I am 29 yrs old. I bought a 76 450sl for $1,500. I spent 6k in parts (including tires etc) and did all the labor myself. It’s perfect & reliable now. I’ve driven it on 1,500 mile road trips many times. These are cars for diy or deep pockets, but very rewarding. Best car I have ever owned, no regrets. I daily drive it 3-4 times a week

@Jeremyho439

Жыл бұрын

I always want a pre-67 VW bug. A good friend told me as long as I know know to work on car, otherwise forget it.

@lazylewislewis4944

Жыл бұрын

deep pockets? a complete overhaul for $20k is cheap bro. you poor bruh?

@romulus_

Жыл бұрын

@@lazylewislewis4944 be less shitty.

@stephenw.9647

Жыл бұрын

I have "83" love this car but it's like a piggy bank with a hole in it

@t7489

4 ай бұрын

You also picked a good engine. The US 380sl’s are absolute junk

As much as yall don't want to do older vehicles, and I understand completely why that is the case, I really do enjoy seeing them on this channel.

@Ifixstuf

Жыл бұрын

same

@azmike3572

Жыл бұрын

But we do see "old" classic cars there...the Mopar behind him and and the blue Malibu in the background on the lift.

@reginaldbowls7180

Жыл бұрын

Yah I only watch the older car vids.

@neilgibbons2532

Жыл бұрын

@@reginaldbowls7180 remember you're only as old as you feel 😁

@Daniel-dl3tf

Жыл бұрын

@@azmike3572 oh you mean the cars that haven't been touched in months?

I had a friend who wouldn’t sell me a similar car. He had budgeted about $2k for annual repairs for a weekend car. He would only sell it to someone who was mechanically inclined and could do the repairs and maintenance work himself. He wouldn’t sell it to me because he didn’t want to ruin our friendship over a car that was too expensive to fix.

@helmuthhaass3631

Жыл бұрын

A true friend indeed!

@mattmalenda6585

Жыл бұрын

Your friend is smart.

@JULIAN8845

Жыл бұрын

you can see one of these in better than this one and will be scrap.what the wizard has not stated the wiper mech is behind the lh side of bulkhead its bolted to bulk head and they rot making the car scrap.if you want to look at a 107 sl/slc first thing get hold of wiper blades and check they work and look for rust on floor. bad running can be a sticky faulty air slide my 380slc was fine but my 420 se was bad even with lots of wd40. the 380 was the best all alumin 450 was iron block alumin head.

@JULIAN8845

Жыл бұрын

my 380slc was so good to drive you could sit in it all day.its the best engine in these its a engine out job on 450 when the outlet manifold bolts shear which is not a problem on 380

great advice but at 40 years of age it still looks better than anything produced in the last 10 years.

@theundergroundlairofthesqu9261

Жыл бұрын

Don't you wish it had a random bump and awkward crease here and there?

@hitek9too255

Жыл бұрын

Yea the body looks fantastic. No rust.

@sunbeam8866

Жыл бұрын

@@theundergroundlairofthesqu9261 Don't forget today's obligatory 'lizard-eyes', 'nostrils', and 'fish-mouth'!

@theundergroundlairofthesqu9261

Жыл бұрын

@@sunbeam8866 I remember when the Audi A4, one of the best looking cars out there, went from handsome to "fish mouth"! Also, nowadays, "crab claws" brake lights.

@sunbeam8866

Жыл бұрын

@@theundergroundlairofthesqu9261 I actually saw some 'crab-claw' headlights on a vehicle in a parking-lot,this morning!

I've been fixing up one of these for the past year, doing all the work myself. It isn't even in that bad shape compared to how many you see abandoned in a field out there, but I'm thousands in and I can already tell I'm still going to spend almost the entire value of the car in parts alone to make it a good driver. These are no joke to fix, especially if not maintained religiously

@Secrecy30

Жыл бұрын

I understand people want to enjoy cars that were cool when teens, but potential buyers of these things should realize same time has passed between 80´s and today than 80´s and WWII

@charlestimmis273

Жыл бұрын

20k if you want someone to do work. 7k if you do the work yourself.

@nexusyang4832

Жыл бұрын

@@Secrecy30That is why I just relive dreams in Gran Tourismo. Much more affordable.

@cindybetten7573

Жыл бұрын

Hitler’s revenge!

@huhuuhuh9081

Жыл бұрын

Wow I never thought I would be seeing you here Emperor

20grand!! Wow. I did alright then. I bought a 450SLC that had sat in a warehouse unused and not started for 21years. I replaced the injectors, fuel pump, I rebuilt the Bosch mech fuel injection distributor myself with a $150kit from cis, cleaned the tank, new sub frame and engine mounts, new plugs, all fluids and belts, warm up reg and have enjoyed the car trouble free for the last 5years. Spent maybe 3grand and I’m not a car mechanic. 👍🏼

@felawes

29 күн бұрын

Absolutely adore the SLC. What a super car to have.

@felawes

29 күн бұрын

And the 450 is the best one. Compared to the UK and Germany, US regulations rather strangled the engines. Hence the bigger engine is the one. It would be wonderful to have it cleaned by those crazy CO2-type detailers.

I had my apprenticeship at a Benz dealership in Maryland. Cut my teeth on these. Worked on them from 1986, until the W140's came out in late 91. I will always have a soft spot in my heart for classic 71-90 Benzes.

These are finally starting to age really nicely and be appreciated.

@peter-pg5yc

Жыл бұрын

mine is insured for 17k haggerty..last year told me to increase coverage..8 dollars more in cost..

Great advice Wizard! Pre-purchase inspection is necessary for any used car transaction, especially older classics. Just remember the advice when looking at a vehicle with a “great “ deal, if you can’t afford a good car, you certainly can’t afford a bad one.

@safffff1000

Жыл бұрын

When I go looking for a car I know enough that it is usually a very wanted car and if you don't take it there is the next guy who will. Owners rarely want to wait for a pre inspection. Fortunately I have learned enough with thanks to people like the Wizard to check the cars out myself. But I do miss stuff sometimes.

@lutomson3496

Жыл бұрын

meanwhile he bought the Jag from euroasian bob and it had problems so did Tyler..so its more about commodification then actual advice..I never buy any vehicle without an independant PPI

@azmike3572

Жыл бұрын

@@lutomson3496 I was just about to say that Hoovie should take John Motroni's advice.

I know you don't take in the old stuff anymore, but I enjoy watching this. A clapped out 05 suv is just a warning video to others, but a classic is a classic. Faulty ot not.

@felawes

29 күн бұрын

I run a Mercedes ML350 2005 150,000 miles. Each year I drive it from London to Scotland, France, Switzerland, and Andorra. Clocks up 8,000 miles as for half the year it sits in Chelsea doing 300 miles with the insane ULEZ rules. Runs like clockwork. In 19 years the only problem I ever had was the alternator in 2014.

I know old cars can get expensive to fix but I’m having a blast working on the 1979 W116 300SD I picked up in California. So much fun

Yes, the trick for these is definitely DIY. I’ve a couple hundred hours in mine, maybe $6-7k in parts, the car was free to a good home but now (usually!!) makes a great driver and gets lots of positive remarks. Can’t imagine the labor costs to get a good shop to do the work! $20k for sure. At least the r107s are appreciating these days!

@peter-pg5yc

Жыл бұрын

I agree cost of trans 1400, valve job 1200. but now motor so smooth balance a quater on motor.. but top is 1400 bucks.. The rest i did.. did you do the driveline its long gone and scary to see dropped down.. center bearing no grease shocked me.. If that siezed car gone...

I sold my 1988 560SL because the cost of maintaining it took away all the joy of ownership.

@jrgb9945

2 ай бұрын

Tell us more.

@carlosdad2204

2 ай бұрын

@@jrgb9945everything started to wear out and I just did not want to keep pouring money into it. The final straw was the a/c system needed to be completely replaced. I live in Fla and a/c is a must.

I know you don't like "old" cars, but, for YT purposes, this is a much more interesting car than a 2010 GMC truck.

@jrgb9945

2 ай бұрын

Absolutely

I hope the customer didn't spend too much on it. Also glad Jenny's okay - breaking up a fight can be dangerous.

@mr.spokesman5849

Жыл бұрын

yo I´m in recovery!

@azmike3572

Жыл бұрын

She might need to carry a can of Mace pepper spray to break future fights up.

@peter-pg5yc

Жыл бұрын

values have gone up a lot

Living with a now 25 year old Benz I would not say that 20k is too much to get this R107 properly fixed (sounds reasonable). It is obviously a good basis for a running restoration.

@tomtheplummer7322

Жыл бұрын

...um 41 yrs. 🤷‍♂️😏. Since like build in ‘81 for ‘82 model year, likely 42 yrs olde. 😉😎

@peter-pg5yc

Жыл бұрын

diy for less then half..

I was a teenager in the 1980s, and I *loved* the 390SL. Definitely one of my most favorite cars! I'm 52 now, and I still think the 1980s were about 20 years ago. LOL!

My '88 560SL (with a 6-speed manual transmission kit installed) and my '84 280SL 5-speed get their oil changed every 3K. Oil is cheaper than an engine rebuild, I've been told. But maintenance is crucial in these older classics.

@relaxitsme_alex9104

Жыл бұрын

Where did you get a kit? I’m looking to do that to my 86 560sl

@azmike3572

Жыл бұрын

@@relaxitsme_alex9104 TheSLshop.com. Good luck.

When the stupid looking bumpers are deleted these cars look pretty cool. They were fast, reliable and comfortable when they were new. One of the best cars of it's era.

10:47 - so glad for services as a teacher. My mom was a teacher in Taiwan for almost 15 years and she still teaching today, but no weirdo hassles like you mentioned. Hope you can have more happy days ahead and to all our teachers, stay safe and be well. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

I had a 450sl, same color and everything. They're built well but beware of rust. They're not complicated to work on mechanically but the better condition you can buy, the happier you'll be. Its not hard for unscrupulous sellers to turn money pit R107's into something a buyer might think they can turn around cheaply, generally you cant.

@peter-pg5yc

Жыл бұрын

they are all money pits..

Mr. Wizard you make valid points not every mechanic is as efficient as you are that is why I watch your channel you are real you assess the situation think about what needs to be done and you can't ask for anything more than that , that is what makes you The perfect mechanic and I love it There's other guys that want you to come in they're shop just so they can take your retirement savings. When there is an understanding between customer and shop owner ( Business) I see you're totally different from them guys. Tell Mrs. Wizard too be careful with them kids fighting in school , the kids are out of control today. Please continue with your videos I'm learning 🙏 so much .Thank you !

most mercedes with aluminum heads will warp after even a modest overheat. It wont show up usually for a few days to a week, but on an interstate type trip when everything gets good and hot, then look for the milkshake in the coolant and the oil dissapearing. the head gasket will be ok but the head must be removed and if possible remilled..or replaced..dont ask how i know this :)

First thing I do when looking at a vehicle I may buy is check all the fluids that are accessible. If I buy it, I change all the fluids and filters myself that way I know the correct fluid/oil, amount , and quality parts are used.

I have an 85 300SD and enjoy the car immensely. It’s in great condition. Rust free and runs well. However, old Benz are not cheap to maintain and they are not for the faint of heart. Even if you do the work yourself, you’ll still spend a considerable amount of money. I love these cars but buyers must be cautious and willing to spend money and time to properly maintain them.

@ItsCheechFool

9 ай бұрын

What have you spent big money on. Since you say deep pockets don’t tell me no little amounts of money that I can make at Pizza Hut to keep this car running is deep pockets or big money. tell me something that’s big money problem on the car you stated?

@jrgb9945

2 ай бұрын

My mom had an 82 and an 85. Last one had the tranny conch out at 300k

It's very difficult to get a PPI, once I find a car I like I can't get in to see my mechanic for about two weeks, seller will not hold the car for you unless u give him a large non-refundable deposit.

Wizard you and your wife are doing a fantastic job of letting the viewers/ subscribers know what to look out for in buying a used car I especially liked your Audi video /KZread called "Which audi to buy and which not to buy". You get right to the point on the subject. I can't thank you and Mrs. Wizard enough. This comment is just to say please keep up the great work that you both do. Also, discovered your channel through " Hoovies garage". Have a great day.

A lot of people seem to think that if a car just sit in a garage that time just stops. For somethings yes but for many many many others it doesn't. Sure the paint and frame will probably love the relatively stable temp and humidity but all the rubber parts (belts hoses, tires, brake hoses, ect), shocks, springs, fluids, gaskets, seals, wires, fuel system, ect will not and will continue to degrade and in some cases degrade faster then if it was driven more regularly.

Great to see you did take in this car. Good to see you fix this old Mercedes.

K-Jet is really easy if you understand how the system works. I was able to resurrect a 1977 280SE that sat for 15 years with similar issues. New Bosch fuel injectors were $26 each from Pelican Parts, fuel pump, accumulator, and associated fuel lines were not terribly expensive, under $300 all in after some savvy parts shopping and finding deals on new OEM parts. The hardest part for me was converting everything to Euro spec and removing the US emissions garbage. Honestly, I spent more money on redoing the brakes, flex discs, and center support than anything else. Once I got it up and running, it performed remarkably at Watkins Glen International for a driving event I did last year.

@greasebellygarage

Жыл бұрын

My k-jet on my 82 won't idle.... Very frustrating problem. Lol

Not always a puddle. My sister had a renault with a cracked waterpump..never anything on the ground. It only leaked when hot and what came out came out as steam and disappeared.

@romulus_

Жыл бұрын

gotta use all of your senses with old cars. there had to be a sweet smell once the car got hot.

Honestly this looks like the perfect car for a diy mechanic since the body is in such a good shape and all it needs is mechanical work without going too deep into it.

@MetaView7

Жыл бұрын

It would be cheaper to put an LT-1 or crate engine in it than to fix it up. Otherwise, the cost of the parts will bankrupt you.

@RobbieHerrera

Жыл бұрын

Only a true Mercedes enthusiast should take this on. And it's the type of restoration that can't be rushed. Definitely DIY cuz the labor cost would kill you. On these cars, the mechanical parts are easier to fix than the cosmetic and structure. The body and interior looks pretty solid and the top is nice. On this and earlier R107's the climate control is troublesome and expensive to fix, but the replacement parts are much better built.

@GreenOval_Adventurers

Жыл бұрын

@@MetaView7 its a circa 20000 euro car, it would be devalued a lot by changing the engine.

@MetaView7

Жыл бұрын

@@GreenOval_Adventurers The R107 will never appreciate in value. There are over 237k built. They are a dime a dozen. There are abandoned R107 everywhere in every corner of the world.

@chevchelios8582

Жыл бұрын

Most of the old MB motors & trans are very strong. They aren’t to be feared like old Italian or English car. I would clean out the fuel tank, have the injectors professionally cleaned, run in on the best gas and see how it goes.

Bless you for saving the life of classic Mercedes Panzerwagen !

As a teacher here in NY, I feel for Mrs. Wizard!

I had a 350 SLC coupe when I was working in Germany. Basically same car as the SL except for a real roof (with a sun-roof) and 2 real rear seats. It was a really nice smooth ride.

That's a very solid example of a very nice ride that was stored allot.If it's your 'dream car',then any amount could be spent to ensure it is driveable,and this person has.Kudos.

@peter-pg5yc

Жыл бұрын

20 k is not far fetched..

Car wizard is the man! I been watching for about a year now. Love your videos man. I hope to get my channel to the same quality as yours one day!

Although 1982 is a Mercedes I would still buy (mind you : UP to 1996) you have to know that they started putting in sensors and receiver in different places ( temperature, oil pressure etc) which now gives it two chances of failure !! More and more remove and replace bullshit to make planned obsolescence a reality (what will you do if a sensor needs replacement and you cannot get a new one ?). I won't have a new(er) car ever.

I had a 79 Mercedes 280sl C . I bought it from my grandfather who purchased it new gray-market and had it shipped over. It was cheaper than buying one in the United States back in 79. Mine was the exact same color exterior with a blue velour interior. Automatic with the dual overhead cam 6 cylinder with Bosch fuel injection. That thing ran like a top. It was cool because it was the euro model but it had the US bumpers because it was gray Market. Hardtop with the side rear window louvers and Factory rubber spoiler.

I’m surprised the first thing done by Wizard wasnt checking fluid levels and conditions.

@markwat5958

Жыл бұрын

My thoughts exactly

@jamesredman1263

Жыл бұрын

That would cut the video shorter.

@JSMZeez

Жыл бұрын

Yeah I was a bit shocked he didn’t check that first. Dieseling on a gas engine is a common sign for over heating.

@Diligentcrab

Жыл бұрын

Check coolant if over heating? Surely Wizard checked this first but not reflected correctly in video?

@bbhoustontx

10 ай бұрын

I think... no I know I would check at least the water and oil levels before even turning the thing over.... and I'm a decent shade tree mechanic.

$20K seems like a reasonable price to make the 380SL into a dependable driver. I have an ’81 Chevy C10 with a little over $22K including the purchase price in it and I have done 75%-80% of the work myself.

The owner has dodged a massive bullet on that R107 even though he's not quite out of the woods yet. These are among the best Mercs ever built (up there with the W123). I've seen one of these in the showroom of a local Mercedes dealer. I'll be taking a photo the next time I'm at the dealer.

I think it could also be a matter of people equating low mileage/low use with great condition. This is exactly why I wouldn't buy a vehicle that has sat for a long time.

I bought my 1983 380SL from an old guy for $4400. I was bit foolish not to check the gas leak from pump and drove it when it was all hot and ready. got it home, hard time starting cold.. changed fuel pump, accumulator and fuel filter, all DIY. started right away no issues with start. But it takes a lot to actually get it moving when cold. runs great when up to temp. Plan is to change sparks and coils

And again, I want to thank you. I love your videos, and you give a lot of good advice. I wish more people would pay attention to what you say about it. They’re going to buy an old vehicle. It takes that money to get it back in shape to where he can compete with the newer vehicles however, the mileage is always going to cost you more because the older vehicles are number one headgear, so they pull more white a lot I don’t have gas guzzling motors. Of course I love them gas Gozlan motors when I stomp on as I can’t see that gas needle move. I’m a little upset.

Thank you for posting this video, and showing the true cost of ownership with old cars.

Thank you, Wizard and Mrs. Agreed, even if you know a little about cars, take it in for inspection. Absolutely love the car, the ones with the fiberglass roofs.

Been there and done that. He's telling the truth. As much as we loved these cars when they were new, they're not worth it. First trying to find a decent mechanic that knows how to fix these cars is work by itself. It was a situation where this shop was able to work on this but didn't work on that. I took mine to four mechanics and two gurus to get it fixed and it sitll stopped working a month later which is when I gave up. I'd rather stick with well kept 2012 to 2016 MB's.

My buddy took his Corvette to a well-known restorer, gave the guy $30,000, six months later nothing was done, eventually he got his car back in pieces

@zloychechen5150

Жыл бұрын

He restored it to its previous state, which is before it was assembled. That's even newer than a brand new car.

Such a beautiful car! Looks so nice on outside and in the interior as well. Too bad it doesn’t drive as good as it looks. Such a classic!

Hope Mrs Wizard has some better days ahead

Hopefully, the timing chain has been updated with the dual row set up...good times ahead if it hadn't.

@briggsquantum

Жыл бұрын

That's for goddamed sure. In Canada that's a $6-7k job!

I love how there are always stories about how the unusual cars you don't usually work on end up on the channel

The Wizard's videos are the first ones that I watch later at night. Unless there's a Hoovie video. We love the Wizard!

You 2 make an awesome couple You as a mechanic and a wizard are straightforward and easy to just watch n listen

Car Wizard, do you offer the service of pre-purchase inspections for customers? As someone who only drives vehicles 20 years or more old, it would be great if you could treat working on older vehicles like being a lawyer-- require an upfront nonrefundable "retainer" that can be applied to repairs if the owner chooses to go forward and to compensate you for a thorough evaluation. Your market-based value assessment of whether to invest in repairing a vehicle is generally spot on, but if the car is worth more to a customer than market value and they are willing to pay your going hourly rate to have their older car repaired (and they know the money-pit risks), why not? Thanks for your no-nonsense videos! "Let's get started!"

I’m the guy who asked about this on your Facebook page lmao, and seeing you just posted a video about them is kinda ironic, went to see the car and it was a piece alright.

I had a 85 metallic blue 380SL with the upgraded timing chain. Enjoyed it for a few years, then something told me to sell it. Hopefully it's still fine, but I listen to that little voice.

I take his advice to heart when it comes it cars. Sometimes I purchase and trade after 3 years or just lease something . What ever makes sense at the time of purchase financially .

In 1980, my early 20's, I was in Studio City, CA and my friend had a 450 SL, probably a '78 or '79 model year. I really like these cars but have always known they are expensive to fix, keep repairs up on. Like the fact you usually had the hard top to go with and could change it up when convertible life wasn't weather friendly. But those V8's, even though plenty of power in these, sucked up the gas. I drove my friends once out of many times offered to me, because it just was so bad on gas and I was afraid something would break while I had it. I didn't make that kind of money at that age, even working in Century City Twin Towers. I stuck with my '65 Thunderbird for driving around the town, gas savings not so much but to fix, indeed.

What we older folks enjoy are cars that aren't over engineered, and will still get you from point a to b even with a faulty component. Now you need a roll back for something as simple as a brake switch, door latch, abs sensor and the list goes on and on. Oh my, now the rollback won't start....Mr. Ed where are you?

Wizzard, I think you may be a little too negative about restoring vintage R107's. I am the original owner of a 1983 380sl and I can say without fear of contradiction that I can and have fully restored my R107 (minus esthetics) for way less than $20 grand. Brakes all around, ditto tires, rebuild engine and transmission, and it didn't cost me $20 grand. On a more positive note: I greatly appreciate your efforts and I'm especially grateful for your mention of vintage Mercedes mechanics close to my home in Canton Georgia. Thank you.

I bought a Porsche 986 a year ago so 22 yrs old now. I did expect to spend and had my eyes open on that. I've already spent money on preventative stuff and there will be more but so far has run great and been on a few road trips. How much depreciation on a new car if often forgotten and costing you every week and hopefully in that respect this car won't be a victim of that. I am a mechanic and also have three cars and 60yo so been around the block so maybe that helps. I figure the odds are on my side with this one but totally get where you ar coming from.

Unless you have some very special reason to buy one or fix it up (say, it was your grandmother's), do not bother with 380SL, 450SLC, 450SL. Just take the hit and buy a good condition 560SL. Better engine, airbags, ABS brakes. World of difference between the last years and the early 70's. Speaking of which, tell Hoovie to drive his grandmother's SL, if only for the sake of the fuel injection system!

Had an 85 380 I picked up for 4k. It needed most the parts that older cars need and wasn't that bad to work on, maybe 1k in parts. I ended up selling it as I got tired to chasing electrical/vacuum stuff. Good experience, but wouldn't do it again.

God bless Mrs Wizard for breaking up a fight between two freshmen girls. Teachers are wonderful people. Thanks for what you do to inspire and help people develop their potential. 🍎👩‍🏫

I would also recommend that they perform the upgrade to the rear part of the front subframe that was a recall for the 450SL. Mercedes won't pay for it (they say it's not necessary with the lighter aluminum engine) but they do crack- see Sophia the 380 videos. And when they fail it's dangerous. I also wouldn't touch an 81-3 SL because of the single row timing chain issue. You can get away with more frequently changing the chain and tensioners but if I wanted a 380 I'd get an 84-5 when they went to double row timing chains.

My parents had a 450sl back in the late 80s early 90s. Loved that car.

You're right Wizard, we were young when these cars were new. I've been told that these engines 380 and 420 have also timing chain loose problems when getting old, is that true ?

It def needs a dry ice cleaning underneath ✌️💖

The owner realizes that they were causing the problem by adding coolant. They stopped adding coolant and the huge puddle on the driveway stopped. Good for them.

funny there are two 60s/70s cars behind him but he doesn't work on old cars. Great video.

The 380 SL is my favorite of Mercedes of all. Would love to have one.

Mrs. Wizard, I feel your pain!!! I'm a teacher also, and some days are worse than others!!!!

My dad snagged an '86 560SL, and it's been garaged and started at least every other week, even in the winter. Something like 120K on it, and it still runs like a top. Only thing really wrong with it is that about ten years ago some moron put a nice gash in the top, and of course, there's that pesky left-front corner of the driver's seat sagging that so many of them get (literally every other one I've seen has that problem), but other than that, pretty much perfect. He got lucky.

Thanks for making us feel old! 30 years ago was the 70s...wait it's the 90s!

Oh, Mrs. Wizard! Sorry you had a bad day. Girls that age can be a pain. Please know the parents and kids (good ones) support you 100%!

Totally agree about inspections and bombproof service record.

I am curious as to what he paid for it. It does look pretty. Your comment about Bosch Jetronic is spot on. They run great until they dont. Nothing is cheap, and troubleshooting these is a lost art. My 79 320i drove me nuts after I owned it 30 years plus.

God bless Mrs. Wizard. Tough day at the office.

My friend's dad has a burgundy '86 model of one of these. Great sound, drives decently, fairly nice interior, but the seats feel like they want to throw you into the floorboard. He spent quite a lot of time to restore it to running condition since the fuel had turned to varnish in the tank and lines.

My grandfather left his 85’ 380sl to me before he passed 4 years ago. It’s been sitting in the garage for the last 10 years due to it needing a new engine. Only problem is finding new parts for it let alone a whole new engine. Otherwise we may LS swap it if it’s any cheaper just to get it actually driving again.

Hey Wizard, what do you think about pouring some injector cleaner, or detergent gas compatible from 3M or STP in the tank to clean the system? I mean it really worked in my '96 Civic.

Another honest assessment CW!

I have a 1980 450 SL with 85,000 miles on it. I love and drive it often when it is not raining. It is garaged the rest of the time I have probably invested $10,000 into it. It now drives and handles well. I fact I it just went on a trip of about 500 miles, mostly freeway driving. I restored the original Becker Mexico Cassette radio with Bluetooth and then replaced all the laminate, restored the AC and clock as well as some upolstery work. I replaced the steering wheel with a Nardi. The tires, shocks, power steering gearbox and pinion arm as well as the fuel distributor and entire fuel injection system has been replaced as were the intake manifold gaskets. I also replaced the accumulator, fuel filter and fuel pump as well as all the fuel lines. I also replaced the front and rear tie rods, engine and transmission mount and sway bay bushings. Also power steering booster and master cylinder as well as brake lines. I also replaced the soft top and seals. I also did a 90,000 miles complete deep dive service. It’s been an expensive restoration, but the car drives as if brand new. I also did a complete ground up exterior and interior detail. That said, I know I will never get back what I put into the car but driving it is it’s own reward.

@muddymarine

5 ай бұрын

OMG😮!!! I bought a California 1980 450 SL with 82,000 miles on it two years ago and have done nearly the exact same maintenance. I also replaced my soft top, fuel injectors and seals, intake manifold gaskets, fuel distributor, did some rear upolstery work, bought a new set of tires, changed out all the suspension rubber plus engine and transmission mounts, four new shocks, front and rear hood pads, new blower motor seals,steering coupler etc.. She just hums when I start her up and I just love driving her. I keep her garaged and use her nearly everyday when I go to the gym. Usually one day a week I take her out in the ‘hood and just drive her for 30-45 minutes. I’m 77 and always wanted one of these cars when I was young but couldn’t afford it. I was lucky and got the entire documentation on the car from purchase including all the maintenance history of the car from the owner which I’ve continued to maintain. Surprisingly, the car cost $39,500 new. I like to say I have a new high maintenance woman in my life ( just kidding). I have know regrets even though I know I will never get the money I’ve invested back. However, if I were looking for a “return on my investment”, I’d have done something else with my money. One last thing, when my daughter who lives in Laguna Beach visits, she always drives my ride when she’s here and she too loves driving her as does my son.

Mannnnn I bought a 1985 380SL from an exotics joint in St Louis in December and paid for an inspection and I swear they were in cahoots. Dude told me it was all gravy baby but there were some "minor" leaks that needed to be addressed. Got the car in December and it's been in the shop ever since. $12k and rising in repairs....

That dash top does not look factory - I think it’s a plastic dash cap, meaning the real dash top under it is very likely cracked. Those front seats are not upholstered in original leather also the door cards are always covered in MBTex, even if the seats are leather. A few problems but what did he pay for the car? A properly sorted Mercedes R107 is a fantastic car and thoroughly enjoyable.

The Royal Purple oil has such extreme friction reduction it saved the pistions.

Crazy D did a good job so we could get a video on this 👍 Feel sorry for the customer. He should have spent his money on Eurobumpers

Yeah! Pre inspections that’s what I advise people even if the deal seems way to good! You said it right in your video on buying a used vehicle! Great lesson for the uninformed Car Wizard 🧙‍♂️! ❤️👍🏾

Fixing the heater box in one of these is one of the most challenging jobs known to man

A tip for buyers of cars like this -- did you set out to find a car, or did the car find you? Did it just show up on a used lot you drove by on your way to work? Or did you go looking for the best condition one of the year and specifications you wanted? People who just stumble around having cars "find" them just wind up with a nearly endless parade of crappy cars.

@vodkavolvo5529

Жыл бұрын

Absolutely true and don’t expect it to be ready for a road trip exemplar if you buy it for a couple of grand. Also in Finland and I believe most European countries it’s generally safer to buy old cars cause the have to pass yearly inspection that checks that the car is structurally stable, brakes, exhaust gases, and tire condition

At least it's running. I can understand why you don't like the older vehicles; chasing parts and waiting and taking up space in the shop. At least these don't rust like the pagoda models; i.e., 230/250/280SL's models and don't have issues with the swing axle/rear camber or getting the mechanical injection pump overhauled. And, of course, the famous 4 speed automatic trans that costs a small fortune to overhaul correctly.

The Wizard. a master mechanic and a True Gentleman. my best wishes to you and Mrs Wizard

In theory some of old mercs and cheap and easy to maintain, but in practice.. my late grandad's 190d is my sole daily driver and despite being one of the more ordinary models, it still absorbs a fair amount of time and money, and I've never broken down so many times with anything else.

I worked on the SL's '58 190, '68 280 and a '63 230. It was the experience and frustration of a lifetime. getting, fitting, removing refitting.... Full restorion for cars you do not want to risk on SA roads.....

@johngobey5820

Жыл бұрын

Also restorations should be made entirely time period correct. These are best original not modified.... silicone would not have been the gasket? Should gaskets be a non existing stock item new ones you punched out of appropriate material. Materials explained in the collectors and owners manuals photo captions or obtainable from Niemoller - Germany.... It's a great restore but a long list of making plans around what is available, repairable and needs to be made plans around. Fix it - Fix it right from top to bottom but enjoy it cause you gonna spend!!!! They are cool man

Thank you for looking at this old car. I was pondering between buying one of these or new Ducati V4. I think I will go with the V4 because I would have done exactly what you said not to. I would bought one and then had it inspected. My luck I would have been taken just like this customer.

My boss had one in 1981, canary yellow with the hard top he kept in the warehouse of his furniture gallery.

Excellent video as always!

Hankook tires are a red flag.