W109 questions - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

TheDon · #1 12-14-2006, 08:23 PM

just wondering how much a decent run will run in $$...

cth350 · #2 12-14-2006, 08:49 PM

Depends. I paid 300$ for a beater earlier this year. Then there's a ex-factory racer for sale as we speak in NZ for 16,000$US. I've been tracking 6.3 prices on ebay, as I have a car to sell soon. A running, drivable 6.3 with working suspension starts at 5k and can triple that in very good shape. A running 6.3 with a messed up suspension is between 2k and 3k depending on location.

The 4.5, 3.5, 3.0 and 2.8 varients aren't quite so pricey. A decent 3.5 is a very nice car and can be had for 3k-5k. A great one will be more.

All the parts for a suspension rebuild (bellows, o-rings, rubber hoses) will set you back a bit under 1,000$. My preference is used valves, but that's because I've got them handy and I've done plenty of work on the air cars. Rebuilt valves are for people with deeper pockets than mine. Anybody with good mechanical skills, patience and the willingness to learn can fix an air suspension system.

-CTH

TheDon · #3 12-14-2006, 08:58 PM

all the W109's came with the hyrdopneumatic suspension correct?

PaulC · #4 12-14-2006, 09:30 PM

Yes. But don't forget it's steel sprung counterpart, the w108 (250S, 250SE, 280S, 280SE, 280SEL)

TheDon · #5 12-14-2006, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulC

Yes. But don't forget it's steel sprung counterpart, the w108 (250S, 250SE, 280S, 280SE, 280SEL)

yea... but id rather have a 109

wbain5280 · #6 12-15-2006, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDon

all the W109's came with the hyrdopneumatic suspension correct?

No, they came with air suspension. The W116 6.9 and a few W126's came with hydropneumatic suspension.

PaulC · #7 12-15-2006, 12:40 AM

Ah, didn't catch that. I read it as air.

Jengasan · #8 12-15-2006, 09:16 AM

I looked at a 109 before buying my 108, ok they're a wee bit more roomy in the back and you might get more chrome BUT if the air suspension goes pearshaped you'll need deep pockets...or that's how it appears in the UK, it may be different for you guys. Besides a nice 108 is practically identical

alabbasi · #9 12-15-2006, 10:00 AM

The W108 and W109s indicate whether the cars are air or spring suspension cars. A W108 280SEL is exactly the same size as a W109 300SEL. They should also look very similar externally.

You'll find more plush carpeting, burl wood and wood on the doors on a W109 that you may not see on a W108.

Unless your buying a near perfect W109, it wont make a bit of difference whether you buy a w108 or w109 unless your looking for an air suspension car. Both interiors have a capacity for looking rubbish when worn.

PaulC · #10 12-15-2006, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jengasan

I looked at a 109 before buying my 108, ok they're a wee bit more roomy in the back and you might get more chrome BUT if the air suspension goes pearshaped you'll need deep pockets...or that's how it appears in the UK, it may be different for you guys. Besides a nice 108 is practically identical

The 280SEL is a long-wheelbase version of the w108, same wheelbase as a w109.

#11 12-15-2006, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDon

all the W109's came with the hyrdopneumatic suspension correct?

Nope, that was the 450SEL 6.9 and some eupopean W126 models, most W109 cars use air suspension, like the W100 600 Grosser. At least air is free, unlike the special oil for hydropnuematic cars. Many parts are unique to the W109 series, even the glass, which in some cars is double laminated. Some late '60s W109 models with the 2.8 six had steel suspension. All 3.5, 4.5, 6.3, and 3.0 models have air suspension.

TheDon · #12 12-15-2006, 05:08 PM

awesome. now i just need to find a W109 with a 4.5 for sale with functioning air suspension

Tomguy · #13 12-15-2006, 05:34 PM

Don: Didnt know you had at least $6k to spend on one

(As that's how much a 4.5 with a 100% properly functioning suspension would probably run)

- Whereas a good 4.5 daily driver in 280SE/280SEL trim would be around $3k usually

TheDon · #14 12-16-2006, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tomguy

Don: Didnt know you had at least $6k to spend on one

if the 300D sells ill have about 5k in the bank..

cth350 · #15 12-16-2006, 04:15 PM

Don't pass up a 3.5. Yeah, it has less displacement, but for its size and weight it has plenty of power.

Also, the 2.8l 300sel also had air suspension.

As for prices, yes, 1,000$US for parts is serious money, but that's done once every 100,000km or so. The fun part is doing the work, and if you're paying somebody else to do it, yes, it will cost you.

-CTH