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1984 380 -- any issues?
From previous post-- am boomer looking for a nice sl ride that will get me thru the next 5 years till I retire. I will put no more than 2k miles/yr on the car and will then probably sell--unless I love it more than my wife--than she can have it and I will move on--to another car.
Want minimal depreciation and a reasonable chance of minor only repairs. I have cut back on my toys because I want quality not quantity and minimal hassles. Ordered the MB buyers guide on good advice from here Been looking for about a year and spotted a 380 that is only the second MB that caught my eye in the prior to 1990 models. Power is not an issue with me--only reasonable reliability. 50k miles, pristine, under $15k good color want some thoughtfull advice as I may not have time to wait until the buyers guide arrives. you are dealing with a patient person with limited MB knowledge. Once owned a 64 old 98 metallic blue with white leather--1 ton of chrome and a mile long. Why did I sell it? Not intelligent. Why did my 401 k become a 201k? Why has my retirement age moved out by several years? I figured that one out and now invest in individual stocks -- not mutual funds--I sleep at night. Thanks in advance Last edited by dmotl; 04-23-2005 at 08:59 PM. |
#2
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I do not know that anyone on any 21 year old automobile can assure you of minor repairs. I find it amazing how readably available the parts are however. I like the '84 because it has the engine updates but not the added electrical issues that could go with air bags and ABS. Somewhere I read that years will take a toll as well as miles. Check out the repair and maintenance kits offered at http://www.**************.com/ . I really like my 107, it is a work of art.
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John '02 Isuzu Axiom Canal Blue Mica "Wonder Car" '02 Isuzu Axiom Garden Green Mica from Alaska "Sara" '97 Ford Taurus Wagon 225,000 miles Intense Black "Batmobile" '91 560 SEC Ice Blue Metallic "Big Benz" '84 380 SL Astral Silver "Pretty Girl" MBCA member Chance favors the prepared mind. |
#3
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Based on my own experience (one car only) and on my readings of others' (legions of postings), expect to put $2-3K into any old Benz you buy. Based on the same database, especially my own experience, expect that once you've got it well sorted out, you'll find a reliable, enjoyable vehicle that has pretty manageable demands. I just put a thousand into the routine 60K service for my Saab. I like the car; it drives well, has nice features, and a definite sense of character. But it really ticks me off that we've got two inches of snow on the ground, because I can't wait to get back into the Benz for the season.
BTW, for your purpose, an '84 380 is about perfect--well-sorted mechanicals and the most thrifty of the V8s. The other candidate would be a gray-market 280 with the non-automatic air system, which is about the only likely annoyance on the 380 and 560.
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Craig Bethune '97 SL500, 40th anniversary edition '04 Olds Bravada (SWMBO's) '06 Lexus ES330 '89 560SL (sold) SL--Anything else is just a Mercedes. (Kudos to whoever said it first) |
#4
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Look for a 79-80 450SL with the durable cast iron block and K fuel injection. A Euro version with the manual heating/air controls would be a plus. Very nice cars can be found in the $7-10K range. Don't be scared of say 150K miles as these are tough engines and transmissions......Just look for the car that has been taken care of.
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Eric Boyles 1980 450SL |
#5
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Sounds like a nice car.
Be sure that the climate control cycles through all the settings correctly. Put the soft top up and inpect it, the windows, and the headliner, carefully. Inspect the ST storage for rust or water leakage. Have someone cold-start the engine and, with the hood open, listen for chain rattle and tapping from the rockers. Be sure the hard top has no rust around the back. Pull the spare out and look for rust at the bottom of the tire well.
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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 |
#6
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I have a nice 450sl for sale. New top, door and top seals, battery. 81K miles, 15' chrome wheels. Fits your budget!! I can send you pix. They won't attach here because the files are too big. BOB
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I asked the Lord for everything so that I could enjoy life. He gave me life so that I could enjoy everything! |
#7
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pictures of car
Sure e-mail them to me at dmotl@rconnect.com
Been looking at southwest mainly to get the dry bodies Many thanks to those of you that replied. The 84 would have to be shipped sight unseen so would have to trust the MB dealer which appears to have an excellant reputation. They say the thing is near perfect in every way. Dan |
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