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Mercedes-Benz W108 280 SE (160 Hp)
Overall Rating
Mercedes-Benz W108:
The Mercedes-Benz W 108 and W 109 are luxury cars produced by Mercedes-Benz from 1965 through to 1972 to succeed the W 111 and W 112 "fintail" sedans. The cars were successful in West Germany and in export markets including North America and Southeast Asia. During the seven-year run, a total of 383,072 units were manufactured. Some publications mention 383,361 units.
As the W 108 and W 109 were only available as 4-door models, similarly squarish Bracq-designed 2-door W 111 and W 112 coupés and cabriolets filled those niches, and are often mistaken for W 108/W 109 two-doors....(Read more on Wikipedia)
W108 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz W108 (W108). With 240 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1495 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.5 s). The top speed reaches 190 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Mercedes-Benz W108 generation predates the establishment of modern crash safety testing organizations like Euro NCAP. While built to high standards for its time, it lacks the advanced safety features and crash performance of contemporary vehicles.
280 SE (160 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A strong and refined inline-six, offering a great balance of power and smoothness, making it a very desirable option.
Fuel Economy
Moderate fuel consumption for its power, representing a good compromise between performance and running costs.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Timeless elegant design
- • Exceptional build quality and durability
- • Luxurious and comfortable ride
- • Powerful V8 engine options
- • Strong classic car investment potential
- • Refined driving experience for its era
Cons:
- • High fuel consumption, especially V8s
- • Lack of modern safety features
- • Potentially expensive maintenance and parts for specific components
- • Steering can feel vague by modern standards
- • Rust can be an issue if not well-maintained
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W108: May, 1971 - November, 1972).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | W108 |
| Generation: | W108 |
| Modification (Engine): | 280 SE (160 Hp) |
| Start of production: | November, 1967 |
| End of production: | September, 1972 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 160 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 57.6 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 240 Nm @ 4250 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 130 E 28 / 130.980 More details about the engine M 130 E 28 / 130.980 |
| Engine displacement: | 2778 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 6 l |
| Coolant: | 10.8 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 86.5 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 78.8 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 12.3 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 190 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.3 kg/Hp, 107 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.2 kg/Nm, 160.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1495 |
| Max. weight: | 1995 |
| Max load: | 500 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 82 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4900 mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1810 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1440 mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2750 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1482 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1485 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 14 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Hydro-pneumatic element, Trailing arm |
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