|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#1
09-09-2004, 07:39 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
What to look for when buying a 280se or 280se 4.5? (W108)
I am interested in purchasing a 1969-1973 280se or 280se 4.5. What are common problems? What should i be looking for when i inspect the car? How relaible are these models for daily driver use? And are parts expensive? TIA - Nicholas
Last edited by superchargedm3; 09-09-2004 at 07:45 PM. 
|
|
#2
09-09-2004, 11:09 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
I would say look for the best car you can find regardless of price - because none of them are very expensive, 2) get a strong engine and transmission, one that moves down the road well and shifts nicely, and 3) make sure it's bone dry, even a little bit of rust is usually the tip of the iceberg, shouldn't be that hard to find where you are. This is personal preference, but I would look for a floor shift car.
|
|
#3
09-09-2004, 11:33 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
I bought one on ebay...a California from new car..not a spec of corrosion anywhere...and with these I think that's most important...avoid east coasters that have been in wintertime...these cars are 30 years old and the winters and salt do wreak havoc on them...mine is looking sweet..at the paint shop now..Will post some pics when it's done. Of course it's always nice to have a service history if possible but not always available, just to prove the mileage as the odometer is only 5 digits. Try and look for any trim parts if possible at other outlets like ebay..I wanted a new grill..got a perfect shiny one with star for $90 Adsit wanted over $850 just for a new grill so really research parts..they are easy to find.
Ed
|
|
#4
09-10-2004, 12:45 AM
|
|||
|
|||
|
108's
Rust, rust, rust, rust, rust. And just in case you are not sure about that. RUST.
What you can see is just the tip of the iceberg. It's what's under the car that's the real problem. Especially where the steering box mounts to the chassis box section. As has been said already, avoid cars that have spent time in eastern or northern winters. - Peter.
__________________
2021 Chevrolet Spark Formerly... 2000 GMC Sonoma 1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021  2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels 1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles. 1984 123 200 1979 116 280S 1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille 1971 108 280S
|
|
#5
09-10-2004, 09:53 AM
|
|||
|
|||
STAY AWAY FROM RUST!
Other than that, get one with as many options as you can find. Sunroof, floor shift, leather, all increase desirability on a car that is fastly fading away. Look for originality and care of ownership. 4.5 engines are pretty bulletproof, but may smoke on start-up due to valve seals. I have found the alternators to be pretty weak, so check that out too. Get under it on a lift and look for RUST.
|
|
#6
09-12-2004, 02:26 PM
|
||||
|
||||
|
Kingpin front suspensions!! Unfortunately with grease fittings being extinct for the last 30 yrs, many kingpin suspensions have died of neglect.... more than a dozen grease fittings that need to be greased at least twice each year.
Running on kinpins that never get greased is probably the number one killer, beyond rust, of 108 chassis Mercedes Benz. Dont even worry about the 4.5 engine block, nada - zip, no known weakness there.... Although you might find problems with worn out injector tips and the distributor advance mechanism, these are not difficult to fix. And anything that smokes profusely at cold start will probably need valve guides and seals, as Jake says. Last edited by 300SDog; 09-12-2004 at 02:45 PM.
|
 |
| Bookmarks |
|
|
Hybrid Mode
