help me:- ive bought a merc and now bugger all about it!!

[dez]

ive just bought my first mercedes-benz. im not even 100% on what it is. its a 1971 280se, automatic, 2.8L straight 6, mechanical F.I., blue interior, was silver but is now black. its a 4-door saloon.
so what chassis series would this be??
i managed to get a haynes manual for it, which isnt exactly great but is better than nothing. ive had it a month or so and have managed to loose the keys already, so where can i get a new one cut from the lock??
rust wise, i think its pretty good. it needs the bottom of the spare wheel well, a bit under the battery, and the closing plates on the sills, the floors and the sills themselves are very good. ive been told that ive got away very lightly with this little rust, is this true??
the car has only had 4 owners from new, including me, and the previous owner had not driven the car, only dry stored it.
i could also do with a few parts for it, mostly service parts, but also the rear passenger door has a hefty dent in it, and if theyre not too expensive ile get a new one, if theyre pricey the slid hammers coming out!!!
and a rear bumper, as its well shagged!!

so, where can i get some keys cut, and some parts??

 

[guydewdney]

keys can be interesting for a W111 or W108 (the chassis number will start 108 or 111 983 or similar - 98 means its fuel injected - as does the E on the end. with chassis number, V5 in grubby mitt, licence and some other ID go to the dealer.... you might be stuffed - as replacing the lock without the key is a nightmare - lots and lots of drilling involved. with a key its easy - turn to pos 1 and hook out the barrel...

This was the S class of its day, a lovely car, theres tons of info on the web about it. I really want the coupe version - 220se/b or 280se 3.5 (with a 3.5 V8 in it )

you describe all the common rust spots - also check the C pillar if it has a sunroof - they rot at the middle about the height of the bottom of the windows.

 

[nasher]

You've definitely got a w108, the w111 would be a coupe. You can get all the service parts from Mercedes and price wise they are quite good. They would be able to supply a door, but forget it. From my experience, body panels are very expensive. If the door's beyond repair, try a breakers.

 

[dez]

i cant find that much info ont 'tinternet, not on my model anyway, only the (rediculously expensive!!) coupes.

ive tried to get the ing. barrel out, but i dont think its gunna happen without a key. cant i get a key cut to match the door lock barrel?? its easy to remove that!!

so im definately on a 108 chassis?? ile did the documents out in a bit and ahve a look at the number. the doors probably saveable, it doesnt shut very well tho, so i thin the hinge is bent. the bidywork is not bewond my capabilities at all, ive restored numerous vw beetles and type 3s, and done roofchops and sectioning work on hotrods.

as for breakers, where?? i cant find any.
also, where id the cheapest for service parts, esp. brakes as i want to go through the system before its driven.

 

[dez]

ive had a look at the docs, chassis no starts 108-018. and the engine no. starts 130.980, so what youve said seems to be true :lol:
but can i get a key cut from the door lock?? i presume its the same as the ignition barrrel??

 

[NormanB]

Dez

Take your vehicle documents and two acceptable forms of ID to your dealer and they will order a key to match your ignition (you were using one key for all locks before you lost them weren't you?)

It is the most effective way and you normally get the key witin 3 or 4 working days.

Good Luck
NormanB