280SE Coupe 3.5 -what problems?
 

First of all thanks for such a tremendous forum and resource.
I am in the process of evaluating the wisdom of purchasing a used 1971 280 SE coupe 3.5. 62 K miles on it .
It needs a bit of work but this is THE car for me.
It sat for 3 years, and I need to know if it turns over or is there any problem I should look for.
So I have some questions:
1- My local MG mechanic tells me that the engine had a single timing chain and this gave a lot of problems to the engine- to be sure it had been modified to the dual link chain- is this a problem on the 6 cilinder or on the V8 as well?
2- Are there available parts such as rear fender, front grille, weather stripping available and where to get them?
I appreciate any help.

look for rust..... look hard at the front quarter panels....lower near driver's door.. known spot...

look at window rubber..... bad wood on the dash is an indicator that water leaked in through old rubber.

front suspension kingpins

heater blower motor...if it doesn't work.... you probably have to do without heat....too hard to access....even by german mechanics.

air never blows as cold as you want...just live with it.

replace single chain every 100k. you get a rattle warning on start-up if there is a problem

cars will run forever....

this was the most expensive car mb made up to that time. parts will be very hard to find and very expensive. look for rust also in the trunk behind the rear wheels, and above the headlights. georgous car both in coupe or cabriolet models. absolutely my favorite mb of all time. prepare to spend money.
regards,
mark

My father's first MB was a '71 280SE 3.5 - silver over gray. What a wonderful car, and I hope to get one someday. Fast as hell; you'll love it.

I don't think parts are that tough - but if you know what you need look for them now and see what happens. There's some interchangeable with other 111s. As for it being fast, perhaps compared to other 71s, but an 06 Toyota Collora is going to leave you in the dust with significantly lower risk of breakdown during the race. Don't buy it for going fast.

Thanks!!
Yep rust is there, under passenger side, that part is crumbling.
rust in rear ,and big bubling rust behind the front left headlight

So the single chain is also on the V8 engine? And is that expensive to replace? Is this a DIY job or something only a real mechanic should do? The whole car needs work. The wood, the rubber trim etc. The wood does not scare me, I am pretty adept at that work. But when it comes to welding and mechanics...

I'm curious about the single chain too. IIRC my dad's 72 300SEL 3.5 had a double row chain. I thought only the early 3.8 had a single row chain.

Sixto

If you must have a 280SE 3.5 (they are beautiful), then get the best you can find; it will be expensive. If you can't afford it, then welcome to the ranks of those on the sidelines; we looked into the pit and could not see (afford) the bottom.
regards,
Mark

Every M116 with the iron block (ie. all 3.5 litre versions from 1969 to 1980) had a double row chain. Only the very early alloy block M116 (3.8 litre around 1981) had the single row chain disaster.

Greg

sorry...my 4.5 had a single row.... didn't know the 3.5 had a double