Need input on a '72 280 sedan !!!

[Austin85]

I am very close to buying a 'nice 72 280 sedan;

it has under 80,000miles
very clean in n out
maintenence records
no rust
a/c is still old r12; needs some....

Anyone have any advice on how these ride. I am now in an 85 300D turbo;

Or any 280 cool things or quirks to look out for?

Thanks!

AA

[t walgamuth]

when you put modern michelins on it and new bilsteins and if the suspension is in good fettle, it will ride and drive very comparably to your newer benz.

i dont have much advice specific to that model, but dont change it from the r12 freon.

good luck

tom w

[Palangi]

Don't buy it unless you have a mechanic who understands those old carburetors.

[Larry Delor]

It has less body roll than your 123, and you can see better too. Comfy ride, and you feel a little regal while driving it too.
It is a S or SE or SEL?
Buy a greasegun - lots and lots of things that want greasing.

Then there is this: http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/W108Subframe
The odds that they need to be changed are good.

[Austin85]

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

when you put modern michelins on it and new bilsteins and if the suspension is in good fettle, it will ride and drive very comparably to your newer benz.

i dont have much advice specific to that model, but dont change it from the r12 freon.

good luck

tom w

It's coming with brand new yokohamas
it is still r12- and believe me , my D was converted by the po and I would rather roll it off a cliff than convert to 134!!!

It is out of town and a friend will be QC ing it this weekend.

thanks

[Austin85]

Originally Posted by Palangi

Don't buy it unless you have a mechanic who understands those old carburetors.

I do . I within 45 minutes of a wackie old german MB mechanic;

and a parts place for classic MB's

[Austin85]

Originally Posted by Larry Delor

It has less body roll than your 123, and you can see better too. Comfy ride, and you feel a little regal while driving it too.
It is a S or SE or SEL?
Buy a greasegun - lots and lots of things that want greasing.

Then there is this: http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/W108Subframe
The odds that they need to be changed are good.

This has no letters on trunk other than 280 , so it must be the S "sedan"

The seats are like new, so it will be nice to get the regal feel!
Also I would think it has a little more pep than my Diesel....?

It will have that gas smell to take some gettin use to.....

[PaulC]

Originally Posted by Austin85

This has no letters on trunk other than 280 , so it must be the S "sedan"

The seats are like new, so it will be nice to get the regal feel!
Also I would think it has a little more pep than my Diesel....?

It will have that gas smell to take some gettin use to.....

It's probably a w115, which was the E-class of it's day.

[t walgamuth]

just what i was thinking.

115...might be a little better on rust than the 116. they all rusted from that era though. at least around here.

tom w

[Palangi]

115 has separate blower fans for heat and a/c. Make sure they both work. Replacing the heater fan will exceed the value of the car.

Also, check the 3 steering box bolts inside the left front fender. Loose or broken bolts would be bad.

It's carbureted.

[Larry Delor]

Originally Posted by ForcedInduction

It's carbureted.

OMG - The Solex 4A1!? eeeech!

[Austin85]

The car has one carburator. It is a Holley.
Supposedly engine PURRS......

[Larry Delor]

Originally Posted by Austin85

The car has one carburator. It is a Holley.
Supposedly engine PURRS......

I suppose my love of the Solex, explains why the Holley is on there. I bet it does run better. You'll like it.

[gmercoleza]

First carb I ever rebuilt was the Solex 4A1 in my 75 280. Not coincidentally, it was one of the last...