I am looking at buying a 1989 780 Bertone. Need Advice?

roamingsoldier · Post by **roamingsoldier** » 23 Jul 2009, 01:23

I am a long time Mercedes fanatic, but have always loved the look of the 780 Bertones'. I want to get into something different and think this might be it...At least until I find a 262gt.

I found a nice looking one and will be testing it out this week.

What issues do they have? What should I look for?
What are the red flags here?

Post by **billofdurham** » 23 Jul 2009, 11:26

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

I have no personal experience with this model as it seems we didn't have them in the UK, unless as a personal import.

You can find some useful info at http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Garage/6570/

Bill.

roamingsoldier · Post by **roamingsoldier** » 23 Jul 2009, 13:54

I will be going to look at the car tomorrow. Is there anyone that I can call or call me while I am there? I am at (312) 869 1789 Thanks. Matt

DeRail · Post by **DeRail** » 28 Jul 2009, 23:37

Hello there

If your 780 has the 6cylinder engine, you're basically looking at the some types of sometimes problematic areas of the B280F which is the same engine in my 760GLE. Also, the 780's have the Nivomat self-leveling rear shocks like the 760 as well. The only problems I've had with my car (knock on wood) are a few electrical gremlins, an AC leak

, and having to replace the drive shaft carrier bearing. If you do get the 780 and it does have the V6, be absolutely ANAL about oil changes every 3k. From what I hear the oil galleys will get sludged pretty darned fast in these engines if the oil gets too dirty.

Check here for more info: http://www.vcoa.org/700-900-faq/BuyingU ... d760withV6

Darrell

roamingsoldier · Post by **roamingsoldier** » 29 Jul 2009, 01:16

It is a turbo. it has "injector issues" at least from the seller.
The car idles ok , but when the rpms go up it stutters.

DeRail · Post by **DeRail** » 31 Jul 2009, 22:37

roamingsoldier wrote:It is a turbo. it has "injector issues" at least from the seller.
The car idles ok , but when the rpms go up it stutters.

Yeah, it's a 4-banger then. Not entirely sure what the symptoms of injector problems are... if you haven't already bought it and you think you will buy the car, it might be worth it to pay the diagnosis fee at an indy volvo guy or someone you trust mechanically to give it a once over and make sure nothing else is wrong.