Hello everyone! I have recently purchased a 1969 mercedes 280 S, its a fantastic car but there are a few little problems with it that i was wondering if anyone here could help me with.

First of all do i need to put lead replacement into the tank? The previous owner said that he run it on premium 95 octane fuel with no lead replacement. Is that a good idea? He said he never had any problems, but he only owned it for a few months.

The car also has trouble taking off, it almost seems as if the gearbox is selectinga high gear to start with from a stand still, it will only crawl along and then when it finally reaches about 20 Km's it starts to pick up a bit. The previous owner said that the transmission is due for a service but i was wondering if it could be anything else? Maybe the type of fuel? or spark plugs?

Also are there any other things i should look out for? any tips for such an old mercedes? Its such a beautifull car and i really love driving it, hopefully i can make it reliable and drive it every day!!

Thank you all for any help that you can give me, I really appreciate your time

 

Dear Sam,

One of the first things to know about your car is that fact that if it is an automatic, the car starts off in second gear unless you stomp it and this is normal vehicle operation. The rumor is that Mercedes believes this mechanism saves gas, ergo the somewhat doggy response off the mark. One of the first things I would do is a tune up witha fluids change (oil, filter, trans, differential and fuel filter as well as brake fluid and coolant. Get the copper core Bosch plugs as the older German stuff tends to favor them over the platnum plugs. If you get all this stuff squared away your car should prove to be quite bullet-proof. As for Lead substitues they tend to help keep the valves lubricated better. 95 octane sholud be enough octane to keep the engine running without pinging.
Best ofluck with your classic!

Regards,

Will

 

Sam, such a beautiful old car. I also have one, and love it. Luckily I found one with near perfect interior and exterior. a few minor problems do exist.
1. Starter motor just went out. Purchased a new one, but now the job of replacing the old one? One of the bolts is hidden behind the Starter, and appears to be a recessed hex head? anyone know the size?

2. the Carburators need adjusting. It will start, but wont idle? when I put it in gear the engine dies?

3. The sunvisor clips are missing? where can these be purchased?

Contact me SAM, perhaps we can restore these old beauties together.
tab0000@aol.com