1984 380 Sec - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Jorn · #1 05-21-2006, 03:37 PM

I'm interested in a 1984 380 SEC a car I always wanted to have, it's for sale locally. What's the difference between the 560, does it have better mileage, cheaper to maintain, 84 should have the double chain?

t walgamuth · #2 05-21-2006, 04:02 PM

i have an 84 500sec. i believe i have seen it here that yours will have the double chain. mine does.

my 84 has been very trouble free. it was a one owner car when i bought it. the original owner was a wealthy local business man who had two other cars and had put on 80k in 18 years. i have put on 55k in three years. it just keeps running better and better.

i believe it is actually a bit cheaper to maintain than a 300d of the same era. it uses more gas but it is regular so the op cost is not that bad. your 380 should top 20 if driven 65 to 70. i can get 19 at those speeds. if you run 85 which it will do easily you will get 16 but you wont care. it sits lower than a sedan and handles very sporty. the shorter wheel base makes it feel very small. and it weighs about 36 or 3700. about the same as a fully optioned 123.

if it is nice, go for it. they arent worth much now and prob will only go up if well cared for.

tom w

Jorn · #3 05-21-2006, 06:20 PM

I know the 500 sec runs on regular, the 560 needs 91, wandering about the 380. Now with premium topping $3.69 it makes a difference.

This one is grey with a black interior, almost the perfect combination.

t walgamuth · #4 05-21-2006, 06:59 PM

dont know but i would assume regular.

i am thinking it would go by the year.

tom w

Hatterasguy · #5 05-21-2006, 07:08 PM

The M117 is a more modern and all around better motor, then the early M116. Unless you get a killer deal I'd hunt for a late 560SEC.

Jim B. · #6 05-21-2006, 08:24 PM

Hi Jorn

The 380SEC is a good car, the only big difference you would notice is the 380 has just 155hp, so it's a bit underpowered compared to the later models.

Still if it is a good one, rust free and no prior accidents, and has records, it could be a good deal for you. Certainly the odds are with you, as most of the best models are from your part of the world.

I
hope Mr Snibble sees this and can chime in, he really knows these cars.
Also, see the buyers guide for the SEC at www.mbcoupes.com (which I co-authored back in 1998 - prices mentioned irrelevant today, but other stuff isn't)

Good luck if you go for it; the paint/interior combo you have found is a little unusual, but does look nice.

Ara T. · #7 05-22-2006, 05:38 AM

Go for the big engine

t walgamuth · #8 05-22-2006, 08:33 AM

the 560s have a lot more stuff on the cars.... stuff that needs to be maintained. nice when it is working though.

tom w

Snibble · #9 05-22-2006, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jorn

I'm interested in a 1984 380 SEC a car I always wanted to have, it's for sale locally. What's the difference between the 560, does it have better mileage, cheaper to maintain, 84 should have the double chain?

The 380 and 560 had a few differences...
380 was a 1st generation w126, so it has the older interior/exterior design, differential housing and most importantly, power.

In terms of fuel economy, I would think the 380 would have slightly better mileage. Not much, but in terms of power... definately the 560 is better.

They are both v8's and nearly same engine parts. The M116 and M117 are very similar. Being that, they will be about the same in terms of engine parts and maintenance items.

I think starting 1983-1984 they had double rows... all previous 380's had single row chains.

If I were shopping, I would go for the 560. Although they cost a bit more than a 380, the difference is well worth what you get compared to a 380.