Should I buy her (W108 280 SE) ? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

wbain5280 · #16 09-11-2003, 12:23 AM

Now, why can't I find one like that? (not looking hard enough I guess)

pj67coll · #17 09-11-2003, 01:00 AM

I really envy the next owner of that green 108. Still my favourite Benz. The points made by various people are quite correct about the quirks of the transmission and feel of the vehicle.

One word of warning, though it's probably not likely to apply to a California car, is check for rust on the box frame the steering box mounts too, and excessive slop in the steering. That could be disasterous.
But as I said probably not a problem in a California car with minimal rust.

I would say that if the car is in as good a shape as it appears the condition of the blower is of secondary importance. Just think of it as an 'interesting' job for you to get to grips with if needed, and you'll end up learning much about your car while you are at it. You will either end up in awe of the pinnacle of German engineering prowess, or a jibbering idiot. Or both!

- Peter.

Mark DiSilvestro · #18 09-11-2003, 02:20 AM

I've heard talk of fatigue cracks around the frame-rail steering box mounting on W108 cars, similar to what happened on my '72 250. Have someone turn the steering wheel while you look under the hood and make sure there's no movement or twisting of the steering box and frame rail.

Happy Motorng, Mark

pj67coll · #19 09-11-2003, 02:53 AM

That's correct about the frame rail. It's what I was hinting about...
My steering shaft snapped . Not a pleasant experience.

- Peter.

Mark DiSilvestro · #20 09-11-2003, 03:07 AM

Fortunately, I never had the steering shaft break, but over a 10 year period, I had one of the steering box bolts snap repeatedly untill I realized what was happening.
I spent about 2 weeks experimenting, fabricating and installing a 1/4" steel reinforcing plate and other bits to stiffen up my frame rail.

Happy Motoring, Mark

#21 09-11-2003, 12:01 PM

Hopefully, this isn't an issue in Mountain View, but in NE USA, w108's are notorious rusters around the wheel well openings, spare tire well, and on the front fender tops just above the headlights. Inspect these areas carefully for evidence of rot and/or casual repairs.

It would be sensible to set aside a cash reserve to handle a few tasks:

1. If it's rubber, over five years old, and critical to the safety and/or reliability of the car, consider replacing it: Usual suspects include tires (which may have a ton of tread, but are petrified and will offer little of their original traction capabilities), brake hoses, radiator and heater hoses, fuel lines, power steering hoses, subframe mounts, fan belts. Basically, if a rubber component is original to this car, it's either missing, soggy due to heat or fluid leaks, or a rock.

2. Put the car on a lift and give the exhaust system a good once-over from manifold to tailpipe, checking for rotting, crushed sections or leaks.

3. Ensure that the bolts that hold the steering box to the frame are tightened according to factory specs. This may minimize the incidence of cracking discussed previously. If I recall correctly, these bolts are designed to be tightened ONLY, do not attempt to loosen them unless you intend to replace them.

I'm certain others can do a better job of completing this list. Just remember that the car, while built of high-quality materials to exacting standards, is over thirty years old. Good luck!

#22 09-11-2003, 12:12 PM

Thanks everybody for all the replies and very helpful and important comments.
If I really will buy the car, the problem is, I really don't know exactly how much money to pay for it, because I don't know, what it is really worth. Let's say, the over all condition of the car is like the pictures showed. A decent maintained car (it is driven now by an older guy, who had it for many years. The 280SE is "his baby" as his daugther says). So I guess he might maintained it O.K.
So how much do you think I should pay. I don't mean an exact number but kind of a range.... the ask for $3800.......... is that too much ??????? I know, it's difficult to say only from the pics.... I only thought somebody might have an idea.... THANKS !!!

Tomguy · #23 09-11-2003, 12:32 PM

$3800 sounds pretty damn reasonable, granted that car is as good as those pics look. And especially if that's the original paint job in beautiful condition!

Mark DiSilvestro · #24 09-11-2003, 01:06 PM

Did Mercedes even offer dark green metallic back then? I'm wondering if that's a repaint.
If so, I'd want to know why.

Happy Motoring, Mark

#25 09-11-2003, 01:11 PM

That's a factory shade. MB offered this color (I can't recall the name, naturally - waldgruen?) as well as the more well known solid dark olive green on w108-9's during this era. I know due to the fact that I was once looking for a dunkelgruen 108 and kept running into this color instead.

#26 09-11-2003, 01:29 PM

yes, the color was also something I wasn't sure about. I will definetely ask about a possible paintjob ( and if it was done with the original color).
I think the color is called "pine green". However, I have to say, I haven't seen it on a W108 but I think on the old fintail 300SE. But because I haven't seen the 280 SE yet (only the pics) I am not sure if this is indeed the same color. However, I have to admit, even if it might not be the right, original color it looks pretty nice on it...... IMO...

But of course if it is a paint job, I have to look how well it was done and if the color fits the color when you for example open the door and see the frame etc....