280se 4.5liter Should i buy? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Cervan · #1 09-01-2007, 08:24 PM

At the junkyard, somone is selling a complete 1972 280se with a 4.5liter v8 and a Tree shifting automatic. i belive its a coupe and it is Creme outsides, with black interior they are asking 1250 for it, does that sound reasonable?

Tomguy · #2 09-01-2007, 10:00 PM

It can't be a coupe for that price or if it actually has the 4.5. If it's a 3.5 it could be a coupe...

$1250 could be a bargain, it could be just right or it could be a massive ripoff. Rust? How's the paint? The interior? Not to mention mechanical issues...

Cervan · #3 09-01-2007, 10:10 PM

it said 4.5 on the back of the trunk, and it said 280se right on the rear too. the interior is not too bad, it needs some attention the drivers seat is ripped on the side, the outside is straight, needs waxxed maybie. mechanically it runs how well i do not know, all the guy said was it ran. I looked under the hood, everything was there, the automatic transmission resivoir was missing the nut on top of the canister, and everything was abit oily, but it looked as if everything was there. The tires have hubcaps on them and one of them are flat. it looks like a california car, so i didnt see a bit of rust on it. ill check it out more thuroughly tommarow now that i know it may be a good deal.

Tomguy · #4 09-01-2007, 10:20 PM

Sounds about right for what you described. And that's the power steering reservoir! It's hard to find ones that have the CORRECT flat round nut that goes on top.

Cervan · #5 09-01-2007, 10:30 PM

So what of the engine and transmission, are they durable? and what chassis is this?

Tomguy · #6 09-01-2007, 10:32 PM

If the badging is correct, it's a 108.067 sedan. And yes to both on durability. The engine, aside from its oft-temperamental D-Jetronic EFI (usually due to the age of rubber bits in the system), is pretty much bulletproof.

Cervan · #7 09-01-2007, 10:46 PM

they had that in 1972? o.o mercedes was really ahead of the game. What of the A/C in this car? BTW this is what the rear looks like http://mercedesw108w109.com/img/cars/1971-280se-4.5.jpg

Tomguy · #8 09-01-2007, 10:53 PM

Piston-style York compressor with R12. Was always more than adequate for me when charged. If you want to use R134a, then you're best off replacing the compressor with a more modern one! Otherwise, it's got ice cold air on R12 (albeit the compressor is a little loud, it never bothered me)

Cervan · #9 09-01-2007, 10:54 PM

Allirght, thanks ill check this car out and report back! BTW ill never change to r134 im a r-12 man all the way.

Shab · #10 09-01-2007, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tomguy

Sounds about right for what you described. And that's the power steering reservoir! It's hard to find ones that have the CORRECT flat round nut that goes on top.

I remember my 4.5 had a wing nut on the res. Drove me nuts. I found a great cap with perfect paint, perfect yellow lettering and correct beautifully machined round nut in a bone yard. I was thrilled for a week! Here's a pic of my 4.5 engine bay.

Cervan · #11 09-02-2007, 03:18 AM

lol, well i could allways weld a really thick washer to a nut and screw it on there. that would work.

Tom Drew · #12 09-02-2007, 01:54 PM

280 SE's with the 4.5L V8 engines used the Delco A6 compressor, not the York as used in the 6cyl cars.

nhdoc · #13 09-02-2007, 02:05 PM

There's nothing more costly than a cheap mercedes...remember this statement.

These cars are not particularly desireable today. They get poor mileage (consider 12 MPG) and you should use premium gas in them which makes them very expensive to operate and despite what some people think are tough to get running right. I speak from my own experience.

I guess it depends on what your intents are with respect to owning it and despite the fact that I really liked my W108 I would never buy another one.

Shab · #14 09-02-2007, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nhdoc

There's nothing more costly than a cheap mercedes...remember this statement.

and despite what some people think are tough to get running right. I speak from my own experience.

I second that. My 4.5 was at once a magnificent piece of 1970's engineering and serious money pit. Unless you’re an expert wrench like some here with the time, tools, talent and expertise, give it some serious thought. My 4.5 spent so much time airborne on a lift I was going to paint FAA tail numbers on it.

Here's a pic of it leaving my life as my wallet breathed a sigh of relief..

Sure was a beauty though!

Mark DiSilvestro · #15 09-03-2007, 10:25 AM

If the body is rust-free I'd consider it as a fun project, not as your main transportation. The last thing I'd worry about is the AC.
For a similar but more simple car, with less power but an easier DIY proposition, I'd suggest a carbed 6-cylinder W108 280S, especially if you can find one with a stickshift.

Happy Motoring, Mark