1981 Mercedes-Benz SL 380 SLC from North America - Comments

Does anyone have an idea what the 380-SLC mileage per gallon is supposed to be?

Also, is it worth it to replace the rear windshield to make the de-icer heater inside the glass start to work again? That was one cool feature, but the years somehow stopped it from working.

I recently purchased a 1981 380SLC. (just 2 Wks. ago).

The radio goes on, stations come in, everything seems normal, but no sound comes from speakers. I moved balance knob both bk & frt & ctr. Am I missing something simple?

Also will be having a mechanic check timing belt to see if if has been replaced. In the 80's did many owners take care of this or is it more likely that it will need to be done?

I have searched the web for a repair manual for my 1981 380 SLC to no avail. Can anybody help.

Regarding the Radio Comment on 380 SLC: I removed my radio myself and sent it to "BECKER" radio of Saddle river NJ. They exchanged it for a refurbished one for $135.00 plus $10.00 shipping; all is well now. Removal is easy; just remove ashtray, then two screws facing upwards holding the wood-grain panel. Be gentle or it can crack, as it is real wood you know. Pull radio forward aprox. 1/3 the way and rotate it to the right (to clear support post) and that's it. Good luck.

I am looking at a 1981 380slc with 34k miles, silver with black leather in excellent original condition with updated double timing chain. All works and presents excellent. How do you all feel about a $21,000 for this??? I am crazy to think it is high, but may be worth it?

I have a 1981 SLC with 52000 miles on it and would CONSIDER?

Selling it for less than $21. As clean a car as you will find anywhere. It was a one owner before I got it. Also timing belt is upgraded. However I don't think I should place my e-mail on this site. only because I'm not very savvy as to how computer correspondence works. do you have any idea how we can make contact?

Tell me more about your slc with 52k, the 81 slc is still for sale with that 34k miles and now down to $20k. I still feel this is way high. I will check back here soon. I am in atlanta where are you???

My 81 SLC was one owner when I purchased it this summer. Never out in snow or bad weather. Alwas garaged. Totally original right down to "first aid kit". I never planned to sell it, but conversation with other Mercedes fans is always intresting. Oh yes timing belt was upgraded. (very important)

Champagne outside, Brown inside, Exc. Cond. winterhawk@enter.net.

To Bob: Regarding your question as to checking for upgraded timing belt. One can see the timing belt if you remove the valve covers. However there is a good deal of "stuff" in the way so unless you are very mechanically inclined have a foreign car guy do it. My mechanic did it in less than one hour and reported that it was upgraded. Boy did that make my day. Good luck.

Ben.

I have just purchased a 1981 SLC with 120K miles. I do not know if the timing chain is original. If it is, then I will have it replaced. Does anyone know about what this will cost?

From my experience with the very same car you can expect to pay Min. $ 1200 to Max $ 3500. BUT it is a bargain compared to what can happen if it breaks.

I own a 1981 380SLC - Spoke with a Mercedes mechanic that has been working on these things for some time. His comment about the mono-chain having an issue was a combination of the chain and the tensioners. My 1981 has 104,000. If you look at the amount of tensions that keep this chain tight, (5 in all I think) he said the tensioners break and this causes chain failure. Combination of chain stretch and tension failure (plastic nylon stuff) it kind of makes sense. (I still believe the mono chain was a bad idea, personally) He said that they "beefed" up the tensioner support so that the chain would not fail as fast. (Around 50,000 miles or so) but is still recommended replacement of chain and tensioners at 100,000 miles. I think I'll keep mine and just have the maintenance done. It's not a daily driver anywho, just a big toy. Just very picky, and want to leave everything original. Just my opinion, hope this helps?

I'm looking at an '81 380SLC, 179k miles on her. My question: What kind of mileage are you all getting, city/highway, average driving?