looking at a 72 280SEl 4.5 to buy, need advice - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

81 300 CD · #1 08-08-2006, 10:59 PM

I'm considering enlarging the fold to include a 72 280SEL 4.5 . I know mechanically it is perfect as it's my mechanics personal car. The paint is shot, the chrome is fair, rust is in the rockers (not horrible but visible) and will need to be cut out (it comes with 2 new front 1/4 panels OEM), the interior is very nice except for the wood trim around the tops of the back doors which I will have to recreate myself (not a big deal, I am a decent carpenter).
Mechanically it's top notch, just bodywork to do. He's asking $5K but may take $4500. Any ideas on how good/bad a deal this may be (obviously not seeing the car doesn't help) but I thought someone with experience in this model can weight in here and share. I know about the lousy mpg's but this will be a pleasure car when done.

The car was abandonded at my mechanics shop 18 years ago. His father owned it then he bought it. They have every detail that was done and mechanically everything is 100%. All gauges and interior stuff works perfectly.
The down points are paint and rust. The most rust is in the front quarter panels, and he has 2 new ones rust free. Most of the chrome is very nice, 2 or 3 sections have lost their luster. It does have the spring suspension.
Exhaust is 6 mos old and S/S all the way through. Prop shaft is new. Most rubber gaskets, etc have been done. Front suspension completely rebuilt.
As far as mechanical stuff I am more hesitant to dive in, interior work I enjoy doing. My body guy is very well priced and will need to strip the whole car as I want it midnight blue anyway.
The engine has had timing chain and upper end rebuilt.
Not looking to flip the car, I want to keep it long term .... until she dies.
OK, folks let's hear your feedback. The more the merrier!
Thanks!

Tomguy · #2 08-08-2006, 11:33 PM

I dont care if it has the body panels included with it or not, for $5k, it shouldn't have a spot of rust on it at ALL. It'd be a good buy for $2k. But it needs paint and those panels. If the paint was OK and it didn't need the panels, it'd be $5k - if it was new paint (or like new original paint), it'd probably be $7k or more. You dont know how bad the rust inside actually is without taking the rockers off. If you can still jack the front end with the factory jack in the jacking points, offer $3k; if the jack points move up with the jack, walk away.

pxland · #3 08-09-2006, 08:27 AM

$4500 Sounds a little high to me. If you do some searching and have some patience you should be able to find a similar condition car to the one you describe for around $3k. Or an absolutely pristine model for $7-8k

Seems to me you are caught in the middle of buying one you need to fix up, or one that is already in good restored condition. I will hazard you this a "partially restored" car can have the most skeletons in it's closet (everyone generally saves the most expensive/difficult restoration steps for last).

Also, the little mechanical stuff (gauges, lights, etc) is quite easy to repair if you have some skill and use this forum. I wouldn't be afraid to spend a little less money if you have some time to learn about, and work out, the car's quirks.

You might already know this but while checking for rust take the spare tire out of the trunk and check the well underneath it. This is a pretty standard rust spot that you cannot find from the outside.

lee polowczuk · #4 08-09-2006, 09:51 AM

I think the above two posters are right on....regarding price.

It's simple: priced according to condition

i bought a 1972 280se 4.5 in 1986 with 93k for 5500...sold it in 1998 for 4800 with 158k.
The front leather seats had some tears, but covered by lambswool. The front quarter panels down by the doors had a couple of tinges of rust. i think the valve stems needed new seals, but the car ran perfectly.

i put about 1k a year into the car .. probably the best car i ever owned, even though it was not quite a daily driver.

The only major expenses were 1500 for paint in 1990... new king pins, and i think an a/C compressor. there were some minor things along the way. by minor i mean starters, a couple of fuel injectors, muffler... just typical wear out items

the big problem now would be the 13mpg with premium gas. I got compliments almost every time i put gas in it..and that eased the pain of the mpg

i am always on the hunt for a garage queen however.

Jim B. · #5 08-09-2006, 10:32 PM

$4500 for a rusty Mercedes just isn't worth it (to me)

It can be an issue of structural integrity if it's too bad. You ought to look further west....towards Southern California, for a good car.

Those 108 sedans are classically elegant, true, but actually it could be cheaper to put right one with mechanical issues than one with body rot or cancer on it.

That's just what I think, and I'm no expert. I'd take a short vacation to LA, and look there for a good car. I was fortunate enough to find a decent one there.

deanyel · #6 08-10-2006, 12:30 AM

You should not even consider a car with rust in the rocker panels. If it was free it would be too much.

snp8990 · #7 08-10-2006, 01:23 AM

I live right by you (Holland) and I know of a 1972 280SEL for sale its $6,000 and it seems to be in top notch shape.If you would like to go a little bit older to a 1968 230S one of the forum members is selling it (Blueeagle289).It used to be my car and is in excellent shape

alabbasi · #8 08-10-2006, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tomguy

I don't care if it has the body panels included with it or not, for $5k, it shouldn't have a spot of rust on it at ALL.

Here's one we prepared earlier. Your going to sink a couple of grand into it doing the other repairs (paint ,interior etc). For 7k you should get a minter.