380Sl buying tips for 126 diesel owner please!

[300sdToronto]

My wife is dreaming of getting a 380SL

I have a lead on one here (85 model year) in Toronto for $7,900 with 100K miles on it.

Is this a fair price or suspiciously low? One owner, all records available.

What are the top 3 things to look for in one of these cars??

Apart from rust, wear on the interior higher than odo suggests, proper transmission operation, brakes, fluid leaks, etc.

[ctaylor738]

Be sure it idles about 500 rpm in gear and about 650 rpm in P or N.

Make sure all functions of climate control work. Be sure that it switches between heat and cool, and that you get heat to the footwells.

Hard top fits well, has all fittings and removes easily

Remove hardtop, check condition of soft top, seals, latching mechanism. Put it up and check for fit.

Check condition of seal around soft top compartment lid. Check for rust around lid, around latch, and in compartment.

Remove spare tire, check for rust in storage area

Take up rear seats or floor, look for rust underneath

Lift up all rugs, look for signs of moisture and/or rust.

[300sdToronto]

Thanks. From my research the climate control is much the same as the 126 so I know what to expect there!!!!

Appreciate the hints about the tops. I also understand I should look for records to see if the timing chain has been done and - if not - plan for it.

[ctaylor738]

Ja.

Any sort of rattle at startup, have it towed. Also if you get a tick when warm, you are looking at ball studs on at least one side. A louder noise means possible cam or lifter issues.

Be sure that the air pump works correctly during warm-up, that's an expensive little number.

[Jim B.]

Because of the 155 hp engine, the 380 SL is the least desirable of all the R107 cars. A 1988-1989 560 SL, with the 227 hp engine would be much better.

Get one in a color that you like

It should be available for a reasonable price.

Take a look at these


www.slmarket.com

and

www.oursl.com

Good sites for a buyer to check.

[ctaylor738]

Actually, there are a lot less desirable 107's than the '85 380. The '74 and '75 450's with their underhood cats for one, and the 280 automatics for another. The 1985's were the best of the 380's and have numerous improvements to performance and safety. Anti-lock brakes are an example. Some number of later 1985's had many of the 560's suspension pieces.

The 560's are without a doubt a more modern car, but they have their downside as well - a cranky EGR system, a funky alarm system, and worse gas mileage.

I have an '85 380 and an '87 560. In normal driving, they are nearly identical. The 380 feels lighter and is more fun to drive. The 560 is my preference for the freeway. I would be hard-pressed to call one "better" -- they're just different.