The 108 chassis: the perfect entry level classic Mercedes

Four doors and understated elegance
The case in favor of the often ignored 108 series sedans

When you really think about it, what’s the big difference between a 1971 280SE 3.5 coupe and a 1971 280SE 4.5 sedan? Sit behind the wheel and you look out over a very similar dash layout and raising your eyes toward the road you peer over very similar hood and grille contours. The 4.5 is more powerful (225hp compared to 200hp), has more torque (278 ft/lb compared to 230 ft/lb) and while at 3,821 lbs the 4.5 is 180 lbs heavier, acceleration is essentially the same (9.5 sec 0-62mph) as a 3.5.

280SE 4.5 sedan a rewarding long distance cruiser. Note lovely dash wood, traditional enormous steering wheel and excellent visibility (and incorrect radio).

Overall build quality is similar. Panel fit and finish from the factory was superb on both cars so why is the 3.5 coupe three or four times the value of a similar condition 4.5 sedan? Well, of course the 4.5 is a sedan and a far less spectacular design than the sublime 3.5′s elegant pillarless shape. But it’s a very handsome, well proportioned design at that.

Oh, and there were only 3,025 LHD 3.5 coupes constructed (compared to 21,700 4.5 SWB/LWB sedans built). The 4.5 is also roomier, has more comfortable seats and is easier to enter and exit. Kids, dogs and dinner guests are nicely accomondated in the spacious rear seats (particularly in the long wheelbase examples). The lovely wood is there, leather was on option and sunroofs are fairly common. Both cars share massive trunks.

Clean, crisp lines define 108 series sedans. Short wheelbase 280SE 4.5 shown here in Pastel Gray. Long wheelbase (10cm longer than an SE) variants not quite as balanced a design. Built for US consumption only, most 4.5 sedans were ordered with white sidewall tires.

You’re probably getting the picture that we like the 108s. When well sorted, the fuel injected 108 sedans (250SE, 280SE/SEL, 280SE/SEL 4.5) in their six and eight cylinder variants and different wheelbases are satisfying road cars and respectable entry level MBCA club tour and event cars. I mention fuel injected as the carbureted cars can be infuriating to sort out and I’ve yet to drive a carbureted 108 that ran crisply through all ranges.

With 359,522 108s constructed, there is bound to be an example out there for you. Injected six cylinders and V-8s are our favorites. This spotless example sold in summer of 2009 for a paltry $5k.

The parallels between the 108 sedans and 280SE 3.5 coupes (and cabriolets for that matter) also extend to costs to refurbish. This is where the risks of buying a 108 sedan enter the picture. Sorting out a tired sedan can quickly run well beyond the car’s market value so we encourage buyers to focus on the best example available. The $10k excellent condition 4.5 sedan is usually the better buy than a tired but running and driving example for $3k. Here are some things to look for during your 108 sedan hunt:

• As with any Mercedes of this era, try to find the undamaged car. Many have had rear collision repairs and poorly installed/repaired rear “light/ panels as well as ugly wrinkled trunk floors. Check all the body panel gaps -they were all very precise when the car left Mercedes-Benz.
• Find a car still fitted with the correct “hydrocompensator” mounted over the differential. Many have been fitted with a “fifth” spring which raises the rear ride height and changes the handling quality of the car. Hydrocompensators are now available from Mercedes-Benz Classic Center USA.
• Look carefully at interior trim. Costs here for significant work can equal many a car’s total value. Most 108s were fitted with MB tex grained vinyl. Skip cars with significant leather/trim needs.
• Dash pads are no longer available from Mercedes-Benz so try to avoid cars with split and deformed pads. We have re-covered deteriorated pads with leather (similar grain patter to the original molded pad) to good effect.
• As always try to find a car with its original handbook and literature packet. And service history is always a bonus.
• Check for tool rolls. The roll – a green cloth bag – for a 108 chassis should be hanging from its lug wrench on the rearmost vertical trunk panel.
• Check all the switchgear. The upper left hand horizontal temperature slide control lever actuates the blower motor (the AC system has a separate blower motor). Make sure it runs the blower motor through all speeds. Dead blower motors are very time consuming to change.
• Avoid car with significant chrome needs and skip any car with even moderate rust issues.
• Both the V-8s and sixes are fundamentally strong engines. But check for smoke, timing chain noise and oil pressure (all have oil pressure gauges). Oil pressure below 20lbs at idle in gear and fully up to temperature should be investigated.
• Under the hood, check fuel lines/injectors for leakage. Any raw fuel smell should be investigated. Steering gearboxes/hoses are prone to leakage as are cam covers. Ignition pieces are usually deteriorated and the injection “trigger points” (problems here cause surging at steady speeds) are no longer available.

Well, you get the idea – all the above are the reasons these cars are still very inexpensive. What we are suggesting here is to find Grandma’s 4.5 sedan that has been driven sparingly and never altered. They still exist.

Expect to pay $10k or more for a superb 4.5 sedan and maybe 15% less for a six cylinder. Extreme low mileage cars will be more. The example pictured in this post was sold far a paltry $5k earlier this year. While not without moderate needs cosmetically, it was an amazing example with a spotless original undercarriage.

Remember, a crisp 108 sedan is welcomed at any Mercedes-Benz Club of America event and always elicits a thumbs up from other motorists. We feel it’s one of the most rewarding entry level classic era Mercedes-Benz to own.

Be sure to comment on this article at the bottom of the page. The images below illustrate some 108 chassis specifics.

Handbook packet shown here mostly complete but lacking the service booklet and beige/clear plastic pouch. Pink card is the informative "data card."

Original dash pads no longer available from Mercedes-Benz. Note upper and lower dash wood, temp slide controls above radio. AC had separate controls/blower motor below dash.

Lots of potential issues under the hood. 4.5 liter V-8 fundamentally a durable engine. Peripheral items can be expensive to sort out.

Bless California cars! Spotless original undercarriage still shows factory waxol coating. Undercarriages are always body color. Note original yellow dots on oil pan and transmission support. Dot color indicates bolt torque specs.

After 37 years on the road this inner wheel arch looked like the day this 280SE 4.5 left the showroom! This condition will be difficult to find.

What's a hydrocompensator? It's a massive hydraulic "spring" (the cylindrical device mounted here above the differential) that keeps the 108s (and 111s) on an even keel and maintains a supple ride quality. Note original torque value paint swatches for differential bolts (red) and drain plug (green).

108 trunk area reveals tool roll hanging on rear panel, original spare, and spotless original floor panel.

Recommended reading: Osprey AutoHistory Mercedes-Benz V-8s ISBN 0 85045 383 6

Roy Spencer, editor MercedesHeritage.com