Drove a '71 300sel 3.5

[moby dick]

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/vintage-mercedes/333558-280se-m130-versus-280se-4-5-a.html

Over the weekend, I had the chance to test drive a '71 300sel 3.5. This was a revelation! Finally, a w108/9 with a v8 that ran beautifully! There was so much more low end torque than from my M130. While it wasn't as fast as the 450se mentioned in the link above, it was clearly faster than the m130, especially above 60mph. I loved the motor!

But the real revelation was the air suspension. How did I ever live without it! Getting back to my 280se 2.8, I felt like I was in a car 2 sizes larger and 500lbs heavier. I can't even imagine how ponderous a 280sel 4.5 would feel in comparison. The 300sel had minimal roll, dive and squat -while riding better! I want one now. My search for a 280se 4.5 or 280sel 4.5 is over. I'd rather have a 300sel with the M130!!!

Is it possible to retrofit the 300sel air suspension on the 280se? Would a newer system such as the one offered by Accuair work just as well? Anybody know? I either have to find a 300sel or 'upgrade' my 280se before I can sleep again.
Narayan

[Tomguy]

You can't easily put an air-suspension in a 108. Control arms are different (since they accommodate bags and not springs) as well as other differences. It'll cost way more and take way more time than finding a well-sorted 109 from the get-go.

As far as aftermarket air suspensions, I don't know about that one, other forum members may be more helpful there!

[Palolo]

It ain't cheap to convert a 108 properly, but it can be done:

Stance Works - Bagged Mercedes Benz W108

Ed is on here, too, or used to be.

Another one:

http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37264

I'm not really a proponent of the lowered/slammed "look" but do believe in the advantages of properly set-up and maintained air suspensions...

[tyl604]

I had a 1970 300SEL 6.3 for about ten years and loved it. Lots of power and great on the road. However I did not enjoy waiting for the air suspension to pump up much of the time. I replaced the bags, had it worked on various times, and always kept denatured alcohol in the container near the left headlight under the hood - but nothing worked. It constantly frustrated me. Would not recommend trying it in a car where it is not spec'd. You are right about the 300SEL though; great car and great styling. I kept mine for ten years and sold it for $50 less than I paid for it.

[moby dick]

I wouldn't consider anything but stock ride height... I've been in Lincolns and Lexus' with air suspension and don't remember being impressed. This was different. I'm skeptical if aftermarket systems improve handling significantly. I know the ride and ride height adjustment capabilities will be better...

Originally Posted by Palolo

It ain't cheap to convert a 108 properly, but it can be done:

Stance Works - Bagged Mercedes Benz W108

Ed is on here, too, or used to be.

Another one:

W108 Build.. - StanceWorks

I'm not really a proponent of the lowered/slammed "look" but do believe in the advantages of properly set-up and maintained air suspensions...

[Pooka]

Most other systems use air shocks and not air bags. The bags spread the force out over a greater area and give a much better ride.

There are a lot of folks out there that will tell you the 3.5 never came with air bags but I have seen a few of them. It must have been a very expensive option.

Something to consider.... In the engine compartment, mounted on or near the radiator support, should be the air filter for the system, the fluid bottle and then, under the front fender and behind the headlights, will be the air tank. The air tank has to be there or the system would not have worked, but look for the filter and the fluid bottle. The bottle holds denatured alcohol which takes the water out of the air. Water will condense in the low spots of the air lines and cause them to rust out.

The air tank also has a Schrader valve on it so if your system bleeds down you can pump it back up with an air compressor.

To go back with original Mercedes parts would be costly, but you can buy an air filter and dryer at any hydraulic supplier.

Is an air bag system worth it? Of course it is. They need rebuilding about once every twenty years, and it is expensive($1,000 or so), but then you are good to go for another twenty years and you never need to worry about replacing your shocks!

[alabbasi]

If it's a 300SEL then it's a W109.
If it's a W109, then it by definition has air suspension or else it would be a W108.

The air ride is nice, but can be very expensive to put right so if you are looking for one, make sure it's working well and that it has some recent receipts. If the owner has "warmed the car up" prior to you arriving to look at the car. Go back during the evening and see if it's still sitting up.

Good luck.

[moby dick]

I guess the reason I bought my 280se was for it's simplicity. It doesn't make sense modifying it... I guess buying a w109 makes more sense.
Here's the car in question.
1971 Mercedes Benz 300sel
The guy has only owned it since 10/2012. He's the 2nd owner. There is some rust here and there, no holes. The cosmetics need work. Chrome is not great. Wood is not great. The interior looks like that of a car that has seen a lot of So Cal sun. Mechanically it felt great. I am very tempted. If only the interior were some shade of tan or black!

[Tomguy]

For 15k I'd expect a near-perfect paint job, no rust @ all, great chrome, and great wood, with a near-perfect interior.

Because you can find much nicer cars for less, and you can even get into reliable, well-maintained 6.3's for 15k.

[Adv_rider]

Originally Posted by Tomguy

For 15k I'd expect a near-perfect paint job, no rust @ all, great chrome, and great wood, with a near-perfect interior.

Because you can find much nicer cars for less, and you can even get into reliable, well-maintained 6.3's for 15k.

Agree!

IMHO That car is not even $9K.... Seats are cloth?

[moby dick]

He came down to 11 without me asking. 9 is possible... I was thinking 8.

[WANT '71 280SEL]

That car isn't worth more than $4k, tops.

I have a 109 and love it. As far as retrofitting a 108, it would never make sense to do it that way. The 109 has other elements to the steering that are different: i.e. rear sway bars. You're definitely right, it handles MUCH better than the 108.

Best Regards,

David

[suginami]

Originally Posted by WANT '71 280SEL

That car isn't worth more than $4k, tops.

I have a 109 and love it. As far as retrofitting a 108, it would never make sense to do it that way. The 109 has other elements to the steering that are different: i.e. rear sway bars. You're definitely right, it handles MUCH better than the 108.

Best Regards,

David

gerryvz took me for a ride in his mint 300SEL 6.3, and the ride was awesome with the air suspension, noticeably different than my 4.5.

However, I wouldn't own one for the lifetime complication, headache, and maintenance nightmare of keeping it working properly.

I've heard of many W109 owners converting their suspension to coil spring like the W108s.