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1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SEL W108 (Manuals / 5 Gears) RWD (1968-1972)

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Overview

1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SEL W108 (Manuals / 5 Gears) RWD (1968-1972)

The 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SEL with 5-speed manual transmission was one of the rarest and most sought-after variants for performance enthusiasts in Europe. Unlike the standard 4-speed gearbox, the 5-speed option (ZF) offered closer ratios and a fifth “overdrive” gear that lowered engine laps on the highway, improving serenity and consumption. The vehicle is powered by the legendary M130 E28 engine with mechanical injection Bosch , which produces 160 hp / 158 HP / 117.5 kW . The extended SEL chassis (W108.019) offered maximum luxury without the complexity of air suspension, making this model a perfect cruiser that combined S-class comfort with a sporty steering feel thanks to the rare gearbox.

Model:W108 280 SEL
Production year:1971
Transmission:Manuale with 5 speed
Starting price:€10,890
Engine size:2.8 L
Max torque:240 Nm
Cylinders alignment:Line 6
Charge system:Gasoline pa turbocharger
Displacement:2778 cm3
Max power:160 PS / 158 HP / 117.5 kW
Fuel type:Gasoline
Fuel consumption:12.7 L/100km combined
Extra-urban:9.6-11.5 L/100km
City:14.8-17.8 L/100km
Emission standard:N/A
Body style:Sedan
0-80 km/h:6.2 s
0-100 km/h:9.7 s
0-160 km/h:29.0 s
0-200 km/h:N/A
Top speed:186 km/h
Curb weight:1525 kg
Gross weight:2025 kg
Length:5000 mm
Width:1810 mm
Height:1440 mm
Fuel capacity:82 liters

Expert Assessment

Consumption
68%
Safety
80%
Performance
76%
Driveability
86%
Durability
94%
Maintenance
68%
Design
100%
Summary

Experts consider the 5-speed version to be the "Holy Grail" of the six-cylinder W108 series. This gearbox completely changes the character of the car, making it much more resilient to acceleration and more economical on long journeys. Although the initial price in 1968 was around 21,300 Deutsche Mark (around 10,890 Euros at the fixed conversion rate), today this model is worth much more than the automatic or 4-speed variants. Maintaining the ZF 5-speed box is more expensive as the parts are specific and rare, but the pleasure it offers on the road is unmatched for a limousine of that era.

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