Possible 81 Euro 280 4 Speed Purchase...

[WINTS]

Hi All...

I'm contemplating a Euro 81 280SL with 4 speed box, and can't quite make the call.... Chuck has given me some great help, and I'm still stuck on the fence...I was hoping the experienced and the enthusiatic minds here could help me fall one way or the other.

Owner imported the car in 84 and has been garaged since. 83,000 miles, with only 10K in the last 12 years. In that period, it's had new clutch master/servo replaced, sub frame and motor mounts, brake master, calipers, pads, all new belts, alternator, fuel tank and injection regulator, and last week a new fuel pump and filter. Soft top as well. New Michelins recently fitted too...

There's some rust on a rear panel that was repaired 20 years ago by a local shop, and a little superficial rust under the rear seat. Apart from that it looks good. My main concern was that the engine has not had a valve adjustment for 40,000 miles, and it's been a long time since the oil was changed. Basically, he just hasn't drove it, only 3000 miles in the last 6 years. The engine was noisy, and I know they are compared to other Mercedes engines, but it seemed consistently "clackity loud" at around 2000 rpm. I did watch a video of someone else's 280 and it sounded exactly the same...

It had a warm idle of 900 rpm, but pulled well when driven. No blue smoke after the run, temp was solid at just over 80, and oil was at 1 on idle, and pulled to 3 immediately on revs. Clutch and box were solid with no noise. There is a oil leak on the front left bank of the engine, which is common it would appear, and a brief, but harsh vibration at @60mph where the steering wheel chattered.

I love the looks of the car and especially the manual box, so, what do you guys think. Am I being too cautious? Help me out here guys!
His asking price is $4K firm....

Many thanks in advance...

[hanno]

Go for it...adjust the valves, drain the fuel, change the oil (then change again after a couple hundred miles), flush the coolant and the brake fluid, then enjoy it. We purchased a euro R107 a few years ago, wouldn't have given it a second glance without the manual trans. It called to me Did all the work your PO already has done. Its damn fun to drive. The next project (someday I'll get to it) is adding factory air.

[350SL4spd]

Those are getting harder & harder to find.

If it's not rusty, $4k is a very good price.

I say don't hesitate.

[nobby]

That one sounds ten times better than my '83 280SL five speed and I overpaid....$7500.


Buy it. Or give me the phone #.

[deanyel]

Stick shift premiums are getting to be ridiculous. And valuation guides still often show them as a deduction, probably a good sign of how clueless they really are.

[gswartzfager]

At 4k, it sounds like a good price. When I got a hold of my 85 280 sl from my father, the valves had not been adjusted ever so far as I know. It had close to 100k on it. They were noisy as hell, but they quited down pretty well once adjusted. The bottom ends on the 110 motors are pretty solid. The stick is definitely a premium in these cars. Go for it and enjoy it.

Glenn

[t walgamuth]

If you don't buy it I will!

Tom W

[pwogaman]

I could use it as a parts car for my rust bucket.

[WINTS]

Thank you gentlemen....

I'll be heading over Tuesday for a final inspection and hopeful purchase, and hopefully my mechanic can come along as well...

New fuel pump and filter was fitted a couple of weeks ago, so the old gas isn't an issue, but the owner told me he has been using only regular gas for a while!...

Some Techron and premium gas should help, and then I'll follow the advice here.

I'll hopefully post an update later this week...

Many thanks again...

[nobby]

Regular gas is fine. I do agree with the techron.

[280EZRider]

The M110 engine will treat you well, but you have to give it regular valve adjustments. Once the engine is warm, the clacking sound should be heard only at idle. The harsh vibration at 60mph is probably from flat spots formed on the tires after setting so long.

I agree w/the others: If you don't buy it, I will.

[mister bill]

I bought a 1985 280 sl 5 speed and love it. I paid $ 10,000.00 Canadian. New motor, transmission , exhaust, brakes , hard and soft tops , interior dash , and seats and all new foam and leather including door panels all 4 seats. It is my first mercedes . It has a few minor quirks but nothing major . Over all its a 7.5 to 8. To put it in the 9.5 category it would take about $ 4,000 .00. I sure don`t want to sel lit. It will always go up in value. It has 100,00.00 original miles. I am the 3rd owner. I could go on and on. Needless to say I love my 280 sl You can see it in the shop forum gallery.

[WINTS]

I picked the car up this week. It ran fine on the 35 mile journey home in the 90F heat, with no temp problems, and pegged 3 oil.

After driving a manual for 15 years in the UK, and then switching to auto here for 10 years, I had to think every now and then!

I haven't had time to drive it more, but this week will bring the valve adjustment, oil change and other bits to get it straight.

I had forgot just how pretty these cars are with the Euro bumpers and lights. The silver/blue paint just adds to that. Beautiful lines, with the emphasis on minimal, yet very effective when viewed from any angle.

I'd like to thank you all gentlemen, for helping me make this call.

[pwogaman]

Smart move!

[POS]

It was the right move - that was a good deal on a fun to drive car.