First Timer - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Dreamweaver · #16 01-01-2016, 01:09 PM

So............ The first one appears to be ling gone, but I might have found another one:

He has spent over 7k *has receipts) on the folowing:

Speedo Repair
Power Steering
Smog
Hoses replaced
DMV
Treedy Tire
Inlet Manifold
Oil Change
Idle control Unit
Service
Carpet
Service
Auto Parts
Wheels Painted
Seal
Fitting new soft top
Antenna
Parts
Muffler
Power steering seal
Plug leads
Leather seats/arm rest
Fitting seats

It needs a few things...

AC needs upgraded
Dash is cracked (blue)

How much do you think I would need to invest to get these two up to snuff?

It's a late 84 with factory dual row timing chain. He's asking $8450... doubt I can get him below 8k.

The ad listing says:

Mercedes 380 SL 1983, Automatic, Dark Blue, Electric Windows, New Alloys, IMPORTANT: Double timing chain model, Good Tires, New Soft Top, Hard Top, New Exhaust, Resent Service, New Leather Seats and Center Arm Rest, New Inlet Manifold, New Brakes, Receipts for all work done, Drives Very Well, Used Weekly, New Smog Test, Some small things still to do, Any Inspection Welcome, The Body is in Exceptional Condition, DMV FEES PAID FOR 12 MONTHS, Ready to drive away....

In his email conversation he says:

It is a late 1983 with factory duel row timing chain, nice to hear from someone who knows his stuff!
The mileage is 93K have no idea if correct, but is looks correct. The body is in exceptional condition as is the paint, the dash has some cracks in it, but as I mentioned in the advert there are some jobs to do, to bring up to mint condition. the A/C does not work so have no idea if it has been converted. Tires in very good condition. NO RUST, fender in very good condition

What are your thoughts?

Dreamweaver · #17 01-22-2016, 07:50 PM

Sooooooo... Long story, but this deal fell through. After reading through a bunch of threads here, doing my own research and due diligence, I went a completely different direction.

I vacillated a LOT between the 380, the 450 and the 560. I was looking to try to get the "most for the least and, after all was said and done, I ended up spending about 3 - 4 times more than I originally anticipated. I got the green light from the wifey, so here's what I ended up with...

I bought a 1988 560SL, 43,000 miles, in pretty much mint condition. I was on a trip to San Diego, started looking around on the internet at night, and found this car. It is just stunning. I bought it from an import dealer and, even though I may have paid more than I was thinking I was going to spend, I know this car has the bones to be what I want. I will post pics as soon as I can get my Photobucket account to respond. The car is being shipped to me next week after the seller has a few minor things sorted out... a small oil leak, alignment, etc. But the car is as perfect as I could imagine a car of this age and mileage could be.

Next step is to being the journey of learning about these cars, how to properly maintain it, and most of all enjoying it. Thanks to this forum and all the expertise that members have offered... I think it saved me from making a mistake and helped me in defining what would be the best car for me.

Kudos!

meltedpanda · #18 01-22-2016, 08:02 PM

congrats, certainly one of the best years and model IMHO

Dreamweaver · #19 01-24-2016, 07:45 PM

A few pics of my new baby

Dreamweaver · #20 01-24-2016, 08:00 PM

meltedpanda · #21 01-24-2016, 08:12 PM

she is a real beauty, love the color combo, wow!

Dreamweaver · #22 01-24-2016, 08:36 PM

Thanks - can't wait til it lands for her maiden voyage to the wine country

Dreamweaver · #23 02-01-2016, 12:12 PM

Just picked up a 560SL... 1988, all original, 43k miles, in very good shape. One owner car that came out of Arizona. The only service that was performed was the regular dealer service up to 31k miles.

Took her (Sadie, eg MER-SADIES-BENZ

) for the maiden voyage. Put about 300 miles on her and noticed a few things:

1. Seemed to be only when going uphill, and usually on when turning, but the coolant idiot light came on about 6 or 8 times. Checked coolant level - everything is fine.

2. VERY strange thing with the headlight switch... when in the second position from the left the left running tail light is on. When in the third position the right running tail light is on.

Leaving on a trip for a couple of weeks so I don't have time to play with it until I get back, but wondering if anyone might know what to look for on these two service items. Thanks in advance.

P.S. - I apologize... thought I was starting a new thread. I inadvertently added to the existing thread.

rowdie · #24 02-01-2016, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dreamweaver

1. Seemed to be only when going uphill, and usually on when turning, but the coolant idiot light came on about 6 or 8 times. Checked coolant level - everything is fine.

2. VERY strange thing with the headlight switch... when in the second position from the left the left running tail light is on. When in the third position the right running tail light is on.

1. Could be a faulty coolant level sensor.

2. That is the way it is supposed to work. Check the owners manual. If it didn't come with one there is a copy in the online service manual.

Dreamweaver · #25 02-01-2016, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rowdie

1. Could be a faulty coolant level sensor.

2. That is the way it is supposed to work. Check the owners manual. If it didn't come with one there is a copy in the online service manual.

Thanks for the response. Upon closer examination of the switch icons (I have bad eyes) I see the arrows... with your explanation it makes sense. Will check on the coolant sensor when I have time... could you post a link to the online service manual?

One thing I know I need to buy is the weather strip just above the door window. One is definitely bad... should probably replace both. I tried to find it in the parts catalog but not 100% sure... can anyone confirm this is the correct part number:
Part #: 123-725-02-65-M22

rowdie · #26 02-01-2016, 05:33 PM

Link. Kind of hard to navigate. The CD/DVD version is easier. You can by one fairly cheap on Ebay.

Hard top or soft top seal. That part number is for the outer seal on the door at the window.

Tom McMenamin · #27 02-05-2016, 09:31 PM

You didn'''t lose. A 107 will require $ 3000 worth of repairs when you buy it. I posted a list and what all you should do when you buy one. Everyone I have ever known seems to have had the same experience. I bought my 1988 and have $20,000 invested in it. The car is like you and me. Regardless of how clean it is OLD. Almost. 30. I don't purse on care the mileage. Rubber top and bottom of car. Fuel lines fuel pumps,window switches,golf fluids, The 107 has many idiosyncrasies . With low mileage they drove the owner to the Golf Course on Saturdays. (Low mileage) They were expensive when new only the rich could afford them. Rich people don't do maintenance.