I bought a 350SE- AMG project (pending a face lift)

[CraigS]

I think the first number is possibly a "C" judging by the photo that Oscar put up, rather than a "6".

[Des]

Andrew, looks pretty good
is it australian delivered?

seems a bit scant on options,

[Andrew280SEL]

Certainly is scant on options....pity it's not a manual gearbox actually. Who the hell doesn't order Air Con?  But like I said, the 280SEL gives me the true luxury. This car is an interesting project and good for a bit of V8 fun I guess.

Australian delivered? I can't accurately answer that. But it doesn't have a passenger mirror... does this mean it's South African?

[Des]

have a look on the options code plate under the bonnet, its the panel running along the front of the car under the bonnet

take a picture, and report back

625 is for australia

South Africans don't know what left hand mirrors are for and thus never fitted them to their cars.

[Andrew280SEL]

I can't take a picture right now obviously, being total darkness and all, but I quickly popped out just then and put the light of my phone over the compliance plate.

625 is there, on the right side of the plate. From pics I've seen before, this is about where that code should be. So it looks like it's Aussie delivered.

[Andrew280SEL]

Also guys, obviously the previous owner was a chronic smoker, with ash down the side of the drivers seat and the smell is a little obvious.

Is there a good effective method for quickly getting rid of the odour? I've got most of it gone from when I first got it by airing it and using air freshener. But there is still a hint of it.

Is that all I can do?

[Big_Richard]

Is there a good effective method for quickly getting rid of the odour? I've got most of it gone from when I first got it by airing it and using air freshener. But there is still a hint of it.

Is that all I can do?

No, you can start smoking yourself, then old tobacco odour wont bother you so much

Welcome to the v8 W116 club - We've been expecting you.

[Martin 280s]

Lovely looking motor Andrew, and a stepped dash trim to boot!

[Andrew280SEL]

No, you can start smoking yourself, then old tobacco odour wont bother you so much

Great advice to a non-smoking teenager, Bateman! 

And thanks Martin. The motor will look a lot nicer when I remove the dust and stuff.

[116Benz]

You've done well Andrew, I'm hedging a bet that the seats are the thick back ones. Love the car regardless.

[OzBenzHead]

Good score, Andrew!  Welcome to the W116 conservation club!  We're all in it, I guess, but multiples help.   

[Martin 280s]

No, you can start smoking yourself, then old tobacco odour wont bother you so much

Great advice to a non-smoking teenager, Bateman! 

And thanks Martin. The motor will look a lot nicer when I remove the dust and stuff.

Sorry Andrew, in the UK 'Motor' can mean both the car or the engine, in this case I mean the car and engine!

[Andrew280SEL]

Ah!

Well now that makes sense. 

I'm hedging a bet that the seats are the thick back ones.

Since I'm being naive, what do you mean by this?

It's probably painfully obvious, but you know what I'm like.

[116Benz]

The thick back front seats are in the previous "column shift w116" post, the side bolsters on the seat aren't contoured. Theyre the same size from top to bottom.
Same tme as the stepped timber like Martin was saying.

[Andrew280SEL]

Ah yes. Your right too, my seats are that kind. Same goes for the dash I guess as well.
I just reviewed the column auto thread. Thanks.