Advice on buying a 1981 MERCEDES 380SEL
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Advice on buying a 1981 MERCEDES 380SEL
How did the gas engines do with higher mileage? What advice can you give a newbie? What should I be looking for? For example
- when does the timing chain need to be changed and how much does that run?
- what kind of mileage does this car get?
- what are the problem spots on this car?
- how much should I be looking to spend?
I appreciate any input.
- when does the timing chain need to be changed and how much does that run?
- what kind of mileage does this car get?
- what are the problem spots on this car?
- how much should I be looking to spend?
I appreciate any input.
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Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Indiana
1986 560SEL, 97 BMW 740iL
The 380SEL came with a single timing chain. Most owners probably had upgraded it to the double already. That's one thing you need to look for. As for your other questions, I think it has reasonable power and mileage for its size and weight. I only got around 15 or 17 on my 560SEL. The only time it did well was on the highway to Chicago and I got 360 miles in that tank before filling up. The 380 should do better, I think.
