1973 280SE 4.5 basic question

[smosie2002]

Hi,
I don't have any diagrams for this car (1973 280SE 4.5) yet and need to know where to locate the following items to inspect prior to purchasing/driving the car this weekend. They were noted on a list I found online of things to check prior to driving (as they may be fatal):

brake lines
fuel lines
flex disc (not even sure what they are)

Sorry for the really basic question. I'm not familiar with what's under the hood and don't want to assume as the checklist states that failure of any of these three could be fatal. So for anyone who would be kind enough to go through the basics with me, I'd appreciate it.
smosie

[kpb]

welcome-- the "search" function here is your friend. You will find tons of info.

Flex disk is what the car has insetad of u-joints at either end of the driveshaft. Some, I believemay have a disk at one end and a u-joint at the other. I replaced my front one two weeks after purchase (in 2003) and it was nearly shredded, horrible vibration at 100mph) and the help I received here was invluable.

Brake lines, dunno anyhting paeticularly odd with this car.

Fuewl lines, the rubber pieces, if original, must be replaced for safety sake. Mine were leaking right at the injectors where there will be eight small pieces of rubber line. If you smeall gas under the hood while it is running, pull the ari cleaner housing and look carefully at each rubber line by the injectors and puch it a bit to see if there are leaks. If so, TURN OFF THE ENGINE (Right Tomguy?)

Good luck. MY 1972 280SE 4.5 has been a marvel to have -- never-ending comments,,inquiries and compliments -- and just a gas to own (even at 15 mpg). These are commonly referred to as "108s" -- the chassis designation. That motor is called a "117" as well.

A 1973 I believe is the last year made.

[Cr from Texas]

Originally Posted by smosie2002

Hi,
I don't have any diagrams for this car (1973 280SE 4.5) yet and need to know where to locate the following items to inspect prior to purchasing/driving the car this weekend. They were noted on a list I found online of things to check prior to driving (as they may be fatal):

brake lines
fuel lines
flex disc (not even sure what they are)

Sorry for the really basic question. I'm not familiar with what's under the hood and don't want to assume as the checklist states that failure of any of these three could be fatal. So for anyone who would be kind enough to go through the basics with me, I'd appreciate it.
smosie

I don't mean to sound sarcastic, but the nature of your questions would suggest you're very unsure what you will be looking at. I'd suggest you hire a professional mechanic that knows Mercedes to give the car a good check over. Maybe even doing a compression test. I think it would be money well spent.

I'm familiar with all the components you asked about and I've replaced all of them. I still have my favorite indy check out any major purchase. Usually costs less than $100.

Charles

[thorsen]

Originally Posted by Cr from Texas

I don't mean to sound sarcastic, but the nature of your questions would suggest you're very unsure what you will be looking at. I'd suggest you hire a professional mechanic that knows Mercedes to give the car a good check over. Maybe even doing a compression test. I think it would be money well spent.

I'm familiar with all the components you asked about and I've replaced all of them. I still have my favorite indy check out any major purchase. Usually costs less than $100.

Charles

Charles is right, and he put it more eloquently than I could have.

[smosie2002]

Hi,
Thanks for the info and yes, it's definitely going into the shop but it's out of state so it's going to be driven back (maybe) which is a couple hundred miles. And no worries, no sarcasm detected, it is a ridiculous question particularly on this forum where everyone here is so astute in mechanics and being able to DIY. I am in a time crunch and I figured I could just tell my husband the whereabout of these items in case they were located in not so easy to figure out places. I'm responsible for doing the research person, he's the one who does the work, plus, the deal is, if I am to own a car like this, I am the one who has to learn/know about it.
We currently have a 300D that I love but it's obviously not the same as the 280. This forum has definitely been invaluable in trouble shooting our 300D. We've saved a lot from being able to know what to look for. Thank you!!!!
Although the 280 is marked as a 73, I believe it was actually made in 1972 but by the time it was sold here in NA it was 1973. 1972 was the last year the 108's were produced and I believe the last year mb hand built their cars as well.
Again, thanks for the info and the advice!

[mercmad6.3]

If you have both worked on your 300D ,then you'll be familiar with your W108. theres not too much difference in the design as such . just the suspension design is different.
Have a look under the car at the brake hoses and if they are cracked or old looking it's time to change them. I have never seen one burst,what they do is breakdown internally and block,causing the brakes to jam on.
You will know if a flex disc has gone when the car vibrates when acelerating. No big deal,just a nuisance to change.
There are dozens of other things to check but if it's just a matter of driving home,then do the usuals,check,Fuel,Oil,Water,battery connections and fuses make sure all lights are working and wipers and all of the rubber,tires,hoses,and belts.
Make sure the jack and wheel brace are there and the spare is useable with air in it and you are home free. 200 odd miles is nothing,you drive more than that around town in a week don't you?

[smosie2002]

Thanks mercmad! Yup, everything except flex discs were checked out but hubby took it for a test drive and no vibration so all's well. Apparently, the car has been well taken care of and now we're wondering if we should even use it as a daily driver. And yeah, my husband has driven the heck out of our 300D. Love the w123 and now I'm a sucker for the vintage mbs!

[mercmad6.3]

They need to be used! ,by all means drive the wheels off it,thats why are such great cars.