I think I've lost my mind...need opinions on w108... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

450SLave · #1 05-01-2013, 05:53 PM

Just got finished getting the SL to a good point, now my mechanic is offering up a W108 250SE he has lost interest in. 280SE 6cyl engine w/carbs, newer model transmission, only rust I can see so far is in the trunk (will need to have some metalwork done), dent in one fender, but has replacement) new suspension parts all around, has completely dismantled interior with all parts included to restore (good seats, carpet, wood, etc.)... Car runs but also needs some brake work (no big deal, just overhauled the brakes on the SL)....all included parts needed to finish it up....said to make him an offer....

I've always wanted to do a large car project...this seems like a cool opportunity. My guess is he will want around $3k for the whole thing....thoughts? I'm a newbie to the w108 world, but love the cars.

John

alabbasi · #2 05-01-2013, 06:20 PM

You should be able to find a W108 v8 driver for that.

Tomguy · #3 05-01-2013, 06:21 PM

Honestly, it sounds like a $1500 car tops. It's not even a driver project at this point - just a project.

Mike D · #4 05-01-2013, 06:42 PM

Yup, I agree with Tomguy and Al. What you got there is what I call "yard art". Not driveable, body damage, rust, dis-assembled interior, incorrect engine and transmission and possibly not all the pieces to re-assemble.

I think Tomguy is overly generous with his estimate. I'd place the value at slightly more than "scrap" value but it's your time and your money.

Tomguy · #5 05-01-2013, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike D

Yup, I agree with Tomguy and Al. What you got there is what I call "yard art". Not driveable, body damage, rust, dis-assembled interior, incorrect engine and transmission and possibly not all the pieces to re-assemble.

I think Tomguy is overly generous with his estimate. I'd place the value at slightly more than "scrap" value but it's your time and your money.

I was trying to be kind and assume that it's mechanically sound as well

Tony H · #6 05-01-2013, 10:28 PM

Hi John,
By now I'm preaching to the choir (I always wanted to say that) but honestly there are much better drivers out there for that much $. Don’t put your money and hard work into an incomplete project. Especially one that may be rusty. If you can see ANY rust be assured there will be more that you can’t see.

450SLave · #7 05-01-2013, 11:23 PM

Man, I love these forums...great advice guys..,thanks!

I'm going to see the car again on Friday, talked to him on the phone and he's asking $2k. I really need to look it over...we really are wanting a 108, just need to find the right one. Patience and research!

Any advice would be great! I've rescued a 911 and an SL, now it's time for an old sedan...

John

vandor · #8 05-02-2013, 01:40 AM

Are any of the parts included NEW? If there are a lot of new parts included that might increase the value some.
I bought a partscar 2 years ago for $800 and a beautiful silver '72 that needed major engine work for $3200 a few months ago. I looked at several $2-3000 drivers and they were all horrible - rusty/needs everything type car.
If you want a project and you can get it for a reasonable price then this may be a good car, but if you just want one to drive you can get one for less than what you will have in this one by the time you are done.

Csaba

Adv_rider · #9 05-02-2013, 02:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 450SLave

Just got finished getting the SL to a good point, now my mechanic is offering up a W108 250SE he has lost interest in. 280SE 6cyl engine w/carbs, newer model transmission, only rust I can see so far is in the trunk (will need to have some metalwork done), dent in one fender, but has replacement) new suspension parts all around, has completely dismantled interior with all parts included to restore (good seats, carpet, wood, etc.)... Car runs but also needs some brake work (no big deal, just overhauled the brakes on the SL)....all included parts needed to finish it up....said to make him an offer....

I've always wanted to do a large car project...this seems like a cool opportunity. My guess is he will want around $3k for the whole thing....thoughts? I'm a newbie to the w108 world, but love the cars.

John

It seems it has been sold, but you can use it for comparison purpose... http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-cars-sale/331008-1970-mercedes-280se-108-runner-project-car-extra-parts.html

Or this: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-cars-sale/338140-fs-w108-1972-280s-sedan-project.html

And I bet there are some other options in cars for sale in this site.
BTW do a search also in Ebay.

Adv_rider · #10 05-02-2013, 02:38 AM

This looks like a great car..

Mercedes-Benz : 200-Series 280S in Mercedes-Benz | eBay Motors

450SLave · #11 05-02-2013, 02:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vandor

Are any of the parts included NEW? If there are a lot of new parts included that might increase the value some.
I bought a partscar 2 years ago for $800 and a beautiful silver '72 that needed major engine work for $3200 a few months ago. I looked at several $2-3000 drivers and they were all horrible - rusty/needs everything type car.
If you want a project and you can get it for a reasonable price then this may be a good car, but if you just want one to drive you can get one for less than what you will have in this one by the time you are done.

Csaba

New seats, new wood, new carpet, new panels, horn pad, he spent an hour showing me parts...he has tons of parts that are as he calls it "pick of the litter"... He was going to redo the car himself and sell. He pointed out the rear interior lights as a rare option. He is pretty knowledgeable about the cars....had a restored 300SE convertible he was working on for a customer.

I'm gripping with the project vs. driver...both the 911 and 450 were very good drivers that needed sorting, but I've never really had the opportunity to bring one back to life...maybe I've watched too many Wheeler Dealers and Overhaulin' episodes!

JimFreeh · #12 05-02-2013, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 450SLave

I'm gripping with the project vs. driver...both the 911 and 450 were very good drivers that needed sorting, but I've never really had the opportunity to bring one back to life...maybe I've watched too many Wheeler Dealers and Overhaulin' episodes!

Never let reality get in the way of optimism.

Jim

Benz Dr. · #13 05-02-2013, 11:21 AM

I think all 108 cars have a rear interior light.

napster · #14 05-02-2013, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benz Dr.

I think all 108 cars have a rear interior light.

I think he was referring to the rear reading lights on mounted on each "C" pillar.

450SLave · #15 05-02-2013, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by napster

I think he was referring to the rear reading lights on mounted on each "C" pillar.

Correct, apparently the reading lights were rare on 250s models...don't know if that is true....

Car isn't going anywhere, so I have time to think about it. It is a sunroof car as well, roof works, headliner in good shape, needs a new sunroof seal, I'd wager...some small rust around the rear part of the sunroof area, but not the sunroof panel itself. When I get back out there ill take some pics. Any places to look to confirm whether its a lost cause? Holes in the left trunk floor are a little scary, but I can cut and weld...