Mercedes-Benz W108

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Image:SC06 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300SE Coupe.jpg

1965 W112 300SE Coupe

Image:W108 Bild03.jpg

1971 W108 280S

The Mercedes-Benz W108/W109 model series was a large luxury car line built by Mercedes-Benz from 1965 through 1972.

1 Models
- 1.1 W108
- 1.2 W109
2 Overview
3 Competitors
4 External links

[edit] Models

[edit] W108

Chassis code	Years	Model	Engine
W108.012	1965–1969	250S	2.5 L M180 I6
W108.014	1965–1968	250SE	2.5 L M129 I6
W108.015	1965–1967	300SE	3.0 L M189 I6
W108.016	1967–1972	280S	2.8 L M130 I6
W108.018	1967–1972	280SE	2.8 L M130 I6
W108.019	1968–1971	280SEL	2.8 L M130 I6
W108.057	1970–1972	280SE 3.5	3.5 L M116 V8
W108.058	1970–1972	280SEL 3.5	3.5 L M116 V8
W108.067	1971–1972	280SE 4.5	4.5 L M117 V8
W108.068	1971–1972	280SEL 4.5	4.5 L M117 V8

[edit] W109

Chassis code	Years	Model	Engine
W109.015	1965–1967	300SEL	3.0 L M189 I6
W109.016	1967–1970	300SEL	2.8 L M130 I6
W109.018	1967–1972	300SEL 6.3	6.3 L M100 V8
W109.056	1969–1972	300SEL 3.5	3.5 L M116 V8
W109.057	1971–1972	300SEL 4.5	4.5 L M117 V8

[edit] Overview

The W108/W109 was a replacement for the higher end of the "Fintail" sedan range, with three-box styling similar to the W111/W112 coupes. The somewhat controversial fins of the so-called earlier Heckflosse were eliminated by designer Paul Bracq. The initial lineup was:

W108 (Short-wheelbase, coil-sprung suspension)

250S
250SE
300SE

W109 (Long-wheelbase, self-levelling air suspension)

300SEL

The new S-Class carried over much of the basic engineering principles from previous models, but had many refinements to make them some of the most well equipped cars of the era. The 300SE and 300SEL were especially well-appointed, featuring burl walnut dashboards, automatic transmission, and power windows.

In 1967, the 250S and 250SE were replaced by the 280S and 280SE. The 300SE was deleted and the 300SEL received the 280's new 2.8-litre engine. The Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3 was also introduced, featuring the 600's 6.3-litre engine in a smaller, lighter body than the 600. Later, a 3.5-litre V8 would be available in both W108 and W109 series. It is worthy of note that 1973 was the last year of hand-built Mercedes-Benz cars.