Hi Guys

Im thinking of buying a 560 SEC or 380 SEC
Will be great if you can give me some info about :
reliability, things to watch for , which model is better and any other useful info

THANKS

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1984 928S
1991 BMW 850 6 speed
1991 BMW 850 Automatic
1986 Mercedes 560 SEC
1988 BMW E30 Convertible manual

I'm by no means an expert on these but, from what I've heard, the 380 engine had issues with timing chains. I'd go for the 560, assuming it's a good example.

RayH

The 380s are insanely cheap because they're not nearly as good as the 560s. Find a late model 560 that's one, or maybe two, owner with records and in very good condition. Don't talk yourself into "it just needs seats", etc because there are too many good ones to buy. Ask if the timing chain and guides were done - if not, that's the first thing you'll need to do. Check to see if the AC is still R12 or converted to R134. I way prefer the R12 on theses 80's cars.

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- Brian


1989 500SEL Euro
1966 250SE Cabriolet
1958 BMW Isetta 600

8bender:

An '84 or '85 380 in good condition, low miles, etc., could be the best buy. The early engine timing chain matter is in the past for those years, and should you wish, a 420 engine is a bolt in (both are M116) if the original injection system is retained. The 420 injection could be used with a change of some of the wire harness.

From the standpoint of the basic structure of the car, suspension, driveline, etc., 380s and 560s are essentially the same. Detail differences from year to year. Larger front brakes on 560s; can be retrofitted to 380s.

As with real estate: condition, condition, condition.

Thanks guys
Any years are "the" best years to buy , or are there any years I should avoid?
Thanks again

__________________
1984 928S
1991 BMW 850 6 speed
1991 BMW 850 Automatic
1986 Mercedes 560 SEC
1988 BMW E30 Convertible manual

560SEC all day! In fact, according to a now deceased PP member here, JimB., when I asked which year to look for, he said 1991 - hands down.

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'06 E320 CDI
'17 Corvette Stingray Vert

any known issues / attention i need to know when im checking a 560 SEC?

Thanks

__________________
1984 928S
1991 BMW 850 6 speed
1991 BMW 850 Automatic
1986 Mercedes 560 SEC
1988 BMW E30 Convertible manual

I'd only buy a West Coast 560SEC, from So. Cal. You're going to pay more, but you'll likely find a far better 560SEC in So. Cal., than you will anywhere in the Country - outside a climate-controlled museum/garage setting for one. These are now 25 years old, so you should be very discriminating, and willing to travel for the right one.

But that's just my preference(s).

__________________
'06 E320 CDI
'17 Corvette Stingray Vert

WAY more power and torque on the 560, unless I found a reeealy nice 380 at a great price, I'd want a 560 all day long.

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

The 560 had the more reliable engine, along with more power and torque. Gas mileage will not be great. Things to look for are rust, operation of all the luxury goodies, and rust, especially in the northeast. Condition is more important than specific model year or mileage. Also, timing chains and guides are a wear items on the V8's. The overall engine can last about as long as a similar era diesel, but will go through chains and chain guides which should be replaced every so often. I don't remember the exact interval but I think it was in the area of 130,000 miles.

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Whoever said there's nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes never had a cheap Jaguar.

83 300D Turbo with manual conversion, early W126 vented front rotors and H4 headlights 401,xxx miles
08 Suzuki GSX-R600 M4 Slip-on 26,xxx miles
88 Jaguar XJS V12 94,xxx miles. Work in progress.
99 Mazda Miata 183,xxx miles.

thanks guys

__________________
1984 928S
1991 BMW 850 6 speed
1991 BMW 850 Automatic
1986 Mercedes 560 SEC
1988 BMW E30 Convertible manual