Potential 72 280SE 4.5 purchase - got questions - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ramonajim · #1 07-04-2006, 05:56 AM

Considering a very clean 72 280SE 4.5 we came across this weekend. Two questions:

1) Being a 72, there is no smog requirement even here in the Republic of Kalyfornia. What are the pros and cons of simply pulling the smog pump (no cat)?

2) What can you tell us about this lovely beast as a tow vehicle? Primary need is to pull a small amount of furniture from MD to CA, then the occasional move stuff from point A to point B.

TIA,
Jim in scenic Vista, CA

Wodnek · #2 07-04-2006, 08:57 AM

Regardless of individual state smog regulations, federal law requires all vehicles to maintain the smog equipment that the factory put on. This said many people disregard this when modifying their cars, but it does give the authorities a way to mess with you if they choose.

deanyel · #3 07-04-2006, 05:57 PM

Great tow vehicle but much better as the towee than the tower.

mercmad6.3 · #4 07-04-2006, 06:03 PM

Does it have a smog pump? ,they usually only "pump" when the engine is idling, but the pump won't be sapping power from your engine,which is a low performance item anyway.
it produces sufficeint power for what it is but it's Euro Contemporary 3.5's were/are more powerful because of higher compression and more aggressive cam timing.
As for towing,does it have the hydrualic compensator on the rear axle?,it's a big suasage shaped thing in the center of the diff,some cars were optioned with this and some had just a Coil spring in the center.
if it is just a spring,you will find the back end will sink with a load.
You can counter this by fitting rubber compensators in the two rear main coils,or even getting a spring maker in Cal. to make some heavier springs.
The bottom plate on the rear suspension arms is designed to be turned in three different locations.Turning this plate will raise or lower the rear suspension for wheel camber purposes but can be used to lift the rear so you tow a trailer.
The transcooler is OK for a light trailer but if try towing a car etc it will really make the trans work.Think about getting the trans oil changed first.

t walgamuth · #5 07-04-2006, 06:15 PM

if i were going to pull anything bigger than a suitcase trailer i would fit a tranny cooler. there are some pretty big mountains btwn maryland and cal. one good one might cook your tranny. a cooler can be fitted for maybe $200. not worth risking the tranny.

imho

tom w

Tomguy · #6 07-05-2006, 03:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mercmad6.3

it produces sufficeint power for what it is but it's Euro Contemporary 3.5's were/are more powerful because of higher compression and more aggressive cam timing.

Not always true. The 8.8:1 4.5's had more power than 3.5's. Only the 8.0:1's had less HP (the same torque I believe). The latter 4.5's in the 116 chassis, with K-Jet and calmer cams (that went with their hydraulic lifters) had noticably less power than a 3.5.

I dont think I have ever seen a 4.5 with a smog pump so I can't say exactly what it would or wouldn't do, performance wise. I'm actually interested in seeing this contraption.