just purchased 380 SE

[sbiggers]

I just purchased a 1985 380 SE with 281,000 miles. What are these cars like?

[Don350SDL]

Just wonderful. The second-best chassis MB ever produced (The 140 is my fave). Stable around, town, at speed and on the twisty-turnies, you can handle that car almost like a race car. OK, a heavy race car.

Enough room for four people in the trunk, even the short wheelbase (as you have) is plenty big for four adults to go 12 hours of driving, fuel economy to rival a hybrid (mine gets an honest 22 MPG around town). Yours won't do quite as well around town, but you can expect 25+ MPG easily on the highway.

Comfortable and quiet, too, and if your particular car doesn't have some option you really want, everything can be retrofitted. All the parts are still available, both from the dealer and some aftermarket.

The engine, on the other hand, isn't as wonderful. With proper care, it'll last as expected, but I think the 85 had a single-roller timing chain...if so, you'll want to refit it with a double-roller version as soon as you can. Trans is also 'weak', only lasting a quarter of a million miles :D before needing rebuilding.

Oh, a 126 will end up nickel and diming you to death - count on $50 a month for little stuff - but I've never ever been stranded by any of mine.

Don

[wbain]

Welcome to the forum and you have a great car. You need to review this link for a lot of really good DIY info. Your chassis type is a W126 which is important to know.

http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/forumdisplay.php?f=82

Please be aware that your engine will need the timing chain checked as well as the guides. These do wear and need replacement.

[pch2021]

factory double row chain on all 9/83 and newer 116 motors.

check the chain. make sure it has zerex g-05 coolant in it.


make sure it doesn't get hot, either, and listen to the valve train for noisy lifters.

[marlinspike]

Probably the most reliable non-diesel MB. They're a little slow slow, but they're good cars.

[sbiggers]

I 've put 350 miles on it since Thursday. It is indeed a pleasure to drive.