My first Benz was an 82 380SEL which I bought in 95 for $1200, off the back of a wrecker I may add. Jumped time, bent valves, usual havoc wreaked upon the engine. The body was excellent though, just repainted by a well respected body shop here in town. I was never really impressed with the off the line performance but found that if you really put your foot into the pedal it would get up and go quite well, cruised at 80 no problem, typical Mercedes in that regard. Sold it to some loser that totaled it out just a few days later, got a letter from the impound yard to go get my car, the car I just sold?? The poor guy was too ashamed to call me, hadn't even transferred the title yet. It was a sad day but better him then me I guess.

Watch out for oil leakers though, they had their share of head gasket leaks just like most V8's of similar vintage. Even at such low mileage I would definitely do at least a chain, tensioner and guides, even if it is a double row setup.

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Chas

Had a 380SL, 450SL, 380SEL, 420SEL, 500SEL

Got a Euro 500SEC right now.