S-Class (W116) 1972-1980: 280S, 280SE, 280SEL, 350SE, 350 SEL, 450 SE, 450 SEL, 450 SEL 6.9, 300 SD

looking at 72 280SEL...what to look out for?

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Old 02-27-2012, 03:25 PM
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2017 S550 4matic
looking at 72 280SEL...what to look out for?

Hey all,

my father is looking at a 72 280SEL for a spare/project car and eventually to use as a daily when he vacations in florida. We've owned a W208, W210, and my W211 so far but never experimented with the older benzes. Car looks to be in great shape, seller says the car runs flawlessly and needs nothing but I know that's hardly ever the case with a 40 year old car.

My real query is for any trouble spots/common issues/things to look out for when we look at the car.

Thanks in advance!
Old 03-01-2012, 07:18 PM
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Where to start? The Italians or the Germans?
Look for rust, check the exhaust, ask when the points were done last, have the heads been freshened recently? Check the wood in the interior (can get pretty pricey to start refinishing it all). Ask when the shocks were replaced last. They are fairly straightforward cars. Check all the rubber window seals and surrounding area for rust as well.

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