QuestionI am considering buying a 1983 Mercedes 380 SL i have found in a local classified ad. Are there any vehicle-specific problems which I should be on the lookout for when I go look at this car?
Thanks,
Ian
AnswerThis was a previous post of mine...
Overall this is a solid car, the engine has been known to have some issues. Look for rust under floor boards and in trunk. Service records availability is a big plus
For model year 1981, Mercedes substituted a lighter, more efficient all-alloy 3.8 liter V-8 for the old reliable iron-block 4.5-liter V-8. And along with it came trouble.
The engine has a single-row timing chain, which as the miles piles on, tend to stretch. Unchecked, the chain can jump its sprockets, causing pistons to collide with valves, leaving the 380SL owner facing a $6,000 repair bill. During 1984, Mercedes switched to a double-row chain and solved the problem. Any 81-83 sl with 65K plus miles is a suspect
At one time Mercedes did convert some of the early 380SLs, free of charge, to double row chain for some customers. I would verify if it has a double row, The only way to know if a car is converted is to take off the valve cover and look, or use a dental mirror and peer into the chain area with a strong back light.
Converting one now is a $2500-$4000 proposition
Service records are a huge plus and look for rust, in trunk, and door sills and floor pans (pull carpets).
Ask lots of questions, who is inspecting it ? If you have a chance have an indepenent MB mech take a look for you, or if you look and have questions email me back. I am very familiar with the SL, I am currently restoring a 72 450SL
