Edmunds Answers questions

Where is the switch to unlock the hardtop on a 82 Mercedes-Benz 380-Class convertible?

toddbenson — Mon, 26 May 2008 12:37:18 GMT

I have loosened the locking mechanisms on the front and sides of the roof but the one on the center back will not open.
There is a switch in the glove box but that does not seem to be working.

What is the approximate gvw for the 1983 Mercedes 4 door 380 SEL model?

wdarrisaw — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 15:05:37 GMT

The vehicle is a v-8, an automatic with a/c, and power sunroof.

1981 Mercedes 380SL parking brake dragging

waltb4 — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:27:01 GMT

Left rear parking brake dragging. I have backed off both the left and right wheel parking brake adjusters all the way. The adjusting bracket intermediate lever, compensating lever and adapter are rusted tight. Can't turn the adjusting screw while tension is applied by brake lines and front brake cable. I'm in the process of removing the entire assembly. Any tips/things to watch out for would be appreciated.

Mercedes 380SL Service Manual

waltb4 — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:46:01 GMT

Can you recommend the best manual for a 1981 380SL? I have the Factory Service Manual CD-Rom. Was wondering if you know of a better (more detailed) manual?

Just bought a 1983 Mercedes Benz 380 SL. It needs a complete exhaust system. Anyone know where I can get a cheaper exhaust?

rernst — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 17:55:23 GMT

I told by M/B and a muffler shop the cost will be several thousand dollars. I don't care if it's per spec, just want it to sound like a M/B.
Any help or suggestions on where or how to lessen the cost would be appreciated.

Mercedes 380 steering is sloppy. Any tips, maybe tie rods?

needles1 — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:37:21 GMT

Steering seems loose, any common front end problems?

Can't seem to get the hardtop off of my 82 Mercedes SL 380 convertible. No manual but I heard there is a switch.

toddbenson — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 18:37:22 GMT

I have a 1982 Mercedes SL380. I just bought it a month ago and picked it up from the mechanic a couple of weeks ago. He was able to take care of most of the problems but he said I should replace the exhaust manifold sometime before the end of the summer.

Today as I was driving it started to overheat. I turned it off for a while and let it cool down but it would run after that. I could start it and put it in gear but once I tried to apply the gas, it died.

Is the overheating related to the exhaust manifold or do I have two separate problems?

Thanks

Just purchased 1983 Mercedes Benz 380 SL. I need to have the oil changed. How many quarts are required?

rernst — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 11:58:54 GMT

Just purchased a 1983 M/B 380 SL. Need to change the oil, how many quarts required for this car? I have no manual.

1981 Mercedes 380SL rotary light switch removal.

waltb4 — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:17:27 GMT

The Mercedes Maint CD says to just "pull Off" the knob for this switch. When I try to do this, it comes out about 1/4 of an inch (spring loaded) and stops. I'm afraid to put too much force on it. Don't want to damage the switch. Is there something holding this knob on to the shaft? The reason for removal is, I am removing the dash/instrument panel in order to refinish the leather.

1983 Mercedes 380 SL misfires.

match1 — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 08:36:27 GMT

My 1983-mercedes 380 sl misfires. Distributor cap and rotor have been changed. Still misfires

'84 Mercedes 380SL with 8 cylinders. Rough idle, intermittenly will idle up then back to normal. Any tips?

needles1 — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 21:25:43 GMT

Mercedes 380 '84, front end seems loose, may need tie rod?