I have found a 280se 4.5 that I am interested in buying and everything checks out in terms of rust, mechanicals, service records etc. I initially started my search looking for one with the straight six thinking that fewer parts to the engine and more space under the hood would make it easier and less expensive to work on (I plan on keeping this car for a very long time) but the bosch mechanical injection seems like something I would need a specialist for where as the d-jettronic seems like something that I can trouble shoot a lot of myself.

So is buying a 4.5 over a six a lot more expense and maintenance when things need work? How long do these motors generally last between needing major/minor overhauls (i.e. time between rebuilding the heads, bottom end, timing chain replacement, water pump longevity, etc. etc.). I suppose we should also discuss the mileage that the transmissions generally go between needing rebuilding too.

The car I'm looking at has just shy of 80,000 miles and it all seems good but am I 20,000 away from worn out cams, head overhaul, etc. I know there are a lot of variables to answering these questions but just trying to get a general sense.

Any input on longevity of major components is greatly appreciated.

Check this thread out: Help me decide: 280S vs. 280SE vs. 280SEL 4.5

If you're comfortable with the D-jet system I would go with the 4.5.

I have both types of W108's,
Their metallurgy is superior to all others
Engines are both mechanically robust depending upon maintenance, oil changes, the valves will got to 150K blocks to 200-300k+, (I pulled the heads off a 4.5 at 239K and cylinders were perfect, after valve job smogged less than a newer car.) of course the FI system is more adjustable than the newer cars, Analog Vs Digital.
If you factor the total cost of ownership (acquisition and maintenance) over many years, these are the cheapest cars on the road today.
One friend calculated under $25/month over 8 years, included a trans rebuild, shocks, tires, excepting fuel. etc...
It is W108 4.5 which the original owner swapped for a newer $45k volvo, the guy almost cried when we left his home, I know he regreted listening to his kids who told their dad to get rid of that "old" car.

New is not better and will cost you more.
Parts not payments

If the mechanical FI scares you, you could always look for a carbed W108 280S.

Happy Motoring, Mark

__________________
DrDKW

The cost of ownership between the two models is not a significant factor given all other things. If you have found a nice example, the mileage claimed is documented and you like the car you should buy it. Many people like the 6cyl but if you are making a forever purchase buy the V8-I think you will be more satisfied over time.

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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

sure get the car (either model). But if you want to be a cautious citizen, then take it for a PPI and ask the mechanic checking it out to check that the ignition and emissions are to spec. The car doesn't have a smog requirement, but it does need to be running right and that means CO% to spec and ignition to spec.

Don't be surprised if they are not to spec, not everybody checks and when they do, they don't only fix it right. But it will give you some insight into where you're going to be heading.

As the other fellows said, I hope you do your own work, because you'll find it more rewarding and easier to manage. If you do have somebody else do the work, be sure to find somebody that knows these older cars well.

Good luck and enjoy the ride.

-CTH

__________________
- cth350@gmail.com
http://www.111lakeside.com/

Thanks for all the advice, I've decided to buy it and will post pictures when I get it, which may be a couple weeks until I'm able to. Until then any more advice is always appreciated and I'm sure I'll be posting lots of questions. I have had several Mercedes before, my college car was a 87 420sel and we have a c300 and sl500 now but this car is a lot older than what I'm used to wrenching on, and yes I plan to do as much as possible myself.

welcome, now go join the MBCA (try mbca.org). -CTH

__________________
- cth350@gmail.com
http://www.111lakeside.com/