Found a W108 for sale, really excited

[stuart750]

Gey guys, i found a 1969 W108 a fair distance from my home in Hamilton ON, and I am very interested in bringing it home, doing a bit of work on it during the summer, and then selling it before classes start in September. For the price, I'm very tempted.

http://hamilton.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-classic-cars-1969-Mercedes-Benz-200-Series-Sedan-W0QQAdIdZ249220696

Since there is no badging on the rear end, I'm trying to identify what exact model it is. Either a 250 S(E?) or a 280 S (E?).

Also, since it's been sitting (not completely anchored, but seldomly used) for about 5 years, I'd like to know if there's anything specific to check for.

The plan is to get some used tires for the car, a tune up (if that helps) in town, and then drive it home (as I have no trailer or a car with a tailor hitch).

Any W108 owners out there with some expertise on something like this?

[pj67coll]

Wether its a 250 or 280 I don't know but either way it's an SE as it's fuel injected. My suspicion is it's a 280SE as I think the 250 had a single exhaust though I'm not sure about that. I think it's been repainted at some stage and I'd be very concerned about rust more than anything else.

- Peter.

[JeffreyNMemphis]

That year would be a 280Se (M130 engine) 2.8 liter . The steering wheel is not original; looks like a W116/W123 wheel.

I think your plan to drive this car home is overly optimistic. Instead, why not rent a truck and car-dolly/trailer for a day? You could do more (expensive) damage to the car by driving it before addressing all the maintenance it needs after sitting for 5 years. It would be a drag to be broke down on the side of the road far from home. I always prefer to breakdown near my house.

Please keep us updated! It sounds like a good project.

[Tomguy]

If the brakes are good (including the parking brake), the hoses & belts look good and don't feel soft, and the flex disc underneath is healthy-looking, I'd feel adventurous enough to risk it. I'd bring a box of tools with me, spare oil, brake fluid & ATF, and hope for the best!

[USAROVER]

Be sure to check all of the rubber components underneath: Shock mounts, Flex disk (as mentioned earlier), suspension bushings, boots on the rear diff.

Fuel filter, and stale fluids could make for a long trip home as well. Make sure the owner throws in the shovel, if the handle is ok that is.

[Larry Delor]

Nice find. Look for rust in the trunk in the far corners...where the drain tubes come down. If the vent/heat controls are slow to move, don't force them, they can break easily - figure out a way to lube them.
What strikes me as odd, is the huge lights up front... usually I see the amber/orange running/turnsignal lights there instead.
Even if you don't drive it, you can make your money back on parts.