What should I look for in a 380 sl (1981 1983 1984)

[JimFreeh]

Originally Posted by rowdie

Poor fuel mileage. Electronic injection that parts are becoming difficult and expensive to find. Same subframe but if it is U.S. model it should have been fixed already.

The climate control system is simpler to service.

I would look for a 280SL. Dual overhead cam 6. No timing chain guide issue that I am aware of. Easier to work on. About the same power and fuel mileage as the U.S. 380SL. Subframe is the same as others.

The 280SL/300SL are the only R107s I'd consider.

Small bumpers, easier to access under the hood, and manual climate control. Subframe subject to cracks just like the others, and watch out for rust. The euro engine is quite lively and gets decent MPG compared to any of the V-8s. Even better are the R107 300SL grey market cars, but they are not easy to find.

Jim

[meltedpanda]

Rowdie is correct , unless you find one like this
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/sl-forum/315259-she-sale-72-450sl.html,
of course I am biased.
Without upkeep expect to spend $ to rehab electronics , rust again can be an issue. DJets are a bugger , unless you find the parts to rehab them.

[bpittman13]

Jim,
You wouldn't even consider the 560?
Also aren't the 280SL/300S's harder to find and much more expensive?

[JimFreeh]

Originally Posted by bpittman13

Jim,
You wouldn't even consider the 560?
Also aren't the 280SL/300S's harder to find and much more expensive?

No, the bumpers are a no go from the start for me. And, the tight engine compartment is not appealing since I do my own repairs.

I would have bought a 300SL if I had found one, problem is, they are pretty rare as the grey market had gone bust by the time the 300SL came out.

For the 280SL I own, rust free was paramount. I was fortunate to buy an Arizona car that has the original sunburned paint, and zero bondo and rust. Which assured me that I was getting a solid car.

I've seen some disasters from the salt belt that looked good on the surface, but were comepletly rusted out underneath.

My 280SL with the euro 185 HP has sufficient power to be comparable to any but the 560 engined cars. And gets much better economy than the V8s. I settled for an automatic, since the car was destined to be used by daughters and my wife.

Jim