First of all, my name is Danny and I've been lurking here for quite sometimes and still trying to read all the valuable information on from this site.

Used to drive a 1972 280s 4 speed for hmm 4-5 years and had to sell it because I had to move (over 10 years ago) and yes... I missed it still.

Until recenly there were two offers on the local ad
1. white 280S 4 speed with red interior bone stock no AC
2. Silver 280SEL 4.5 with AC and automatic

They both spring suspension no probematic air suspension, both almost same price, but the 280S has been fix (rust) and repainted; the 280SEL has some rust issue on the rocker panel and rear quarter.
They both need to have a very close inspection.

Questions (one of many ), how fancy is having the extra 4 inches ? I mean other than the bigger engine, how is the drive/handling of 4.5 litre with spring suspension? I'm prety sure would be fine, right?
What about rocker panel and rear quarter, can I get/find replacement parts?

I realy like the idea of having an SEL car, but if stuff getting little more expensive maybe I shoud get the entry level car 280s. Please give me some input.

And on the long run, either car will end up with M117 engine but that is another thread, more to come !

Cheers,

Danny

Having owned both, I think I prefer the shorter wheel base.

in the SEL version, the rear doors open ALOT farther than the front, and unwary rear passengers may rack up some insurance bills

My SD, I was able to throw around corners more readily than my SEL.
That extra 4 inches feels like alot when trying to park.

Still a general W116 fan tho

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At this point, condition is more critical than series/engine.

W108 cars are old tech, kingpin front suspension, and swing axle rear. Suspension is expensive to overhaul, and aftermarket parts may not be up to OE quality. Pneumatic compensator for rear axle is frightening costwise if you need one.

The 280S usesthe Zenith twin carb, and these are known to be problematic. The 4.5 uses the D-jet injection, which can cost the earth when components fail.

Rust is also a killer for the W108. These cars rusted viciously when nearly new, and 40 years later, are sure to have some serious issues (unless it was always a dry SW car).

Long or short wheelbase is not significant, the length difference is less than 2 percent. Four tall people get tight in the short version. I prefer the long version, it's more characteristic of a S class.

So, if you have two to choose from, inspect for rust carefully, make sure the suspension is sound, and the car doesn't sag in the rear, and that the engine runs smoothly, doesn't smoke, and has good power.

Jim

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14 E250 BlueTEC black. 45k miles
95 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 66k miles
94 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 152k miles
85 300TD 4 spd man, euro bumpers and lights, 15" Pentas dark blue 274k miles

Thank you for the input guys, wish the SEL is a manual transmission car .

Is the rocker panel being reproduce? also quarter panel ? if they are, where can I find / buy them ?

Thank you,

Danny

Rockers can be had from mercedes at under 1,000$ per side. Recall that you need an inner and outer (and thus that high price).

You would much prefer a car that doesn't need 100 hours of labor to install those rockers and repaint.

The fenders can be found inexpensively if you find them close to you. They are painful to ship, so it's a buyer's market (if you can find them locally).

I have a pair in my garage, which is about 2,000 miles from you.

I suspect it would be cheaper to find a rust-free car in Georgia and drive it home than the repair bill you just asked for an estimate on (unless of course, you do your own welding and paint).

Thx -CTH

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