PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post

maheath · #3 09-09-2003, 06:52 PM

The single-row timing chain issue is only with the 380 engine from '81 to (I think) mid-year '84.

The climate control from '82 on is the best one. Make sure the A/C works. Don't believe the "it just needs freon" tactic. If it doesn't work, adjust your price down by $1500-$2000 just in case. BTW, actuator replacement is not that difficult.

If you want airbags, the 560SL is your only option (in U.S. models).

At least $1,000 to redo the seats in leather, more if you have someone else do it.

A "good" paint job should cost AT LEAST $2,000. An excellent one will be much more.

The rear window on the hardtop is going to cost ~$900 to replace.

Budget $1000 to replace the soft top. If your handy, you can do it yourself, but it is not easy.

The labor alone to replace the dash would buy a much nicer specimen.

Have a Mercedes mechanic check out the engine and transmission.

No offense to 380SL owners, but they're at the bottom of my 107 list, along with the '75 and '76 450 (catalytic converter in the engine compartment).

I believe that CIS started in '76. There appear to be more people who know how to deal with it than the EFI that preceded it. Not that there's anything wrong with it.

I believe the 450s had a front suspension problem (A-arm?). Don't know if this progressed to the 380s. The 560SL has a completely redone front suspension.

Unlike other car makes, I don't really know anyone that thinks that low-mileage Mercedes are worth a premium over others. Oh, except for the owners of low-mileage Mercedes. Condition is the key. Service records DO make the car more valuable than one without service records (assuming that they indicate the car was well maintained).