Going to look at a 280SE this weekend. what should I look out for as this is the first euro I have looked at!
franc123,
May 11, 6:47am
EVERYTHING!Getting it checked by a specialist is a good idea,Remember when you buy a MB that is so old the money to buy the car is just a downpayment, they can be absolute money pits if you get a bad one, even good ones need plenty of TLC (time,love,cash) to keep them that way.
chris_051,
May 11, 6:48am
This will either be the W116 or W126 Mercedes which are easily one of the best Mercedes models built, built to a standard not a budget unlike Mercedes of the least 20 years, biggest problem will most likely be rust, under the parcel tray, around the rear screens especially at the bottom, under/behind tail lights, spare wheel carrier, battery box areas. These motors can get a bit smokey with age usually valve stem seals, noticable when on overrun they usually blow out blue smoke, other than that pretty much bullet proof cars. If you did a typo and its the newer S280 from 1991 onwards forget it, a real piece of shit in comparison.
chris_051,
May 11, 6:51am
blah blah blah spoken like a true know all with sweet f. all experience of them. The old 'Euro money pit' gets old.
franc123,
May 11, 7:26am
Whatever, an uninitiated buyer needs a general warning about what they can cost to keep on the road and working properly.Since you know it all why did you forget about the other expensive problemslike timing chain wear, oil leaks from the cam boxes, oil leaks from steering boxes, problems with vacuum door locks, worn trail arm bushes, engine mounts, driveshaft couplings,rear wheel bearings, subframe mounts, the intracacies of D or K Jetronic fuel systems!I was actually trained on them at an MB agency many years ago and know first hand that they WILL be costly to operate especially if you are not careful with what you buy.So don't ever accuse me of knowing sweet f all about them dork.
chris_051,
May 11, 7:35am
All common things to go wrong with ANY car with age, the gamble of buying a used car. As I said pretty much bullet proof cars, why do you think there are thousands still hanging around the middle east and Eastern Europe.
unclejake,
May 11, 7:38am
A 280SE could even be a W108. More info needed Tarshao - specifically what year you are considering
I would add to the above list that door weather seals should be on the check list. They were terrible on the early cars and failed early, promoted cabin leaks, and are sensationally expensive. Kingpin wear is probably worth checking too (depending on the year)
unclejake,
May 11, 7:41am
The good news is that new parts can be got from NZ MB for just about any old Merc. they aren't always cheap, but at least you can get most stuff (like brand new bumpers for our '64)
thejazzpianoma,
May 11, 8:13am
I get my Mercedes parts from startech http://www.4mercs.com/ I am sure you will be delighted and surprised at just how reasonably priced parts are.
Just make sure you avoid the likes of Repco and BNT. BNT wanted $80 for a rubbish fram oil filter for mine. genuine Mercedes one is about $20 from Startech. Mine is Diesel so has the big oil filters hence BNT trying to make a mint.
There are lots of friendly MB resources and forums on the net too. Lots of those older Merc's in the states which means lots of online stuff.
As mentioned above, like any old car check it out well. A properly maintained example will be easy and affordable to keep maintained, but if you have to try and catch up 15 years or so of neglected maintenance then you will have a job on your hands.
Those machines are built to last so are a great proposition for an older classic.
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