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You are here: Experts > Shopping > Vintage Cars > Vintage Cars > 1980 - 380SL
Expert: Ron
Date: 6/11/2008
Subject: 1980 - 380SL
Question
Ron,
I am considering buying this 1980 380SL.
The mileage on the clock is showing 18 129. I am told she had her speedometer changed!
The stamped service booklet shows a service at 66 532 and then again at 4078 and 8891 and as I said it is now reading 18 129.
I have lost all confidence in this car, which otherwise seems to be in a very good condition.
Why would it be necessary to change the speedometer on a Mercedes after ony 66 532 miles.
Do you have any thoughts about this?
Answer
The speedos in these cars are simple to change, and can be prone to failure, the needle drive is not always reliable and so many owners just changed them. The whole dash pod in fact is easy to change out and perhaps some of the other guages failed. Of bigger concern is the service history, that is by far the most important aspect of buying an old MB. Knowing what was done is extremely improtant.
The early 380's has single timing chains that spelled trouble, most have been retrofitted with dual chains, do you know if the one you are looking at has dual chains, if not avoid it.
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