rocker

Hi All
Im new to the Mercedes world. My brother in law is in posession of a 1982 380SEC. Anyway his is giving it to me for nothing, I just have to pick it up. Apparently is runs and in decent shape. The only problem he knows of is that it drains the battery when it sits. Any ideas? What am I getting myself into? I can see many dollars falling out of my pockets haha. What can you guys tell me about this car
Glenn

harkgar

Before you take over the car be sure to go over your finances first. It takes money to keep a S-Class vehicle in good running condition. If the mileage is average you would still have a quarter of a million mile car. The big ticket item is the timing chain. Did your B.I.L. change the engine and transmission oils religiously? A good service record is vital. How is the bodywork? If you live in the GTA of Ontario most cars of this type and vintage are in poor condition.

Visit these very good W-126 sites:

http://www.s-klasse-club.de/gb/index.html

http://www.mbcoupes.com/w126index.htm

Icefire

Hey, If your worried about the car costing to much to maintain ill take it off your hands depending on how much you want of course.

Im in London ontario, and I have 2 SEC's. Although mine wont have gas engines in them for long.

With it being an 82 it might or might not have still have the single row timing chain, if it does it should be changed.

you can upgrade to a 5L engine pretty easily, and I have a 500 euro motor or a 380 SEC motor and 2 transmissions if you need parts.

my email is Icefire_@hotmail.com

The SEC is a very cool car, nothing else quite like it, very nice of your brother in law to give it to you.

rocker

Thanks for the advice. Im picking it up from Calgary on March 9, 2007. I was thinking of getting the oil changed before I drive it back to Sask. I read in a thread after you are done changing the oil to disconnect the ignition and crank it over until the oil pressure rises. Is this true and the proper/only way to change the oil?
Glenn

harkgar

No such thing. Just use OEM filters. They are very reasonable and easy to find in Toronto MB dealerships (Dundas & Don Valley Parkway is best). The oil filter was around $12 plus taxes when I last shop there. They have rotars, brake pads and all regular service items. The older car parts are now sourced from countries like Italy (bulbs), India and South Africa.

The oil filter is accessable from the engine bay and very easy to change.

harkgar

You sound like an old hand in these wonderful cars. Are you a collector of these cars? My problem is not so much with the drive train but bodywork. There is some rust despite regular Krown Rust treatments. My car has only 160,000 km, purchased new from Webber Motor of Edmonton and travelled to TO by train.

harkgar

Ice:

What engines and mileage do you have on these diesels? Any photos? Are these 2 door coupes? They are great cars, very durable, rigid and last forever.

BENZITCH

If it isn't tooooo much rust take it!
These are at there lowest dollar ever!
If you ever wanted one NOW is the time.
I have a few, and they are the real deal Mercedes!
If you decide against it let me know.
Bruce
BENZITCH

PS Maintained is the way though.

Icefire

I have an 84 500 SEC euro, that I imported from texas, it has a 85 300 SD motor and a 4spd manual out of a 240D, its completly rust free, it will eventually be perfect, motor has something like 300km on it, Im just finishing up the install, should be done by spring, im in no hurry because of the salt on the roads.

I also have an 83 380 SEC from indiana, motor has a tick in the valvetrain, and since i dont like gas motors myself im pulling it, and installing a 300 SDL motor, 6cyl 603 series diesel. It needs a repaint and some minor rust repair around the doors trim, otherwise good.

Im not really an old hand at these cars been wrenching on them for 3 years, but i have done these swaps before, my first 300 SD was so badly rusted out that i could never safety it, so i put the engine and trans into a 500 SEL i have since put 100000km on the car and just recently sold it. I also ran it on wvo for a time.

If you or any ontario member needs parts, please email me, Icefire_@hotmail.com.

Icefire

Yes I am a mercedes enthusiast, I really love the diesels, Im probably parting out a 86 and 87 SDL, so if you need interior or exterior parts please contact me, they are the same body style.

Icefire

I dont have alot of experiance with the gassers, but the reason to do what you suggest is to put pressure on the timing chain tensioner. I have heard horror stories where after an oil change they turned the car over and the timing belt jumped a tooth, damaging the engine. very $$ repair.

I dont want to tell you something wrong so I dont know how to disable the ignition, perhaps removing the coil, or the wire from the igition control box.


goodluck.

rocker

Thanks Harkgar for the advice, I can tell Im going to have a great time owning this car judging by the responses in this forum. I appreciate the quick replies. When I get the car next week I will upload some pics and tell you guys all about it. Hopefully I dont have any problems on the way home haha. Better bring a bottle of rye and blanket to keep me warm in case I breakdown in this cold Canadian winter. haha Keep you posted.
Glenn

bcmbcmbcm

piece of cake, pull the wire from the control module on the drivers side fenderwell inside the engine compartment, bump it over until you have oil pressure, plug it back in, and fire it up!