTS, MCITP, MCT, Brainbench, ICDL and starting Ph.D

380SE 1984 <------- Totaled by flipping accident
300SE 1988 <------- Sold
Volvo S70 2000 <---- 4 family
Opel Omega 2002 <-- 4 family
560SEC 1989 <------ Sold
560SEL 1990 <------ Sold
560SEL 1991 <------ 4 my mother
560SEL 1989 <------ Sold
600SEL 1992 <------ Current

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZkhazenzcc

I used to have a 380SEL and it was a pretty good car. For my case, the interior lighting (fibre optics) start to go one after the other. Well, functionally still ok but not as nice.

The fuel pump seems to go every 9 months.

The engine eventually starts to go (for my case eas 480K Km)

Yes, it consume a bit of gas especially towards the end of its life.

To be honest, it is a fiarly cheap to maintain car.

Michael

380se is a wonderful machine, 84 or 85. Easy to maintain, easier on gas, parts are cheap. Interestingly a lot of people don't like it, just like this "zcc" guy from Kuwait, because it is not as fast as they want it to. For the same reason, many people don't like 420 either.

Go for it, you will like it. It's a w126. No flaw or hidden agenda for a 84' or 85'. Do not believe people tell you the fuel pump go out every 9 months. Bull.

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11 S550
09 C300
91 560SEL
90 300CE
84 380SE
83 240D

See my signature - yes, the 380SE is not as quick or as nimble or as fuel-efficient as other models, however it is still a great car, bulletproof and low-maintenance. My fuel pump is original, but my fuel pump relay has been replaced. It only cost about $100. My 380SE is dead reliable and is used as a daily driver.

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08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280

Suspension design isn't the best, tends to ride hard over pavement irregularities, somewhat noisy. Nice on the highway at speed though. Look for trunk leaks in the deep pockets left and right, very common to let water in around taillight lenses and rear window bottom. Vinyl door panels squeek and crackle.

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1986 560SL
2002 Toyota Camry
1993 Lexus

Yes, all very true. The squeaky interior is easily remedied with anti-squeak tape. New rear window seal or a bead of clear silicone on the lower edges easily cures any seepage; new taillight seals help as well. Suspension is not really bad, it's just that technology has really improved by leaps and bounds in the 18 years since the W126 was introduced. New bushings and shocks make a world of difference.

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08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280

Thanks for all the comments, This one was however, a total POS.
Just a total laundry list of problems and inperfections. the wife did however like the layout and body style so I will continue the search.

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81 Mercedes 300SD 289k.......SOLD
82 Mercedes 300CD 252k......slow ride

82 mercedes 300 SD...mi Unknown
83 Mercedes 300D ????ksniff..gone too
84 Mercedes 300D 148k........SOLD
85 Mercedes 300TD 386k and holding some one elses project