1972 Mercedes-Benz W108 280 SE 3.5 V8 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Elegant and refined, the Paul Bracq masterpiece

Faults:

Sunroof required new cable.

Cylinder heads restored as were corroded.

4 X new brake calipers and brake lines.

New fuel pump.

New timing chain and guides.

Rear axle and suspension rebuilt.

Fuel injectors and fuel lines replaced.

New Michelin tyres, steel wheels restored.

General Comments:

It is an extremely well built car. A high point even for Mercedes.

The V8 shares the same engine as the coupé and cabriolet and is equally expensive to maintain.

The trick with one of these is to buy the best you can. Ideally a corrosion free chassis. Usually they then need considerable mechanical work because of deferred maintenance. If you are prepared for that you'll end up with a car that will outlive you!!

They're extremely comfortable and roomy inside. You can get hold of most parts. Some expensive.

They're better built than a Rolls Royce. Easier to look after as well. Luckily there is plenty of choice to choose a good one. If you're going to run a V8 and are not mechanically minded you need a good shop to keep the engine in fine fettle. The straight six is easier to look after.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th March, 2026

17th Mar 2026, 13:10

Congratulations on your purchase! A great old-school Mercedes, one of those that truly earned its reputation for being indestructible.

I'd love to know what it feels like to drive this classic these days and how it fits in with modern times.

22nd Mar 2026, 21:27

A very proper Mercedes. Even if it was new, you would not be as bothered paying so much money (if you can afford it) as long as what you buy is very good - or peerless, which Mercedes, at the time, was. The money went into the quality of the components that made the car run properly, long-term. Not on expensive consumables which fail regardless of how sympathetic you are to the car, like the air suspension systems now, or the electronics.

1972 Mercedes-Benz W108 280SE Sedan 3.5 petrol injection V8 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Distinctive, imposing on the road - relatively expensive to maintain, but an appreciating classic

Faults:

Chassis sub-frame rubbers - 2000.

Battery died (7 plate, refillable) - 2001.

Distributor points, spark plug leads - 2002.

Wheel wearings x 4, brake front discs - 2003.

Tyres x 5 replaced - 2004.

Dash lights died; Replaced SONY radio with original Becker Mexico cassette - 2005.

Major rust in rocker panels/door sashes cut out - 2007.

Replaced carpets myself, stenciling/cutting out old carpet on new carpet, re-sewing the plastic edges - 2008.

Brake booster hoses replaced - 2010.

5 new Michelin tyres, valve stem seals replaced - 2014.

Gearbox is currently VERY slow in the 2-3 gear-change. Sunroof water drain points need cleaning out. Air con needs re-gassing. Dash cracks and dash wood need attention.

General Comments:

The Parchment MBTex (MB 147) upholstery makes "Gretchen's" interior a light, airy place to be when it's clean.

I never get tired of looking at Paul Bracq's classic, clean design, especially from the front or the right hand side. Stone Pine Green metallic (MB862) was available only May - September 1972 in the W108 shape, plus her chassis number 12102 is only 120 cars from the end of production, with 625 Australian Build Code too. Probably one of the last RHD ones made. I really enjoy seeing other W108s on the road.

My partner much prefers her late model Toyota Corolla for features and cheaper running costs, but I'll be keeping my "Junior 6.3" for many years to come.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th June, 2014

1970 Mercedes-Benz W108 280S 2.8 litre carburettor from South Africa

Summary:

The best quality even if compared with today's cars

Faults:

Had to replace the engine mountings and the timing chain.

General Comments:

I'm a classic car collector and I'm the second owner. First owner had it for 30 years. Otherwise the normal services which is cheap because there are no gadgets, electronic goodies that can fail. Inside and outside it still compares with the latest Mercs and the quality is miles ahead of the new cars!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th May, 2005

26th Nov 2006, 09:52

These are some of the best cars ever made. The engines are "bullet proof" and they are very cheap to maintain. A bit heavy on fuel, but the nice thing is that you can get spares for them even after 36 years. I will keep mine for my grandson so that he can see what reliability and class is all about. Even the leather upholstery still looks like new. The same with the wood. My father once borrowed it while his newer Mercedes W124 was at a panel-shop for a minor accident repair. His comment _ "Well I did not realize that people will stare at you with an old car like this. It was wonderful!"