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Nutz
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
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| How about them 380SEC's ?
There is an 83 380SEC for sale here with a few problems but cosmetically decent.I keep trying to score a W126 but every time I try,someone beats me to it or it's an obvious hopeless POS. I'm very motivated for the simple fact that it's a 2 door but I'd hate to end up with yet another project vehicle.What's your take on this specific model W126 ? |
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jdc1244
Date registered: Dec 1899
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| RE: How about them 380SEC's ?
The first gen cars are more austere. The 155 hp US version of the M116 is adequate but you’re not buying a hot rod, many are disappointed with the 380 because they think they’re getting pocket rocket for some bizarre reason and end up wanting a 560.
Otherwise it’s an excellent car – like all MBs of this era it reflects the old school build quality one would expect from a Daimler product. I’m partial to the first gen 126s because they are a bit simpler and you’ll find the fueling system similar to older gas MBs, for example.
Needless to say if you find one that was cared for it will not be a project car.
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Nutz
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
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Posts: 2026
| Re: How about them 380SEC's ?
Thanks for the reply.
It has KE Jetronic right? I'd imagine it isn't a hot hod with a M116 but I have my 6.9 for that purpose anyways. |
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jdc1244
Date registered: Dec 1899
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| RE: How about them 380SEC's ?
A very simple K/E Jet, frequency valve rather than an EHA, for example. Mechanical fuel injection in transition as we see some basic engine management electronics applied. I’d like to find a nice 500 SEC, I’d buy it for the looks and style, not speed – although the 5.0 L M117 has got lots of torque. The first gen 126 coupes and sedans are really the last of their kind. Some say don’t buy an MB after 95 or 91, I think after 85 things become problematic. |
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Nutz
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
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Posts: 2026
| Re: How about them 380SEC's ?
<p>Okay,same FI as on my 190E then.I can live with that even though I still prefer plain K Jet CIS over anything.Perhaps I can modify it to accept the old K Jet airflow sensor and such down the road if I get it and have a lot of problems with it.</p><p> </p> |
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jdc1244
Date registered: Dec 1899
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| Re: How about them 380SEC's ?
Nutz - 4/30/2006 1:45 PM
Okay,same FI as on my 190E then.I can live with that even though I still prefer plain K Jet CIS over anything.Perhaps I can modify it to accept the old K Jet airflow sensor and such down the road if I get it and have a lot of problems with it.
Exactly and I don't see why not. |
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Nutz
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
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Posts: 2026
| Re: How about them 380SEC's ?
Or turn it into a 690SEC ! I know of a t boned 6.9 here ;-) |
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Nutz
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
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Posts: 2026
| Re: How about them 380SEC's ?
I know you hate hearing that. LOL |
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jdc1244
Date registered: Dec 1899
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| RE: How about them 380SEC's ?
It’s the cosmetic creativity that sometimes gets to me, a 690 SEC sounds great to me and plenty of room in the engine bay. (Good ol’ 126…) |
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benz420
Date registered: Dec 1899
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| Re: How about them 380SEC's ?
Nutz - 4/30/2006 1:55 PM
Or turn it into a 690SEC ! I know of a t boned 6.9 here ;-)
YESSSS!! Do it! |
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jdc1244
Date registered: Dec 1899
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| RE: How about them 380SEC's ?
I’ve always fancied a ‘300 SDC,’ a 603 turbodiesel in a 126 coupe engine bay. |
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benz420
Date registered: Dec 1899
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| RE: How about them 380SEC's ?
Yeah, i agree, a diesel coupe would be a nice conversion as well. |
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W126
Date registered: Dec 1899
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| Re: How about them 380SEC's ?
Also remember that the 3.8L V8 was a single chain motor, not a double.
T |
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jdc1244
Date registered: Dec 1899
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| RE: How about them 380SEC's ?
The single row chains were used from 81 to 83 in the US engines only, so the last two years of the 380 SEC are good. It does not mean not to buy an 81 to 83 car, the single row chain must be changed more often – every 70,000 miles as opposed to the regular 100,000 miles for the other V8s – and if properly maintained a single row chain engine will last a long time. Many of the 81 to 83 cars had a retro fit double row chain installed.
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nomad
Date registered: Dec 1899
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| RE: How about them 380SEC's ?
A 690SEC sounds insanely interesting
I've always wondered though, how easy/difficult would it be to get round the 6.9's dry-sump lubrication system in a car not designed for it?
Where would you put the oil in a 126 engine bay?
Also, I didn't realise the US spec M116 3.8 took such a big power hit, a whole 50hp, that's crazy
A lowly euro 280S mustered up more power than that
Edited by nomad 5/6/2006 11:27 PM
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