For any classic car enthusiast, the Mercedes Benz R107 chassis holds a special allure. When I came across a two-owner 1985 Mercedes Benz 380sl from California about a year and a half ago, I knew it had potential. Despite being a California car, its move to Colorado hadn’t been kind in terms of use. It had barely clocked 100 miles in five years, leading to the kind of minor neglect that comes with prolonged inactivity. Nothing majorly concerning, but a collection of small issues that needed attention. With a rally on the horizon, I decided to undertake a refurbishment project to get this classic 1985 Mercedes Benz 380SL ready for action.
Given its sedentary period, I approached the refurbishment with a focus on addressing the typical issues that arise from lack of use.
Brakes: Ensuring Reliable Stopping Power
First on the list was the braking system. This involved a comprehensive overhaul, starting with replacing all the brake hoses. I opted for new, high-quality ATE pads and rotors all around to guarantee optimal performance. The front calipers also received attention. One was showing signs of sticking, and considering the cost-effectiveness, replacing them outright was a more sensible approach than attempting a rebuild. While I was at it, I repacked the front wheel bearings. Thankfully, they were in excellent condition internally, negating the need for replacement.
Suspension: Enhancing Handling and Comfort
Moving onto the suspension, my aim was to improve the responsiveness of the 1985 Mercedes Benz 380SL. I replaced all the original shocks with gas-pressure units, hoping to achieve a firmer ride compared to the factory setup. The original shocks weren’t worn out, just inherently soft. However, after experiencing a rally with two occupants, luggage for four days, and a substantial tool kit (including a jack and stands), the rear suspension proved to be too soft. It exhibited excessive bouncing over road undulations. To rectify this, I recently upgraded the rear springs to stiffer heavy-duty units from Lesjofors and paired them with shocks valved for a heavier sedan. While I haven’t had a chance to fully test drive this new setup yet, I’m optimistic that it will better balance the front and rear suspension and eliminate the ‘porpoising’ effect.
To further enhance the handling and aesthetics, I swapped out the original 14″ Bundt wheels for 16×8 Maxilite Penta style wheels. These were fitted with 225/50R16 summer performance tires, significantly improving grip and road feel. Crucially, I also invested in a new spare tire. It’s surprising how often spare tires are overlooked – many cars with brand new road wheels still carry an old, cracked, and potentially flat spare.
Lighting and Aesthetics: Modernizing Safety and Appeal
Addressing some cosmetic and safety aspects, I tackled the lighting. One of the fog lights was damaged, likely from a parking mishap, so I refurbished both with amber lenses for a distinctive look. For increased safety and visibility, I upgraded the brake and reverse lights to LED bulbs. This upgrade extended to the trunk and interior bulbs as well, providing brighter and more efficient lighting. The trunk lid had an undesirable metallic resonance when closed. To dampen this, I cut and installed sound deadening material and applied silicone between the outer sheet metal and reinforcement ribs, which were not originally welded. The resulting difference in sound quality is remarkable. Similarly, the bare metal in the rear cargo area (where rear seats would be in some models) was treated with sound deadening during the rear shock replacement, as this required removing interior panels and carpeting in that area. This addition has made a noticeable improvement to the overall cabin sound insulation. Finally, a new German canvas convertible top in dark brown was installed. The existing top was in good condition, but had four small tears that were not realistically repairable, making a full replacement the best long-term solution.
Engine Overhaul: Ensuring Smooth and Reliable Performance
The engine of this 1985 Mercedes Benz 380SL received comprehensive attention to ensure reliable performance. The cooling system was thoroughly flushed, and I replaced the coolant reservoir (although the old one wasn’t leaking, it was heavily stained), radiator cap, thermostat, and all hoses. An engine oil flush and change were performed, along with replacing the air filter and PCV valve. Fuel system maintenance included a new fuel filter, fuel accumulator, and fuel tank screen/pickup. Ignition components were renewed with a new cap, rotor, plug wires, and spark plugs. A new oxygen sensor was installed to optimize fuel efficiency and emissions. All five V-belts were replaced, along with the hood insulation blanket and wipers. I also addressed several vacuum leaks, adjusted the throttle and kickdown linkage, cleaned and lubricated the idle control valve, and installed a new washer fluid tank and pump. A new battery and new CIS fuel injectors and seals were fitted to ensure consistent fuel delivery. Finally, the fuel injection system was slightly adjusted, primarily to account for the altitude in Colorado.
Transmission and Drivetrain: Maintaining Smooth Operation
The automatic transmission, a crucial part of the driving experience in the 1985 Mercedes Benz 380SL, was also serviced. It was found to be slightly low on fluid, prompting a full transmission flush and filter replacement performed by a specialist. The differential also received a fluid flush and fresh lubricant, ensuring smooth and quiet operation.
The Result: A Joy to Drive
The culmination of this refurbishment process has transformed this 1985 Mercedes Benz 380SL. It now steers, handles, and brakes with a precision that rivals a new car. Driving it is simply a delight, whether navigating city streets or carving through canyon roads. The enhanced grip from the upgraded wheels and tires, combined with the responsiveness of the performance shocks and rear springs, has made a significant positive impact on the driving dynamics. During a classic car rally through the winding roads of Colorado’s Western Slope, it performed exceptionally well. Over four days, it covered 1600 miles (600 miles to and from the rally, plus 1000 miles during the event), achieving an impressive 24 mpg and never missing a beat. It even carried extra tools for fellow rally participants! This 1985 Mercedes Benz 380SL is now truly ready for any kind of driving enjoyment. While the softer rear suspension issue appears to be resolved, the reliable 4-speed automatic transmission has unfortunately developed a leak that is proving difficult to pinpoint. Therefore, the transmission will be removed for repair before this year’s rally to ensure complete reliability.
These R107 chassis Mercedes Benz models are genuinely exceptional classic cars. They remain a good value proposition, offering easy servicing, excellent parts availability, and most importantly, a wonderfully enjoyable and functional driving experience.
