Vintage Cars: Mercedes 380 SL 1983, mercedes 380, floor pans

Question

I found this car in pristine physical condtion.  While I am getting it checked
out - there are 166,000 miles on it.  They're asking $10,000 - what should I
offer pending a good inspection.  This seems high compared to Edmunds.

Thanks,

Anne


Answer
Overall this is a solid car, the engine has been known to have some issues
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.
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.
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).
At that price it should be in next to perfect condition , needing no cosmetic work.
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