Mercedes-Benz W108
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The Mercedes-Benz W108/W109 model series was a large luxury car line built by Mercedes-Benz from 1965 through 1972.
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[edit] Models
[edit] W108
| Chassis code | Years | Model | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|
| W108.012 | 1965–1969 | 250S | 2.5 L M180 I6 |
| W108.014 | 1965–1968 | 250SE | 2.5 L M129 I6 |
| W108.015 | 1965–1967 | 300SE | 3.0 L M189 I6 |
| W108.016 | 1967–1972 | 280S | 2.8 L M130 I6 |
| W108.018 | 1967–1972 | 280SE | 2.8 L M130 I6 |
| W108.019 | 1968–1971 | 280SEL | 2.8 L M130 I6 |
| W108.057 | 1970–1972 | 280SE 3.5 | 3.5 L M116 V8 |
| W108.058 | 1970–1972 | 280SEL 3.5 | 3.5 L M116 V8 |
| W108.067 | 1971–1972 | 280SE 4.5 | 4.5 L M117 V8 |
| W108.068 | 1971–1972 | 280SEL 4.5 | 4.5 L M117 V8 |
[edit] W109
| Chassis code | Years | Model | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|
| W109.015 | 1965–1967 | 300SEL | 3.0 L M189 I6 |
| W109.016 | 1967–1970 | 300SEL | 2.8 L M130 I6 |
| W109.018 | 1967–1972 | 300SEL 6.3 | 6.3 L M100 V8 |
| W109.056 | 1969–1972 | 300SEL 3.5 | 3.5 L M116 V8 |
| W109.057 | 1971–1972 | 300SEL 4.5 | 4.5 L M117 V8 |
[edit] Overview
The W108/W109 was a replacement for the higher end of the "Fintail" sedan range, with three-box styling similar to the W111/W112 coupes. The somewhat controversial fins of the so-called earlier Heckflosse were eliminated by designer Paul Bracq. The initial lineup was:
W108 (Short-wheelbase, coil-sprung suspension)
- 250S
- 250SE
- 300SE
W109 (Long-wheelbase, self-levelling air suspension)
- 300SEL
The new S-Class carried over much of the basic engineering principles from previous models, but had many refinements to make them some of the most well equipped cars of the era. The 300SE and 300SEL were especially well-appointed, featuring burl walnut dashboards, automatic transmission, and power windows.
In 1967, the 250S and 250SE were replaced by the 280S and 280SE. The 300SE was deleted and the 300SEL received the 280's new 2.8-litre engine. The Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3 was also introduced, featuring the 600's 6.3-litre engine in a smaller, lighter body than the 600. Later, a 3.5-litre V8 would be available in both W108 and W109 series. It is worthy of note that 1973 was the last year of hand-built Mercedes-Benz cars.
[edit] Competitors
Initially the W108/W109's main European competitors, in terms of size, market position and luxury appointments were:
- Opel Diplomat
- Vauxhall Viscount
- Humber Imperial
- Citroën DS
- Rover P6
- Jaguar S-Type
- Daimler Sovereign
- Vanden Plas Princess
- Lancia Flaminia
- Alfa Romeo 2600
- Maserati Quattroporte
BMW did not return to this section of the market until the E3 sedans were launched in 1968.
[edit] External links
| Mercedes-Benz road car timeline, 1946-1970s | Next -> | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Class | Type | 1940s | 1950s | 1960s | 1970s | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | ||||
| 4-cylinder | Sedan | W136/W191 | W120/W121 | W110 | W115 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Roadster | W121 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6-cylinder | Sedan | W187 | W105/W180/W128 | W111 | W114 | W123 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coupé | W187 | W180/W128 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Large | Sedan | W186/W189 | W111 | W108/W109 | W116 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Luxury | W188 | W112 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Limousine | W186/W189 | W112 | W100 (600) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sports | Roadster | W198 | W113 | R107 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
