Oh what a beautiful car this is. I grew up with my father driving a 280SE W108 in the same colour blue. We took many long distance family holidays in the that car.
The confusion regarding the 'air bags' on these cars is that the pneumatic suspension was commonly referred to as the car having 'air bags'... air bag suspension. The air bag safety device in the steering wheel boss was first introduced on the W116.
Another option on these cars was an electric window between the front and back seats for privacy when the car is chauffeur driven. It was a very neat installation. Remember, these cars were used by royalty and other dignitaries in those days. To this day I regret not buying the one I drove... it had previously belonged to the King of Swaziland and came up for sale in Cape Town many years ago. I did at least own a W108 280 SE and a W116 350 SE, so I did get to experience both The Body and The Engine; just not at The Same Time.🤣 Edit PS: In my opinion, these two cars were of a higher and more solid build quality than the two W126 cars I owned. The 560 SEL was humongous and very powerful, but I never liked it. The 500 SE was a much sweeter car to drive, but not quite up to scratch when compared to the W108 and W116.
SLOVENIA ... What a country, very sweet memories, the only East European Country that had and still has Visa Waiver Status with the USA. She is, probably, the most technically advanced country of Eastern Europe. Germany invested heavily, producing many gadgets. Slovenians are exceedingly friendly and helpful to foreigners. They are not boisterous like their neighbours, Italians, nor quarrelsome like Croatians. Yes, she is a very beautiful nice little country. BTW, I had one with customized 6.9 litres engine. She was a car and a half to drive on German Autobahn ..She was quite heavy on Petrol and ?Engine Oil. so were all Mercedes.
Perfect for the coming zombie apocalypse end of 2021 . No need for fancy electronics and software to keep it going , just a big hammer and some spanners and you’re off again !
I got a 300SEL 3.5 1971 Exactly as you are showing Thanks for the video Would be great if you can help me with a online web page to find some parts for restauration
Regardless of the fact we've filmed this in 1971, the cameraman wasn't under the influence of substances popular in those times. He simply had a few technical issues with his gear. He's very sorry about that and, if you meet him in person, he'll buy you a beer!
Love this! But one comment... I don't believe airbags were ever an option in 1971, or on any W109 series car. Those came later in the mid eighties production.
I believe you are correct. I looked it up and it seems the airbags were introduced with the w126 in 1981. Sorry! Owner made a small mistake there, but he's still an encyclopedia of information. :)
And just want to say how much I enjoy this channel. As an American with close friends in Ljubljana, I love all the fun and interesting cars you feature that we don't get here. Plus, the Slovenian scenery is always spectacular.
I love the W108-9's, truly wonderful cars. Solid, well engineered and so good to drive. Compare this to American or any other luxury cars of the era. The next W116's (last of the chrome bumper models from MB) were special too.
Ich besaß vom 180 D bis zum 6.9 fast alle Mercedes Fahrzeuge. Auch die W 140 Reihe bin ich gefahren, der 6.3 war ein aussergewöhnliches Fahrzeug, und hat viel Spass gemacht. Trotzdem, auch der 300 SEL 3.5 reicht aus um schnell zufahren. Keiner braucht natürlich den 6.3!
....................Kudos to you for maintaining this vehicle I have two cars benz w 115 and 123 Both vehicles do not run very badly The w 115 car was the official car used by the world’s first prime minister My dream is to get those 2 cars running It is not easy The politicians of sri lanka have stolen the national economy and the whole country is in debt to the world The country is now being run by IMF and world aid Everything is taxed Just breathing is not taxed I have seen benz cars abandoned in some countries which are in the best condition Both my cars have about 60% damage to the bumper Recovery is difficult If you have the body of the w 115 or 123 cars in you possession, I would be grateful if you could provide me with the body of those cars. Also, if there is any possibility to help me in making these two cars, I would be grateful Sorry if there was a mistake…… I am also a person who loves benz cars…………………
