I tried to find links about this but nothing much was there. I just bought a pristine 81 380 SEL with a locked up engine. I have an 83 380 SEL with a great engine. My plan is obvious. Now I noticed that the 81 has ballast resistors and a few slightly different components. Should I expect any major issues here? I thought these cars would be nearly identical. Thanks, Andy

Engines should be the same. What are you referring to as ballast resistors? Post a pic or the VIN of the 81, that should help.

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1980 500SE/AMG Euro
1981 500SEL Euro
1982 380SEL
1983 300TD
1983 500SEC/AMG Euro
1984 500SEC
1984 300TD Euro
1986 190E 2.3-16
1986 190E 2.3
1987 300D
1997 C36 AMG
2003 C320T 4matic

past: 1969 280SE 4.5 | 1978 240D | 1978 300D | 1981 300SD | 1981 300SD | 1982 300CD | 1983 300CD | 1983 300SD | 1983 380SEC | 1984 300D | 1984 300D | 1984 300TD | 1984 500SEL | 1984 300SD | 1985 300D | 1986 300E | 1986 560SEL | 1986 560SEL/Carat | 1987 560SEC | 1991 300D 2.5 | 2006 R350

On fast lane they sell them. Look like the ones on my 71 450SL but the ones on my 81 have metal cases around them. I never saw anything like them. There's also a condenser wire listed for the 81. I guess it goes to the distributor? I'm thinking I might have to swap the dist. out. I really thought this was a clean engine swap. I learn everyday! Andy

here's a pic of the engine. see the ballasts to the upper right? Andy

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