560 SEC / 380 SEC Differences ?
 

Hi Guys

Im thinking of buying a 560 SEC or 380 SEC
Will be great if you can give me some info about :
reliability, things to watch for , which model is better and any other useful info

THANKS

By most all measures the 560 is the better car.

Buy the 560SEC. Buy the '91 '92 - as new as you can get.

The 560 is a V8. The 380 is an inline 6.

The 380 is a 3.8L V8. At least in the States, no SECs got the inline 6.

Same here in Europe, V8 only. A 3.8 litre 6 sounds wonderful though!!

Do you really have a 722.6 gearbox in your 300CE? Sounds good. Mine has a 722.5.

RayH

Yes. Build thread here. http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/performance-paddock/370444-722-6-build.html

Built trans, later model electronic 5 spd shifter, later electronic speedo, programmable PCS controller. Hard to tell its not an OE installation until it shifts into 5th and locks the converter.

Sorry for the Hijack. Get the 560!:D

The in-line 6es are the best. No need for a V8 like those.

You might consider the inline 6 in the '91 SL320, as well. The right 560SEC can cost some serious jack. As it's also older technologically speaking than the next MB S-Series newer.

Thanks guys
Anything to avoid , check?
Any known issues?
Should i go ONLY with 91-92?
Thanks agian

The late, former PP member; JimB has written extensively on his 1991 560SEC on forum here, and to other members via PMs regards the 560SEC experiences has had with his. I was looking for one, but have lost hope on finding the right one for me. Simply because I wasn't finding one that suited me. He bought his 91 560SEC when just 4 or so years old, and had it up until his death about 10 months ago. It was a lowered, and somewhat heavily modded SEC that was a sight to behold, from the pictures I saw here on-forum. Jim's best advice to me was buy the newest 560SEC I could find - one like his year, likely the last year of that model. I was/am prepared to pay a lot for one, if I could find the right one. They're available, but not in the condition care that I was looking for, for a lot less. Someone else will probably be able to provide links to JimB's writings here. I don't have that expertise, or I would. Good luck in your search!

thank you Joe

8bender, I just checked my PMs - (that's Private Messages.) I had a treasure trove of experiences and advice from JimB the forum member that passed away last Spring or so of 2015. I no longer have those messages, or I'd of Fwd. them to your PM Inbox. As I wrote - there's members here that can point you in the direction of JimB's experiences he related with his 560SEC over the many years here. I'm sure some will pick up on your thread here and point you in the right direction(s). They are really fabulous cars, and I still have a passing interest in perhaps procuring one for myself someday.

Thanks Joe

LOL on the pms :-)

Just out of curiosity I checked Autotrader.com There are 32 for sale nationwide priced from $1995 to $20,000.
Anziani
'97 CL600 52K

Thanks for posting this Anziani!

I saw a '90s 560SEC @ my indies garage that belonged to another customer 3 - years ago. Man oh man was it in great original condition! It wasn't for sale, so I just let it alone enquiring about it.