I've a U.S. '85 380SL with of course, the 155 hp engine. I've been given to understand that the European version of this same car had 218 hp from the 3.8 motor. Does anyone know where a person can locate spec details for the European model? Thanks much,

W

I think you're right Paul. Thanks for mentioning that point.

W

I don't think the euro motor has a different bore and stroke.

Check out this thread and ask CTaylor738 about his euro 3.8 liter engine he built for his 380 SL:

Wayward Woman Runs Better, Still Fails Emissions

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

Thanks for the tip. I'll send him an e-mail.

W

My information and experience is that the pistons are different (more compression), and the cams of longer duration, but the same otherwise. I pieced my current 3.8 engine together with a 1984 euro block, one 1982 US head, 1985 euro cams, and 1982 US injection/emissions. All this seems very happy in a 1981 SL.

Everything that went on the block bolted up.

The car is a bit slow to get moving but REALLY starts to pull at about 4000 RPM.

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Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe