The old 280SEL and 280SE - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Snibble · #1 01-25-2003, 08:45 PM

I am trying to do some research work on these models. I really like the body style and lights on these cars. The front, the rear, and sides all attract me. I even like the steering wheels on these cars. I have noticed that these cars are not that expensive either compared to other models. Why are these cars so cheap? Are they hard to take care of? Are parts expensive? Are they easy to learn how to work on? How are they on the highway? Gas milage? Do they take only premium or can they take regular? I am really interested in learing more on these models. Thanks guys

suginami · #2 01-25-2003, 09:48 PM

The old 280 SE and 280 SEL's are W108 chassis cars. They came with either an M110 straight six or an M117 4.5 liter V8. It is basically the same 4.5 liter V8 that was used in the W107 450 SL's and W116 450 SEL's of the 1970's.

Here is an article I quoted:

Comments on the 108 chassis in The Star Magazine 1997 issue

Tomguy · #3 01-25-2003, 11:18 PM

I cannot speak for the M110, however, the M117 requires a minimal 92 octane and gets 13-15MPG. Despite its weight, it is quick as well as fast, I hear topping 130 is very easy and feels like doing 80 in another car. I PERSONALLY think that it's very easy to work on for the most part, and that it's a solid built, reliable vehicle. It is prone to rust, unfortuanatley, but if you can prevent that you've got no problems. Driving it is like driving a tank. But it's one hell of a fast tank

Snibble · #4 01-25-2003, 11:51 PM

Premium gas at 13-15MPG?

I think I will pass on the 4.5 then. I was hoping for similar gas milage as my current car, or better(if possible).

I would like to get info in the 6cylinder version. What things should I look out for, etc. I am a novice when it comes to car mechanics. I am learning quickly though on it though

Are parts easy to find? I would like to hear what current members have to say about these cars. How does this car model look to be in the future(desirable?)? My intentions are not for investment, but for fun and driving.

I personally like the looks of the front. Its the stereotypical Benz. I hope to find a southern or Californian car and be able to drive it back to Ohio where it would be only driven in the spring and summer months.

Mark DiSilvestro · #5 01-26-2003, 12:03 AM

I believe the 108 body 280S/SE sixes were the M130 single cam. The M110 twin cam sixes came in the later 116 body cars.
I think that Mercedes made so many of the 108 body cars that, for many people looking for a classic car investment, the sedans are just not that desireable. Rust can be a major problem. The popular coupes and convertibles can justify the cost of restoration more so than the sedans. That said, I like the sedans. Snap them up while they're still availible and affordable. Buy them to enjoy, not to speculate.

Happy Motoring, Mark

suginami · #6 01-26-2003, 12:31 AM

Aaron, the moderator of this forum, had his six cylinder 280 SE for sale last October, and was asking $4,250. He still has it. He also lives in Ohio.

1970 280SE sedan FOR SALE (6 cyl.)

Mark DiSilvestro · #7 01-26-2003, 12:39 AM

As for gas mileage on the sixes, expect at best, about 14 city and 19 highway with the automatic. Premium fuel was required through 1971. Compression was lowered in '72 to accomodate regular unleaded gas.

I'd look for one of the rare manual-shift versions, availible through '69. More satisfying to drive and maybe 1 or 2 MPG better than the automatic. (I read somwhere that a very few of the 280SE were sold, to special order, with a five speed manual. Now, if you could find one of those...!)

The fuel-injected sixes are more powerfull and less tempermental than the carb versions, but can require special skills and epensive parts to fix when they're messed up. Many hate the twin Zeniths on the carb models, but I think the carbs can be easier and cheaper for the average DIYer to deal with.
Most mechanical parts are still easy to find.
The sedans are still common enough that used body and trim parts are still availible, though maybe getting a little more difficult to find.

I think these cars, when in good shape and equipped with modern tires can be as nice (or nicer) to drive as most new cars.

Happy Motoring, Mark

Snibble · #8 01-26-2003, 12:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by suginami
Aaron, the moderator of this forum, had his six cylinder 280 SE for sale last October, and was asking $4,250. He still has it. He also lives in Ohio.

1970 280SE sedan FOR SALE (6 cyl.)

Thanks, but I am not looking to purchase one yet.

1967250s · #9 01-26-2003, 01:29 AM

Check this site out http://www.geocities.com/mbz109/
This is the place where I got the link to "shopforum"
It as a lot of info on the 108/109....

They still have new parts for these car, for ex. auto tranny $9000cdn, engine $12000-15000cdn

I got mine for a fairly good price (I think!?) but there's alot of work to do on it, next time I'll pay more, work less and won't have to scavage around for parts. You need tools, shade, blahblahblah...

So far I have riden only 150 miles in it, from Montreal to Ottawa, nice ride and power steering is amazing on this baby

Catrinus · #10 01-26-2003, 12:50 PM

An excellent resource for doing some research on the many models and which engine went into which models (and when!), try going to
www.jordanwinthrop.com/mercedes/pictures/browse.shtml

It lists all of the models you're interested in and can really help to introduce you to "the sport". There is a lot to learn!

Personally, my favorite would be a 1968-72 280SE or SEL with the 6 cyl, fuel-injected engine (which translates to a 108 chassis with the M130 engine!). Prepare for confusion! The good news is, that you can find a lot of good, rust-free examples in So Cal. The bad news is, once you take it to Ohio the value will almost certainly drop because the rust problem is so bad there that any buyer will assume it's rusty! As a prior posting said, buy them to enjoy, not as an investment.

Catrinus
73 280C "The Green Hornet"

300SDog · #11 01-26-2003, 03:05 PM

>>>Why are these cars so cheap?

A question that covers all special interest cars.... for some very strange reason, not everybody wants to drive the same 35 yr. old classic car as Jack Nicholson on "Witches from Eastwick" ... a 300SEL/108 from the 60's, I believe.

>>>Are they hard to take care of?

Heck no, they are easier to maintain/repair than most other cars on the road... Vintage mercs were hand assembled so components are accessible - bolt-on front fenders, socketed electrical components, etc.

>>>Are parts expensive?

Wild card here - you can get screwed buying dealership parts or you can scrounge from junkyards.... good news is parts from 1965-1972 are interchangable; plenty of good used parts are available to cover big-ticket items... bad news is shelling out $50+ for new distributor cap and rotor, a regular maintenance item.

Snibble · #12 01-26-2003, 06:17 PM

240dieseldog... this makes me happy to hear. I would like to have an "old school" car like the 108 and would like to learn how to work on these cars. I am born into a family that don't drive

Both my parent's don't drive and don't want to drive, so they can't help me learn anything about them. This is something I will have to learn on my own.
My hopes is to find a drivable 108 in silver and maybe black interrior from California or south and be able to drive it up to Ohio. If the car has the old Cali plates, either the blue/yellow or black/yellow.. then its a plus

The only thing I am not to sure on is how much would I expect to pay for one? I see a broad range for the 108 chassis. They seem to be cheaper in price then the 123's for some reason and to me its a little shocking since I think the 108 looks so much nicer than the 123.

What sort of price range would I expect to shell out for a rust free, drivable 108 that will need some cleaning? Being novice to engine working, I don't want a 108 that will need some technical experience on working on the engine.

I am looking forward to purchase one of these cars when the time comes, hopefully this year, and becoming a member on the "vintage" forum.

When I find the 108 I want, I will treat it as my baby and keep it in the garage covered from the first snowflake till the leaves begin blooming.

Thanks for the links guys, makes me want one even more

Mark DiSilvestro · #13 01-26-2003, 08:27 PM

You should go look at Aarons' 280SE anyway.
It might be one of the best examples you'll find in Ohio.

Happy Motoring, Mark

cbdo · #14 01-26-2003, 09:54 PM

Snibble, I can't find any reason to disagree with your thinking! Dad's first MB was a '69 280SEL bought new when I was starting college; I've known very few cars since that are any better for getting from point A to B comfortably and feel nicer doing it. Compliant but not sloppy ride; the suspension feels soft but you eventually learn that it really sticks very well, and it does have a wonderful ability to simply soak up bumps. Feels like a rolling bank vault. The 6-cylinder with FI is a sweet engine once you realize it's meant to turn 3000-4000 at cruise and will cheerfully do so all day; until you're used to it you'll think it's not shifting into top gear.
The key point in taking care of it is making sure you've got access to support on the mechanical fuel injection; it's essentially very reliable once it's been sorted out, but not every MB mechanic knows the system these days, and my own shop tells me that there are a few tools needed for it that are getting hard to find.
The engine is essentially the same as was used in the 113-bodied 280SL ('67-'71). It responds especially well to regular use, and doesn't tolerate prolonged inactivity terribly well--so drive it in the summer, and run it occasionally in the winter.

There's a lively BB for the 113's at mercedes113.com that has great material and support if you're taking care of one of those engines yourself. There's also what looks like a great shop a ways south of you in Cincinnati; check out

1967250s · #15 01-26-2003, 11:00 PM

Go there for price range http://www.vmrintl.com/Default.htm
The links are on the left........

The 108/109 may be a 4 door sedan but it as an undeniable "prŽsance"; for the little time I have driven it, here are my impression :
It may sound like a "clichŽ" but you feel like you'r in a Bond or Hich movie and you'r the main character. Looking at the hood's converging lines framed by the fenders strait lines making you focus on the star (wich is not instaled on mine) from behind that big steering wheel is something else.

If you don't like being looked at, don't buy one, I'm getting attention just by having one in my driveway