Thinking about buying a cheaper MB380SL

[M-technik-3]

Has anyone owned an older MB V8? Things to look at for negotiating/haggling?
My gal has wanted a convertible and this one still has it's optional hardtop which is a plus.

[2000cs]

How old? I was looking at the 2005 +/- SL models at the beginning of the year, and there is a ton of info on them online. Motor mounts, roof mechanism, trunk struts, etc. Lots of very expensive systems on them that you have to be sure about. I ended up getting a very different car, not because of the Mercedes issues but because my needs changed. Would still love an SL, but buy with great care, a PPI, and some research. I think MBWorld is the forum with the most activity, which will help. Also reading through the descriptions, work performed and comments on these on BaT helps develop an understanding and a feel for better sellers.

[2000cs]

Another tip, scope out the local mechanics before you buy anything. If there isn’t good service locally, it might not be the right car where you live. If there is good service, they can be a source of cars for sale (client cars)

[M-technik-3]

It's an old skool 80 OBD nothing. It's just for my Gal to drive to work and maybe for us to go to beach every other week.

[2000cs]

Love those but def would want a mechanic to look it over closely.

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by M-technik-3

Has anyone owned an older MB V8? Things to look at for negotiating/haggling?
My gal has wanted a convertible and this one still has it's optional hardtop which is a plus.

You need to move this to the "You know you're getting old when..." off topic thread.

[M-technik-3]

Originally Posted by sygazelle

You need to move this to the "You know you're getting old when..." off topic thread.

Yuck yuck....born in the 60's, I learned wrenches from my Dad and then later in life in FAA Part 147 A&P school, this is simple compared to modern programmed expired cars.

It's a giggle fun in the sun car because Miata's are over priced and what else is out there for a simple rwd convertible. E36 has electronic top yuck as does e46 and e30 has drifto tax.

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by M-technik-3

Yuck yuck....born in the 60's, I learned wrenches from my Dad and then later in life in FAA Part 147 A&P school, this is simple compared to modern programmed expired cars.

It's a giggle fun in the sun car because Miata's are over priced and what else is out there for a simple rwd convertible. E36 has electronic top yuck as does e46 and e30 has drifto tax.

I was kidding. If you can find a nice MB that meets your needs, go for it. I was just contributing to the myth that Mercedes are for old people. I was born in the 40s and I'm not old enough to drive one! Oops, there I go again!!

[M-technik-3]

Nah it's ok, I get it but these older SL"s were available with a manual 5 spd back in the day and were quite common in EU as a manual. Just wished it was a eu version with TV headlights and 2.5 mph bumpers but would be more money.

[RKM]

I had a 450SL years ago, no major problems. 380SL was known to break timing chain leading to valve damage.

[M-technik-3]

Originally Posted by RKM

I had a 450SL years ago, no major problems. 380SL was known to break timing chain leading to valve damage.

Yeah, I have seen that in a few online forum's thinking that is what is wrong with this one or it just slipped a tooth or two.

Thinking LS from a Escalade or Tahoe with AL heads and maybe a cast iron block unless I find a AL Block/head truck engine.

[stein_325i]

chassis have any knowledge on the R107's?

[wrickem]

We've got an '85 380SL and it's been trouble free it's whole 262k mile life. My dad bought it for my mom in '85 and I inherited it in 2014, other than routine maintenance, it's been a great car.

You and your girl will hate the the top though. Stupid wrenches to unlatch it from the header and a crank in the back. I think my Jeep is easier.

The rich ladies they were designed for probably had pool boys to do the roof for them

I should also add that my 20-something kids LOVE to take it and drive around listening to my old Kraftwerk cassettes on the Blaupunkt

[overcoil]

I think some of the older 1980's 380 MB V8 engines have timing chain issues. single / double
And maybe a well known rust issues around rear bulkhead and sills.


And the fuel injections were massive and trouble prone.

there is an SL newsletter, but it might be predominately for the early 60's to 1971 years.

[chassis]

No personal experience with the R107, just a lifetime of car experience.

I adhere to the unbreakable rule that there is nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes. Caveat emptor in extremis

This will not be a set-it-and-forget-it relationship with this car. It is not the single owner vehicle wrickem talks about. You, or someone you pay, will do significant wrenching on this car. Personally I wouldn't touch it.

The M116 V8 engine is prone to timing chain failures pre-1983. The solution is a double row chain to replace the single row chain. Check for this.

The fuel injection is Bosch Jetronic. Pretty easy to work on, but parts might be hard to come by. Wiring harnesses will likely need to be replaced or remade due to brittle insulation. I rebuilt a 1982 Jaguar 4.2L inline 6 cylinder with L-Jetronic and the engine harness was a mess in 1999.

Transmission is the 722.1, the first MB auto box. Good news is the K4A 040 variant is near the end of the 722.1 lifecycle, meaning most of the bugs were worked out during production. But is is a 42 year old transmission. It can't be assumed the torque converter, oil seals, friction discs or bearings won't need attention. Plan for transmission replacement and look for a shop that offers rebuilt units.

Before you buy this car, or anything like it, read the following thoroughly:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merced...nical_troubles

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merced...engine#Usage_2

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merced...25_and_K4A_040

https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-slc-class-r107-62/

[TriumphTim]

R129 SL500s have 12 separate hydraulic cylinders to actuate the soft top, they all go bad. If you don't have documentation that they have been rebuilt, plan on that expense. They leak onto the seats and ground in front of the rear wheels.

Search for "Top Hydraulics" for more info.

Early to mid 1990s have the "eco" insulation on the engine wiring harness that crumbles to dust with the slightest touch.

[chassis]

Summary: run, don't walk, from this vehicle and anything similar to it. Unless you have unlimited time and funds to sink into it.

[Germanauto]

My buddy had a couple of R107 560SLs, in red on palomino. Lovely car. He was able to make it work since he personally knew a Mercedes mechanic and he hardly ever put any miles.

It's such an iconic car.