Thoughts on a 1971 Mercedes 280SE | FerrariChat

Thoughts on a 1971 Mercedes 280SE

Discussion in 'Other German' started by nathandarby67, Apr 8, 2014.

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  1. nathandarby67

    nathandarby67 F1 Veteran
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    #1 nathandarby67, Apr 8, 2014
    My brother in law came across a couple of these for sale and is getting very interested. I am the family "car guy" so he has asked my opinion, but I don't know much about these other than I have always liked the styling. The two he found are 4 door models, from $8-15K or so in very nice shape. Anything to look out for or specific mechanical areas to check? What are the general thoughts on these, are they good drivers?

    Here is one:

    1972 Mercedes-Benz 280SE Sedan for sale | Hemmings Motor News


    Pics attached of the other for sale locally:

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  2. Pass

    Pass F1 World Champ
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    #2 Pass, Apr 8, 2014
    V8 is a gas hog.. 6 cyl better and is collectable as any 280 of the era.. All four doors of this era are very common and expensive to restore. Good bargain if unmolested and all original in nice condition. Don't pay more than $8K or $10K unless brilliantly low miles original paint and interior. Mechanicals are common and cheap.. Interiors, wood and chrome are not. Home Page Any pre 1971 two door hard top or convertible is a good investment.
     
  3. nathandarby67

    nathandarby67 F1 Veteran
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    #3 nathandarby67, Apr 8, 2014
    Great info from the guy who knows! Both of the ones he is looking at are 6 cylinder models.

    One car needs a water pump, is that a hard job on these cars? Any particular weak points to look for during inspection?
     
  4. Ak Jim

    Ak Jim F1 Veteran
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    #4 Ak Jim, Apr 9, 2014
    Just wondering if one of these cars would be a good candidate for a LS2/tremec t56 swap.
     
  5. Pass

    Pass F1 World Champ
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    #5 Pass, Apr 9, 2014
    Water pumps are cheap and easy.. Worst problem in these cars is lack of use and green antifreeze sitting in them for years undriven. The Green antifreeze has a tendency to galvanically corrode the aluminum in the cylinder head and water pump housing. I always use MB orange antifreeze. I can sell you all the parts new and used for these cars.
     
  6. Pass

    Pass F1 World Champ
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    #6 Pass, Apr 9, 2014
    Stay away from the non fuel injected 6 cylinders of this era.. Carbs are a pain.
     
  7. henryr

    henryr Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #7 henryr, Apr 9, 2014
    i like em but i would say pass......

    try to pick up a 60's-70s 230-280sl, 4 seater cab car or a 190sl....

    yes the entry point is much higher - but so is the upside, imho.
     
  8. nathandarby67

    nathandarby67 F1 Veteran
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    #8 nathandarby67, Apr 9, 2014
    Thanks again guys. We drove it today. Car is in extremely solid original condition. Body totally straight and rust free. Paint a little dull, has rock chips, nice patina though. Interior not concours but basically flawless. No tears, no wood chips, no rips, Etc. Engine felt strong, no smoke. Brakes solid and straight. Suspension was pretty floaty.

    Question: Transmission shifted a little firm and with a tiny bit of a thud. Also, it shifted from 1st to 2nd literally almost as soon as the car starts rolling from a stop. I'm not sure what is normal for these though.

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  9. Pass

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    #9 Pass, Apr 9, 2014
    Shifting seems normal for that car they are always a little notchy. I see a tool kit in the trunk; is there a wood handled screwdriver in there? If so let me know I f you want to sell it; I need one to complete a kit here. I will then send you a NEW correct screw driver for this car.
     
  10. nathandarby67

    nathandarby67 F1 Veteran
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    #10 nathandarby67, Apr 9, 2014
  11. Pass

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    #11 Pass, Apr 9, 2014
    Fuse pullers are worth $50. It does have the correct screwdriver.
     
  12. ralfabco

    ralfabco Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #12 ralfabco, Apr 10, 2014


    Ain't that the truth !!!!!!!!!!

    I like the real Mercedes - b4 1981.

    Today, if buying a new car, I would prefer a Toyota or Honda.
     
  13. hans2

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    #13 hans2, Apr 10, 2014
    There are better condition W108s frequently coming to market. Better paint, cleaner engine bays, and most without the non-factory tinted windows. The interior is something to show-off, not hide behind tinting. How the car and fuel injection system was cared for is a key consideration.
     
  14. nathandarby67

    nathandarby67 F1 Veteran
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    #14 nathandarby67, Apr 15, 2014
    My BIL decided to pass on the Mercedes, it just didn't "speak" to him. He's always been more of a BMW guy, and I think he is wanting something a bit more modern than the 280. Anyway, the car is now on ebay in case anyone is interested. Seems to be represented honestly.

    Mercedes Benz 200 Series 280 SE | eBay
     
  15. henryr

    henryr Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #15 henryr, Apr 18, 2014
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  16. GuyIncognito

    GuyIncognito Nine Time F1 World Champ
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    #16 GuyIncognito, Apr 18, 2014
    beautiful!

    great cruisers....at least I assume :eek: if you get a chance to drive it, let us know it how is.
     
  17. Jaguar 15

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    #17 Jaguar 15, Apr 23, 2014
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  18. Hoodude

    Hoodude F1 Rookie
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    #18 Hoodude, Apr 23, 2014
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    Stunning Mr.Jag..but why aren't you Mr.Benz? ;)
    But the market is appreciating the coupes too,,yours really is beautiful,superb color.
    My big coupe is twenty years younger than yours,but look at the similarities .. MB's are hard to beat.
    Cheers,
    RE
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  19. Jaguar 15

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    #19 Jaguar 15, Apr 24, 2014
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    Love the red on your coupe Hoodude! Don't see many that color. I actually sold the 3.5 coupe last year as I was driving it less and less....really miss it! MB's are great dependable machines. Oh well.... Here is a pic of one of the Jags....
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