May buy 380SE, what are the problem areas?
 

I am thinking of getting an 1984 380SE. I have drove a friends 190E, and liked it. I found a 380SE near me. I like it, but the transmission can be stubborn. Is this car worth it if the trans is tempermental? I am not in a hurry to get it, so please tell what are the trouble areas on this car. I plan to use this car as my daily cruiser. What is the reliability factor of this car? What about maintenance costs? I hear oil filters are $20, and air filters $30. What about brakes, trans, tune up? The only other German cars I have owned/worked on are the Porsche 924/944's. Their parts were cheap (all VW stuff) and fixing them was simple. This 380 looks like it needs to come with its own mechanic! Thanks in advance for the info.

I am selling my mint condition 380SEL (83). Only problem areas are the timing chain which has been taken care of. All you have to do is switch it from a single row chain to double to ensure not snapping and breaking. Otherwise a 380 shares the same problems as any other w126. Mine has proved to be very reliable but have to sell it for money to go to school. I have invested alot into it.

Here is some info on the car and pics. (scroll to the right when viewing pics).

http://www.freewebs.com/380selw126/

I have a 85 380SE for parts...whoever buys the 1983 can take the parts.

What did the timing chain swap run, and where does the double chain come from? Aftermarket, other motor? My big concern is the transmission. I have always own manuals, and those don't break. Every automatic I have ever owned has busted. I don't think I drive that hard.

The double row timing chain was always a new part put on. As far as the transmission these w126 transmissions are not like american cars where they shift like silk especially when putting the car in D or R...you can feel it engage but its normal. When the car is cold shifting will be a bit more harsh until warmed up which is also normal. I never had issues with the tranny...change the fluids when required and drive. The spare transmission/engine (which works well) from my 1985 380SE parts car is included in the price of the car for sale.

Car has new AC, new paint, 2yr old exhaust system OEM, pioneer deck and more.

My last car was a 1985 380SE which I owned 17 years and drove 105,000 miles. I replaced the transmission at 60,000 and 100,000. That is definitely the weak part of the car, which otherwise I loved totally. I still think it's one of the most beautiful cars ever built.