'85 380SE, what are they selling for? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

cavecookie · #1 10-15-2010, 08:41 PM

Hey, everybody! I'm not sure if this is the right board for this question, but here goes. There's a lady at work who's looking to buy a 1985 380SE, and she asked if I might help, and I'm not one to let a damsel in distress go unaided! I know nothing about the car, and I only had a few minutes to glance at it... this is what I can say about it. The body looks straight, with no obvious rust. I believe it has around 200,000 mi. on the clock, it starts very easily and idles very smooth. I have no idea of the service history, or how many PO's are involved. Don't know how it runs at hiway speeds, how it handles or anything else

. I know it's not alot to go on, but any help will be appreciated. Thanks in advance, Rick

Hit Man X · #2 10-15-2010, 10:20 PM

200k with no records? Doubt it would sell for more than $1k. I would pay that if the paint is good and the interior is good. Finding a good 126 interior is becoming increasingly difficult as is good, original paint. You cannot get a quality paint job for $1k unless you do all the prep work and all the finishing work.

A dealer here had an '84 or '85 US version here for YEARS and never sold. That should tell you some of the demand for the 380SE. I think they were only around 155hp...

Now if you can find a clean one with a bad motor, swap in a US 420 motor for a nice kick in power. They were 201hp.

2¢

cavecookie · #3 10-16-2010, 08:16 PM

Hey, Hit Man, thanks for the info... I agree... $1,000 is all I thought it might be worth. Interior is rough, 2 wheels need to be replaced before it can even get out on the road. Owner is asking for $2,000

!!! I guess I'll tell her if she really, REALLY wants a Benz, there are better ones available.

Hit Man X · #4 10-17-2010, 05:11 PM

Sounds like it is worth $300-500 tops then

tinypanzer · #5 10-18-2010, 01:11 PM

Yeah, and if it has the single row timing chain, then RUN don't walk away!

TylerH860 · #6 10-18-2010, 01:52 PM

Not worth buying to drive even if were free... period.

The only practical gasser W126 that can be had cheaply enough is a 300SE-SEL.

Here's an example of what a very nice example is going for.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=269097

Hit Man X · #7 10-18-2010, 10:07 PM

300SELs are turds to me, best bargain to me is the 420.

cavecookie · #8 10-19-2010, 08:13 PM

Thanks, all!! Because of me (and you guys) and a few other friends she is definitely RUNNING from that car. Besides, I think the seller was trying to scam a "poor, helpless" woman! Thanks again.

pawoSD · #9 10-20-2010, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hit Man X

300SELs are turds to me, best bargain to me is the 420.

Eh, there's something to be said about the durability of the M103....its a beast compared to the V8's. A 420 is nice, but lots more $$$ to keep it going properly.

cavecookie · #10 10-21-2010, 08:12 PM

I'm with you pawo! I love that 2.6! When I bought the car, I thought it would probably break my bank account, but thanks to these MB forums, I've got that little sucker running real smooth... and very little cash outlay! I just do the searches, and mostly what I've done is just a little adjustment here, a little tweak there, and presto!!! Not nearly as intimidating as I first thought.

mbzman · #11 10-22-2010, 02:00 AM

The M103 is probably great in the SWB cars but probably a bit taxed in the LWB ones. I think a V8 would be a better match for the extra weight from the added length. A nicely sorted 300SE would be a perfect combination.

compu_85 · #12 10-22-2010, 10:43 AM

The weight difference between the long and short wheelbase cars is negligible.

tinypanzer · #13 10-22-2010, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by compu_85

The weight difference between the long and short wheelbase cars is negligible.

I respectfully disagree. My 300SE is peppier and handles way better than any 300SEL I've driven, and I've driven a few. My 560SEL is a yacht compared to my 300SE. They both have something to offer; The 300SE can handle being thrown HARD into a corner and has a much more immediate feel to the steering. While the 560SEL has a ton more power and a smoother ride, it has a somewhat disconnected feeling from the road and cannot handle anywhere near the turning Gs of the 300SE.

But anyway, the point about an M103 being the more reliable and less expensive motor to own has certainly proven itself in my situation. I would definitely recommend the 300SE over the 300SEL unless you really need that rear passenger room. The 300SE is right at the threshold between peppy and underpowered. The 300SEL tips in the underpowered direction, I'm afraid. Even more so if you have passengers, luggage, and are running the A/C.

Anyway, the 380 motor was a turd. Underpowered, poor mileage, and an Achilles heel single row timing chain (on most earlier ones, IIRC).

TylerH860 · #14 10-22-2010, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tinypanzer

I respectfully disagree. My 300SE is peppier and handles way better than any 300SEL I've driven, and I've driven a few. My 560SEL is a yacht compared to my 300SE. They both have something to offer; The 300SE can handle being thrown HARD into a corner and has a much more immediate feel to the steering. While the 560SEL has a ton more power and a smoother ride, it has a somewhat disconnected feeling from the road and cannot handle anywhere near the turning Gs of the 300SE.

But anyway, the point about an M103 being the more reliable and less expensive motor to own has certainly proven itself in my situation. I would definitely recommend the 300SE over the 300SEL unless you really need that rear passenger room. The 300SE is right at the threshold between peppy and underpowered. The 300SEL tips in the underpowered direction, I'm afraid. Even more so if you have passengers, luggage, and are running the A/C.

Anyway, the 380 motor was a turd. Underpowered, poor mileage, and an Achilles heel single row timing chain (on most earlier ones, IIRC).

I would guess those characteristics you describe would have more to do with the the SLS suspension than the longer wheelbase.