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  #1  
Old 09-08-2002, 11:37 AM
RON FINLAY
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1985 380 Se

There is an 85 380 SE advertised in the paper. Not familiar with the 380. Is it a good engine, what are weak points of engine and general car as a whole? Good car to consider, or stay away from?

Any thoughts appreciated - Ron

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  #2  
Old 09-10-2002, 01:58 PM
sixto's Avatar
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Practically the same cost of ownership as a 500SEL without the extra power and rear legroom. Not much more powerful than a 300SD without the benefits of a Diesel engine. Middle child syndrome

There are no bad or less desireable W126s with the possible exception of single row timing chain versions of the M116/380 that haven't been converted to double row. Not an issue on an 85 380SE.

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
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  #3  
Old 09-10-2002, 02:04 PM
sixto's Avatar
smoke gets in your eyes
 
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Practically the same cost of ownership as a 500SEL without the extra power and rear legroom. Not much more powerful than a 300SD without the benefits of a Diesel engine. Middle child syndrome

There are no bad or less desireable W126s with the possible exception of single row timing chain versions of the M116/380 that haven't been converted to double row. Not an issue on an 85 380SE.

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
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  #4  
Old 09-10-2002, 02:30 PM
RON FINLAY
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SIXTO - thank you for your input. Might give it look see.

Ron
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  #5  
Old 09-10-2002, 03:37 PM
Benzman500
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I posted this a few days ago but here is a comparison to the american 500 and american 380
www.1985500selbenz.homestead.com/boards.html
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  #6  
Old 09-10-2002, 04:17 PM
mbz380se
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Quote:
Practically the same cost of ownership as a 500SEL without the extra power and rear legroom. Not much more powerful than a 300SD without the benefits of a Diesel engine. Middle child syndrome
And here's an opinion from someone who actually drives a 380SE.

I've driven both a 380SE and a '91 420SEL (only other W126 that I've driven). Lessee...the 155 hp 380SE (stock) does 0-60 in around 10 seconds while the 201 hp 420SEL does 0-60 in 9.3 seconds (car and driver). A 300SD will pull 0-60 in 13 to 14 seconds.

Top speed: around 120 mph for a 380SE compared with 128 (Car and Driver, 1989) for a 420SEL. A turbodiesel will pull maybe 105 mph.

The 380SE that we own will get around 22 mpg on the highway, maybe 18 in the city. It has some of the best fuel economy for any W126 gasser. Aren't turbodiesels not much better?

Engine reliability is as good as any other V-8 W126. Might need some valve stem seal work at 150K plus miles. Oh yeah, replace the timing chain at the normal interval of 100K miles (or make sure it's been done!!) we found that out the hard way.

But other than that, our 380SE is a great machine, and we've experienced no other problems (beyond normal wear items like brakes, fuel pump, etc) with it. It's hauled sailboards, camping gear, been driven on gravel Forest Service roads, and it even towed a Saab 900 for a couple of miles once. In the Pacific NW, with all its mountain passes, I wouldn't want a 300SD with slower acceleration than an old non-turbo Volvo or Saab.

And the 380SE is the least expensive V-8 W126 car you can buy. Shouldn't that count for something?

-Sam
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  #7  
Old 09-10-2002, 06:59 PM
sixto's Avatar
smoke gets in your eyes
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Eastern TN
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Quote:
Originally posted by sixto
Practically the same cost of ownership as a 500SEL without the extra power and rear legroom. Not much more powerful than a 300SD without the benefits of a Diesel engine. Middle child syndrome
... or the best of both worlds as Sam says.

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
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  #8  
Old 09-10-2002, 08:04 PM
RON FINLAY
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To all who replied - thank you for the input - Ron
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  #9  
Old 09-10-2002, 08:12 PM
RON FINLAY
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As a side note on the 380 or really any of the S class. Do they have the same challenges that the 124 has - mainly the B2 piston tranny issue and the leaking AC evaporator?

Ron
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  #10  
Old 09-10-2002, 08:16 PM
Benzman500
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I never had any of thoose problems in the 500
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  #11  
Old 09-10-2002, 10:45 PM
mbz380se
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As a side note on the 380 or really any of the S class. Do they have the same challenges that the 124 has - mainly the B2 piston tranny issue and the leaking AC evaporator?
I know of no known blanket issues with the AC in the W126. What I do know is that if one ever needs to replace an evaporator in the W126, it's a lot easier to access than in a W124 (or in a W140...perish the thought of having THAT done) so it'll cost less.

No known trans issues. I think they last a long time, ours is at 198K miles on original trans. And the nice thing about the 380--they start in First gear, not 2nd.

-Sam
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  #12  
Old 09-11-2002, 07:09 PM
RON FINLAY
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380SE

Sam - thank you for your input. Sounds like the 126 has less problems than the 124.

Ron
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  #13  
Old 09-11-2002, 08:47 PM
Benzman500
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Check the doors for rust and the trunk as well. thats about it.
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  #14  
Old 09-12-2002, 10:35 PM
RON FINLAY
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Dan - thanks for the input - Ron

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