New W109 - 1971 280SEL 3.5 Questions - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Baxterdown · #1 11-18-2014, 08:42 PM

Hi guys, you might have seen this post I made last week. Well, my friend bought the car! It was just delivered today. Gotta tell you, what a find. This thing is in SPECTACULAR shape! I'll share all the details and pics soon (it's night and it's raining). But, for now, I do have a few questions:

- The hydraulic airbags in the front appear to completely deflate when the engine is shut off causing the car to lean forward. When the engine starts, it takes about three minutes for the airbags to inflate (I hope I'm saying all this correctly) before the car is level and can be driven. The rear airbags appear to stay inflated all the time. Is this normal?

- The engine has a "ticky ticky" sound. It's almost as if a loose piece of thin metal is hitting a slow moving fan blade. Any thoughts?

- When I test drove the car I didn't observe this at all (it was warm and during the day), but tonight when I drove the car from the transport drop-off to my house (it's coldish in the 60s), the engine was shifting hard and between second and third speeds the engine appears to go into neutral before it shifts. Any ideas?

- When I turn on the lights, both top headlights and driver's side bottom light come on. When I move the lever to high beams, both driver's side lights go off and both passenger's side lights come one. Where should I start troubleshooting? The light switch?

- The heater control levers need to be replaced. I hear it's a real PIA to replace them. Anyone know of a good set of instructions?

Pics coming soon. I promise. For now, thanks in advance for your help!

Jose

bsharp8256 · #2 11-19-2014, 11:31 AM

I have a 108 that needs the heater levers replaced too...ironically, I've been putting it off because it's been too cold. Anyway, when I do get around to it, I plan to use this guide: W108/W109 Heater Levers | JaimeKop.com

My first thought with the ticking would be to check for exhaust leaks. Perhaps it could also need a valve adjustment? Maybe someone else can weigh in on that.

For the transmission, assuming the fluid level is ok, check the things mentioned in this thread. My Euro 350SL shifted hard and adjusting the Bowden cable (as described in post #3) smoothed it out. I didn't have to replace any bushings at the time.

JMela · #3 11-19-2014, 01:22 PM

1. Not normal, indicative of leaking air suspension valve(s).
2. Valves out of adjustment?
3. This is known as 'flaring', perhaps trans modulator is stuck/ out of adjustment.
4. Somebody has disassembled and subsequently miswired turnsignal stalk wiring, perhaps.
5. X2 on Jamie Kop's instructions. He has/ had a 109 he was freshening up and documenting on his website. Hasn't been updated in awhile.

Some wise person once said "garages kill", meaning, long periods of inactivity are bad for MB cars. Good luck and keep us posted.

69coupe · #4 11-20-2014, 06:55 AM

Baxterdown,

Edit your topic . It's a 300 SEL not 280 SEL...."New W109 - 1971 280SEL 3.5 Questions" .

As for the air suspension dropping, it needs proper diagnosing. It could be the front valves or the lines or the fittings on the lines or the bags themselves or a combination of all of them leaking. I have just gone through this same type of issue. Welcome to the air suspension blues club. But once sorted, you'll not need to concern yourself with it for a while. I've just spent a bundle on valves and bags etc....

I'm just about to do the heater levers in mine . I found this thread with the link included in it very helpful .

W109 300 SEL Heater Lever Replacement - Mercedes-Benz Forum

Congrats on the purchase !

Baxterdown · #5 11-20-2014, 07:05 AM

Guys, thanks for your replies.

69coupe, yes! you're right. I'm so used to posting stuff about my car (a 72 280SE) that I wrote the title. I tried to edit the original post but it won't let me edit the title...

QUESTION: Is there a place to restore steering wheels? or is the only option to buy a used one?

berfinroy · #6 11-20-2014, 08:50 AM

Jose--
Your new car appears to be in fantastic cosmetic condition, and that's the most important thing.
Problems with the air suspension are almost always related to the control valves--2 in front, one in rear plus the mainvalve that is located next to the left inner fender. The air bags themselves are usually OK even if they have some minor surface cracks. MUCH has been written on this and the M100 site with respect to the 300SEL 6.3, which uses the same system. You will need to work with a reputable specialist to get your suspension straightened out, but once you do it will provide a truly remarkable ride.
As for your engine, the ticking could be a misadjusted valve lifter...they are mechanical on the 3.5 engine or that era. But you'le also want to have one who really knows these older cars thoroughly check it out. Pierre Hadary in FL is one of the best ...and does house calls! Might be wise to have him do a thorough evaluation. Its such a pretty car, it will be worth it.