Hey guys,

I am really in love with the W108s and I thought I had figured out that I wanted a W108 4.5L, for both its power, rarity, and future collectibility, not to mention being less rare than the 6.3 (at least in terms of knowledge and parts). But now I'm not so sure. I've been thinking about 280S models (carb, I6) and also 280SE models (FI, I6). The extra features found in the later models don't really interest me, I just care about driveability and ease of repairs. How does the I6 compare to the big V8? How much of a difference between the carb vs. the fuel injected versions?

I know the price difference between the 280S and the 4.5 can be quite vast, but I'm just looking for something to drive daily and keep for some years.

Help?

Pick the one that is in the best condition and least rust. Spend as much as you can because there is nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes, ie get a good PPI.

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Regards

Warren

Currently 1965 220Sb, 2002 FORD Crown Vic Police Interceptor

Had 1965 220SEb, 1967 230S, 280SE 4.5, 300SE (W126), 420SEL

ENTER > = (HP RPN)

Not part of the in-crowd since 1952.

Yeah, I gotta agree with that advice. For me, I would want the 4.5 first by a longshot - if you're gonna have a toy, then get a toy. Cost of operation will be close to the same anyways. But as you start your search, you may find that a low-mileage, never-sat, well-treated, all-records 280 comes into view and you say "That's perfect; I'll take it."

Don't buy just any w108 - get an exceptional one. You'll love it all the more.

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- Brian


1989 500SEL Euro
1966 250SE Cabriolet
1958 BMW Isetta 600

I have had or have them all, I prefer for most situations the I6 injection motor. the other stuff is your choice, the long wheel base is a good ride, however the shorter with correct shocks, tires, hydrocompensator, new rubber mounts everywhere is as good a ride as anything.
I have never owned a car newer than a W108/W109 1972.

Insure you drive one of each before making your decision. These are not economy cars-I would not buy based on expected economy of the 6 cyl.

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Tony H
W111 280SE 3.5 Coupe
Manual transmission

Past cars:
Porsche 914 2.0
'64 Jaguar XKE Roadster
'57 Oval Window VW
'71 Toyota Hilux Pickup Truck-Dad bought new
'73 Toyota Celica GT

Could you tell me why you'd prefer the I6 FI over the V8? What is the driving characteristing like, all else being equal?

The L6 are a bit low geared on highways due to a tall rear diff ratio 3.92 or 4.08. But these engines were made to run at high revs forever. Just a matter of taste. If in good shape, the 4.5 is bullet proof. You may end up having some issues with the Djet system but that's also true for injection pumps. Carbs have a bad reputation. If you are a bit mechanically inclined, the Djet system is a perfect candidate for an easy Megasquirt conversion. That may be a later project.

What do you mean by "low geared on the highways"? Wouldn't that make them more suited for highway driving, albeit at the cost of acceleration?

I have a straight 6 and it certainly revs high on freeway driving, it sounds pretty nice still with a nice distinctive flutter sound. You can tell the engine likes the revs but it does take some getting used to it. At first I thought it was just begging for another gear to drop into but I'm used to it now.

I get about 12-14MPG

I have never driven a v8 w108 so have no comparison

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1968 280se Inline 6
Anthracite Grey - Socal

Buy the V8. '73 and back. Get a Pertronix and you'll love it.

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1973 280 SE Project
1974 280C Project
1975 450 SL (sold, ruined by new owner)
1973 280 SE (sold, never should have)
2006 Dodge 2500 4WD Cummins (best ever)
1983 Land Rover Series 3 88"
1999 Land Rover Discovery 1 (wife's toy)
1968 Piper Cherokee 180D (most fun of all)

my 280SE 4.5 has great power, but has a 3-speed automatic transmission. I can cruise comfortably at 75-80 mph, but I still wish I had a 4th gear.

I routinely get 12 mpg in town, and 15 mpg in mainly freeway driving.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

Didn't all 4.5s come with the 3 speed? What's the noise level like on the highway at those speeds with only 3 gears?

Yes, all 4.5's come with the 3 speed.

Even though the 6 cylinders got the 4 speed automatic, my guess is that the V8 is more relaxed at freeway speeds.

It is not loud or uncomfortable at 75 mph.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

First of all, what is your budget amount in cash you can move on immediately?

How is this question relevant? I'm not asking for price differences between the models, but how they are to live with.