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Mercedes-Benz W108 SEL 280 SEL 4.5 V8 (198 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Mercedes-Benz W108:
The Mercedes-Benz W 108 and W 109 are luxury cars produced by Mercedes-Benz from 1965 through to 1972 to succeed the W 111 and W 112 "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 W 108 and W 109 were only available as 4-door models, similarly squarish Bracq-designed 2-door W 111 and W 112 coupés and cabriolets filled those niches, and are often mistaken for W 108/W 109 two-doors....(Read more on Wikipedia)
SEL Overview:
Mercedes-Benz W108 (SEL). With 358 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1705 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.1 s). The top speed reaches 200 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Mercedes-Benz W108 SEL predates modern standardized crash testing like Euro NCAP. Safety features are rudimentary by contemporary standards, focusing on robust construction and basic passive restraints of its era.
280 SEL 4.5 V8 (198 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Despite the larger displacement, this variant offers slightly less peak power and slower acceleration, likely tuned for smoother, less stressed operation.
Fuel Economy
As expected, the larger 4.5L V8 coupled with an automatic transmission results in higher fuel consumption, a trade-off for its effortless torque delivery.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Timeless, elegant design and luxurious interior.
- • Smooth and powerful V8 engines for comfortable cruising.
- • Excellent ride quality and comfort for long journeys.
- • Robust build quality typical of Mercedes-Benz of the era.
Cons:
- • High fuel consumption, especially with larger engines.
- • Maintenance and parts can be expensive for a classic car.
- • Lacks modern safety features and driver aids.
- • Potential for rust issues if not well-maintained.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W108: July, 1970 - September, 1972).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | W108 |
| Generation: | SEL |
| Modification (Engine): | 280 SEL 4.5 V8 (198 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | May, 1971 |
| End of production: | November, 1972 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 198 Hp @ 4500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 43.8 Hp/l [100mm more] |
| Torque: | 358 Nm @ 3000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 117 E 45 / 117.984 More details about the engine M 117 E 45 / 117.984 |
| Engine displacement: | 4520 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 92 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 84.99 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 15 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10.1 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 200 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.6 kg/Hp, 116.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.8 kg/Nm, 210 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1705 |
| Max. weight: | 2168 |
| Max load: | 463 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 82 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5000 mm mm [100mm more] |
| Width: | 1810 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1440 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2850 mm mm [100mm more] |
| Front track: | 1482 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1485 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 3 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 14 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Hydro-pneumatic element, Trailing arm |
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