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  #1  
Old 07-04-2018, 12:32 AM
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Have located a nice 280 ...need some answers

Hi everybody, I’m new to this forum. I am looking to purchase a 1971 W108 a 280 SE that has an inline six and 112k miles.

The owner has told me that he has owned the car over 30 years and it has never been in rain. When I inquired about service history, I was informed that the car has never needed any major repair in his tenure, only basic maintenance.

The car is garaged in winter and then brought out in spring for several summer runs, then retired again until the the good weather rolls back around.

My concern is that if nothing has been replaced in the 30 years, what can/will need attention soon? If I buy it? How can a 47 year old car maintain that status where nothing needs replaced?

Can someone Give me some advice as to how to approach this situation. I plan to drive it to the sellers mechanic next week and get an assessment from him.
Should I continue a transaction with this maintenance situation? Assuming I get a positive assessment from the mechanic?

Thanks for your comments in advance.

Robb Kunkle
PA

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  #2  
Old 07-04-2018, 06:59 AM
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Well that all “depends”. Anything rubber should be looked at carefully. Especially if it contains fluids like gas ,brake fluid. Radiator fluid etc. tires as well. Sounds like quite a find but if it were me all rubber would be replaced. Body and engine mounts may be ok may not. These are tough cars and you may find that the body rubber is ok. Gas is another concern. Is it old etc. I’d change all fluids Other than that and a few days with some spanners you should be ok. Love to see picures. Once you hear from the mechanic you can ask more specific questions on his findings Good luck
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2015 Porsche Cayman - Elizabeth
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  #3  
Old 07-04-2018, 10:32 AM
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280

Yes those areas for sure. It has been driven every Year, just not a lot. I was thinking more along the lines of fuel and water pumps, valve adjustments, etc. the bigger ticket items.

Last edited by Robbke; 07-04-2018 at 10:59 AM.
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  #4  
Old 07-04-2018, 10:42 AM
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if he owned it for 30 years, who owned it for the first 15 years and what did they do to it? -CTH
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  #5  
Old 07-04-2018, 10:43 AM
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Valves should be fine unless never done . They are easy to do. Something else I would do if no history of them being done. You may have to clean gas tank gas screen. Water pump. You just never know. The older MB’s (60s) had a way to grease them
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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
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  #6  
Old 07-04-2018, 11:00 AM
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Also timing chain replacement. What would be the average mileage for that repair to be done?
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  #7  
Old 07-04-2018, 11:04 AM
meltedpanda's Avatar
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At 112k doubt that will be an issue especially on that engine. Just make sure oil changes have been done on time
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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
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  #8  
Old 07-04-2018, 11:07 AM
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I would check for leaks from the power steering box. It has many seals/O-rings, and if they are original they either are leaking or I'd suspect they are getting ready to. I've heard that if you adjust the steering box on one with original seals that appears to not leak, it can catalyze a leak. When it leaks, it can take out rubber parts with it. I'd guess it's around $1000-1500 for a mechanic to R&R. Speaking from experience - my W115 was a 1-owner and well cared for but had this issue.


Henry C.
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  #9  
Old 07-05-2018, 07:51 PM
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Location: Sarasota, Fl.
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I can't see the windshield seals being any good anymore. How is the windshield bow inside? Same with the rubber sections of the brake lines.

Once you see it up on a lift, bring your own good flashlight and give it a good look.

Hope you get lucky!
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  #10  
Old 07-06-2018, 08:58 AM
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How long can a 50yr old car be maintenance-free? Probably just as long as it takes for your funds to hit his account.

Check trunk wells for rust.

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