Should I Buy This 560sl - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

82gray380 · #1 06-08-2008, 07:40 AM

I'm fairly new to the Mercedes Benz scene, but I just resently purchased a 380sl in very good physical shape, but the engine has a weak valve, but still runs good, not great, but good. I paid $3800 for the rust free car. Just yesterday, a co-worker who works for a church organization drove a donated 560sl over to my house to see if I was interested in buying it. He was put in charge of selling it for the church charity. It's in nice condition, almost rust free and seemed to run good(better then mine). He wanted around $5000 for the car. SHOULD I sell buy this car and sell mine. Is the 560sl a much better car then the 380sl. I'm undecided.

Lexxani · #2 06-08-2008, 07:54 AM

depending on the interior/exterior condition/level of rust/mechanical shape (smoking, odd sounds, and other nonsense) Id rather have a 560 over a 380. . .the whole timing chain issue is a big factor. The 560 in good shape commands a hella higher dollar then the 380 ever will. Ps-does the 560 have both tops? is the soft top in good condition? Is there any service history?

82gray380 · #3 06-08-2008, 08:04 AM

the 560 does have both tops, but no service history. As for the timing chain issue, if your talking about the single/double chain issue, my 380 already had the double chain installed. I guess a little more info. is needed. The 380 appears to have a nicer body, no rust etc.. but the 560s body is not as good as the 380. The 560 appears to run very good, but the 380 runs good, but will need a valve job down the road. I'm really looking for best driving fun. Neither car would be a daily driver, just a weekend cruizer. Plus, it seems like the 560 sounds like a good deal at $5000. HELP, I'M TORN BETWEEN TO CARS.

Roncallo · #4 06-08-2008, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 82gray380

the 560 does have both tops, but no service history. As for the timing chain issue, if your talking about the single/double chain issue, my 380 already had the double chain installed. I guess a little more info. is needed. The 380 appears to have a nicer body, no rust etc.. but the 560s body is not as good as the 380. The 560 appears to run very good, but the 380 runs good, but will need a valve job down the road. I'm really looking for best driving fun. Neither car would be a daily driver, just a weekend cruizer. Plus, it seems like the 560 sounds like a good deal at $5000. HELP, I'M TORN BETWEEN TO CARS.

If your not interested in perfomance then go with the on with the least amount of rust. If performance is an issue go 560SL.

meltedpanda · #5 06-09-2008, 10:09 AM

resale on the 560 would be better. just get them both

KCM · #6 06-09-2008, 03:36 PM

Not a huge difference between the cars, other than the previously mentioned performance. Might have been a difference in climate controls, but not sure. Also, the 560SL takes premium fuel while the 380SL takes regular, if that makes a difference to you. The 380SL should get better fuel mileage too.

In my opinion, rust SUCKS! Also, in my opinion, a valve job is not a major issue other than the dollars it takes, which I would think would not be to great. Definitely not like a complete overhaul job in work or cost.

I'd go with the better body/interior/soft top if the 380SL is fast enough for you. Otherwise, go with the 560SL. Again, just my opinion.

82gray380 · #7 06-09-2008, 05:06 PM

I'm staying with the 380sl. After reading the replies, I decided that's the most sensible decision. The 380 is paid for, drives O.K., actually drives great, but idles a little rough, and the body is in very good rust free condition. Thanks for the input.

JimFreeh · #8 06-09-2008, 05:16 PM

If your HVAC buttons are vertical, that's bad.
Horizontal, that's good!

I'm curious how the 380SL could be "rust free" if it's a Chicago car.
The term "rust free" tends to vary depending upon where you live.

To some people that means you cannot put your hand thru the body, to others, it means that there is absolutey none, not even minor surface rust.

From what I've seen of Chicago cars, I'd suspect the former definition.
Being raised in Arid-zona, my rust criteria is a bit different.

That being said, the R107 body is not a great one in terms of resisting rust. Primary criteria revolves around the body. Pick the one that is the more sound.

A 560SL is generally a much more desirable car, but that assumes equal body condition.

Secondary concerns are the driveline condition and the paint/interior condition.

Last, and most subjective is the color combination.
A red/tan car that is rusty can still trump a green/green car.....

Jim

82gray380 · #9 06-09-2008, 05:24 PM

Rust Free, First 20 years of it's life, in California (with receipts) last 5 years in Chicago, in a heated garage with only 500 miles on the clock over the last 5 years. That's how it can be rust free.

JimFreeh · #10 06-09-2008, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 82gray380

Rust Free, First 20 years of it's life, in California (with receipts) last 5 years in Chicago, in a heated garage with only 500 miles on the clock over the last 5 years. That's how it can be rust free.

Now that's a keeper!

My 84 came from AZ, and is so clean compared to the others I've seen, I'm hanging on to it!

BTW, what is the color combo of the two cars?
Mine's petrol blue metallic with creme leather. AMG pentas. Gorgeous.

Jim

82gray380 · #11 06-09-2008, 06:56 PM

JimFreeh, The color combo is a dark gray with a sand color interior. At one point it was a yellow, but the previous owner hated the color and had the whole car repainted. It's an older paint job, but really looks good. After thinking about it, I must state that there is a little rust, (about the size of half dollar) but in the most unusual area. The only rust was in the area under the hardtop. My quess is the hardtop had moisture under it and caused the surface rust. With the top on, you can't even see it and I did use rust neutralizer. So I quess it isn't completely rust free.
I do know what your talking about with rust issues in the Chicago area and how people interpret what is bad and what is good. I went to look at a 560 slc about 2 days ago and the owner swore that the rust was miner. Every panel has rust, the rockers were gone and the doors looked like swiss cheese. Different opinions.