What it's like driving/owning a vintage 1960s Mercedes Benz W108
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- čas přidán 18. 12. 2020
- So I figured I'd shoot a video on my 1968 Mercedes Benz W108. I've owned this car for many years now and it still puts a smile on my face everytime I drive it. I cover the pros and cons of owning one, and what to lookout for when potentially buying one.
Of course some in action footage of what its like being behind the wheel of one aswell.
Dont forget to subscribe and comment what vehicle you would like to see being driven next. Thanks!
#classiccar#mercedes#w108 - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Probably one of my top 3 favorite car videos on CZcams!
-first off, a dog is participating in the video🙏🏻❤️
-Second, it’s a review and story of my top 3 favorite classic!
-Third, you did a great job mentioning the things at least I think are important!
I’ve never been so determined to subscribe. Although shame on you because I might have to break a promise to myself:Not binge watch CZcams 😂
Thank you man!
One of the best review comments aswell! Thanks for the kind words. 🤙
@@SirDrifto please make another one 😊 just the ride and a doggo with one of the most amazing cars ever made😍🐶
You nailed it by saying that these cars need to be driven. Then they will be almost trouble free. Once fixed and maintained well, they'll go forever. I bought my W108 in 2008 and started the restauration in 2010 and which lasted till end of 2013. Since then I have done more than 30.000 kilometers with it and had no issues at all. Though being a good project, everything had to be checked and redone. From engine, to interior, to paint job. It took me a fortune but at the end it was worth it. I broke in the engine for 2000 kilometers and went to a one week trip to the alps. Bavaria, Switzerland, northern Italy and Austria. 13 passes within a week and no issue except it took one liter of oil. And it was fun to drive, because mine is a rare find even in Germany and which is a 1971 280 SE 3.5 with a manual transmission! According to Mercedes numbers, only 22% were delivered with a manual transmission and the V8, the rest were all automatics. I used to have a 300 SEL 3.5 with the same engine but automatic transmission and you can tell the difference in performance. So, 14 years after, I still own it and I am not going to sell it.
That is so true
Love this video and agree 100% with your commentary-I posted 6 months ago just when I'd gotten my 68 280S. Just last weekend I installed the folding arm rests I got from the UK, black leather off a 6.3. I needed the short ones as I have a floor shift. The arm rests transform the driving experience for me and look and feel great. This car is my daily driver. I've done all the suspension bushings, shifter bushings, brakes all way around, and just like you say, it's a tight modern car to live with-so smooth! Mine has been (thankfully) driven regularly it's entire life and I drive mine every day. Even sit in it at work and eat my lunch in it-because it feels so great to be in the car! I'm a mechanic at a VW dealership so have shop priveledges and can do all the work myself. Respect-from all! You nailed it on that one. Thank you again for making a super video and reinforcing my feelings for living with this gem!
I can't tell you how much pleasure I got from this video. The sound of this engine is music to my ears. I owned a 108 many years ago, it was an automatic 280S which stayed with me for 13 years. Marvelous, solid, elegant. Thank you so much!
They really are a joy to drive!
you got a nice one, better keep it :)
Here in germany, especially during the summertime, you see old mercs fairly common, its a big community of owners. My dad has a w111 coupe himself. The mercs from the 60s and 70s are just beautiful to look at and even better to drive.
I don't plan on selling it :)
Wonderful vintage Mercedes. It's great to see a young man that appreciates these classic machines. I've got to add an old Mercedes to my garage.
Couldn't agree more!
17:01 Traintracks... zero rattles after 55 years, that's Mercedes.
THUNK
The only rattles in my 1984 300d, are the coins in the coin tray.
WOW, yes I was driving the '69 250s in the first couple of months of ownership. I was in college and might have been under the influence hitting a crazy train train intersection. Let's just say she took it gracefully.
I've bought 2 more W108 Chassis' since then and wish I had one now....
My dad's 1959 Cadillac 62 Series conv. had A/C, cruise, power windows (even the vented windows, power convertible top, power seats, trunk release, autronic eye, power antenna, power steering, and auto seek on the radio. It is quite the car - restored from the bolt up. It had a little part in the Johnny Cash movie, too.
Looks so modern compared to my 1960 W121 Ponton. You have a really nice car!
Thank you so much!
Thanks, I had three W108's, but, unfortunately no longer. They were among my favorites (I've have at least several favorite car types, but each for very different reasons, categories). Your video put me right in the driver's seat again, with everything but smell, feel, and touch. Great production and share!
…scrolled through the past videos of yours and stumbled here. I too have a ‘72 280 SEL 4.5. It was my late Grandfather’s who passed in 1984 and when I turned 16 a year later it was given to me as my first car. I’ve had so much fun and respect growing up driving one around in the SF Bay Area. It was a great attention hog specially at my young age and all the action I got from it. After all these years and after driving the bajeezus out of her, she still drives like a dream.
What’s the miles on your 280 today?
@@h.r.puffnstuff8705 …as of today the 21st of May ‘24 shows 319,099.
@@skymuffn any major mechanical work needed ?
Bravo Sir! So good video, beautiful w108! The engine's sound is here and give us so much good memories! Sensitive comments, lot of fun to watch your video. Thank you!
Thank you for the kind words 🙏
Mine talks to me too and I ride it with my children and golden retriever too. I enjoyed this video very much. thank you for sharing! Yes please make more videos about this car!
Quality video, Sir Drifto! Thank you for posting, beautiful car!
Thank you! Anything you'd like shot more of?
Probably the best car review I’ve seen on CZcams. Thanks for showing us your car👍awesome looking ride 👍
That means alot. Thank you!
absolutely incredible, makes me wanna cry and own one, great taste, great video
I really loved seeing your video. I owned a 1968 250SE, a 1967 250S and a 280SE 4.5. My '68 was white with navy interior too. What a wonderful car. It is a thrill to see you driving it. Of course, I was driving mine over 40 years ago. Mine did not have power windows though. I gave mine to my church in 1980.
Time to get another!
Dog is like OMG, come on dude. Let’s go play frisbee. 😂
He really is 🤣
Great video. I just began looking a 108s. This helps me understand what I’m in for as I search. I refurbished a w124 and drive it every day. Loves to be driven! Once sorted, they are a pleasure to own. Thanks.
Thanks for watching 👍
The VDO / Continental headunits are a nice fit for the MB dash. I just put one in my W126. No flashing blue lights!
Your car is in great shape. I love the big star hubcaps MB used to use.
The W108 does gain a lot of respect. The stacked headlights on the front are really eye catching.
Thank you! VDO makes some awesome products
You are correct about the areas of rust, and the AT shifting. 13-15MPG on Premium, you didn't mention. My Mom bought my '71 280SE Blau car from first owner in 1976; sold it to me in 1988.
140K miles on original engine, never apart, smokes a little (valve guides). I keep a note on the dash "Don't ever sell this car." Your dog really wants to get out. Cheers!
If you have the window cracked open enough to stuck its head out- that's dog happiness.
Lovely classic. These are honest cars. They are joy forever. Nice video.
My first car was a '59 190b, was such a great car, heater was a little funky. Had the engine rebuilt by the Mercedes dealer in the late 70's. Unfortunately lost the car in a head-on accident to which I walked away from, it was such a sturdy car.
I highly agree with you. Perfect video
Great video - I love your enthusiasm Currently restoring my W108 and can't wait to drive it...
Thank you! Thats too cool, what year is yours?
Registered in June 1972, so one of the last ones.
This is a really great review, I think you hit all the important points really well. Unless you have driven a vintage Mercedes in great shape it is hard to convey how smooth they drive and how you feel in control the whole time.
Thank you!
Nice video. Regards from Poland. We have here few w108's and the fanpage. Love these cars!
What a great video! I enjoyed the honest feedback on the car. Beautiful car! I’m pumped to have recently acquired one. I’m excited to have similar experiences as you mentioned. Cheers.
What year did you get?
@@SirDrifto it’s a .. 1970 W108 280SEL
I’m so lucky to find it… similar to your story. Old man passed…. Son couldn’t get it running… Sat in garage for 30 years…. Little to no rust… 👌🏼
i got a w 108 280 s ; I love it and yes it needs to be driven ! Good review mate!
Thank you!
Very beautiful I restored two 1966 w108 250s, both were a beauty and looking forward to restore a third one!
That is really cool
This is an excellent video. I learned a lot.
I appreciate that
Love the 108's -grew up with one, first car I drove at age 14! Bought the same car, a 1969 280s years later and then bought a '71 6.3 -need to find another. They are extremely well built and I agree, give me one of these over ANY modern Mercedes. They drive beautifully and smell like a MB too! Gotta love MB Tex
Looks so modern compared to my 1960 W121 Ponton.
Amazing video, and a wonderful car please make more videos!!!
I will indeed :)
Great video...loved it! Regarding power windows, my parent's first Cadillac back in 1960 had power windows. I had an uncle with a "59 Caddy, also with power windows.
That’s awesome 👏
So did our '53 Packard. Also had power seats, antenna and top.
Great Review. It has encouraged me on driving my 1970 300 SEL 6.3 more. I bought mine 16 years ago with my first bonus check. .
That's a great way to spend the bonus check 👌
@@SirDrifto Indeed! I got some diesel too an 85 300 CD and a 95 300 D. I believe the W124 300D is very underrated. Got about 600 miles on 1 tank. I also love love the 1987 W124 Turbo Diesel Wagon. I appreciate your content looking forward to the finish interior of the Camper.🍻
Really nice informative video, thanks. I'm looking for a E250/80 coupe and found your video reasuring
Great to hear!
If you liked this video, please consider hitting the like and subscribe button! ☑
Great video! My parents had a '73 280SE 4.5, bought it brand new, dad got a great deal because the W116s had just hit the lot. Even though the W116s became icons, in 1973, they were very radical looking and the 108's were more "Mercedes" like. I was 6 when he bought her at Downtown LA Motors. Everything was pneumatic from the suspension to the door locks to transmission shifter. Last hand built Merc. I'm told. My dad complained that every time he turned around that 4.5 had eaten another muffler, but that V8 was sweet as candy in the malaise era! In 1980, she was traded for a brand new 300D at Butts Buick and Mercedes in Santa Barbara.. Wish I had both cars now!
What an Era to experience these cars new
@@SirDrifto Owning a Merc in the 70s and early 80s is nothing like owning one today. It was more like a movement. As much as you love yours, nearly EVERYONE that owned these cars then just LOVED them and were CRAZY about them too, and by extension, all your fellow Merc. owners were family. When my folks bought their 300D W123 in 1980 my dad (who was an engineer) equipped it with the extended range 20 gallon tank in the trunk, for a total of like 37 gallons, netting an insane range of 800 odd miles. On the return leg of a trip from LA to San Francisco, he decided to see what the actual range of the "main" tank would be, by shutting off the rear tank and driving it dry (really bad idea) around 11PM still miles from the nearest town which would have been Santa Barbara ( they were on the 101 south in Gaviota, CA middle of nowhere) the the car stalled, as it was out of fuel. The plan was to switch on the rear tank and keep driving home. Being this was his fist diesel, he didn't realize that running one dry required bleeding the injectors to restart, something you can't really do on the side of the road in the pitch dark. Not more than 20 min passed, when another couple in THIER W123, seeing them stranded, stopped without hesitation and gave them a ride into town, so they could call the Auto Club to have the stricken car dragged back to civilization. (before cell phones) This would never happen today, but it was quite common then. Half the fun of owning one then, was the comradery, which is most likely why so many older people are drawn to your 108 so enthusiastically, as many were likely owners at one point too, that's just the way it was to own one then. Family.
Dog is falling sleep half way haha great car!!
Just found this today... I got so much enjoyment for this video. . . Though that lack of turn signal 🤣
Terrible driver behavior 🤣
Great video
Love my w108 and my R107 , head turners everywhere they go .
They really are
Great video. Thanks for posting. Great tips on oil and caring for the car. I recently became an owner of a W108 and am anxious to learn all I can.
About the power windows, I owned a 1966 Corvette Stingray that had power windows.
Awesome to hear! What year and model did you get?
@@SirDrifto 1971 280SE on the tree automatic.
GREAT video!
Thank you!
Good video. Thank You.
Thanks
Beautiful car
Thank you for making this review on the W108
One of the cars that define Mercedes.
I agree almost on all the point you make on this video
Glad you made a point out on the Diesel oil on Gas engines. Old timers advise I remember from back in the day.
Would love to know and wanted to make a consultation with you, what years of the W108 are best to choose from, when looking for one?
Very nice video and your 250SE is lovely! Good to see someone who actually uses their classics! And correct mentality that they should not just sit in a garage!
I purchased 2 w108's last year, one was intended to be restored (-69 280SE column auto) and the other was to be a parts car at first (-68 280S with a stuck/rusted 250SE engine) but I got a hold of a w124 OM603 6 cyl diesel engine with 5 speed that I will put in the -68 since it was in too good of a shape to be stripped for parts.. and since the fuel injection on the 280SE sadly was too complicated for me to fix so I'm gonna let an old professional look at it and hope I can get away without spending a fortune. No regular mechanic or shop can deal with these engines..
That is awesome! Please post vids doing the diesel swap.
Where are you based out of?
@@SirDrifto Yeah I'll try to fix some footage :)
I'm based in Sweden, so my cars have some rust repairs above everything else that needs tending to..
Your dog is so well behaved! Also gorgeous car.
Thank you very much he really is a good dog
I know exactly what you're talking about. I drive a 250 SE with automatic myself and completely agree with you. Greetings from Munich, Germany.
What year is yours!?
@@SirDrifto 1967 in white gray
This was akin to therapy for me. I’ve always loved the w108. Mainly driven the w114, w123s, and now new to me a w116. However I definitely plan on a w108. Thank you for taking the time and presenting such a thoughtful perspective on your ownership.
Love hearing that thanks 🙏
I like how sad your dog became when you started talking about the transmission part cost.
Valid point! Never realized that!
Wonderful video and car! Thanks for such great passion and info on it. I JUST purchased my 1968 280S. It arrives end of this month. My 1st car at 16 was a 1966 220S fintail, I worked 2 summers biking 10 miles one way on weekends to run a gas station in the middle of nowhere. After one summer I had enough $ to buy a Ford Pinto, but instead worked another summer holding off so I could get the Mercedes for $1100. Last year I lost my beloved 1985 300TD wagon with 400k miles on it-no rebuild! I was in a freeway hit & run uninsured motorist that hit while stopped at 55+ MPH. Totalled the car, but I had not a scratch or even sore neck. I'd put over 200k miles on it and it was totally dialed in. My new 280S is it's replacement. Are your seats MB Tex or leather? I prefer leather but my car is black MBTex in incredible shape so that's how it goes. I would like to add the center armrests like you have so any info on that modification would be helpful. Thanks!
Awesome video!
Thank you 🙏
Cheers, this is a dream man.
Thank you!
Thanks for the video, I agree with you on every aspect of these find cars I just bought a 1970 white 280se 4dr .for pocket change these are cars are under valued I have been a Benz man for many yrs and have enjoyed them all from the 50s all the way to current !
What a timeless beauty and what a pity that these magnificent cars had produced for only 7 years.
Nice , I used to own two 4.5's when I lived in Denver. Great cars.
What years?
@@SirDriftoCars were 72's, Lived in Denver from 95-2016 miss that place , now live in colo springs
someday Im going to get a 6.3
@@SirDrifto who is your mechanic up there
Hello and thanks for your review. I have just purchased a white one. The condition is like new. The alternator is on and I have to replace a locked caliper. I can not wait to drive it. These cars getting hard to find. I am very excited about it. I think I may enjoy it equal to my Porsche 911.
Great video W108. I m maybe gonna buy 280SE 1968 too soon!
Get one you’ll love it
Love your presentation..many thanks….Captain use your shoulder harness..regards
What a handsome beast!
Thank you !
One childhood friend's father, had one 108/250 exactly like this in period. I got a 123/250 (1981) bought off the prime minister office here in Norway 1985. The latter had the same engine as yours. Everything about the engine was bullet proof - only disadvantage was the consumption...
They are a tad thirsty 😅
Moving to Colorado next week. Bringing my w108 with me.
Let's cruise the cars!
@@SirDrifto would love to drive to a W108 rally. I have 72 280SE 4.5.
someplace like Napa wine country.
Really good looking car😍. Old benzes are high class🙂
Thank you sir! 👌
Este coche es una pasada !!!! 😍😍😍
Very nice..
Thank you
1968 Buick Rivera with power windows. My grandmother had one.
That’s pretty cool
Caddies, Oldsmobiles and Chryslers, among others, had power windows in ‘68 for sure.
I didn’t know that. How cool
5:36 Check it out, his dog has heard it all before 😂 (So has my cat for that matter..)
😂😂 so true
Great video! You need to get a GoPro with a head mount! What’re the lights in the vents for? What’s the radio unit you have? Did you do speakers?
I’ll do a round 2 pov video on it 👍
Jay Leno says Michelin tires only for this vehicle. I'm looking for one now. Where's the best place to find a well cared for spec?
I'd be interested to see a comparison of this versus your W123 wagon.
Beautiful machine! I have a 71 280se and i love the 6cyl.
I see that you have replaced the center clock with a tach. Where did you buy it from and how did you wire it ?
That came with the car when I obtained it
Any experience with alternator lights on after lengthy pause in driving her or replacing the alternator.
Ok this is a the way a vid should be made. I’m biased ,I have a 66,250. So mor basic than the car in the vid. My dogs love the old cars too.
I have a 1970 280s 4 speed on the floor that I saved from the scrapyard, most components work perfectly but the original Becker Europa radio has never worked quite right. What is the information on your aftermarket radio? I’d love to get one!
So i put in an aftermarket bluetooth that had vintage looks. I still kept the original radio
Theres a ton of vintage looking modern stereos on the market and the arent very expensive either!
@@SirDrifto thanks for the reply! Do you have the brand of yours? I love the look of it!
1967 Cadillac Deville Convert
White w black interior power everything including wind wings thos little triangle windows closest to driver and laseenger
W111 1965 has manual windows and columb shift, yours has floor shift? I like that brtter but its a very honest car you got there
I have a 70 280 SE 4 speed manual on the tree. Its my daily driver putting 500 miles a week on it. When I got the car it had been sitting for a while. The more I drove it the better it got. What have you done to the interior?
That’s a great car
Hey live the vid make more about this car! How the mpg on this ?
They aren’t the most fuel efficient. I’d say about 17mpg combined.
Look bananas.. 10k oil change with good oil is nothing. I did 10k oil changes on my m113k cls55 amg up to 220k when I sold it. I’ve opened the engine few months before I sold it and it was perfectly clean without any wear. If you want to keep the engine to minimum you have to put proper oil and don’t load the engine on low rpm when your oil pump is least efficient.
I run diesel oil and do 3-5k changes. Just preference with conventional. Synthetic longevity is far greater.
Wunderbarr
Ja wohl. Sehr shon auto.
What is the meaning of the flower on the dash?
Girlfriend gave it to me, she is a florist by trade.
Electric window rare that time? Only in cars outside of America. Cadillac came out with them in '53, and by the end of 50's most luxury cars in America had them, the higher trim levels as standard. By 1970 you couldn't get a Cadillac without electric windows. Same thing with power seats, by the end of 50's nearly every Caddy had them. The AC system was also superior in the American cars until about the 90's. Yes the Merc was advanced, especially with the fuel injection system but the creature comforts were much better in the contemporary US vehicles, and the Mercs sold in Europe didn't have the same levels of accessories as those imported to the US. Thanks for the great video btw!
Nice make sure you keep the rubber drive shaft disk checked and replace them as needed they are know for coming apart
What's a sign they are about to fail?
@@SirDrifto car shakes they are rubber on each end of the drive shaft easily to replace they get old and crack
Replace them immediately
Sometime the drive shaft will go through the floor bored like it did on my car if this happens it will bust the back of the transmission please get them replaced and save your car
Gorgeous, but no headrests. Ouch. I’d buy a later model just for the head rests.
I call them neck snappers
Great car!! It will last forever.They will never make cars like that again.I have a 72 W108 280SE I echo a lot of your thoughts about these cars. Keep driving best of luck!!!
That are call drive shaft disk I have a 124 and that’s the first thing I checked sue enough they were cracked I replaced them . Mercades are bad for it it’s just one of those things . Take care hope this helps and I love your car or I would not try to help.
I’ll definitely check that out
I know because it happened to me we had a 280se 1969
I have a 1956 Lincoln premiere with power windows
Now that is cool
Thank you. Nice car. How many miles when you bought and how many now?
Got it with 58k about 74k now
I just got one from my boss for free but i had no idea how to unlock the gas cap. Any help?
Should be a keyed gas cap
If you have the key and it still doesn't move. Spray wd40 in key hole
@Sir Drifto thanks. Yeah the key locks the gas cap from spinning but wont come out
What would you think about driving a car like this in a downtown environment? I live in Toronto, Canada and I was wondering if in your experience this would be an absolute pain in the ass to drive something like this and paralell parking it.
I would die for a 6.3 liter.
I can’t speak about the 108 but I have a W123, about 10 years newer, and about the same size, and parking is actually a breeze because the turning circle is so good. Driving in town is also lovely because of the automatic gearbox.
I love the 6.3 just for the pure power but they are 2x maybe 3x the maintenance as this. This car has been pretty low maintenance. It parks and drives just as good as a modern Benz as far as capabilities. I’d say go for a 6 cylinder as it’s easy to work on. Parking is easy. Turn radius is outstanding and driver view point is great. I drive mine In the city all the time. Great driving cars
How do i get this Benz please, am reaching you from Nigeria
I'm bringing it Mr Uche:) when it's all done, you can buy it from me:)
It looks like those power window switches are after-market or dealer installed. Factory window switches would have been on the console. There would be 4 switches for both the driver and the passenger to be able to reach all 4. I have never seen a U.S. bound S class to have manual windows. Remember this is the S (Special) class Mercedes.
I believe the power window switches did not move to the console until 1970 or 1971. I know in 1968 they were still on the door.
@@tkewrestler2662 After my reply, I did find another video with the switches on the door. I had never seen that before on any video... so I thought they were dealer-added. The do look like an after-thought.
@@paulk9985 My Father had a 1970 220 Diesel that he bought two years used, and kept until 2002. I came to know that vintage of Mercedes very well. My sense is the electrics were added later in the run, thus the feeling of the afterthought. Also it is worth noting Mercedes had electric power windows and pneumatic power windows depending on the model and year.
@@tkewrestler2662 My parents bought a 280 in 1973... learned to drive on that wonderful car. Hated when they traded it in for an 81 300D. I recently purchased a 95 E320 Cabriolet. Hopefully it will appreciate in value through the years.
@@paulk9985 I love the E320 Cabriolet. Yes my parents continued with their Mercedes ways as well. Dad currently has 2005 350 SLK with the manual transmission! He purchased it in 2009 and it only had 9048 miles on the odometer. My Mother is currently driving 1999 ML320 that they purchased brand new, but I imagine in the next couple of years they will replace it. It has been a great car, but she now has over 300,000 miles on the odometer. I have always had two cars; a fun car and my everyday car. I have had real thoughts of making my next fun car a W108 or W116 Mercedes.
What tires are u running
I'll have to look. I forget the name of them ha
I have a w108. I fixed it mechanically and drove it around for about 12 months. It's stupid car. You drive around with a stupid smile on your face, despite the fact it's slow. I eventually pulled it off the road and have been cutting rust every since.
If anyone wants one, rust is the first 8 things to look for in the top 10 things to look for.
It’s just stupid awesome 😂
How did I know you also had a W123 diesel even before you mentioned it?
Probably forever black stained hands 🤷♂️😂
@@SirDrifto Oh, I feel that! I've lost track of the number of times I've had to "wash" my hands with WD-40.
…interesting how I commented on the 300 TD Wagon a few moments ago and just found out about this. I lucked out for having Grandparents who had good taste for I ended up with a 1972 MBZ 280 SEL 4.5 as a first car at 16 yrs old in 1985. I so envy guys like you both who are so adept mechanically together with some mad skills sadly I don’t but as pure luck my other half is one and a former MBZ specialist.
It’s like an airplane. Use it, mind it, and it’ll last. Never take it out of the hanger, stuff will break left, and right, just sitting there.