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Mercedes 380--450--560 SLs

437 messages,  Last post on Aug 26, 2009 at 7:45 AM

You are in the Classic Cars Forum. Your Host is mr_shiftright

What is this discussion about? Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, Convertible


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#375 of 437
Re: Glass covered headlights on a 380SL [fintail] by stanleysteamer
Nov 10, 2008 (10:16 am)
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Replying to: fintail (Nov 10, 2008 9:51 am)

Working on the MB is not a problem. The closest MB dealer is 165 miles, but I would not want to take a car there for repair. Since retirement I have focused on my antique car hobby. We belong to several antique car groups and like to do national tours. I have a fairly complete shop and have restored several cars.
#376 of 437
Re: Glass covered headlights on a 380SL [stanleysteamer] by Mr_Shiftright HOST
Nov 10, 2008 (10:21 am)
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Replying to: stanleysteamer (Nov 10, 2008 10:16 am)

Then you're fine. Get a workshop manual, as there are sometimes little 'traps' in Benz repair.
#377 of 437
Re: Glass covered headlights on a 380SL [stanleysteamer] by fintail
Nov 10, 2008 (10:24 am)
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Replying to: stanleysteamer (Nov 10, 2008 10:16 am)

You are just the person who should own that car then - you can do your own work. I hope it works out to be a good relationship.
 
I have a ream of period MB info, and I have been looking into that engine. It appears the Euro and NA spec 3.8s are not exactly the same. Here's some info I found:
 
Euro bore and stroke - 92x71.8mm
 
NA bore and stroke - 88x77.9mm - the longer stroke to lower emissions.
 
Euro cars had 9.0-9.4:1 compression ratios, where the NA car had 8.3:1
 
  I don't know the entirety of parts this might impact.
 
I am a big fan of 1980s MB, especially the large sedans and coupes.
#378 of 437
Re: Glass covered headlights on a 380SL [fintail] by burdawg
Nov 10, 2008 (2:24 pm)
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Replying to: fintail (Nov 10, 2008 10:24 am)

The cam timing could also be different. I'm not sure about 380's but 280's had offset woodruff keys for the cam gears to vary the timing.
#379 of 437
Re: Glass covered headlights on a 380SL [fintail] by stanleysteamer
Nov 14, 2008 (12:34 pm)
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Replying to: fintail (Nov 10, 2008 10:24 am)

I would sure appreciate it if you could e-mail me copies of the shop manual showing the valve timing and anything about an off-set key. I have not determined if I have a single chain, but am guessing that is what I have. Using a mirror and light thru the oil cill hole, I can see the chain, but can't tell if it is single or double. Looks like a #250 on the sprocket, does that tell you anything? Maybe the shop manual will also show all items needed to make the change to a double chain. Thnaks.
#380 of 437
Re: Glass covered headlights on a 380SL [stanleysteamer] by fintail
Nov 14, 2008 (1:22 pm)
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Replying to: stanleysteamer (Nov 14, 2008 12:34 pm)

Sadly I don't have a shop manual for that car, I have never owned one of those. My engine data comes from period magazine articles.
 
However, some people on MB specific forums freely share their manuals, so I am certain someone there can give you everything you need and more.
#381 of 437
Re: Glass covered headlights on a 380SL [stanleysteamer] by Mr_Shiftright HOST
Nov 14, 2008 (2:41 pm)
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Replying to: stanleysteamer (Nov 14, 2008 12:34 pm)

Picture of Dual Timing Chain
 
HERE
#382 of 437
Re: Glass covered headlights on a 380SL [Mr_Shiftright] by stanleysteamer
Nov 16, 2008 (3:17 pm)
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Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Nov 14, 2008 2:41 pm)

Thnaks for the pictures and information on the single chain. I am going to pull one of the valve covers to see what I have.
#383 of 437
Re: Glass covered headlights on a 380SL [stanleysteamer] by stanleysteamer
Nov 17, 2008 (8:23 am)
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Replying to: stanleysteamer (Nov 16, 2008 3:17 pm)

Good news!!! I have the double chain. With 83,000+ miles, I should be good for a long time. Thanks to everyone who helped me with this. I am looking forward to next summer for some top down driving.
#384 of 437
Looking to sell my 1986 380SL by ny14337
Dec 03, 2008 (8:29 pm)
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I have a 1986 380SL convertible (grey market car) that I am looking to sell. I live in Long Island, NY. It has been in my family since my dad bought it in 1986. The car has approximately 120,000 miles. It's red with a tan interior and black soft top. I also have the hard top. It's in very nice shape except for two spots where my father for some unknown reason decided to use a power washed to try and clean it. Needless to say, he damaged the paint in two spots.
 
I am looking to sell the car and I was wondering if anyone has any idea on how much I should be listing it for?
 
Thanks in advance,
 
Mike

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