talk me out of this one...

[WANT '71 280SEL]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4504743617&fromMakeTrack=true

A member mentioned this one and I am starting to get desperate enough to really consider it! I assume the IP would be bad since it hasn't run in 15+ years. I figured the gas would have turned to jello inside and it takes a Bosch tech to take them apart right? I thought I could maybe just buy a used 220SE engine. I would consider swapping back to a carb engine, but wouldn't the wiring, etc. be different? Also, wouldn't all the brake parts need to be replaced? Such as cylinders, etc.?
Thanks
David

[Mark DiSilvestro]

Road Trip!
I think you should go have a look. check for rust, filler and if the engine still turns, then decide.

Happy Motoring, Mark

[WANT '71 280SEL]

What about brake components?
Thanks
David

[Mark DiSilvestro]

Many brake parts should still be availible. Since you've been searching for a Fintail for awhile, have you inquired here at Fastlane/PartsShop about parts availibility on these cars? There's probably no simple answer. You may have to line up several sources for replacement parts.
I've ordered a few things from PartsShop for my '60 220S, but no brake parts yet.
Some parts may be interchangeanble with later models. One of the rear brake hoses on my Fintail was replaced with one for a '72 250. Some parts can still be ordered from Mercedes ($$$$). I've found numerous Fintail parts on Ebay. Some Mercedes wheel cylinder bores were standard SAE sizes and you can find American seals and boots to fit. If the bores are too severely corroded, you can send brake parts to restoration specialists, such as White Post Restorations here in Virginia, where they can be sleeved. They also reline brake shoes. Also check in 'Hemmings' for vintage parts and possible specialists closer to you. Actually, I found an outfit in Dayton Ohio to reline two sets of brake shoes and they were quite reasonable.

[Hector111]

you can get rubber kits for the brake cyl.s. I had my shoes relined for $13 cdn each.

You could also pump some laquer thinner though to clean fuel system.

I think you should go for if it is cheap enough - under $1k - worth that in parts. I'll be your first customer.

[WANT '71 280SEL]

Th8is will sound like a minor question to you all, but what do you guys think of those bumpers on it? Do they just look dirty or do you think the chrome is completely off? Also, what else would need special attention from sitting so long? If I did get the engine to run, the seals probably wouldn't hold out long would they? It seem to have been stored inside so that's a relief. One more thing, why would the rear be sitting like that? Do these tend to wear out springs fast? I sent them an email about 4 hours ago and have not yet heard back. If I bought this car, I'd buy mattdave's steering wheel if he doesn't want me right arm for it.
Thanks
David

Last Edit (for now)
If you look at the picture from the frint, doesn't the passenger side seem to have a dent there? Would this be easily fixed? Also, when looking at the engine picture, you can see a rather large gap next to the radiator, is this normal? I am of course asking someone who owns a fintail who could comment.
Thanks Again

[WANT '71 280SEL]

If I removed the driveshaft, could this car be towed using a tow dolly or does the rear sit too low on these w111's? I see that there are two doors in the back seat, so I could put them in the Suburban I'd be driving to pick this up. Also, it says it comes with a lot of spare parts, so maybe they're in the trunk? I'm starting to get that really anxious feeling in my stomach, I think this might be it.
Thanks Again
David

[Mark DiSilvestro]

Hard to tell, but it looks like parts of the bumpers may have been painted. They might clean up or perhaps they had started to rust. Some of Mercedes early '60s bumper chrome wasn't too great. Until you're ready for re-chroming or replacement bumpers, leave the paint alone. A trunk full of spare parts could certainly account for the sag.

Happy Motoring, Mark

[WANT '71 280SEL]

What would I need to remove the driveshaft in someone's driveway? I'd take a set of car ramps, but what tools? Anything special such as allen bolts? Yes, I know to mark it...
Also, would it be hard to install front doors? (alignment so they shut right with that Benz "thunk")???
Thanks
David

[300SDog]

Check out the background in the pics. Seller does not need the money and it looks like he's got good taste in automobiles. No doubt each is professionally maintained. It's still got the original plates so it's probably been in the family for awhile. Hell, it might even be the seller's original college car from 25 yrs ago. Or maybe he inherritted it from a dead uncle.

By all appearances the seller is an honest and knowledgable Mercedes fan who has stashed a rare 220SEb w/sunroof in his garage; now driving the 450SLC instead. That einspritzen heckflossen Benz is probably the most desirable 111 that MB ever built. Have you seen what 220SE Ponton sedans are going for?

How far is it from Ft.Wayne to Akron - 200 miles? If it was me I'd get the seller's phone number and cut to the chase.

[Mark DiSilvestro]

Alot of work to remove the driveshaft in a driveway, especially if you haven't done one of these before.
Best bet is to loosen the center bearing bolts, then unbolt and separate the driveshaft flange from the rear end and tie-wire it out of the way.

Happy Motoring, Mark

[WANT '71 280SEL]

What tools would I need? I tried searching, but still unclear...
Thanks
David

[bikis]

White(ivory) steering wheel with matching shifter and turn signal lever, wow! I know it's minor against all the work that has to be done. But it is so rare. Sunroof - the best and a must option. I love details like that. Go for it.

[WANT '71 280SEL]

If I were to buy this car, it would have to go down in forum history as the car everyone brought back to life.

Do the 13" wheels on the finny match up to the 14" bundts? I'm asking becasue I'm afraid those tires are 15+ years old so they won't hold out for a 4 hour drive.

Here;s what I had in mind as for when it arrived. I wouldn't even try to start it...I'd pull the fuel pump, take it apart, clean it up, etc. Then move to draining the gas tank and refilling with premium with adetive. Or would I want to add paint thinner as someone here mentioned? What ratio of paint thinner would I want so as to clear out the IP?
Next would come the brakes. (Man I bet those drums are on there solid, but I'll find a way to get them off...) I'd have to find used wheel cylinders, but there are rebuild kits on ebay if they aren't bad. I'd order all 4 brake hoses and tune-up stuff. I wonder if Autozone would sell rebuild calipers for these? If they didn't, are there other years of calipers that would line up? I guess when the time came I could measure my 116 caliper set up.
Then, I'd do a good citric flush of the cooling system, (maybe twice), of course I'll replace all fluids.

I'm already getting worked up. I hope this works out and I think my dad is for it since it's so cheap and not CA.

Thanks
David

Bikis:
Didn't all thse have matching turn signal levers, shifter, and ivory steering wheel? I think they all do. Now the sunroof, that is rare.

[WANT '71 280SEL]

Too good to be true...?

Well, I am currently on Autozone's website and they sell a TON of parts for a '65 220SE! They have two different fuel pumps, they are both master, but one says it needs to be wired through the oil pressure switch?($30) Then the other master one is $10 more, but doesn't say anything about funky wiring. They sell front calipers for $88 a side, remaned of course. They sell a plug wire set, but it's some weird brand so i wouldn't buy those. I'm going to check with fastlane when I get this car, so don't get mad. I'm just pointing out the fact that many parts are still available...
I'm still open to suggestions...Autozone doesn't sell a waterpump, which I'm sure this 220 will need.
Thanks Again
David