Ep. 1 - 1972 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 4.5 - Mercedes-Benz Classics with Pierre Hedary 

Just purchased one after watching this video and videos on this channel. I don't know what I am getting into but it'll be a journey. Thank you for these videos

My first car was a 1972 280SE 4.5, purchased in December 1977 from Carson-Pettit at 214 West Lancaster Avenue in Devon, PA, which sold MB and Peugeot. (Now Euro Motor Cars, selling only MB.) It had just over 67,000 miles on the odometer and I paid $7,895. It was dark red (DB 542) with cognac MB Tex (same interior as the car in the video, but the video car is dark olive). The VIN was 108.067-12-003958 and its date of manufacture was 8/71. The VIN told the story of the car, 108 chassis type, 067 meant 280SE 4.5 (068 meant 280SEL 4.5), 12 meant automatic transmission (10 meant manual transmission), and 003958 was the production sequence number. It also had a column shift.

Randomly stumbled upon this video and I have to say, Pierre really does express how I feel about vintage cars. What a legend

I recently bought a 88 560SL and have become a big Benz fan. I would consider adding a 280se 4.5! Beauty.

I can add owning the Mercedes 2007 S65 AMG, I've really apprize this video, I love his ownership, it's priceless! Thanks!

Three years later and I got to sit passenger side in this baby as Pierre hammered the accelerator. Anyone out there watching should know these cars are AWESOME. I should add that the a.c. was ice cold. That was quite a surprise.

Benz is the greatest.....greetings from Jamaica 🇯🇲

Well articulated by a genuine enthusiast.

The Mercedes suspension /handling allowed us to avoid a freeway accident while in full control of the vehicle, even upon hopping a concrete curb and leaving the road. Where other cars would have required a tow truck, the Mercedes shrugged it off, that is what they were designed, and I may owe my life to German engineering. The one parked in my driveway is my sixth Mercedes.

This is a bit late but I've come here to say how cool it is that your continuing to maintain the car. I'm the only grandchild of Marian and Bob and got to ride around Melbourne in the car a few times (though my memory is a bit hazy as I was only 10 or 11 at the time). Always nice to see someone enjoying the car.

Very thanksfull for this beauty video of W108 W109 Mercedez Benz true sweetness, 'cause between 1972-1993 i have 3 of W108-109; the two is 108 and one 109....280 S and 280 SEL.... 1968-1970 build....in Bandung, West Java. So melancholik remember the amazing experience. ... The three beauty Mercy still in my heart, till i only have one W 116 now. Bravo Mr. Pierre Hedary.... God bless you..... 🙏🙏🙏

Pierre, thanks for this video, it brought great memories. My father owned a dark brown 280 SE 4.5 during the 70's here in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. To me it still brings memories of raw acceleration power, it was the first Mercedes I rode and made me love the marque. Sadly that car died when my father for lack of time took it to a shop for a spark plug and oil change and the "curious" mechanic investigated the fuel injection system, the car never ran again. That was in 1979 and dad hooked on Mercedes bought a 1980 300SD for their fuel economy. His last Mercedes was 560 SEL. Love the Channel, Love the Cars. Keep doing such a great job.

Great video Pierre! Thank you for sharing so much information on this amazing car, as well as the history you have with it and what it means to you. My Uncle was kind enough to gift me this beautiful vehicle after almost 30 years of ownership, and I’m excited to continue its legacy within our family.

Loved watching this long form video. I hope we get to see more content like this, Pierre. How often are you driving it these days? That sunroof is certainly interesting. :-) Back in High School we had a teacher that everyone made fun of, but he drove one of these and I figured if he had a car like that he was doing something right. His other car was a Saab, though I cannot recollect which one. A few years after graduating I spotted him in a supermarket parking lot driving a 240D. I ran on over and played some catch up with him. The 240D had been his mom's car and she had passed away. He loved German engineering and told me that when I got older I would understand why these cars were better than the Novas and muscle cars that were popular with the kids (at that time). He was right.

Something similar re badging was perhaps used on the boot lip of the 300E W124 chassis. I seem to remember the 300E 2.8 and 300E 24 modifiers, 24 being for the 24 valve version of the 3.0L inline 6. Loved learning about this car, thank you…

I love a "well used" but good condition 108.. nice video Pierre!

This video is the reason I bought a green 1972 280SE 4.5 two months ago - Pierre you can consider yourself a true influencer. :-) Now I am in the process of sorting out the car which had been sitting since 2012. It is all original and in fairly good shape, passed inspection and I can drive it, but almost everywhere I look, I find issues that need to be fixed. This will keep me busy for years to come ...

Great always lean about different models. Thanks always or sharing

Mercedes was born as a QUEEN, and she is still the QUEEN!

Bravo Pierre Hedary !!! I have been hooked on your channel, and even more so now. The W108/W109 series is hands down the most beautiful Mercedes Benz sedan ever built. Thanks for sharing !!! Dean

That car is achingly beautiful especially from the front 45 degree angle. This channel is definitely one of the top automotive channels on YT.

Pierre that is one beautiful car. Excellent! Thank you for sharing.

Absolutely gorgeous. I think to own such machine and to get to drive it around its an absolute privilege...maybe one day, I'll get that chance ...great video

Great video! Had a few 108's back in the 80"s and just loved them. Thanks .

I believe I have kind of a semi-rare unicorn. The 1972 300 SEL 4.5. This 109 was only produced in this configuration for one year. Had to do California emission regulations and Mercedes knew the 6.3 would not pass the standards so for one year they put the 4.5 V8 in the 109. Something like 2553 were produced, period. Mine is a great looking moss green with the tobacco brown interior example. The gear shift is on the column. I felt it was an exceptional non-restored, low mi survivor. I came by it back in the mid-nineties, drove it sparingly, and kept it in one garage or another since. It's not showroom or concours condition but it is darned nice. I'm going to sell it but I haven't driven it in several years. I'm pretty confident it would turn over and probably even start up. Having sat for that long I want to insure the engine turns freely and there is the matter of the old gas in the tank. I want to insure I don't damage it in the process. How do you suggest I start?

Thanks for the vid, Pierre! I lust after the w108. That green is absolutely gorgeous

Nice job Pierre. Beautiful car.

Great

a beauty

I drew one of these for a friend recently. The grille was absolute torture, but it came out good.

I learned how to drive in a 250S in 1972 and last year I bought a 280SE coup with bad engine. Now, am thinking of replacing the engine with a 450 which I have in my garage. Great cars but am not a big fan of the 6.3. Great video.

Great video. Really enjoyed it. Thanks.

Glad to hear the positive feedback! Can't wait to film more of these episodes with Pierre & Thomas!

Thanks for sharing. Beautiful car . Love the 108

Thats a Beautiful Vehicle ; Id kill for that interior color on my W123

If I could give you an award for the information and candor you have to these Mercedes I would very it to you. I want one of these now

Well I know what you mean about the iconic feel of a W108. The pinnacle design that reflects the “art of the Benz”. Many improvements were made after this, but none had the overall balance of objectives that this car represents.

This is my dream car. Thanks for posting this!

So beautiful! That color combo is amazing!

The best Pierre video yet! Spot on assessment of the 4.5! Thank you for continuing to produce great content and educate.

I just bought exactly same w108, mint condition. Amazing car. Thanks to you and to your videos😊👍

Great review on a piece of your history and work of art.

That's a great video Pierre....and reminds me of why I loved my 4.5s...my Arabian Gray one also had an aftermarket sunroof that became a part of the car as well. Looking forward to more long format videos from you.

Awesome car and color combo!

Hey Pierre, great video. Really enjoyed it and your 280 SE 4.5 is just gorgeous. Thanks for everything.

Excellent video, thanks man

I just brought one of these recently and just about every description of how the car makes you feel and what it means is to an owner is true. From the 2AM drives putting my foot in it a little or just cruising (I don’t have a sunroof car though) to how big the trunk is like holding to sets of golf bags and suitcases for a weeks trip, this video is spot on! Please keep the W108 videos coming! I’m subscribed, in hopes of learning more and relating to your experiences with an 108.

I don't own a Mercedes. I genuinely enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work.

Great video, car an discussion...thanks Pierre!

Nice, honestly presented car. Love it!

What a gorgeous car!

Great video!...i knew everything about the W116/W123 but nothing on this beast...really liked the content. Thanks man

Great video Pierre!

I thoroughly enjoyed watching your video! And it's really great to see how many people share the same passion with regards to these cars (especially when looking at the comments). Similar to your situation, my love for these cars grew from my parents owning these older Mercs (W123 230E Euro, in particular). As a result, I have only owned old Mercs that I would service and maintain myself. My daily is an 86 560SL and a Euro 80 450SLC in South Africa for when I'm there. When well maintained, they really are as reliable as a Swiss watch. Hopefully, I can get myself a 280SE 4.5 one day, provided the finances and space would allow it ;-) keep up the great content!

I love the w108s and that’s a great example. Someday I hope to own one.

Joan Lundon once reported a tour of the Rolls Royce factory and the tour guide said taking a ride in a Rolls was an “occasion”. That’s what drove me to get an ‘84 300sd. I’ve now got an ‘05 C240, but it’s not the same experience. I can imagine the experience you would enjoy with this classic.

Great video! Love this format! Also a fan of Death Cab for Cutie!

Amazing stuff Pierre!

Great video!

Bosch EFI at 1972 was rocket science

Love the 4.5...

thats an amazing car, im in love!!

Mercedes have long used those engine size modifier badges on some models, especially in the USA. After the models you mentioned, there was the 190E 2.3, the 190D 2.2 and 2.5, the 300E 2.8, and the 300D 2.5 Turbo. These days the model number has little relation to the actual engine size.

Nice video

I used to own one just like that, sans sun roof. Loved driving that car.

Thanks for the thorough explanation! I thought that the chrome exhaust tips meant that the engine was fuel injected and that this was a common practice in German automakers!

Pierre what a beautiful Car! Fantastic explanation for dummies like me. Would love to have one but my three 87-91 keep me plenty busy! Thanks for showing us!!

Sweet car! And another great video! I love that color. Absolutely beautiful. You mentioned "ThermoKing"; was that a joke, or did ThermoKing provide a/c for those cars? The only ThermoKings I'm familiar with are reefer units on semitrailers. Just curious about that. Also, I didn't realize that the Bundt rims were an option. The old hubcaps look so much better on that car! I appreciate your telling us about how special this car is to you personally. We get you, my friend. Completely understandable feelings right there. Thank you so much for sharing this. I look forward to every video. You're a good man.

Nice video. Just to mention, the author probably wanted to simplify the rear axle features, but... Kinematically the rear axle is a swing axle both sides, with pretty similar suspension geometry both sides, the other side just has got slightly bigger moment of inertia. The differential doesnt bounce up/down as live axle does, but mostly rotates. The point of this rear axle geometry is to get the roll center as low as possible (the pivot point of the swing axles is on the level of the bottom of the differential) to eliminate the wheel to align in positive camber angles aka. the swing axle to "swing outwards".

Mercedes Benz w 108, 109 is the most gorgeous car ever built.

If you own a Mercedes Benz and visit Pierre, have service performed on your baby, you will leave with a big smile on your face. As you drive out your baby you will have a big smile on your face. When you look at your baby in your garage you will have a smile on your face and lastly when you watch any RU-vid activity about Pierre you will have a smile on your face. Happy I met Pierre and his team and lucky to be only two hours away.

Nice W108!

My grandmother's 280SEL4.5 was a magnificent automobile. I have so many stories about driving him around during my later highschool years. One trip to Normal illinois from Chicago Heights, 130miles that took 56 minutes with him next to me in the passenger seat and grandma napping in the back seat. He never noticed how fast we were going!😀 I remember those seatbelts! You should really try Mahler symphony#7 on your next trip, much more fitting.

There is nothing like a W108 !

The Classics video and this car look exceptional! Bravo, guys. Where can I get my own W108 sedan?!

Awesome video great format and a beautiful subject. The grill inserts is perfect have you had it re anodized?

These are great cars I have two of them :)

Friendly video. Well done.

What a delight, and these W108s are really superb, characterful cars. They also possess one of the most delicious exhaust notes - perhaps Pierre can expand on that aspect in a future video?

11/10 on the video , mate :)

Pierre. It was fun running into you at this years Gooding auction at Amelia Island.--Great video-would like to get a 108 soon.Approximately what should the asking price be? Tom

Where do you get the Michelin 205/70r14 tire? The last set of Michelin's I purchased was at Costco but I do not see this size of tire sold anymore and yet this is a perfect tire size for my 1981 240d manual 4 speed. I had it going up the I-5 Grapevine south of Bakersfield this last week and it tops out at 4,144'. I took the hill between 55 and 60 miles per hour. I kept up with the flow of traffic with no problems. I drove down to San Diego/San Ysidro on Thursday and came back Saturday. The car drives like a dream. I use Amsoil in the engine, manual transmission Amsoil oil gear oil for this transmission, and in the differential.

On 5’30 you state the 450 SEL 6.9 was the last one. Apparently the 190E 2.6 the last I know of.. AWESOME VIDEO

My 240d did not have a passenger mirror until I got one from a 300d and I did it for safety. I did not have to do any drilling.

Hi Pierre, congratulations on the video.If I were to buy a W116 280SE , would you recommend a car with D-Jetronic or K-Jetronic injection system ? I often watch your videos, greetings from Italy

Paul Bunyan driving an old Mercedes. Damn it.

Great Video with tons of Information. What do you think about the 6 cylinder W108? I have a chance to buy a 71 280 SEL. All original. Looks great for age and could be phenomenal with a little work. But will I be unhappy with the performance?

Super great. I love In -108 for 2 years I am looking for such a car for myself.What do you advise? Regards Piotr from Poland.

Do you have a video about the W116? My favorit Merc

Needs whitewall tires! I love these cars. Exorcist star car.

So when are you going to do an episode on one of the best Mercs ever made.....the 1994 W124 E280? A fabulous car without a diesel in site.

The door in 90s were not more ship. Was more ligther and felt less metalic because some metal was relocated to others zones to improve security

Displacement modifier: Do you know the Mercedes 190 E , 190 E 2.0, 190 E 2.3 and 190 E 2.6?

It's like having a real friend. I drive a diesel w201, it's slowwwwwwww, a 4 cylinder with no turbo is bound to be slow, but it's so fast to start up, even in cold.

how are the valves oil seals?

I am happy you love your Benz. My first car was a '69 Triple green firebird. Anyone can buy a Camaro, they are as common as flies. Just try to find a '69 triple green firebird with 350 cid. auto on the floor, with A.C.. I have seen 2.

Nice video Pierre. What is the significance of a white or a black steering wheel? Heard black was for owner driver whereas white was chauffeur driven.

would like to get one. I don't know why MB has gone the way it has but not appealing at all. tks for this.

@ 0:21 😆

Pierre - You are a national treasure! A Champion!! I’ve a 73 w116. I’ve owned a lot of later MB’s. All rather shite, in comparison. Quite. My w212 E 550 ain’t a bad car. But, unlike the w116 ‘73 450 SEL, it won’t be around 40 years on. And the doors - the fcuking doors - not the same since … - 1989?? And D Jet … yeah p