A 4.5 for me? Advice, factory parts, etc.

[124Coupe]

Tomorrow, I am looking at a 1972 280SEL 4.5 which has been in dry storage for years. I learned to drive in one in the 70's and have wanted one of my own ever since! While it supposedly doesn't have any rust, without seeing it, I'm sure (know) all rubber will need to be replaced, for starters.

I'd also like to know if there are any factory parts that are no longer available, even through the new Classic's Center.

Thanks!

[Tomguy]

I am pretty sure the ECU, Ignition control module and some other stuff is NLA new (though don't quote me on that).

However, the used part supply is plentiful and affordable so don't worry about part availability!

Subframe bushings, swaybar bushings, control arm assemblies, and any other rubber part should still be available, just costly. Prices are about double to triple what they were 3 years ago.

[Tom Drew]

As a 7 year owner of of a '72 280SE 4.5, be aware that you can easily spend more than the car is worth restoring/refurbishing it unless you can do a significant amount of the mechanical work yourself. Heater blower motor, subframe bushings, D-Jet fuel injection, rust issues, vaccumn locks, timing chain, chain guides and tensioners are just the beginning of what you will have to deal with on one of the cars. Please have someone who knows these cars look at it with you before you buy.

I love my car and I can keep it affordable because I can do the work myself. If I had written checks for everything done to date it would easily exceed $20,000 in labor chages alone, and for sure I could not sell it for that.

In considering the purchase of one of these cars let the head rule the heart.

Tom Drew

[karenme1965]

I just bought a 'grgeous '72 300sel w/functioning, but leaking air suspension for $1,200 at an auction. Not a dent or ding anywhere! It's been sitting since 1988, so we are changing all lines/hoses and cleaning out all systems, fuel, cooling, power steering, etc. The car will stay up when running, and for an hour or so afterwards, then sinks. So I will be getting new air bellows as soon as make certain there is nothing else catastrophically expensive going on! A guy on ebay sells a set of 4 for $750, which is do-able. I am just glad all valves and compressor seem work. One of the control arm things that operates the valve lever (and sorta like a closed end wrench on both sides) has lost most of it's plastic ball in the middle of the circle ends) and wants to fall off I - anybody know a cheap fix or source for those? Also leaking trans fluid from the bellhousing - it's not from the torque converter bolts - they are tight as heck and dry around them. Might it be a seal, and if so, how easy is it to fix?

Those near California or willing to travel....check out Cars for Causes who list on ebay. All vehicles are donated where the owner gets to pick where the funds go (charity). They recently sold a 108 for about $500.00. There is one available RIGHT NOW (20 hours left) that is currently at $252.00 and supposedly needs a fuel pump. I was tempted to get it for parts if nothing else (and have a spare fuel pump) but since it doesn't have the air suspension I am going to let it pass). Item number: 130173598533. Link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=003&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=130173598533&rd=1

I love this site, and appreciate all the helpful tips that are being shared. Thanks for being here! Karen