SL/R107: What would you do? 1982 380SL
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C250
What would you do? 1982 380SL
I have an opportunity to pick up a 1982 380SL in what appears to be solid condition. It's been garaged it's entire life...no rust anywhere and clean accident history. 109k on the odometer. According to a history report, the car has had 4 owners and in 1999 had 90k on it so the last 20 years have only seen about 20k miles. The interior is decent..no cracks in the dash. All glass looks good. Leather is a little worn but not torn or ragged by any means. It comes with the hard top and the convertible top is in decent shape. It also has the stand to hold the hardtop when it's removed from the car. I'm betting the timing chain hasn't been done and it's most likely the single original.
It belongs to an old lady ....no joke. After sitting for a few years, she had new tires put it on it, the distributor cap and wires replaced. 4 wheel alignment , one of the hubs replaced and the tie rods replaced last July then drove it home where it sat again until I looked at it the other day. We charged the battery and it sounds like it wants to start but no luck. I didn't get a chance to look or do anything else....she wants $2500 With it not running, I'm hesitant to spend anything on it but on the other hand, it could just be the fuel pump or maybe not...maybe it's something serious...I have no idea....She wants it gone so I need to make a decision. I figured I'd come here and ask the experts. what would you do?
It belongs to an old lady ....no joke. After sitting for a few years, she had new tires put it on it, the distributor cap and wires replaced. 4 wheel alignment , one of the hubs replaced and the tie rods replaced last July then drove it home where it sat again until I looked at it the other day. We charged the battery and it sounds like it wants to start but no luck. I didn't get a chance to look or do anything else....she wants $2500 With it not running, I'm hesitant to spend anything on it but on the other hand, it could just be the fuel pump or maybe not...maybe it's something serious...I have no idea....She wants it gone so I need to make a decision. I figured I'd come here and ask the experts. what would you do?
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 24
Likes: 4
From: Danville, CA
1988 560 SL
82 380
I had an 82. After I bought it I discovered that it needed a lot.
Your car is different. You will find things that need doing such as heater core and valve, radiator, fan motor, xxx.
But if the body is good with no rust, 2500 is a fine deal.
Assuming it turns over, it likely does not start because the fuel is bad. Pull the filter and drain the tank. Use only MBZ or certified OEM filters, and any parts for that matter. While you are doing that, replace the short rubber fuel lines.
Loved my car, had it for 23 years! Only sold it when I inherited a pristine 560 SL with 23k miles!
I don't claim to be an expert but I have experienced just about everything on my 82 so I am happy to answer any questions.
Your car is different. You will find things that need doing such as heater core and valve, radiator, fan motor, xxx.
But if the body is good with no rust, 2500 is a fine deal.
Assuming it turns over, it likely does not start because the fuel is bad. Pull the filter and drain the tank. Use only MBZ or certified OEM filters, and any parts for that matter. While you are doing that, replace the short rubber fuel lines.
Loved my car, had it for 23 years! Only sold it when I inherited a pristine 560 SL with 23k miles!
I don't claim to be an expert but I have experienced just about everything on my 82 so I am happy to answer any questions.
