My new to me W108 1972 280SE 4.5

[billhard]

My Mother drove a W109 when I was about 8 and it was that car which inspired my love for the brand. Finally owning one of my own is a great feeling.

I have been shopping a W108 for sometime now but whenever I found an acceptable car the moons would not align for on reason or another. Then last week this car popped up in my own neighborhood. 1972 280SE 4.5, one very proud owner, always garaged, original paint (906 grey blue). The gentleman who bought the car at MB of Hollywood was a retired Fire Chief and sadly now suffers from alzheimers. Thankfully he is at least receiving loving care from family. Hearing his daughter explain his former passion for the car and getting a chance to carry that on made it all the sweeter. Unfortunately in his diminished condition the daughter explains somehow most records for the car have been lost. However, the crumbs of data that remain in the car, a few service receipts, dealer service stamps and the metal data plate bearing his name from purchase combined with the overall honesty of the car made it clear to me it was all on the up and up.

The car has been sitting for about 5 years so all the usual things need addressing before I dare drive much but the car starts runs, shifts very smoothly. AC will need going over but the heater fan and valve seem to work just fine. Interior is in great shape, the woods a little faded but not bad and there are two hairline cracks on the dash.

So expect me to be popping a number of request for advice as I bring her back to health. Cheers!

[Marrs]

Congrats on what looks like a fine car! Great color, I'm a sucker for blue Oldtimers.

[MCMLXIX]

Great looking car. I think your dog likes it too... he keeps staring at it...

[Tomguy]

Very nice!

[suginami]

Cheers from a fellow '72 280SE 4.5 owner.

Love the color.

[Hugin]

Very good looking color, is that 906 ?

[billhard]

Originally Posted by Hugin

Very good looking color, is that 906 ?

Thanks, and yes 906 graublau.

[Hugin]

Bought my first W108 in 1986, it was just this color and I loved it!

Just bought a 300SEL 6.3 in white/dark red color combo, turns out the original was just 906, repaint back to original comming up, it's one of the most beautiful colors forthis car.

[Dee8go]

Beautiful! Congratulations.

[jkeith72]

Very nice looking car! I too love the blues....
Are you in CA?

[billhard]

Originally Posted by jkeith72

Very nice looking car! I too love the blues....
Are you in CA?

Yes, San Diego.

[jkeith72]

What a great place to own a vintage Benz...
I live in Mesa, generally a good place as well, but must have that A/C working in the summer!!

[suginami]

The entire a/c system in my W108 was completely replaced prior to my buying it, even down to the switch on the dash.

The compressor, evaporator, condenser, etc. were all replaced.

It was even converted to r134a. The condenser was significantly up-sized. It blows ice cold even on the hottest days.

[billhard]

Originally Posted by suginami

The entire a/c system in my W108 was completely replaced prior to my buying it, even down to the switch on the dash.

The compressor, evaporator, condenser, etc. were all replaced.

It was even converted to r134a. The condenser was significantly up-sized. It blows ice cold even on the hottest days.

Funny thing, thought I might throw a can of r134 with dye into mine today to see how bad it leaks and from where. To my surprise the system is charged with no indication of conversion. The electro magnetic clutch won't engage but the system doesn't leak I guess. Just another line on the to do list.

[KarlC]

Very nice, I sent you a PM