1984 Mercedes 380 Series

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After a barely believable 18-year run, the Mercedes SL R107 line eventually ran out of steam in 1989. Virtually remarkable manufacturing run, particularly given that it remained substantially unchanged after its first release in 1971. The SL was always more of a sporty grand tourer than a pure sports car, with a basic folding fabric roof and an optional hardtop providing almost saloon-like levels of etiquette. The convertible SL became a true all-purpose, all-season vehicle for the city slicker with these options. This article focuses on the 1984 Mercedes 380 Series

Overview of the 1984 Mercedes 380 Series

There are four available trim levels of the vehicle:

  • SL
  • SEC
  • SE
  • SEL

Performance and Fuel Economy

The 380SL is powered by a 3.8-liter V8 petrol engine that produces 215bhp and 221lb/ft of torque. Given that the SL weighs over two tonnes with a couple of well-heeled and well-dressed passengers on board, it’s little wonder that the ensuing performance is brisk rather than lively. However, for such a large vehicle, the handling is rather excellent, and that politeness means it can still demolish continents with ease and remarkable grace.

Design, Functions, and Quality

The letter SL stands for Sport-Leicht. The W107 SL line, debuted in 1972, is one of the most robustly made and elegantly built automobiles ever conceived, capable of traversing continents at high speeds, in great comfort, and elegance. In addition to the soft top, the W107 came with a superb hardtop capable of converting the vehicle from open roadster to coupe in severe weather. This 380 SL has been carefully maintained; the inside switchgear, which is sometimes fragile from age, is immaculate. The Becker radio is still there, and the original seats and carpets feel new.

The driving is excellent, with possibly the greatest handling. The 380 SL feels lighter than the 560 SL upfront, but acceleration is punchier than a 6-cylinder variation, with an overall smooth and gratifying power delivery owing to its throaty V8. This vehicle comes with the original owners’ manuals enclosed inside a plastic stamped wallet, roof removal tools, and soft and hard-tops. With worldwide prices of early 1960s Pagoda Roof SLs skyrocketing, this 380 SL provides unrivaled value for money, giving an all-around classic driving package with durability, performance, and elegance from an era of top-shelf automotive design that will never be recreated.

1984 Mercedes 380 Series Specifications

  • Height: 1300mm
  • Length: 4380mm
  • Width: 1790mm
  • Curb weight: 3395 lbs

Engine type: spark-ignition 4-stroke

Fuel Capacity / Gas Tank Size: 90 liters

C/D TEST RESULTS:

  • Zero to 100 mph: 36.1s
  • Zero to 60 mph: 10.7 s
1984 Mercedes 380 Series

1984 Mercedes 380 Series Factory Service Manual

The 1984 Mercedes 380 Series service manuals cover every component of your car. Mercedes-Benz service manuals are available for all models. Among the topics covered by service manuals are the following:

  • A/C Front
  • CD Player
  • Compact Disc /AM/FM
  • Driver Air Bag
  • Heated Front Seats
  • Leather Interior
  • Leather Seats
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seats
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Premium Sound System
  • Sunroof
  • Tilt Wheel
  • MP3 Player
  • Chrome Wheels
  • Passenger Air Bag
  • Power Door Locks
  • Cruise Control
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • New Tires
  • Memory Seat
  • A/C Rear
  • Heat/AC
  • Auxiliary Audio Input

Maintenance manuals are intended for use by professionals and vehicle dealers to repair cars. The Mercedes Service Manual aim is to ensure that the mechanic completes the job appropriately while doing automobile maintenance or repairs.

Technical Issues

Because of the catalytic converter’s under-bonnet location, 450 SLs from 1975 and 1976 had vapor lock and hard restart. Beginning with MY 1977, the catalytic converter was relocated to replace the resonator, positioned in the exhaust system directly behind the gearbox. From 1981 to 1983, the 380SL/C engine was equipped with a single row timing chain. These early 380 cars were plagued with chain failure issues, which Mercedes-Benz fixed for free. Some models, however, evaded refit and may fail as a consequence at some time.

To solve this problem, MY 1984 and 1985 came standard with a double row timing chain from the manufacturer. Another issue with late-model 450 SLs was the automated temperature control system. The system was unstable because it was based on a “servo,” which regulated coolant flow to the heater core and a vacuum to operate the vents in the car’s interior. It was fitted on 450 SLs until manufacture ended in 1980. Cars built before 1978 featured a manual temperature control system, but 380SL models built after 1981 had a more dependable automated climate control system.

1984 Mercedes 380 Series — Owner’s Manual

When the vehicle was purchased new, included in the console was a Mercedes 380 Owners Manual that contains all of the vehicle’s vital information for future use, including maintenance and repair methods. The owner’s manual’s contents contained thorough instructions on how to operate the vehicle, which included:

  • General Information
  • Steering
  • Suspension
  • Driveline/Axle
  • Brakes
  • Engine
  • Transmission/Transaxle
  • Body
  • Restraints
  • Vehicle Control Systems
  • Accessories

There are extra operating concepts in the 1984 Mercedes 380 Series owners manual; they are vital operations.

1984 Mercedes 380 Series Price

The four trim levels are available at different rates. The pricing is as listed below:

  • SL: $27600 – 40480
  • SEC: $9900 – 14960
  • SE: $2,800 – 4,840
  • SEL: $3,500 – 5,610