Transmission oil leak. Front sub frame bushings. Air Conditioning Compressor. Ashtray wood trim detached. Hood latch cable stretched. Shocks, tires, brakes and services per manufacturer's recommendations. Timing chain failure. Original Becker stereo failed. Vacuum metalized chrome on plastic power window switch bodies delaminated. The plastic trim covering front seat hinges came apart.
The 380 SLC was a US model produced only one year, 1981, which was the final year of Mercedes SLC production. Only about 1500 380 SLCs were built. According to published Mercedes Benz specifications, this model was lighter than it's 450 SLC sister, and over 200 pounds lighter than the SL Roadster produced the same year. Both bore and stroke dimensions of the engine were smaller than the 450 motor, giving it improved fuel economy, it was quicker revving, and the car performed about the same as the slightly more powerful 450 SLC, probably due to the 380's lower weight. I am a car enthusiast and have owned and restored a number of automobiles both foreign and domestic over the years. I presently own 4 cars. This Mercedes is the only brand new car I have ever owned. It was actually a $46,000 gift.
All of the repairs listed above are common to any Mercedes Benz over a 21 year lifespan with the exception of the timing chain failure. This single year model had a weak monoplex timing chain, whereas the 450 and 500 models had a much stronger duplex chain. There was no recall by Mercedes to fix these cars because there were few built, and the problem did not become apparent until many years after the date of manufacture. Since this is an overhead cam engine, the clearance between valves and the piston crown is minimal. When the timing chain fails, Valves suddenly out of synchronization with the engine's combustion cycle collide with pistons and are damaged. The cost of repairing this damage at a Mercedes dealership today would run six to nine thousand dollars - often more than the car is worth. I repaired and updated my car in my home shop a few years ago for twelve hundred dollars in parts and machine work. I spent about 25 hours on the project, but that included restoration and detailing of the entire engine bay.
Generally speaking, these are solid, good performing, safe, well mannered automobiles that represent a fantastic value for the used car buyer, do-it-yourself restorer, or collector. This 380 has been a trusted companion for 21 years. I'm lead-footed on the open road and this car has never been nursed along. Other than some slight wrinkling of the door panel coverings, another typical Mercedes issue, the interior is as clean and unblemished as the day it was delivered. The paint is original and in remarkable condition. Every original system and accessory on the car works, and this is attributable to proper care and maintenance. Components like the radiator, brake calipers, and water pump are all original. Mercedes Benz suggests changing the brake fluid and coolant annually, which very few owners do. I do these things myself to make sure they get done and done right, and this is why the original brake and coolant components on my car are still in fine shape. Nearly every repair issue that other SL and SLC owners on this forum have listed were directly related to poor, improper, or deferred service or care by previous owners.
I get compliments every time I drive this car, especially in the last 4-5 years. I refuse every casual offer strangers make to buy it. This is because there isn't another European luxury 2+2 coupe of this quality and condition that I could own for the same money, and very few cars on the used market have a perfect maintenance history. I also intend to get my money's worth over the next 20 years, for having to repair the engine damage, resulting from a defective timing chain. I notice that clean, original examples of the final year SLC's are rarely seen for sale these days, and when they surface the asking prices have been climbing since about 1998.
I recently purchased a gold 1981 380 SLC coupe from the family of the recently-deceased owner in Sacramento, CA. It is absolutely a dream to drive. I think it will need a cylinder-head rebuild soon. It has 266,000 miles on it now. The sellers told me the transmission had recently been rebuilt and the timing change "issue" addressed. The body/paint is in excellent condition. But because it has mercedes "bucket" seats instead of the standard ones the driver's door (which also controls some vacuums, etc.) doesn't always shut correctly, and has to be shut again for power windows/sunroof/locks to work. Otherwise it is in very good condition and I paid a good price. Thank you for the good words of your review, which I read prior to purchase. Any tips on good seat leather work and mechanics in the San Francisco Bay Area would be greatly appreciated.
Just purchased a 1976 SLC, with just over 44,000 miles. Unlike any car I've ever owned. A combination of modern design and traditional craftsmanship. Elegant, powerful, responsive -- it recalls a time when cars were not appliances. It actually has a usable back seat, but is every inch a "sport leicht" -- an inspired design on the part of Mercedes.
The leather seats, now freshened with a standard conditioner, have a soft glow. The Becker radio, once the retractable antenna is up, is clear and deep. The engine seems to rumble: "We can go a LOT faster, if you like."
Sometimes the interior lights blink -- they're not used to being on. The moon roof needs adjusting. The first aid box behind the back seat is empty -- maybe I'll put refreshments in there.
My intention is to keep on good terms with a skilled mechanic, and my hope is that with routine maintenance, this will be the last car I ever buy -- there just aren't any others available for the price I paid for this one.
I just purchased my first luxury car. My husband is hee-hawing about the year and mileage (117,147) but I like my new baby.
The tranny shifts hard into second and slips a little into third. I'm going to have the bands checked to make sure they're tight. I have most of the repair receipts and it shows that the tranny was worked on and the timing chain replaced. According to my receipts, the oil has ranged from 10/30, 10/40, to 20/50. OK guys... which one is it?
But I was wondering if anyone else's 1981 Mercedes-Benz 380 SLC has a problem with the gas pedal. Mine seems awkward to depress. And it's a little slow on the take-off.
I plan on surpassing my hubby's 1973 Buick Electra on the mileage. He's selling it anyways. I think I have the better car.
My Lil' Silver Liner. I think I'll keep her. She was a Texas gal, but now she's a Californian in a little town called Lodi.
I recently inherited an 81 380SLC with 150,000 miles on the car. It's absolutely impeccable and drives beautifully.I'm located in Sacramento, California, and would appreciate any suggestions on how best to market the vehicle.
20/50 is preferred and will not affect performance or fuel economy.
A friend of mine just picked up his aunt's '81 380 LS from the retirement home where she lives, to sell it for her as requested. It looks remarkably clean with 113K, and I immediately fell in love with it. I know less than nothing about these cars and am wondering (as he is) what the car should sell for and what kinds of problems I should expect to encounter. I've read all of your comments and can somehow understand why you all love these cars. Thanks a million for your return comments.
I recently acquired an 81 380 SLC that had the motor blown by the previous owner. I am currenty kicking around the ideas of either putting a rebuilt 3.8 from mercedes back in or fabricating a chevy 350 V8 into the engine compartment. my question is this; I am not quite sure of the value of the car I have recently acquired. due to the fact that it was only made for one year I am reticent to change the vehicle (i.e. lower the value of a collectible car). What is the estimated value of this car in good shape and should I leave well enough alone and keep the 3.8 in the compartment.
Couple comments that hopefully people will find helpful...
What oil weight you should use depends on the condition of the engine and the kind of temperatures it's going to be driven in. I run 20w50 in my 560SEL, but it rarely gets below freezing here (SF Bay Area). Heavier oils can reduce oil consumption and help limp the car along until it absolutely NEEDS a valve job, and they do provide better protection than lighter weight oils.
As for the timing chain, it is possible to retrofit earlier (pre-1984/1985) 380s with double-row timing chains, and I recommend that anybody having the chain on theirs replaced do so. And the chain should be replaced every 100,000 miles regardless of whether it's broken or not as preventative maintenance. It's not cheap to do... my mechanic quoted me $1200 for my 560, iirc, but it's a lot cheaper than fixing the damage it'll cause or replacing the engine.
With regard to putting a 350 Chevy in it... you could, but IMO it would really ruin the car. I believe it's a much heavier engine than the 3.8, which would have a detrimental impact on the car's handling. It's also not really in keeping with the car's 'personality'. PERSONALLY, if it were me, I'd find a 500 or a 560 and pull the engine, ECU, etc. out of that and put it in.
In a burst of enthusiasm, my wife and I bought a 1985
Mercedes Benz 380 SL.
Excellent condition, like previous owners here, door
linings have wrinkled, trim fell off ash tray facia, but
these 'problems' are small compared to the joy of 'top
down-open road'!
Poor road holding in wet weather, but that could be the
tires.
Plastic bits are ageing and getting brittle (rear brake
light on trunk) but car looks, drives good.
Affordable, classy and reliable... what more could one ask
for?
I believe that MB fitted a double timing chain on the
late 80's models. Must look sometime...
Helen & Ted, Oakville, CANADA.
I’m so excited! I’ve just bought a 1981 380SLC. I’ve long wanted an older Mercedes convertible, but this opportunity came out of the blue after I was rear-ended and received an insurance settlement.
This site came up while I was researching pricing and availability before the purchase, but I intend to keep up with the discussions.
We’ll travel from Birmingham to Indianapolis this weekend to pick up my car.
I'll let you know how things go; I realize from your postings what a SPECIAL car I’ve acquired.
I purchased 2 owner 1981 380slc one year ago. The odometer read 21,525 and presently reads 24,109. The car is 100% original and is new condition having been stored by Mercedes for some 11 years in a climate controlled environment. Many people have offered to purchase it and I intend to keep it until I retire. I have never driven a 25 year old car that feels brand new. I am waiting for the car to appreciate.
Blonde needs help!!! I am attempting to sell a 1981 380SL and it seems the last two local people to preview the car are inquiring about a timing chain / valve replacement. This car was obtained from an Estate Sale 11 years ago, we have not even put an additional 5,500 miles on this car. It always has been a good performer when it is driven. My question, how big of issue is this timing chain/ valve? Absent getting it into a mechanic what should I look for or listen for to even remotely educate myself on the potential problems.
For all those who have 380 slc, if the engine blows and want to keep the car originality and engine I suggest the purchase of w126 sedan or coupe and transplant the engine as they r virtually the same.
Pls note very important point, pls change the sump from your blown 380 slc engine and fit onto the 380 se sec prior to fitting in the car it is impossible to do it afterwards.
As far as my knowledge is the 380 s sec and sl have had chain modified to double ones since the production run was longer and the problem did highlight itself, but unsure when the cutoff point on the 380 sl certainly 380 se sec started in production in 82-83 I am unsure if 380 sl followed suit the same time and the chain was chained 82-82 if so probably if it is 380 sl 80-81-82 might have the monoplex chain.
Your best bet is to contact mercedes armed with your chassis no, here in the UK they r very helpful and they do do a lot of research and generally come back with very good info.
I would like to correct info in the original article 1500 was not the US production it is TOTAL production, and fair QTY I believe where in Right hand drive for UK europe japan and s.e. asia I am trying to find info about the total production run of right hand drives and in particular how much to the UK and how many were sold, mercedes r trying to come to me with the info if I find out I will publish, but if somebody has this info I would be grateful for it.
Also the lightness in weight of 200lbs between slc and 380 sl if anybody knows the reason for it since the slc is a bigger car and with hardtop, the only reason I can think off it used the same lightweight body that was used in 500 slc and 450 slc 5.0 if anybody has any info about how these models where made lightweight for racing I would be grateful as well as if that means the 380 slc r lightweightr racing body which means it is a hidden rarity which not many people know and this make the car much rarer.
It is certainly the only one of the three models available in RHD.
I just bought a 1981 SL...91,400 miles and in great shape.. well cared for and always garaged... a great car and a lot of fun...
I have seen the comments about the timing chain. Is there any "simple" way I can tell if it has been replaced or should be replaced?? I do not have any records on the maintenance.
Thanks
Bob.
I believe the reason the 380SLC is lighter than its counterpart is the special lightweight alloy used in the engine. I bought my SLC in 1981, and love it 26 years later. Sure there's some rust, and I had to install a new windshield, but all in all for the money and the years, the car was the best bargain I ever got.
I have oil leaks between the trans and engine, which annoys every parking lot I use. The climate controls are snafu now, the new heating core I had installed didn't work. I plan to bring the car to a local expert in Long Island City for evaluation. I have faith. and I love this car.
The gas pedal fights back, but every mechanic tells me that's the way Mercedes designed it, so who are we mere mortals to argue <wink>