What about a W108 280 SE?

[Feather535]

OK, I know this is a W116 forum, but there may be some expertise here about the previous generation.

The W116 280 SE I've been writing about here is one I rescued from a neighbor after it had been sitting for 10 years.  Well, now I've discovered a W108 280 SE a few miles down the road.  That one has been sitting even longer, but it appears to be complete, except for the hubcaps and the auxiliary fog lights. The owner wants $500 for it.

What are the important things to know about this car and the mechanical fuel injection system?  Would I be crazy to get involved with a car like that when I already have a W116 project? 

[UTn_boy]

At $500 it's definitely priced right, but mechanical fuel injection that's been sitting this long will make your eyes water in repair costs.  Most of it isn't anything you can attempt a repair to unless you have the test jigs set up.  The fuel pump alone is a $1,200 part REBUILT!  There are rebuild kits, but those only work 20%-30% of the time.  Oh, and you'll need a new fuel tank (they cannot be cleaned/relined with any long term success).  So that's another $600-$1,000.  The in tank sending unit is $250, The fuel line between the injection pump and the fuel filter in the engine bay is around $250, the other fuel lines are eye watering, too.  And then there is a chance that after having sat so long the lobes on the camshaft have rusted, which means having to buy a good used or new camshaft......I could go on and on.  I'd stick with your W116, or at least buy a W108 that is already running and driving.  A needy W108 will put you in the poor house......I've lived it and never recovered. haha

[rumb]

Can you post photos? $500 is great parts car price. You could totally luck out and the darn thing runs (big if) or worst case be able to sell most all parts of the car if you have storage and a few years.

You would still need to several hundreds just to see if it starts. Battery, fuel lines and filters.

Maybe go lift the valve cover off to see cam and also see if the engine at least spins.

[Feather535]

Here are some pictures for interest.

This car is interesting, but I'm going to pass on it.  I paid parts car money for the W116 and it's finally at the running-driving stage after the better part of a year, so I don't need another project right now.

[rumb]

Ooof. Parts car.

[Feather535]

Ooof. Parts car.

That's what I decided.  Too bad.