Hello all,
Today I test drove a 1972 350SLC Euro with a 4 speed manual. The car has about 66000 miles that look original. Velour interior almost 100% perfect, original radio, all power windows work well, A/C works excellent basically a very original solid car, very tight without any unusual noises. Car is on its second owner and was imported to San Francisco by the original owner.
Problems found: 1)Clutch engaging very low, pedal almost to the floor. I think most likelly it needs a new clutch/pressure plate. Has anybody had any experience with the cost of replacing the clutch on these.

2)Noticed a slight tappet noise coming from the passenger side head. My 1980 450sel has hydraulic lifters and does not require adjustment, I believe all M117 engines up to 1978 or 79 need valve adjustments, is that correct?

Asking price $6500, I think it's high. I was thinking to offer around $3500-$4000, any opinions? I really liked the car and with the manual 4 speed it has a total diferrent feel to it.
Thank you and regards,
Joe Brasileiro
1980 450sel
1987 Jaguar xj6

Seems Californians will pay a lot for old cars. The 3-4000 figure for a grey market 28 year old would be more likely, BUT it is kinda special. If it suits you none of those prices are high for a good piece of equiptment.

The clutch more likely has a hydraulic problem, if it was worn the pedal would be high.

Yes, it does have valves to adjust as do all V8's till the 1976 model year. All cars with CIS fuel have hydraulic lifters, those with D-Jet need to be adjusted.

quote:

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Originally posted by stevebfl:
Seems Californians will pay a lot for old cars. The 3-4000 figure for a grey market 28 year old would be more likely, BUT it is kinda special. If it suits you none of those prices are high for a good piece of equiptment.

The clutch more likely has a hydraulic problem, if it was worn the pedal would be high.

Yes, it does have valves to adjust as do all V8's till the 1976 model year. All cars with CIS fuel have hydraulic lifters, those with D-Jet need to be adjusted.

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Steve, thanks for the reply.
Regarding the clutch issue, maybe I wasn't clear in my original post, what I meant by a low pedal was that the pedal sits high in its normal position but to shift you have to press the pedal almost to the floor. I have driven a couple of 116/107 with manual boxes the the pedal is quite soft and does not require you to press almost to the floor to shift. Do you still think it is a hydraulic problem?
If yes, could it be air in the system, contaminated fluid or maybe a bad slave cylinder?
Thank you and regards
Joe Brasileiro
1980 450sel
1987 Jaguar xj6

jbrasile,

Yes, it's almost certainly a hydraulic problem. If the car has set for awhile, you'd be best served by rebuilding master and slave cylinder and flush fresh fluid through it. If you're really lucky, you might get by with flushing well, followed by bleeding. Ensure that there is clean fluid in clutch and brakes.

The ticking valve will probably be taken care of by adjustment. But a few frequent oil changes, draining while hot may be necessary to degunk everything.

If you purchase this car, you need to give the timing chain system a thorough inspection. Your best bet would be to replace chain and rails to prevent big buck damage.

The car really sounds neat. Of course, I'm prejudice toward stick shifts. If it's a Benz and has a stick shift, it gets my attention.

Good luck,

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Larry Bible
'84 Euro 240D, 523K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles

I am the other stick shift advocate - I say go for it. Check out the AC, though, and finger-check the brake rotors.

I agree - $6500 is high - I would not think that there would be be a huge demand for this car as most MB buyers want an AT!

Also agree you have a hydraulic problem with the clutch if it otherwise acts OK.

Keep us posted!



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Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'86 300E 5 speed
'95 C220 (wife's car)
'98 Porsche Boxster
Past: '79 280E, '82 300D (18 yrs), '77 240D,
4 250C's