new owner of 1969 MB 280 SE sedan - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

flotownusa · #1 06-20-2004, 01:36 AM

I have had my '69 280 SE for almost a year and I just now found this forum. My car is in what I consider to be great condition. Anything anyone could tell me about this model will be helpful, good or bad info is welcome. Also I am wondering if painting the car differently than it was originally will effect the value, Im thinking original grey, to gloss black.

WANT '71 280SEL · #2 06-20-2004, 02:43 AM

Use the search button at the top-right of this page. Search for w108 280SE or something similar. w108 is the chasis number incase you didn't already know that. Rust is the biggest problem on these cars since they just about run forever.
Thanks
David

Gregg Bambo Jr. · #3 06-20-2004, 08:34 AM

If you love the car and intend to keep it, it doesn't matter what color you paint it. The value is how it makes you feel when you drive it. I painted my 220 a non original black with green tinge because I like that color and intend to keep the car until it dies on me. I have also made minor modifications that would disqualify it from standard i.e., moved the battery to the trunk, replaced the air cleaner with a K&N cone, installed a solid state ignition, converted from generator to alternator, installed Nardi steering wheel, polished all aluminum and brass parts under the hood, etc.

MikeTangas · #4 06-20-2004, 12:00 PM

Welcome aboard flotownusa.

Gregg, is that the car after the recent paint job? It looks beautiful. I also think it is the first time I've seen the plate, hehehe...I have to ask do you (or did you) call you wire ahead of time?

#5 06-20-2004, 12:01 PM

If your car was a hot, hyperexpensive hypercollectable, such as a 300 SL gullwing, then painting it a non-original color would hamper resale value. However, in the case of what is essentially a mid-line luxury sedan of just moderate collectability, I don't think that a color change, if thoroughly and competently performed (painting the sills, engine compartment, trunk, etc.) would harm the value of your vehicle. However, all bets are off if you select day-glo orange.

j9fd3s · #6 06-20-2004, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Gregg Bambo Jr.
If you love the car and intend to keep it, it doesn't matter what color you paint it. The value is how it makes you feel when you drive it. I painted my 220 a non original black with green tinge because I like that color and intend to keep the car until it dies on me. I have also made minor modifications that would disqualify it from standard i.e., moved the battery to the trunk, replaced the air cleaner with a K&N cone, installed a solid state ignition, converted from generator to alternator, installed Nardi steering wheel, polished all aluminum and brass parts under the hood, etc.

theres an e type jag thats a similar color that goes to all the british car shows. at first you see it and go thats totally the wrong color, but they did a perfect job painting it, and its such a sweet color that it really is a beutiful car

mike

cth350 · #7 06-20-2004, 08:49 PM

Having the battery moved to the trunk is a factory option for the 180 chassis cars. Len Levine in NJ has a 300sel 4.5 that was done that way. -CTH

wbain5280 · #8 06-20-2004, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cth350
Having the battery moved to the trunk is a factory option for the 180 chassis cars. Len Levine in NJ has a 300sel 4.5 that was done that way. -CTH

HOw are the cables routed?

Gregg Bambo Jr. · #9 06-21-2004, 01:42 AM

wgain5280,
Using a combination of flexible vinyl tubing and a long piece of PCV pipe. I ran a long piece of the PCV under the car parallel and attached to the fuel line. On either end I continued the routing with the vinyl tubing. Using a heavy gage wire, I ran it from a junction box in the engine compartment, through the tubing and pipe all the way to the trunk and the battery.

Mike Tangas,
Yes, the picture is of the new paint job. The license plate is a Navy term for a perfect carrier landing. There are four wires strung across the carrier deck for the aircraft to snag. The #1 wire is closest to the tail end and if you caught that wire you are lucky you didn't come in any lower and kill yourself. The #4 wire is the last one you can catch and if that is the one you snagged it means you almost missed landing on the ship. The #3 wire is the target wire that you are supposed to catch at 165 MPH! The added OK term means that you not only caught the correct wire but you made a beautiful approach without scaring anyone.

cth350 · #10 06-21-2004, 08:24 AM

The factory rear cabling has a junction block in the engine compartment for alternator/starter/ignition hookups. From there, one mondo wire (looks like 4 gauge) runs into the firewall and under the door sill capping on the passenger side to the rear. -CTH