W113 983 with a SE 980 engine

[mmata]

HI,

Ca some one tell me if the value of a 280 sl pagoda is the same with a SE engine instead of a sl engine. I have one sl to buy but the engine is a 113 980 12 54834. It means that it is from a se.

I would like to know if this SL has the same value with a diferent engine when i have to sell it?

thanks

[Cees Klumper]

Theoretically the value should be somewhat lower. How much is the question; it may stop someone from considering the car altogether, to others it may be a minor detail. Which in fact it is: the engine is practically the same, as far as I know only small differences in the camshaft. The fuel injection pumps are also slightly different, but then the car you are considering may still have its original fuel injection pump. When I bought mine I enquired as to whether it had the original engine. Was told it was an SE engine, and i still paid the same asking price. But that's maybe just me!
You can attach your own estimate to the discount, but maybe $1,000 would be reasonable. More important I think is the actual condition of the engine.

[mmata]

Thanks Caas for your reply,

Anyway I´d appreciate more opinions as i am very confuse with this bought.
 

[bogeyman]

Mmata:
Buying is always a personal decision - what works for you may not make sense for someone else.
Do you want to restore this car or just for your personal driving pleasure?  Will you sell it in the near future or do you want to keep it indefinitely?
Will the engine change be a factor as you own/use the car or will you just enjoy it as it is?
You have to determine what is important to you - if it is a significant factor, there are enough of these around that you can continue to look and
find what you really want.

[Tom Colitt]

I think Cees is right. Some people may not be interested at all in an SL that has a 980 engine. That would, of course drive the price down, without really being able to put a number on it. The same thing applies to a car that has been painted a different color than it was, one that had an aftermarket AC installed, rust repair work, etc. I would say that a person that values a very correct 280SL the non-correct engine (or paint job) might still consider the car with a 10% to 15% discount, but it is a very subjective decision.

Best, Tom