85 380SE 32,000 miles - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Kyle Blackmore · #1 03-29-2007, 10:42 PM

Looking at a nice dealer serviced, full records 126 for $8000 Cdn. I know the 126 chassis is great, I'm not familiar with the 380 V8. Any issues or things to look for when I check it out on Saturday?

Gary Ganaway · #2 03-30-2007, 08:59 AM

This year 380 is fine...has the double chain. Mine has perfromed great, no issues except normal maint. items. I had 94K on mine when purchased 2 years ago and now have 116K. I like the shorter wheelbase of the 380SE

spqrzilla · #3 03-30-2007, 02:03 PM

I'd want to know why a 22 year old car only has 32,000 miles showing. I have the same year and model and am fond of it although its engine is not exactly a huge powerhouse. I'm pleased with mine.

raymr · #4 03-30-2007, 02:27 PM

No big problems here with almost 220K miles. The timing chain was replaced at 100K. The shorter wheelbase car is surprisingly agile on city streets.

Look for rust all around the rear wheelwells, in addition to carefully inspecting the entire underbody for breaks in the undercoating. Any break can have a huge rust pocket underneath. Good luck.

Kyle Blackmore · #5 03-30-2007, 08:09 PM

Thanks for the input guys, the car is a 2 owner, current owner also has a low mileage eldorado. I'll find out the whole story tomorrow.

86560SEL · #6 03-30-2007, 10:59 PM

If it is indeed 32K actual, it should have many more years/life left in it. Even with the low miles, @ that age & price, if you bought it, I would have the timing chain guides/rails changed posthaste (as well as the chain/tensioner). I have heard they (guides/rails) get brittle with age. I have nearly 270K on my 85' 380SE and yes, its getting tired and needs some maintenance work, but its not a 32K mile car..... if I bought one with 32K, it would be receiving those listed parts ASAP.

Good luck, it sounds like a gem!

Hatterasguy · #7 03-31-2007, 01:46 PM

First see if the mileage is correct. The odo's on these cars as you know are not reliable.

But a 32k mile W126 that has been stored indoors should look brand new. It would probably be a good buy in that case, change the timing chain and drive it.

Kyle Blackmore · #8 03-31-2007, 07:47 PM

So the story is the current owner,Oscar, a gent in his early '80s, bought it in '97 from a Hong Kong businessman. He bought it new, along with a house in Vancouver, and visited Canada occasionally untill the Chinese take over in '97. He sold it to Oscar with only 20K miles, and Oscar only drove it once a week.
The car looked very good, no door dings ,just minor scratches and marks. The interior was perfect, no wear on the pedals or switches. Everything works , AC blows cold. It drove beautifully, like a brand new car.
My brother is going to take it to the indy that's been looking after it and ask about the chain and guide rails, they might have repaired that already. Oscar couldn't remember and also only found some recent repair bills. The others are around somewhere, he's going to look for them. Sure sucks getting old.

Pete Geither · #9 03-31-2007, 08:47 PM

Sound like a very rare deal,,, buy it.

spqrzilla · #10 03-31-2007, 10:19 PM

It does sound like a dream deal if you like the 380SE as much as I do.

raymr · #11 04-01-2007, 08:00 AM

I'm curious what the 1-2 shift is like on a low mileage car like that?

zcc · #12 04-01-2007, 03:40 PM

I owned a 380SE one and it all was very good but my main problem was the performance. I hit only 200KM/H (124.3 Miles per hour) and the car wouldn't allow for more speed with it's original wheel size. Acceleration was too poor comparing with the 560 one. I was wondering why Mercedes invented the 380!!! It's the perfect car for a lady not for mad guys like us

mespe · #13 04-01-2007, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zcc

I owned a 380SE one and it all was very good but my main problem was the performance. I hit only 200KM/H (124.3 Miles per hour) and the car wouldn't allow for more speed with it's original wheel size. Acceleration was too poor comparing with the 560 one. I was wondering why Mercedes invented the 380!!! It's the perfect car for a lady not for mad guys like us

I think that MB put the 3.8 liter in those cars to achieve the MPG needed for fleets imposed by Reagan in the 80's

Kyle Blackmore · #14 04-01-2007, 08:01 PM

My brother has some pics http://picasaweb.google.com/1.peterb/1985380SE/photo#5048584811419020386
My brother Peter has joined our forum as 'kamguy'

Welcome to Mercedesshop

kamguy · #15 04-04-2007, 01:32 PM

So I bought the 1985 300SE and she is beautiful everything works and I took it to an inde and the timing chain is good and everything about it is great, she needs a good run on the hwy, which I will do this weekend. Thanks to everyone for there comments. Stay tuned for pics.