Should I buy a Mercedes-Benz 380SL? If so, any year bettter than others?

Question

Looking over old answers, but not much specifically on the 380SLs. Any owners/former owners want to comment?

I would use the car for occassional commutes (55 miles round trip) and other short rides. It might get a trip of 200-500 miles once a year or so. Price wouldn't be too much of an issue-should be able to pay cash when ready to purchase at what the SoCal prices seem to be from Autotrader/eBay/Craigslist browsing.

Answer 1

The 380 SL replaced the 450SL in 1980 and had a single timming chain that did not last as long, the later models had the double chain, the 380SL is supose to be more economical than the 450SL and the 560SL but the 560SL is the more refine of the 107s, those cars are expensive to drive and maintain unless you can do most of the work yourself as i do on my 560SL 1989
Dont buy a cheap one, there is nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes.
Good luck

Answer 2

Mercedes Benz 380sl For Sale

Answer 3

in addition to the timing chain concerns [107 bodies require engine removal for this job] the only other normal problems have been with climate control push button sets, the mono-valve insert and the occasional heater water pump.
high mileage cars may need front suspension work and I've seen several that the rear springs have softened and rear ride height dropped [this upsets the handling and looks odd but replacing them isn't that bad parts or labor wise]
these are fun cars to work on if you have the skills and they drive nice [i think they look a whole lot better than the new sl's]

Answer 4

If you buy one of the earlier years make sure it has had been converted from a single timing chain to a double timing chain.

Answer 5

learn to do your own work.mercedes source is a parts business with helpful instructions.With them its easy to maintain a car.parts are the same as new cars,the price.

Answer 6

No. Not a good choice. There money pits. Parts and labor is extremely expensive.