Jumping back after being away a couple weeks, and leaving again tomorrow - hope all here are well.

The question - As I search for 280SEL 4.5, I came across a site which mentioned these engines should/could last 300-400K miles without a rebuild. I realize regular maintenance is a factor I may not be able to determine in buying a 30 year old vehicle, but any info from you "experts" out there would be appreciated - how long will these engine last if well maintained? What are the most likely problems I'll encounter with a high mileage 4.5 engine? Anything else engine wise to consider?

regards!

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Francis E. Abate
Automotive Restoration & Preservation
Sheet metal, trim and upholstery

Franz, the local MB indy tech, say an easy 400-450K. Might need valve stem seal or guides before then, but the bottom end is good for a long, long time.

Keep the chain rails from wearing through, replace a stretched timing chain and age weakened tensioner to keep the pistons from meeting the valves. Keep the oil changed and everything else in spec and you should be good to go. Don't let these engines (or any of them for that matter) overheat and you'll be fine.

If getting one with no records, start a set. Start off from scratch by changing all fluids, filters and normal replaceables as well as flcuh the cooling system. Check the chain, rails and tensioner and replace if neccessary.

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Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.

Hey Mike, thanks for the insight. So someone asking $5K for these cars with almost 200K miles is not unusual, assuming all else in reasonable condition?


enjoy!

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Francis E. Abate
Automotive Restoration & Preservation
Sheet metal, trim and upholstery

I purchased a 76 450SE with 205 000 miles, and my vavle seals were finished, and so were my valve guise. Valve guides are a 30 hour job, make SURE you have the car looked at first. I was told the same thing (500k before a rebuild) but I have had to replace many aspects of the fuel system, some of which have been very, very costly.

Maintenance always an issue, obviously, but the basic 4.5 is famously durable. Bear in mind it's the same engine as the 450SL as you review the article at this link: http://fly.hiwaay.net/~gbf/107/rt.html

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Craig Bethune

'97 SL500, 40th anniversary edition

'04 Olds Bravada (SWMBO's)
'06 Lexus ES330
'89 560SL (sold)


SL--Anything else is just a Mercedes.
(Kudos to whoever said it first)