Mercedes-Benz 380 1981 FAQs

Check out real-world situations relating to the Mercedes-Benz 380 here, particularly what our experts have to say about them.

• Seeing the light

  THE warning light is indicating there is a problem with the ABS. I would strongly recommend you have it checked by a Mercedes specialist. The brakes will still work, but you will not have the benefit of the ABS. To check the function of the ABS, apply the brakes hard to the point of lockup. If the brakes lock and the wheels skid, the ABS is not operating. If you can feel a pulsing through the pedal, the system is working. Either way, have the ABS checked.

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• Classic merc

  THE 380SL is a classic sports cruiser and yours sounds a very nice example. In good original condition, a 380SL gets about $40,000 on the collector market, and in average condition about $10,000 less.

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• It's a star guzzler

  IT CERTAINLY is a gas guzzler and, though I don't have a figure on what it should be doing, I can safely say it is guzzling way too much fuel. Take it to a Mercedes-Benz specialist and have them go over it. Leaving a car unused for long periods isn't good for it. If you have to leave it, make sure you start and drive it regularly to warm up the engine, gearbox and diff. Have it serviced regularly, as you say you are, and keep it out of the weather to protect the paint.

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