Info needed on 380SE
 

I am looking @ 1 for the wife and have never had a MB gasser.
this 1 is rust free, 216k, and the cosmetics are pretty nice for an 85.
Did these have any design/engineering flaws or problems I should be aware of?

I wounder why people would by a 380! It's weak and consumes gas because it's V8.
For your information the acceleration of a 300 is must better than a 380. I got it once but will never do it again.

I used to have a 380SEL and it was a pretty good car. For my case, the interior lighting (fibre optics) start to go one after the other. Well, functionally still ok but not as nice.

The fuel pump seems to go every 9 months.

The engine eventually starts to go (for my case eas 480K Km)

Yes, it consume a bit of gas especially towards the end of its life.

To be honest, it is a fiarly cheap to maintain car.

Michael

380se is a wonderful machine, 84 or 85. Easy to maintain, easier on gas, parts are cheap. Interestingly a lot of people don't like it, just like this "zcc" guy from Kuwait, because it is not as fast as they want it to. For the same reason, many people don't like 420 either.

Go for it, you will like it. It's a w126. No flaw or hidden agenda for a 84' or 85'. Do not believe people tell you the fuel pump go out every 9 months. Bull.

See my signature - yes, the 380SE is not as quick or as nimble or as fuel-efficient as other models, however it is still a great car, bulletproof and low-maintenance. My fuel pump is original, but my fuel pump relay has been replaced. It only cost about $100. My 380SE is dead reliable and is used as a daily driver.

Suspension design isn't the best, tends to ride hard over pavement irregularities, somewhat noisy. Nice on the highway at speed though. Look for trunk leaks in the deep pockets left and right, very common to let water in around taillight lenses and rear window bottom. Vinyl door panels squeek and crackle.

Yes, all very true. The squeaky interior is easily remedied with anti-squeak tape. New rear window seal or a bead of clear silicone on the lower edges easily cures any seepage; new taillight seals help as well. Suspension is not really bad, it's just that technology has really improved by leaps and bounds in the 18 years since the W126 was introduced. New bushings and shocks make a world of difference.

Thanks for all the comments, This one was however, a total POS.
Just a total laundry list of problems and inperfections. the wife did however like the layout and body style so I will continue the search.