This is great! We have a W109 with this exact project ahead of us and I was really intimidated by it. Now I'm even more intimidated but at least I'm educated to the extent of the work and have a good guide to follow! :D The central locking system is completely shot too and we're thinking of replacing it with one of those central locking motor kits, not even mentioning the window motors and gears.
@zoharmelamed3 күн бұрын
Another item that fails quite regularly is the clock - lots of info online on how to fix the funny electric winding. I converted mine to quartz many years ago after fixing the winder a few times.
@mercedesmaintenance.63393 күн бұрын
Thank you!
@westhavenor95134 күн бұрын
Wonderful video, wonderful cars! My suggestion to prospective buyers that it's much better to pay a lot of money upfront for a very well-sorted example, unless you're buying it just for the fun of doing your own restoration. But it will likely cost you twice as much as buying the well-sorted example.
@mercedesmaintenance.63394 күн бұрын
Very good point! And one I will certainly mention. Cheers John 🍻
@sirjosephwhitworth94154 күн бұрын
I have the W108 280S here in England, I tend to agree with your overview of the interior. A problem which my car had initially was the heater levers being difficult or impossible to move, this was seized valves in the heater matrix, a sod to get at but worth the effort. Another aspect if you have A/C, check the dryer and expansion valve in the evaporator, they can both stop the system functioning properly, once more the latter is time consuming to extract and re-fit, but do able.
@mercedesmaintenance.63394 күн бұрын
I've been fortunate with the valves. Mine moved well. The lever assembly just needed cleaning and lubrication. I will chat about ac more in upcoming videos. Say hello to England for me. 😄 Cheers John
@kensshowtell8 күн бұрын
"Just lower the hood." I love it. I'm going to do both my W108 cars very soon. Thank you, John.
@mercedesmaintenance.63398 күн бұрын
You are so right. HAHA. Getting senile I guess. Cheers John.
@kensshowtell8 күн бұрын
@@mercedesmaintenance.6339 I don't think so. One reason I enjoy making videos and especially in the editing is that I notice something I could have done differently or had not seen before. Viewers do too. For example, I did not notice the front hood emblem on my 1954 Chevy was on upside down. How embarrassing. It is now on correctly. Cheers to your too, John.
@dano33610 күн бұрын
This is beautiful I've had two 300 SDs 1983 one 420 SEL 1988.. and the latest two weeks ago is a very good condition 1988 300 SE with all repair and maintenance records
@christophermarshall576511 күн бұрын
My 2015 A180 W176 has those knobs for the seat adjustment.
@LuckyGuy-hv3ci14 күн бұрын
Beautiful detailing.
@frankbenz89317 күн бұрын
Hi John, kind of topic question. What do you use to bring back the shine or semi gloss to the rubber strip on the middle of the bumpers. Any suggestions?
@mercedesmaintenance.633912 күн бұрын
No worries. I actually use a hybrid spray from turtle wax. It mists on and is very easily spread and buffed. It cleans the rubber too very well. There are also some specific products out there for rubber. But I find it easier as an all in one. Here's a link to the one I use. Cheers John. www.turtlewax.com/products/hybrid-solutions-ceramic-3-in-1-detailer-32-fl-oz
@Suniman817 күн бұрын
I just got mine from MBZ too. You are an inspiration for all those brave enough to tackle these beasts and I thank you.
@mercedesmaintenance.633917 күн бұрын
I can't wait to get stuck in. Stay tuned:) Cheers John.
@JirafaWood20 күн бұрын
Great Video. Do you know if this will work with a newer mercedes? I have a w210 that has wood trim that has been bleached. Lots of discoloration, that none of the trim matches.
@mercedesmaintenance.633919 күн бұрын
If its wood I Don't see why not? I think the biggest challenge would be removing the surface finish. Here in the States you can no longer buy Methylene Chloride stripper. The stuff nowadays can struggle with certain finishes. Matching color? Experiment on some similar scrap before committing. Let me know how you get, on or if you have any other questions. Cheers John 🍻
@JirafaWood19 күн бұрын
@@mercedesmaintenance.6339 That's a good point. I guess I was wondering if you knew if the finishing they used in later cars was any different to remove? I mostly see people peel/chisel off the finish instead of stripping it. Your method is a lot cleaner. I think I would end up redoing it all, since I'd like to change to a darker color. It's a beautiful birdseye maple. The grain is fantastic, but the discoloration and finish cracks are killing me. I'll be waiting until spring next year, work keeps me away from causing trouble at home. I certainly will reach out if I have any other questions. Thanks, Vic.
@mercedesmaintenance.633918 күн бұрын
@@JirafaWood The Modern finish I'm sure is going to be a very tough finish to remove. If I were you I would experiment on a small inconspicuous area first. I've seen people have good success after they apply the stripper is to cover with cling film and let it sit. It stops the air drying out the stripper. good luck. All the best. John.
@TexasRebel20 күн бұрын
Excellent job. Also you speak like someone that had a few rags burst into flames once. I had some start on fire once back in the 80's in the shop, fortunately in a small metal "rag can". it only takes one time.
@mercedesmaintenance.633919 күн бұрын
Haha. Actually I've never had it happen. But I had a friend that did experience it. One of his guys threw some rags in a sink and forgot about them. Luckily the alarm sounded and it was put out. Can't be too careful. Cheers John 🍻
@LuckyGuy-hv3ci21 күн бұрын
Beautifu work John. Thanks for sharing.
@zakhara22 күн бұрын
How can I email you? I have a question about my W108, Thanks
@@mercedesmaintenance.6339 Please check your inbox, Thank you.
@1967250s22 күн бұрын
Have the same problem on my 1967 250S. Surprising that Mercedes did not put a shield up there, inside the fender, to protect feom this. Is a repair section available for this?
@mercedesmaintenance.633922 күн бұрын
That would have been a good idea. I don't think there's a repair section. It would be best to find another. If you have a pick n pull near you that would be the way to go. Cheers John 🍻
@mv-cs9tm22 күн бұрын
In Australia you can get this car with no rust $ 2500
@mercedesmaintenance.633922 күн бұрын
The one on the Rotisserie is a 6.3 109. It can't be purchased here for 2500 without issues. I had a unique opportunity to get this one at a extremely good price. The 108s here you would need to spend at least 5 to 6k to get something half way decent. Though really solid rust free cars are getting harder to find. I have a friend that bought a 6.3 with more rust than mine and paid 19k!!! Cheers John 🍻
@mv-cs9tm22 күн бұрын
@@mercedesmaintenance.6339 I am say for W 108 280 se 1971 $ 2500 no rust in usually place.
@user-pf3ge1gw7y22 күн бұрын
Thank you for that great video and greetings from Hamburg (Germany)
@mercedesmaintenance.633922 күн бұрын
Thank you so much. Hello Hamburg Germany!! More to come on the 108 when this horrible heat has gone. Cheers John 🍻
@LuckyGuy-hv3ci23 күн бұрын
Very good and informative video. Thank you John for doing this. 🙏
@mercedesmaintenance.633923 күн бұрын
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it, more to come. Cheers John.
@RS-np8cu23 күн бұрын
Hi John. I take back this morning's comment, not with it this morning. As an ex-pat you may or may not know t5hat the 504 6.3s Mercedes built with the steering wheel on the correct side have the engine canted over to the left which makes the compressor delt tensioner screw awkward to get at, so I had been contemplating adding a hole with rubber plug for access under the front wing, vut hadn't done so yet. The RHD cars also nave some other peculiarity's. Richard
@mercedesmaintenance.633923 күн бұрын
Thanks Richard. That sounds like a good remedy. I didn't know they did that on right hookers. How did they change the position? Was it on the engine mount arms? Cheers John 🍻
@johnfrei905724 күн бұрын
My goal is to get a Mercedes as a daily driver. Pierre Hedary says that the best ones were made up until 1994/95.
@christophermarshall576524 күн бұрын
I got 2 mercs. One is a 1976 W116 450SE. I use that for towing my 8X5 trailer. The other one is an A180 I bought for a run about while I do up the 450. The 116 has a little rust, & is in need of a respray. It won't be astral silver (code 735) when I've finished. It will be metallic candy pearl red. Normally, this is sprayed over a black base. I'm going to spray it over silver base.
@mercedesmaintenance.633923 күн бұрын
I agree with Pierre. The w108s do have some more maintenance things to keep and eye on than later models, but I find them wonderful daily drivers. I enjoy driving and maintaining them. Neither have let me down.
@RS-np8cu24 күн бұрын
John, you only have two holes theough the inner wing for the air tank to pass through. There should be three. Well, there are on mine! Richard
@mercedesmaintenance.633923 күн бұрын
You are 100% correct. I still have to make another hole for the air tank. That whole upper section is from another car. The top fender bolt edge was rotted out on the original. Good eye! Cheers John 🍻
@stephengoodwin640327 күн бұрын
I had one very similiar to this,sunroof,same color scheme,but different steering wheel.Great car.
@mercedesmaintenance.633923 күн бұрын
Thank you. I've owned this one now 10 years and still look forward to driving it.. Cheers John
@christophermarshall576528 күн бұрын
Looks great. Nice job. Recalibrating those is a pain. Glad you sent it to a specialist shop.
@mercedesmaintenance.633923 күн бұрын
Hopefully it runs as good as it looks:)
@MusicodeDios4everАй бұрын
Gorgeous 🤩
@TonyLiveTVАй бұрын
Great camera shots John!
@graemeceballos265Ай бұрын
Damn I should have brought my 87 300TD
@julianaburrow7131Ай бұрын
There used to be a 7 1/4 inch gauge Big Boy (X4008 William Jeffers) at a railway in Cornwall UK and it was massive! Can’t imagine what the full size version looks like… Sadly (for the UK) the Forest Railway (Cornwall) is no more and the locomotives have now gone to Australia - where they seem mostly to be in storage…
@julianaburrow7131Ай бұрын
Wow! Lovely line up of cars AND a Big Boy… great work John!
@glennstocker487Ай бұрын
"The Magic of Steam", as the years pass seems to become ever more "magical" Cheers.
@johnkelly6942Ай бұрын
Similar to what I’m just finishing up for my 1955 Chevy Nomad body. Previous owner did new floors, rockers and tailpan then just put it back on the rusty frame. Metalwork was done so long ago the whole body needs to be sandblasted, reprimed then the process can restart.
@mercedesmaintenance.6339Ай бұрын
Strange he'd do all that and put it back on a rusty frame? You'll love having the body cart. I just finished up a rotisserie which works well in conjunction with this cart. Good Luck with the project . Cheers John.
@johnkelly6942Ай бұрын
@@mercedesmaintenance.6339 I know. I was originally hoping to do some repairs on the old rusty frame but ended up but finding a replacement. Typical old car project. Some previous owner got all excited to tear into a project, then realized how much it was costing (or some other reason) and then it sat for the next 20-30 years.
@TomMcSweeney-qo1kvАй бұрын
Great video John, tried to do the same procedure on my 72 280 SEL 4.5, would also like to replace the stabilizer bar links at each end of the bar. Unable to find them anywhere wondering if you could be of any help thanks.
@mercedesmaintenance.6339Ай бұрын
Hi Tom Glad you liked the video. I think your asking about the sway bar kit. Here's a link. www.authenticclassics.com/Front-Sway-Bar-Repair-Kit-108-109-111-112ch-p/auth-002512.htm If that's not it let me know. Cheers John.
@jalemanmymexico8691Ай бұрын
Es usted una Riata. (Spanish language) You are smart person
@mercedesmaintenance.6339Ай бұрын
I'm happy the videos are of some help. Cheers John.
@patrickduff4490Ай бұрын
Hey John, I am finding your videos very helpful! Recently aquired a 67 w110 from a family member. Do you have a link to the manual you reference? Having a hard time finding a service manual.
@mercedesmaintenance.6339Ай бұрын
Hi Patrick. I bought my workshop manual privately some years back. They are available on some of the Mercedes facebook group sites from time to time. Or ebay etc. I did find this link to a database. It may help for the time being. archive.org/details/MB-W110_W111_FSM/page/n79/mode/2up on ebay. www.ebay.com/itm/166835006065?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20231107084023%26meid%3D4d2e66180df149ed9f34f175b131a858%26pid%3D101875%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D255218862018%26itm%3D166835006065%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2332490%26algv%3DSimplAMLv11WebTrimmedV3MskuWithLambda85KnnRecallV1V2V4ItemNrtInQueryAndCassiniVisualRankerAndBertRecallWithVMEV3EmbeddedAuctionsCPCAutoWithCassiniEmbRecallManual&_trksid=p2332490.c101875.m1851&itmprp=cksum%3A1668350060654d2e66180df149ed9f34f175b131a858%7Cenc%3AAQAJAAABgP9d%252BMZSXlztIfYFu3kI%252B7ft0VcQix7rTrUVdiJwc2upzwLfM%252B2UEqu0ZqdXqu2qWe6up6s9MSEY%252BWikIwEh4xLkizL%252BG%252Fyhg6cdW4xfkbb75erVQBYYISNxGN1au%252BE0eJ778JYYSAyLJRupNiZky3B2UHpMsaEp7JRgW9fuueOszPlG9eCPE4mSzJx4EejjZE0v1xx3s4HgKujjhEB3s6n4PPnRj%252B2cxLGhD2ObbiSz84WTEIxkO2qBPKz%252BsFXKlWgMdlNfeVdR1YZkOST21szAIw9Wfzj9IcFSknjsjx5I6aK4ByEfDRmHAbdWxcYgPYgqDceTQ424zXn%252BeGKZwY%252F1mbdQDE7XTcXF5fI%252Bcz%252F2UL2rFVs1keu77Ogpn5cwxt4fquAVXg9OnHTPMnjQov10YAXUJObaoW8UKSeETY9c9Vmm7oYL%252FVQXPeOwQnLVnPFOnrmHE5RLF0FYDH2%252Fus%252BUw9e%252ByG46w3x9WI392NOVsdU9MvnbCTyhFYNeFqjGJQ%253D%253D%7Campid%3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A2332490&itmmeta=01J27HJ1J85HN9QRX41ABYA1G2 You could also try this group which looks promising. facebook.com/groups/mbmanuals Glad you're enjoying the videos. Cheers John.
@christophermarshall5765Ай бұрын
That looks great. Awesome job. I bought an A180 on Thursday last week. It has less than 82,000km on it. Got it for a great price. Damn good car to drive.
@mercedesmaintenance.6339Ай бұрын
It drives and feels Great!!
@timleonard339Ай бұрын
Nice work John, you make it look so easy. I need help removing my back seat in my 1970 108. My key suddenly wont unlock the trunk or boot. Can I crawl thru after removing the rear seat back? My problem now is removing the back of rear seat. It was so easy 40 yrs ago - it must be bolted thru into the trunk. Any help would be appreciated. Have a great weekend Tim from Alberta, Canada
@mercedesmaintenance.6339Ай бұрын
Thanks Tim. To remove the rear seat you have to pull up at the front edge. Its held in via two metal posts that have a slight bend to them. When you pull up sharply it's easy from there. You can't crawl through to the trunk. I did make a video some time ago on how to get in the trunk of the w108/109. I'll post a link. Cheers John 🍻
@mercedesmaintenance.6339Ай бұрын
Here you go Tim. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/abGXdLBm163bmYE.htmlsi=2uZ5RBJR6QifKmIc
@timleonard339Ай бұрын
Big thanks John for a quick reply and excellent video/ solution. My Plan B was to drop the fuel tank, drill a small hole and stick my cheap camera up there but I like your fix better! Here’s to a better day tomorrow! Enjoy your channel, keep up the great work! Cheers. Tim PS: say hi to Timmie
@jacquelinemazon6142Ай бұрын
Love your attention to detail. I am inspired.
@mercedesmaintenance.6339Ай бұрын
Thank you so much Jackie!! Enjoyed our chat the other day. Glad you're happy with the cabinet and table. All the best John
@TonyLiveTVАй бұрын
Looking good
@mercedesmaintenance.6339Ай бұрын
Thanks Tony. How's that SL coming along? Cheers John 🍻
@TonyLiveTVАй бұрын
@@mercedesmaintenance.6339 I’ve had some medical issues, but I am healing. I need to coordinate the live first start with my friend who will be giving me a hand.
@joedoe1142 ай бұрын
Timmy ❤❤❤
@AllenManor2 ай бұрын
Clever!
@morganmcdonagh26632 ай бұрын
I tried exactly the same thing...but in my case the pin would not move. The bolt just snapped as I tightened the nut. I needed a slide hammer and heat to get it out.
@mercedesmaintenance.6339Ай бұрын
Wow! They must have been pretty tight. Cheers John 🍻
@christophermarshall57652 ай бұрын
A "small" modification, & you can turn it into an ejector seat, for removal of unwanted passengers!!! LOL!! Those springs aren't fun. Another way to pull that back is to use a ratchet load strap.
@mercedesmaintenance.6339Ай бұрын
Good idea Chris. 😄 Ratchet straps would work too. The smell in the car is great now with the fresh seats. Cheers John 🍻
@stevesmythe85562 ай бұрын
Modern hose clamps are terrible. I have a collection of sst clamps ill never use on my cars. I am glad you mentioned the pricy clamps. To prevent repeats, buy quality clamps.
@mercedesmaintenance.6339Ай бұрын
I agree the standard ones at the parts store are terrible. I think I'm up to around $80 for 22 I've replaced so far. Cheers John 🍻
@stevesmythe8556Ай бұрын
@@mercedesmaintenance.6339 by the way, the cheapies i bought were cheap for what i thought was good grade, certsinly not the cheapest available.
@torditordi84432 ай бұрын
Great post. Another problem is that when you replace the hoses, even branded hoses break more quickly. This is certainly due to our current types of gasoline. So check every few years to see if there are any cracks!
@mercedesmaintenance.6339Ай бұрын
Good point. This is something to keep an eye on. Also chaffing of the hoses. When I was working on the 4.5 steering pump I found that the handbrake cable had been rubbing on one of the fuel hoses. It was very close to rupture. Cheers John 🍻
@stevesmythe8556Ай бұрын
@@mercedesmaintenance.6339 this is why i work on my own cars. You cant pay people to care and take their time.
@grantbellinger74032 ай бұрын
Beautiful! Thank you matey,what a gorgeous car!luv it
@mercedesmaintenance.6339Ай бұрын
Thank you Grant. So happy it's back on the road. Cheers John 🍻
@harryreeder4552 ай бұрын
My hero
@mercedesmaintenance.6339Ай бұрын
Hi Harry. Let me know if you're going to do your seats:) It makes me laugh everytime I see you in that SL around town. You always have a grin on your face. 😄 Cheers mate 👍
@BEGGARWOOD12 ай бұрын
Ooh hello little dog !
@mercedesmaintenance.6339Ай бұрын
You'll see him again. He's a great little guy. Cheers John 🍻
@Peter-gi3re2 ай бұрын
Timmy is adorable little guy 😂
@mercedesmaintenance.6339Ай бұрын
He is. My Son enjoyed seeing him again. He may become a regular guest. Cheers John 🍻
@petarkotur73482 ай бұрын
Where did you purchase engine mounts? I,m replacing subframe bushings and engine mounts. Purchased engine mounts from ERO but would like to install better one if possible. Also I drop down front suspension to clean and repaint before reinstalling. Thanks in advance. Pete
@mercedesmaintenance.63392 ай бұрын
Hi. I purchased them from a member of the facebook group vintage Mercedes w108/109 sometime ago. From memory I paid around $250. They were NOS by Lemforder. I would try if I were you to find genuine as I've been disappointed in the past with makes such as meyle. They just don't hold up. If you're doing all that work it would make sense to buy good ones. I found this link for a set of NOS Lemforders. www.ebay.com/itm/204814648286?chn=ps&mkevt=1&mkcid=28&srsltid=AfmBOoqmwCL3wQV4WOAslycyirYmbehqITB_xAN2fBMlnGY63cEogVdLdBQ As you can see both have the red mark, which indicates they are reinforced on both sides. Also while you're in there I would do the engine shock absorbers and small rubber bushings. They are easy and inexpensive. The car drives soooo much nicer now that all those parts are done. Let me know if you need anything else. Cheers John.
@petarkotur73482 ай бұрын
@@mercedesmaintenance.6339 Thank you so very much. In the past I owned two 6.3 sold both of them. I have many spare parts. Currently working my 1973 280 SEL 4.5. Love those 108, 109 series. Thanks John
@christophermarshall57652 ай бұрын
During replacement of those fuel hoses in the engine bay, it would be a good idea to replace the ones at the back of the car where the fuel pump is.
@mercedesmaintenance.63392 ай бұрын
Hi Chris. I did that while it was off the road. Also those little rubber shocks that hold the pump.
@Peter-gi3re2 ай бұрын
The car looks great. Definitely got to try do the rest and it will look like a new car. Looking forward to hearing how it drives with the reworked suspension.
@mercedesmaintenance.63392 ай бұрын
Thank you. I will eventually do the whole car. I'm itching to get back to the 6.3 project. Cheers John.