What to look out for on a 1985 380SE

[MapMan]

One of the local dealers has an 85 380SE for sale. The price at just under 3000 (Can$) seems pretty good to me. The car does have a pile of miles on it showing almost 300,000 km. It is a gas engine, leather seats, and looks to be in good condition as well. Are there any things in particular I should be watching for when I inspect this car, what are common problems? Is this a good deal or should I run away? Any help is appreciated.

Rob

[xsohaib]

The deal seems to be pretty good. Mileage is not an issue with these cars when properly maintained. See if the car has records of past maintanance and if the car is absolutely the cleanest one you have seen to date (both interior and exterior) then go for it (I bought mine without any records but exceptionally clean and don't regret it) The engine I think should already be a double row by 1985. Check for rust in the trunk area, and see if all the power seats and windows etc etc etc work. Also check out the mbcoupes webpage for some of the prepurchase checklist on a w126.
Hope this helps

Sohaib

[Four Door Monster]

300,000 km!!!!!! This car must have had the engine re-built. Check the timing chain. To be honest I think this car is worth around 1,000 U.S. dollars, I don't know what that is in Canada money. I have a 380 SEL which is the same car despite the longer body. It has 186,000 km. Just to warn you, the engines aren't very sporty on these cars. The U.S. spec cars have 155 hp. Just a little more power than a diesel. If you are getting a Euro one, that is a different story- they have atleast 200 hp. Is this car really in perfect condition? Everything works on it like when it was new?

[MapMan]

I talked to the dealer to find out if the car had the engine rebuilt etc. All he could tell me was that the a/c doesn't work and neither do the front power windows. I think I will leave this one alone. Or go back in a few months with a much lower offer. Thanks for the input.