Greetings from Detroit and a big old shout out to all of the wonderful people that contribute to this forum! It's guys like MikeD, Alabbasi, Tomguy, MarkD, JimFreeh, Tim K and others too numerous to mention who willingly share their knowledge, expeirence and insight that make this a great place to learn about all things vintage Mercedes.

So without going into great detail in this post, I got it in my head that I should buy a 1973 Mercedes 280. I was actually shopping around on CL for months looking for a W108 body and saw a post from a guy down in Arizona. This vehicle was listed for over a month and one day I thought, "what the hell" I'll give him a call. A short conversation later, ending with the phrase " I don't want to low ball you but..." and next thing I know I'm the proud owner of this fine German vehicle.

It's a 1973 280 with an M110 and about 157,000 miles on it. Not hardly a lick of rust and other than a small blemish on the lower front passenger door, she's as straight as an arrow. The problems are mostly mechanical including a bad alternator, broken radiator (already got it recored) and Ac that gave up the ghost what appears to eb along time ago.

I'm taking the "MikeD" approach to things and doing upgrades such as electric fans, one wire 105 amp alternator, sanden Ac unit, power door locks and Crane XR-700 ignition upgrade. I'll post some of this stuff starting with the alternator swap in a few days.

Ok, so how much did I pay for this fine German automobile? How about $1300.00. Too much?

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It looks nice for 1300$ but hard to tell with just two photos...

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Sounds good but with these cars the purchase price is just a starting point. (Don't ask how I know)

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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

Seeing that you're based in detroit, $1300 is a steal for a rolling rust free AZ shell. You couldn't fix a rusty body for twice that.

The rest is a bonus.

Enjoy the car, the W114 is a fun, if not particularily economical car, to drive. They are a great combination of vintage and modern attributes.

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

x2!

Great looking car!

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Sounds like you got a great deal, Brian. I think the 1973 M110 with the extra 10-15 bhp and earlier body and bumpers is the most desirable of the series, although the later cars were more refined with some subtly improved features.

If the engine has been maintained properly you might reasonably expect to undertake a valve job at around 200,000-250,000 miles--I've had bottom ends last over a half-million miles.

By all means let us know how you get on--best of luck



Tim Kraakevik
kraakevik@voyager.net

I'd love to find a w108 in that condition for $2000, nevermind less. You got a good deal on a nice 114 with one of the forum's favorite engines.

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Current:
2021 Charger Scat Pack Widebody "Sinabee"
2018 Durango R/T

Previous:
1972 280SE 4.5
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited "Hefe", 1992 Jeep Cherokee Laredo "Jeepy", 2006 Charger R/T "Hemi"
1999 Chrysler 300M - RIP @ 221k

Bro, that's a steal. Awesome

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63 220S W111
76 300D W115
2013 VW JSW TDI M6

previously-
73 280 SEL 4.5
86 300E 5 speed
2010 VW Jetta TDI M6

You scored!! If it's a manual 5 speed I shall be jealous.

Sweet. I'll give you that much if you decide to sell it
Seriously we are here to help!

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Ron
2015 Porsche Cayman - Elizabeth
2011 Porsche Cayman - Bond,James Bond
Sadly MERCEDESLESS - ALways LOOKING !
99 E320 THE Queen Mary - SOLD
62 220b - Dolly - Finally my Finny! Sadly SOLD
72 450SL, Pearl-SOLD
16 F350 6.7 Diesel -THOR
19 BMW X5 - Heaven on Wheels
14 38HP John Deere 3038E Tractor -Mean Green
84 300SD, Benjamin -SOLD
71 220 - W115-Libby ( my first love) -SOLD
73 280 - W114 "Organspende" Rest in Peace
81 380 SL - Rest in Peace

A few years ago, here on the East Coast, I paid $1300 for a very solid, nearly rust-free '82 240D. Then put in another $1600 for a windshield, tires, half-shafts, alternator, AC compressor, Vacuum-pump repair-kit, and a driveshaft bearing & flexjoints. Separately, each item was nothing really major, but it all adds up. As nice as this car is, it was all worth it. Finally, when I re-did the vacuum-pump, I discovered a bonus - the car has a factory replacement engine!

Just try and keep that nice 280 away from that wonderfull Michigan road-salt!

Happy Motoring, Mark

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DrDKW

Umm,the "Mike D" approach? You mean staring blankly at the car until some idea pops into your head?

Looks like a great deal on the car. You'll enjoy it. The M110 is a fine, solid, power plant. Its major flaw is the carburetion. There are numerous "work a rounds" to this problem.

Another option for the ignition is to use the "Pertronx" or "Hot Spark" ignitor system. I've used all three and they all have worked flawlessly. I now lean more to the Pertronix or H.S. systems because they don't have the external module the Crane requires. Less wiring is always a better thing in my book.

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“Whatever story you're telling, it will be more interesting if, at the end you add, "and then everything burst into flames.”
― Brian P. Cleary, You Oughta Know By Now

Sometimes I just stare. Especially at old MB's

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Ron
2015 Porsche Cayman - Elizabeth
2011 Porsche Cayman - Bond,James Bond
Sadly MERCEDESLESS - ALways LOOKING !
99 E320 THE Queen Mary - SOLD
62 220b - Dolly - Finally my Finny! Sadly SOLD
72 450SL, Pearl-SOLD
16 F350 6.7 Diesel -THOR
19 BMW X5 - Heaven on Wheels
14 38HP John Deere 3038E Tractor -Mean Green
84 300SD, Benjamin -SOLD
71 220 - W115-Libby ( my first love) -SOLD
73 280 - W114 "Organspende" Rest in Peace
81 380 SL - Rest in Peace

nice car

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1999 w140, quit voting to old, and to old to fight, a god damned veteran

Thanks for the comments.

Tony H & Mark D - you guys are absolutely right. I haven't had this vehicle three weeks and I've already dropped a grand on it! I'm not terribly worried as it's not like I'm going to get my money out of it in some way shape or form, but no doubt this stuff adds up fast!

Mike D - Now I know the method to your madness! Take a few steps back, give it a blank stare for awhile and see what pops into my head. Usually I GET blank stares!