Mercedes-Benz W108/W109

For complete overview of all S-Class models, see Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Mercedes-Benz W108
Overview
Manufacturer	Daimler-Benz
Production	1965–1972 (1973 for North America only) 383,072 built W108: 359,522 W109: 23,550 (incl. 300 SEL 6.3: 6,526)
Assembly	West Germany: Stuttgart
Designer	Paul Bracq, Friedrich Geiger (1963)
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size luxury car (F)
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FR layout
Related	Mercedes-Benz W113 Mercedes-Benz W114/W115
Powertrain
Engine	2.5 L M108 I6 2.5 L M129 I6 2.8 L M130 I6 3.0 L M189 I6 3.5 L M116 V8 4.5 L M117 V8 6.3 L M100 V8
Transmission	4-speed manual 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic K4A 025 K4B 050 K4C 025 K4A 040 3-speed automatic W3A 040
Chronology
Predecessor	Mercedes-Benz W111 (W108) Mercedes-Benz W112 (W109)
Successor	Mercedes-Benz W116

The Mercedes-Benz W108 and W109 are luxury cars produced by Mercedes-Benz from 1965 through to 1972 (or 1973 for North America). The line was an upgrade of the Mercedes-Benz W114/W115, to succeed the W111 and W112 fintail sedans. The cars were successful in West Germany and in export markets including North America and Southeast Asia. During the seven-year run, a total of 383,072 units were manufactured. Some publications mention 383,361 units.

As the W108 and W109 were only available as 4-door models, similarly squarish Bracq-designed 2-door W111 and W112 coupés and cabriolets filled those niches, and are often mistaken for W108/109 two-doors.

Model history

Mercedes-Benz 280 SE W108

As the W108 and W109 were only available as 4-door models, similarly squarish Bracq-designed 2-door W111 and W112 coupés and cabriolets, like this 1969 280 SE, are frequently mistaken for them.

Chassis (platform)

The car's predecessors, the Mercedes-Benz W111 (1959–71) and W112 (1961–67), helped Mercedes-Benz develop greater sales and achieve economy of scale production, reducing both manufacture time and cost. Throughout the 1950s, Mercedes-Benz had been producing the coachwork 300 S and 300 SL and all but hand-built 300 Adenauers alongside conveyor assembled Pontons (190, 190 SL and 220) etc. Unifying the entire Mercedes-Benz range into the fintail (German: Heckflosse) reduced production onto a single automobile platform.

Body design

Fashion trends in the early 1960s changed rapidly. By the time the Paul Bracq-designed 2-door coupé and cabriolet W111s were launched, the predecessor W111 sedan's fins lost their chrome trim and sharp appearance. The arrival of the W113 'Pagoda' coupé and cabriolet in 1963 saw them further buried into the trunk's contour. Finally, they disappeared completely on the W100 600 in 1963.

The evolution of the W108 began under the leadership of Bracq in 1961 and ended in 1963. Although the fins' departure was the most visible change, the W108 had a lower body waist line and increased glass area - the windscreen alone was 17% larger than W111's - prominent enough to be referred to as a "greenhouse". The cars had a 60 mm lower ride and 15 mm wider doors. The result was a visibly newer-looking, sleeker car with an open and spacious interior.

Differences between W108 and W109

Originally, the W108 was seen as a combined successor to the W111 and the short wheelbase sedans in the W112 line lacking air suspension.

The W111 had been a successor to the six-cylinder Ponton models of the mid 1950s; the W112 derived from it was a stopgap to replace the hand-built body-on-frame (W189) 300 "Adenauer" state car (built through the spring of 1962) pending the 1963 introduction of the W100 600 Grosser Mercedes. In addition to being lavishly decorated with additional chrome trim, the W112 inherited the alloy block M189 engine of the W189, and featured a self-levelling air suspension. A long-wheelbase version was offered from March 1963 through July 1965.

This introduction of two lines (standard and luxury) emerged the W108 and W109 models, with the dividing line running between luxury, performance and air suspension. Thus that expensive feature was kept on the long wheelbase W109 300 SEL, while models from the 300 SE down retained their steel coil springs and oil-filled shock absorbers.

1965: 250 and 300 series

The initial 1965 product line was the W108 series' 250 S, 250 SE, and 300 SE, and only the 300 SEL produced as a W109. As before, the 300 series were more luxuriously appointed than the 250 series, featuring burled walnut dashboards and power windows along with optional automatic transmission and air conditioning. The W109 also featured door window frames and a-pillars fully finished with polished metal bright trim.

1968: 280 and 300 series

In 1968 Mercedes-Benz retired the M189 engine in favor of the new 2.8 L M130. As a result, the long wheelbase W108 280 SEL and W109 300 SEL shared the 2,850 mm (112.2 in) long wheelbase and the 2.8 L engine, but not their platform. This combined cross-platform duality persisted through the final year of production for the North American market (1972), covering the M116 V8 powered W108 280 SEL 3.5 and W109 300 SEL 3.5, and the M117 V8 powered W108 280 SEL 4.5 and W109 300 SEL 4.5.

Mercedes-Benz refused to name these models 350 SEL and 450 SEL to avoid upsetting the release of the W116 S-Class.

First Series (1965–1967)

Market introduction

W109 300 SEL

The W108/W109 premiered at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1965. The initial model range consisted of three W108s (250 S, 250 SE, and 300 SEb) and a sole W109 (300 SEL). The inline-six engines were carried over from the previous generation with mechanical refinements. The 2.2 L M180 engine was enlarged to 2.5 L while the fuel-injected 3.0 L M189 version was carried over from "300 Adenauer".

250 series

The 250 S was fitted with 2,497 cc (152.4 cu in) M108 engine with dual two-barrel downdraft carburetors producing 130 PS (96 kW; 128 bhp) at 5,400/nin. The 250 SE had the same engine as 250 S except for fuel injection system and different engine designation (M129). With increased engine output of 150 PS (110 kW; 148 bhp) at 5,500/min.

300 series

Both 300 SEb and 300 SEL were fitted with 2,996 cc (182.8 cu in) M189 engine. The engine was an updated version of M186, originally developed in 1951 for Type 300 "Adenauer", with Bosch mechanical fuel-injection system that calibrated the optimal fuel mixture automatically based on throttle pedal position and movement, engine speed, atmospheric pressure, water temperature, and driving conditions. The engine's output was 170 PS (125 kW; 168 bhp) at 5,400/min.

Production figures

The production figures for the first series from 1965 to 1967 showed 129,858 of 250 S/250 SE and 5,106 of 300 SEb/300 SEL. The tiny production figure of 300 SEb/300 SEL reflected the higher sales price with luxurious appointments, exclusivity, and smaller global market share.

300 SEL 6.3

Main article: Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3

Outwardly, the W109-based 6.3 appeared like any other 300 SEL. Its performance was another matter.

In 1966, company engineer Erich Waxenberger transplanted a massive 6,333 cc (386.5 cu in) Mercedes-Benz M100 V8 from the company's flagship 600 (W100) with 250 PS (184 kW; 247 hp) at moderate 4,000/min and 51 kp⋅m (500 N⋅m; 369 lb⋅ft) at 2,800/min for superior power delivery into a W109 chassis, creating the first Q-car from Mercedes-Benz. Full-scale production of 300 SEL 6.3 began in December 1967. 300 SEL 6.3 could reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.5 seconds and the top speed of 221 km/h (137 mph), making it the quickest production sedan, a title it held for many years.

Second Series (1967–1972)

Market introduction

A W108 in France with selective yellow headlights

A 280 SE from July 1972 with a standard straight-six engine

A 1972 280 SE 3.5, with a 3.5 V8 engine

To coincide with the launch of new cheaper executive, W114/115 "/8" (Stroke Eight) models, slotted below MB's W108 and W109, the inline six engine range was revised in 1967. The 2.5 L engine was enlarged to 2,778 cc (169.5 cu in) and renamed as M130 for both carburetted 140 PS (103 kW; 138 bhp) at 5,200/min and fuel injected 160 PS (118 kW; 158 bhp) at 5,500/min versions.

2.8 L I-6-models

250 S and 250 SE were renamed as 280 S and 280 SE in November 1967 while 250 S was still offered in some export markets until March 1969. In January 1968, a long wheelbase variation, 280 SEL, was introduced for the first time.

The standard wheelbase 300 SEb was dropped while 300 SEL 2.8 obtained the 2.8 L engine with higher output 170 PS (125 kW; 168 bhp) at 5,750/min, replacing the M189 engine.

3.5 L V-8-models

Following the strong reception of the limited production 6,333 cc (386.5 cu in) M100 V8-powered 300 SEL 6.3 in 1967, Mercedes-Benz offered the all-new 3.5 L M116 V8 engine with new Bosch D-Jetronic electronic fuel injection in 1969. The V8 engine would move W108/W109 further upmarket in many export markets and allow them to be more competitive in the United States where many passenger vehicles, especially the American luxury marques, were fitted with V8 engines. The new 200 PS (147 kW; 197 bhp) at 5,800/min V8 engine was first fitted to W109 in August 1969 as 300 SEL 3.5 then to W108 in July 1970 as 280 SE/SEL 3.5.

4.5 L V-8-models

With a different crankshaft the 3,499 cc (213.5 cu in) V8 engine was enlarged to 4,520 cc (275.8 cu in) as to compensate for the loss of power following the changes in emission control regulations and due to lower fuel octane rating in the United States while increase torque for the use with a three-speed automatic with torque converter to suit the US market. The 4.5 L V8 engine was designated as M117 and had with 195 hp (145 kW; 198 PS) almost the same power as the domestic 3.5 L V8 engine. It was initially exclusive for the United States, introduced in the spring of 1971, as the 280 SE/SEL 4.5 and the 300 SEL 4.5, until the new, 1973 model year W116, MB's first generation of distinct S-Class platform 450 SE/SEL models, which went on sale worldwide in September 1972, alongside the V8 powered 350/450 SL (R107) 2-seat cabrios and the 350/450 SLC (C107) 4-seat luxury coupes.

Production figures

The production figures for the second series from 1967 to 1972 showed 184,717 of 280 S/280 SE and 10,769 of 280 SEL/300 SEL. 52,622 units sold with V-8-engine reflect that it was right to switch to V-8-engines in the luxory car segment.

Discontinuation

The 300 SEL 2.8 was dropped in January 1970 since the 300 SEL 3.5 was selling better and had better performance. The production of 280 SEL ended in April 1971, leaving 280 S and 280 SE as sole models with six-cylinder inline engines until the end of W108/W109 production in 1972, following the introduction of W116.

Transmission

In-house developing and production

Unusual among mainstream European automakers of the time, Mercedes developed and built their own automatic transmission system, first went into production in 1961.

I-6-models

The standard transmission for Europe was a four-speed manual gearbox. As an option a four-speed automatic with fluid coupling was available. For the first series it was the K4A 025; for the second series the more reliable and smoother shifting all new K4C 025 was introduced in May 1969. A five-speed manual gearbox was offered for six-cylinder 2.8 L and 3.0 L engines, though a few customers opted for it.

Big block V-8-model

As a pilot the first model of the more reliable and smoother shifting all new four-speed automatic with fluid coupling layout was the K4B 050, 1963 introduced for the 600 and later the 300 SEL 6.3 respectively. Beside the new layout the number of pinions is doubled from 3 to 6 to handle the much higher torque of the big block V8 engine M100.

In-house automatic transmission family

After the satisfactory experience with the new design, it was adopted for the new core model K4C 025 for 4- to 6-cylinder engines. With the small block V8 engine M116, the K4A 040 was launched as a reinforced version of the same design. With the small block V8 engine for the United States M117, the three-speed automatic with torque converter W4A 040 was derived from this design. It was the first automatic with torque converter Mercedes-Benz offered.

Small block V-8-models

When the 3.5 L V8 engine was introduced in 1969, the sole transmission choice was the K4A 040. Customers could request the four-speed manual transmission with price reduction if they inclined so. For 4.5 L V8 engine for the United States, the sole transmission choice was the W3A 040.

Models

W108

Name	Chassis code	Production period	Units built	Engine model
Total			359,522
250 S	108.012	07/65–03/69	74,677	2.5 L M108 I6
250 SE	108.014	08/65–01/68	55,181	2.5 L M129 I6
300 SEb	108.015	08/65–12/67	2,737	3.0 L M189 I6
280 S	108.016	11/67–09/72	93,666	2.8 L M130 I6
280 SE	108.018	11/67–09/72	91,051	2.8 L M130 I6
280 SEL	108.019	01/68–04/71	8,250	2.8 L M130 I6
280 SE 3.5	108.057	07/70–09/72	11,309	3.5 L M116 V8
280 SEL 3.5	108.058	06/70–08/72	951	3.5 L M116 V8
280 SE 4.5	108.067	04/71–11/72	13,527	4.5 L M117 V8
280 SEL 4.5	108.068	05/71–11/72	8,173	4.5 L M117 V8

W109

Name	Chassis code	Production period	Units built	Engine model
Total			23,550
300 SEL	109.015	09/65–12/67	2,369	3.0 L M189 I6
	109.016	12/67–01/70	2,519	2.8 L M130 I6
300 SEL 6.3	109.018	12/67–09/72	6,526	6.3 L M100 V8
300 SEL 3.5	109.056	08/69–09/72	9,583	3.5 L M116 V8
300 SEL 4.5	109.057	05/71–10/72	2,553	4.5 L M117 V8

Timeline

Type	Chassis	1965	1966	1967	1968	1969	1970	1971	1972
Sedan	W108	250 S
		250 SE
				280 S
				280 SE
					280 SEL
		300 SEb
							280 SE 3.5
							280 SEL 3.5
								280 SE 4.5
								280 SEL 4.5
	W109	300 SEL M 189			300 SEL M 130
						300 SEL 3.5
								300 SEL 4.5
					300 SEL 6.3

Technical info

Technical data Mercedes-Benz W108 (Manufacturer's figures except where stated)

Name	250 S	250 SE	300 SEb	280 S	280 SE 280 SEL	280 SE 3.5 280 SEL 3.5	280 SE 4.5 280 SEL 4.5
Model	W 108 II	W 108 III	W 108 IV	W 108 V 28	W 108 E 28	W 108 E 35/1	W 108 E 45
Chassis code	108.012	108.014	108.015	108.016	108.018 108.019	108.057 108.058	108.067 108.068
Production period	07/65 – 03/69	08/65 – 01/68	08/65 – 12/67	11/67 – 09/72 SEL: 01/68 – 04/71		07/70 – 09/72 06/70 – 08/72	04/71 – 11/72 05/71 – 11/72
Units built	74,677	55,181	2,737	93,666	91,051 8,250	11,309 951	13,527 8,173
Engine model	M 108 I	M 129 I	M 189 VII	M 130 V 28	M 130 E 28	M 116 E 35	M 117 E 45
Engine type	108.920	129.980	189.989	130.920	130.980	116.980	117.984
Engine layout	Straight-6					V8
Bore x Stroke	82 mm (3.228 in) x 78.8 mm (3.102 in)		85 mm (3.346 in) x 88 mm (3.465 in)	86.5 mm (3.406 in) x 78.8 mm (3.102 in)		92 mm (3.622 in) x 65.8 mm (2.591 in)	92 mm (3.622 in) x 85 mm (3.346 in)
Displacement	2,497 cc (152.4 cu in)		2,996 cc (182.8 cu in)	2,778 cc (169.5 cu in)		3,499 cc (213.5 cu in)	4,520 cc (275.8 cu in)
Max. Power at 1/min	130 PS (96 kW; 128 hp) 5,400	150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) 5,500	170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) 5,400	140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) 5,200	160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp) 5,500	200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) 5,800	195 hp (145 kW; 198 PS) 4,500
Max. Torque at 1/min	19.8 kp⋅m (194 N⋅m; 143 lb⋅ft) 4,000	22 kp⋅m (216 N⋅m; 159 lb⋅ft) 4,200	25.4 kp⋅m (249 N⋅m; 184 lb⋅ft) 4,000	22.8 kp⋅m (224 N⋅m; 165 lb⋅ft) 3,600	24.5 kp⋅m (240 N⋅m; 177 lb⋅ft) 4,250	29.2 kp⋅m (286 N⋅m; 211 lb⋅ft) 4,000	36.5 kp⋅m (358 N⋅m; 264 lb⋅ft) 3,000
Compression Ratio	9.0: 1	9.3: 1	8.8: 1	9.0: 1	9.5: 1		8 0: 1
Fuel feed	Two 2-bbl Zenith 35/40	Mechanical Bosch injection		Two 2-bbl Zenith 35/40	Mechanical Bosch injection	Bosch D-Jetronic
Fuel tank capacity	82 L (21.7 US gal; 18.0 imp gal)
Valvetrain	SOHC, duplex chain
Cooling	Water
Gearbox	4-speed manual w/ column or floor shifter						3-speed automatic W4A 040 (type 722.0) w/ column or floor shifter
			optional 5-speed manual w/ column or floor shifter			optional 4-speed automatic K4A 040 (type 722.2) w/ column or floor shifter
	optional 4-speed automatic K4A 025 (w/o type) w/ column or floor shifter			optional 4-speed automatic K4C 025 (type 722.1) w/ column or floor shifter
Final drive	rear wheel drive
Final ratio	3.92 (47:12)		3.92 or 3.69	3.69 (48:13)		3.46 (45:13)	3.23 (42:13)
Electrical system	12 volt
Body structure	Sheet steel, monocoque (unibody) construction
Length	S/SE: 4,900 mm (192.9 in) SEL: 5,000 mm (196.9 in)
Width	1,810 mm (71.3 in)
Height	1,440 mm (56.7 in)
Wheelbase	S/SE: 2,750 mm (108.3 in) SEL: 2,850 mm (112.2 in)
Track front/ rear	1,482 mm (58.3 in) / 1,485 mm (58.5 in)
Front suspension	Double wishbones, coil springs, stabilising bar
Rear suspension	Low-pivot swing axle, radius arms, coil springs
Brakes	Disc brakes (Ø 273 mm (10.7 in) front, 279 mm (11.0 in) rear), power assisted
Steering	Recirculating ball steering, manual or servo-assisted
Wheel sizes	6J x 14
Tyre/Tire sizes	7.35 H 14 or 185 HR 14					185 VR 14	7.35 V 14
Curb weight manual automatic	1,470 kg (3,241 lb)	1,510 kg (3,329 lb)	1,575 kg (3,472 lb)	1,520 kg (3,351 lb)	1,560 kg (3,439 lb) 1,575 kg (3,472 lb)	1,610 kg (3,549 lb) 1,640 kg (3,616 lb)
	1,510 kg (3,329 lb)	1,550 kg (3,417 lb)	1,615 kg (3,560 lb)	1,560 kg (3,439 lb)	1,600 kg (3,527 lb) 1,615 kg (3,560 lb)	1,650 kg (3,638 lb) 1,680 kg (3,704 lb)	1,676 kg (3,695 lb) 1,703 kg (3,755 lb)
Gross weight	1,940 kg (4,277 lb)	1,980 kg (4,365 lb)	2,060 kg (4,542 lb)	1,960 kg (4,321 lb)	1,985 kg (4,376 lb) 2,000 kg (4,409 lb)	2,055 kg (4,530 lb) 2,085 kg (4,597 lb)	2,141 kg (4,720 lb) 2,168 kg (4,780 lb)
Top speed manual automatic	182 km/h (113 mph)	190 km/h (118 mph)	200 km/h (124 mph)	185 km/h (115 mph)	193 km/h (120 mph)	210 km/h (130 mph)
	177 km/h (110 mph)	185 km/h (115 mph)	195 km/h (121 mph)	180 km/h (112 mph)	188 km/h (117 mph)	205 km/h (127 mph)
0–100 km/h (62 mph) manual automatic	13 sec.	12 sec.			11 sec.	10 sec.
	14 sec.	13 sec.			12 sec.	11 sec.	12 sec.
Fuel Consumption (estimate) manual automatic	15.5 L/100 km (18.2 mpg‑imp; 15.2 mpg‑US)		17.5 L/100 km (16.1 mpg‑imp; 13.4 mpg‑US)	16 L/100 km (18 mpg‑imp; 15 mpg‑US)		18.5 L/100 km (15.3 mpg‑imp; 12.7 mpg‑US)
	16.5 L/100 km (17.1 mpg‑imp; 14.3 mpg‑US)		18.5 L/100 km (15.3 mpg‑imp; 12.7 mpg‑US)	17 L/100 km (17 mpg‑imp; 14 mpg‑US)		19.5 L/100 km (14.5 mpg‑imp; 12.1 mpg‑US)	16.3 L/100 km (17.3 mpg‑imp; 14.4 mpg‑US)
Price Germany USA	DM 15,300 $ 5,747	DM 16,850 $ 6,385	DM 21,500 $ 8,048	DM 17,000 $ 5,897	DM 18,600 $ 6,222 DM 21,230 $ 6,622	DM 24,920 $ 10,076

Technical data Mercedes-Benz W109 (Manufacturer's figures except where stated)

Name	300 SEL		300 SEL 3.5	300 SEL 4.5	300 SEL 6.3
Model	W 109 III	W 109 E 28	W 109 E 35/1	W 109 E 45	W 109 E 63
Chassis code	109.015	109.016	109.056	109.057	109.018
Production period	09/65 – 12/67	12/67 – 01/70	08/69 – 09/72	05/71 – 10/72	12/67 – 09/72
Units built	2,369	2,519	9,583	2,553	6,526
Engine model	M 189 VII	M 130 E 28	M 116 E 35	M 117 E 45	M 100 E 63
Engine type	189.988	130.981	116.981	117.981	100.981
Engine layout	Straight-6		V8
Bore x Stroke	85 mm (3.346 in) x 88 mm (3.465 in)	86.5 mm (3.406 in) x 78.8 mm (3.102 in)	92 mm (3.622 in) x 65.8 mm (2.591 in)	92 mm (3.622 in) x 85 mm (3.346 in)	103 mm (4.055 in) x 95 mm (3.740 in)
Displacement	2,996 cc (182.8 cu in)	2,778 cc (169.5 cu in)	3,499 cc (213.5 cu in)	4,520 cc (275.8 cu in)	6,333 cc (386.5 cu in)
Max. Power at 1/min	170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) 5,400	170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) 5,750	200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) 5,800	195 hp (145 kW; 198 PS) 4,500	250 PS (184 kW; 247 hp) 4,000
Max. Torque at 1/min	25.4 kp⋅m (249 N⋅m; 184 lb⋅ft) 4,000	24.5 kp⋅m (240 N⋅m; 177 lb⋅ft) 4,500	29.2 kp⋅m (286 N⋅m; 211 lb⋅ft) 4,000	36.5 kp⋅m (358 N⋅m; 264 lb⋅ft) 3,000	51 kp⋅m (500 N⋅m; 369 lb⋅ft) 2,800
Compression Ratio	8.8: 1	9.5: 1		8.0: 1	9.0: 1
Fuel feed	Mechanical Bosch injection		Bosch D-Jetronic		Mechanical Bosch injection
Fuel tank capacity	82 L (21.7 US gal; 18.0 imp gal)				105 L (27.7 US gal; 23.1 imp gal)
Valvetrain	SOHC, duplex chain
Cooling	Water
Gearbox	4-speed manual w/ column or floor shifter		4-speed automatic K4A 040 (type 722.2) w/ column or floor shifter	3-speed automatic W3A 040 (type 722.0) w/ column or floor shifter	4-speed automatic K4B 050 (w/o type) w/ column or floor shifter
	optional 5-speed manual w/ column or floor shifter
	optional 4-speed automatic K4A 025 (w/o type) w/ column or floor shifter
Final drive	rear wheel drive
Final ratio	3.92 (47:12) or 3.69 (48:13)		3.46 (45:13)	3.23 (42:13)	2.85 (37:13)
Electrical system	12 volt
Body structure	Sheet steel, monocoque (unibody) construction
Length	5,000 mm (196.9 in)
Width	1,810 mm (71.3 in)
Height	1,440 mm (56.7 in)				1,470 mm (57.9 in)
Wheelbase	2,850 mm (112.2 in)
Track front/ rear	1,482 mm (58.3 in) 1,485 mm (58.5 in)				1,482 mm (58.3 in) 1,490 mm (58.7 in)
Front suspension	Double wishbones, air springs, rubber springs, stabilising bar
Rear suspension	Swing axle, radius arms, air and additional rubber springs
Brakes	Disc brakes (Ø 273 mm (10.7 in) front, 279 mm (11.0 in) rear), power assisted
Steering	Recirculating ball steering, servo-assisted
Wheel sizes	6J x 14				6 1/2J x 14
Tyre/Tire sizes	7.35 H 14 or 185 HR 14		185 VR 14	7.35 V 14	195 VR 14 or 205/70 VR 14
Curb weight manual automatic	1,655 kg (3,649 lb)		1,730 kg (3,814 lb)
	1,695 kg (3,737 lb)		1,770 kg (3,902 lb)	1,758 kg (3,875 lb)	1,830 kg (4,034 lb)
Gross weight	2,140 kg (4,718 lb)	2,120 kg (4,674 lb)	2,170 kg (4,784 lb)	2,223 kg (4,900 lb)	2,265 kg (4,993 lb)
Top speed manual automatic	200 km/h (124 mph)		210 km/h (130 mph)
	195 km/h (121 mph)		205 km/h (127 mph)		220 km/h (137 mph) 221 km/h (137 mph)
0–100 km/h (62 mph) manual automatic	11 sec.		10 sec.
	12 sec.		11 sec.	12 sec.	8 sec. 6.5 sec.
Fuel Consumption (estimate) manual automatic	17.5 L/100 km (16.1 mpg‑imp; 13.4 mpg‑US)	16.5 L/100 km (17.1 mpg‑imp; 14.3 mpg‑US)	18.5 L/100 km (15.3 mpg‑imp; 12.7 mpg‑US)
	18.5 L/100 km (15.3 mpg‑imp; 12.7 mpg‑US)	17.5 L/100 km (16.1 mpg‑imp; 13.4 mpg‑US)	19.5 L/100 km (14.5 mpg‑imp; 12.1 mpg‑US)	16.3 L/100 km (17.3 mpg‑imp; 14.4 mpg‑US)	21.0 L/100 km (13.5 mpg‑imp; 11.2 mpg‑US)
Price Germany USA	DM 28,600 $ 9,910	DM n/a $ 9,400	DM 31,025 $ 11,327	DM n/a $ 11,327	DM 39,160 $ 15,122

See also

• Mercedes-Benz S-Class, for a complete overview of all S-Class models

References

Bibliography

General

• Barrett, Frank (1998). Illustrated Buyer's Guide Mercedes-Benz. Motorbooks International Illustrated Buyer's Guide series (2nd ed.). Osceola, WI, USA: MBI Publishing. ISBN 0-7603-0451-3.
• Clarke, R.M., ed. (1987). On Mercedes 1963-1970. Road & Track Series. Cobham, Surrey, UK: Brooklands Books. ISBN 1-869826-41-8.
• —————, ed. (2005). Mercedes-Benz S Class and 600: Limited Edition Extra 1965-1972. Cobham, Surrey, UK: Brooklands Books. ISBN 1855206935.
• Häußermann, Martin (2006). Mercedes-Benz S-Class: The brochures since 1952. Archive edition of the DaimlerChrysler Group Archive. Bielefeld, Germany: Delius Klasing. ISBN 3-7688-1720-2.
• ————————— (2006). Mercedes-Benz – The Large Coupés: The brochures since 1951. Archive edition of the DaimlerChrysler Group Archive. Bielefeld, Germany: Delius Klasing. ISBN 3-7688-1833-0.
• Hofner, Heribert (1997). Die S-Klasse von Mercedes-Benz: von der Kultur des Fahrens [The S-Class from Mercedes-Benz: from the culture of driving] (in German). Augsburg: Bechtermünz Verlag. ISBN 3860475894.
• ———————; Schrader, Halwart (2005). Mercedes-Benz Automobile [Mercedes-Benz Automobiles] (in German). Vol. Band 2: von 1964 bis heute [Volume 2: from 1964 to today]. Königswinter, Germany: Heel Verlag. ISBN 3898804194.
• ——————— (2011). Mercedes-Benz Typenkunde [Mercedes-Benz Type Study] (in German). Vol. Band 3. Modelle der Oberklasse von 1951 bis 1972, Luxusklasse, S-, SL- und SLC-Klasse [Volume 3. Upper class models from 1951 to 1972, Luxury class, S-, SL- and SLC-Class]. Bielefeld, Germany: Delius Klasing. ISBN 9783768832786.
• Koehling, Bernd S. (2017). Mercedes-Benz: Everything you want to know about the W108 and W109 6-Cylinder: From the 250S to the 300SEL 2.8. Independently published. ISBN 9798736856077.
• ———————— (2021). Mercedes-Benz: Everything you want to know about the W108 and W109 V8 - From the 280SE 3.5 to the 300SEL 6.3. Independently published. ISBN 9798736925469.
• ———————— (2021). Mercedes-Benz, The 1960s. Vol. 2: From the Pagoda SL and 600 to the W108/W109. Independently published. ISBN 9798739183910.
• McComb, F. Wilson (1980). Mercedes-Benz V8s: Limousines, Saloons, Sedans. 1963 to date. Osprey AutoHistory series. London: Osprey Publishing. ISBN 0850453836.
• Niemann, Harry (2006). Personenwagen von Mercedes-Benz: Automobillegenden und Geschichten seit 1886 [Passenger Cars from Mercedes-Benz: Automobile Legends and Stories since 1886] (in German). Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 3613025965.
• Nitske, W. Robert (1995). Mercedes-Benz Production Models Book 1946-1995 (4th ed.). Osceola, WI, USA: MBI Publishing. ISBN 0-7603-0245-6.
• Oswald, Werner [in German] (2001). Deutsche Autos [German Cars] (in German). Vol. Band [Volume] 4: 1945–1990 Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche und andere [and others]. Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 3613021315.
• ——————— (2001). Mercedes-Benz Personenwagen [Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars] (in German). Vol. Band 2: 1945–1985 [Volume 2: 1945–1985]. Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 3613021684.
• Röcke, Matthias (1991). Das große Mercedes-S-Klasse-Buch: alle Modellreihen von W 108 bis W 140 (1965 bis heute) [The Big Mercedes S-Class Book: all model codes from W 108 to W 140 (1965 to today)] (in German). Königswinter, Germany: Heel Verlag. ISBN 3-89365-234-5.
• ——————— (2003). Das neue große Mercedes-S-Klasse-Buch [The New Big Mercedes S-Class Book] (in German). Königswinter, Germany: Heel Verlag. ISBN 3-89880-158-6.
• Rohde, Michael; Koch, Detlef (2000). Mercedes-Benz. Typenkompass series (in German). Vol. Band 1. Personenwagen 1945 - 1975 [Volume 1. Passenger Cars 1945 - 1975]. Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 361302019X.
• Schlegelmilch, Rainer W. [in German]; Lehbrink, Hartmut; von Osterroth, Jochen (2013). Mercedes (revised ed.). Königswinter, Germany: Ullmann Publishing. ISBN 978-3-8480-0267-2.
• Storz, Alexander F. (2016). Mercedes-Benz W 108/109 (in German). Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 9783613039063.
• Taylor, James (1985). Mercedes-Benz since 1945: A Collector's Guide. Vol. 2: The 1960s. Croydon, UK: Motor Racing Publications. ISBN 0-900549-96-3.

Workshop manuals

• Ball, Kenneth (1972). Mercedes-Benz 280, 1968-72 Autobook: Workshop Manual for Mercedes-Benz 280 S, 280 SE, 280 SEL, 280 SL, 1968-72. Brighton, UK: Autopress. ISBN 0851472931.
• Chilton Automotive Editorial Staff (1974). Mercedes-Benz: 1968-73 All 220, 230, 250, 280, 300, 350 and 450 models, gasoline and diesel engines. Chilton's Repair & Tune-Up Guide Series. Radnor, PA, USA: Chilton Book Co. ISBN 0-8019-5907-1.
• Freeman, Kerry A.; Rivele, Richard J.; Hallinger, Jeffrey W., eds. (1983). Mercedes-Benz: 1959-70 All 190, 200, 220, 230, 250, 280 and 300 models, gasoline and diesel engines. Chilton's Repair & Tune-Up Guide Series. Radnor, PA, USA: Chilton Book Co. ISBN 0801960657.
• Haynes, John H.; Strasman, Peter G. (1987). Mercedes-Benz 230, 250 and 280 1968-1972: 6-Cylinder sohc Sedan, Coupe, Roadster. Haynes Service and Repair Manual Series. Sparkford, UK; Newbury Park, Calif., USA: Haynes Publishing. ISBN 9780856963469.
• Slade, Tim (2004). Original Mercedes-Benz Coupes, Cabriolets and V-8 Sedans, 1960-1972: The Restorer's Guide. Osceola, WI, USA: Motorbooks International. ISBN 0760319529.
• Mercedes-Benz Technical Companion. Cambridge, MA, USA: Bentley Publishers. 2005. ISBN 978-0-8376-1033-7.

External links

• Curbside Classic: 1966 Mercedes 250S (W108) – Cadillac Und Lincoln Kaput – a retrospective of the W108
• Mercedes Benz W108 website
• W108/W109 Tom's Mercedes Benz 108/109 Resource Site
• RollHard - 1972 Mercedes Benz 280SE