Asking for a friend who is looking to buy, has 150K on the clock, looks to be in pretty good shape, have not got to go over it yet
Things to look for, how about realiablity?
As always, thanks

__________________
Ron
2015 Porsche Cayman - Elizabeth
2011 Porsche Cayman - Bond,James Bond
Sadly MERCEDESLESS - ALways LOOKING !
99 E320 THE Queen Mary - SOLD
62 220b - Dolly - Finally my Finny! Sadly SOLD
72 450SL, Pearl-SOLD
16 F350 6.7 Diesel -THOR
19 BMW X5 - Heaven on Wheels
14 38HP John Deere 3038E Tractor -Mean Green
84 300SD, Benjamin -SOLD
71 220 - W115-Libby ( my first love) -SOLD
73 280 - W114 "Organspende" Rest in Peace
81 380 SL - Rest in Peace

Some sl380's had only a single row timing chain which could break and wreck the head. There was an upgrade available but fairly expensive.

that one came from the factory with single row but good chance it has been converted to double row with those miles.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

It would be worthwhile to look. It's hard to see but search the site, it can be done with an inspection mirror.

Converting involves about $550 of parts for the timing stuff and is an engine out, head-off, few hundred $$$ in gaskets alone project. If I get a single-chain 380sl (cheap) as a daily driver, I'm debating whether I would do the conversion or absolutely, certainly change the timing chain components every 40K.

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86 560SL
With homebrew first gear start!
85 380SL
Daily Driver Project

http://juliepalooza.8m.com/sl/mercedes.htm

I'd absolutely stay away from the 380 SL. If your friend seriously wants a 107 chassis, the 86 and newer 560's are the only way to go. The drivetrain, fuel system, electronics, climate control and suspension are all superior to the pre-86 cars. There is no such thing as a cheap benz and you should spend the money up front to get a good car instead of having an older inferior car nickel and dime you to death, which I can guarantee it will.

I would have no aversion to buying a 380SL. I think you have the year wrong though. I believe the 80 is still a 450SL. I thinnk 380s started in 81. Be sure it is a 380 and not a 450. Like the others say, be sure it has been converted over to a duplex chain. The 380 is basically the same as the 560 with a little less power and a whole lot cheaper. Have it or any MB checked out by a professional before you buy. Good luck.

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Auto Zentral Ltd.

thanks gang, yup had the year wrong it is an 82
I will keep you all posted

__________________
Ron
2015 Porsche Cayman - Elizabeth
2011 Porsche Cayman - Bond,James Bond
Sadly MERCEDESLESS - ALways LOOKING !
99 E320 THE Queen Mary - SOLD
62 220b - Dolly - Finally my Finny! Sadly SOLD
72 450SL, Pearl-SOLD
16 F350 6.7 Diesel -THOR
19 BMW X5 - Heaven on Wheels
14 38HP John Deere 3038E Tractor -Mean Green
84 300SD, Benjamin -SOLD
71 220 - W115-Libby ( my first love) -SOLD
73 280 - W114 "Organspende" Rest in Peace
81 380 SL - Rest in Peace