1984 380SE $?$ - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

patpong22 · #1 10-04-2009, 09:15 AM

I have a chance today to buy an 84 380SE for $1800. I'm not familiar with this model. Any comments? How is the performance and repairability compared to other vintage MBs?
Thanks,
Cliff

PS paint good, new tires, interior fair.

patpong22 · #2 10-04-2009, 02:57 PM

Are these cars fast?

pawoSD · #3 10-04-2009, 03:10 PM

Not super fast, but they will move along nicely. They are a bit faster than the diesels. I think spec was around 170hp ish for the US 380..... $1800 is a good price for one in decent shape. Make sure the engine has been converted to the dual-row timing chain vs. the original single row. These fail and destroy the engine. It will need to be converted if it is still a single row chain.

Tims450SL · #4 10-04-2009, 09:23 PM

last year of the single row chain was 1982. All other 380's had double row chains-

Tims450SL · #5 10-04-2009, 09:26 PM

I have a real special 1984 380 SE and the car is a real classic. Runs and drives excellent. The classic front end with the recessed lights and yellow fogs let it stand out on it's own. Although the power sunroof does not tilt, this is a flagship classic with a pretty high NADA Classic car value. I really enjoy driving my gun metal grey/blue with upgraded wheels and fat michelins. I will post a pic when I can...If your 1800 car runs, drives shifts and especially if the AC works, and there are no rust issues...it is a car to keep.

pawoSD · #6 10-04-2009, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tims450SL

last year of the single row chain was 1982. All other 380's had double row chains-

That seems too early....I thought it was '85 that they changed it.

bsmuwk · #7 10-04-2009, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

That seems too early....I thought it was '85 that they changed it.

Nope, end of the 1982 model year is when the timing chain was changed over to double row. Couple posts on BW about it.

tonkovich · #8 10-04-2009, 10:46 PM

well, wikipedia says model year 85 and on (for what its worth?)

i would think by now if it were a single, it would have blown and/or been retrofitted. my late mechanic always said the 380 problems were not as bad as the publicity they got?

there's been quite a few 380 sedans of se/sel variety for sale lately in l.a. - either i never noticed them before, or ...? coincidence.

i would think an se would handle a little better, with the shorter length and lighter engine, (better fuel economy?) might be interesting? (if you can't get a euro/ non-detuned version of a w126)

E150GT · #9 10-04-2009, 11:57 PM

regardess of single or double, its still a maintenace item that can kill your engine

mbdoc · #10 10-05-2009, 08:22 AM

Just for the record>>>> USA version 1981-83 3.8L engines had a single row timing chain from the factory.

A 1984 380SE for $1800 in fair to good condition would be a good car!
They can be gas guzzlers.

Benz Mercedes · #11 10-06-2009, 02:19 PM

Owning 2 380's, a euro 82sel and a us 84se both double row, I can tell you that the change to double row on us models happened about mid-year production in 1983 , so some 83 models had a single row and some had a double row, all euro's had the double row, And $1800 for an 84 380 SE is an average price
, But that's with no or minimal rust.

Tims450SL · #12 10-06-2009, 11:34 PM

first of all- I need to comment- before anyone puts a value on a car as a fluke do alittle research....My 84 125K mile 380 SE is not average priced at 1800- as a matter of fact they have more increasing value then the 560 SEL and the 420 SEL...check it out- although each car warrants a particular price on its own merit and condition- try to keep some value in these cars especially if you are a owner or future owner...http://www.nadaguides.com/default.aspx?LI=1-22-1-5013-0-0-0&l=1&w=22&p=1&f=5014&y=1984&m=1115&d=6137&c=12&vi=76740&z=33308&da=-1
Check that out for $1800.00 value...

Benz Mercedes · #13 10-08-2009, 07:47 PM

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/cto/1407788247.html

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/1405723604.html

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/1409417860.html

here are 4 average ones including the one PatPong22 is looking at for an average price of about $1800,.... . My euro 380 SEL is average, and I would take about $2000 for it if I were to sell it. I also own a 1987 420 SEL, it is also average and it is only worth about $2500. I have owned and maintained 7 mercedes vehicles since 1980... I'm hooked, and looking for an average SL.

Ben