Originally Posted by DieselPaul

I'd personally avoid 78-80 if you can. They have Servo Climate Control which can be quite pricey to fix.

80-83 380SL's were built with single row timing chains, which are known to break. Many were converted to dual row, so at this point if you see one still running its probably been converted, but I would pop off a valve cover or see if you can see it through the oil filler. If its still single row it will need replaced or updated for the safety of the car.

84-85 380SL's came standard with dual row timing chains.

All euro 380s had dual row, as did euro 500s, if you stumble accross a euro car.

USA 3.8s are pretty low on power, but they are alloy block, the late 450s have a bit more power but are also pretty choked by emissions controls and are heavier.

My dad had an '84 380SL for a while and he really enjoyed it.

I'd personally look for a 74-77 450. They don't have servo climate control and are still very affordable.

My favorite would be a 72-73 350 4.5 or 450 SL because they have the skinny euro bumpers and no emissions other than lower compression. Or an 86-89 560SL but those are the two more valuable R107s.