[{"id": 2950452, "authorName": "Autobahner44", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/autobahner44/", "bidAmount": 500, "content": "$500 bid placed by Autobahner44", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1549933311, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 2950486, "authorName": "cbezzant", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/cbezzant/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Looks to be in nice solid shape as expected of Mr. Dean. A lot of work went into that clean engine bay and underside. Heater levers, wood trim, dash, steering wheel all seem solid.\n\nWas the trunk not shut all the way in some photos? Gap there seems a little larger than I'm used to.\n\nExpecting 25k+ on this one.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1549934081, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2950487, "authorName": "ChazThePhoenix", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/chazthephoenix/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Do you take requests? I need one just like this in light gray with red interior... tribute to my father-in-law.", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1549934158, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2950645, "authorName": "Drkidneydr", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/drkidneydr/", "bidAmount": 1500, "content": "$1,500 bid placed by Drkidneydr", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1549938828, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 2950734, "authorName": "VA703", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/va703/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Dean continues to amaze me with the vehicles he lists. Another absolute stunner!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1549941647, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2950760, "authorName": "Dean_Laumbach (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dean_laumbach/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@cbezzant Thank you! All the gaps on the car are spot on and laser straight. The trunk has a newer weather stripping and may be not permitting the trunk to close all the way. I will look into this tomorrow and report back.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1549942358, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2950783, "authorName": "77polk", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/77polk/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Someone has done their homework.", "likes": 6, "timestamp": 1549943474, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2950825, "authorName": "Frost", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/frost/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Floor shifter, power windows and A/C - all the right equipment. Plus the condition is impeccable. Good luck to seller and buyer..", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1549945933, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2950837, "authorName": "Jebster", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jebster/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "MB-Tex, the eighth wonder of the car world.", "likes": 12, "timestamp": 1549946496, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2950844, "authorName": "Steve_S1", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/steve_s1/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "MB-Tex, the Chuck Norris of upholstery.", "likes": 10, "timestamp": 1549946802, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2950919, "authorName": "jamieSL", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jamiesl/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Ok Dean - this is exactly my car only (as expected) yours is in absolute crazy immaculate condition . Mine has 20k less miles , I\u2019m the second ( 30 year long) owner knowing the original owners before and always thought it was in pretty remarkable shape until I see your offerings . I think in my perfect world I\u2019d love to send mine up to you and let you have at for however long it would take to put your professional stamp on it . Anyway , with the car at hand , us Mercedes folk know these cars are already amazing in there own right but when Dean and his crew have access to one and put there spin on it then it\u2019s a no brainer ! If ever a pristine W108 was ever on your radar , then you\u2019d be a fool not to step it up and secure this one for your pleasure and enjoyment . Remarkable car Dean - I have more to say, save for another day ....", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1549952396, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2951003, "authorName": "Dean_Laumbach (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dean_laumbach/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Good morning BaT, I am very pleased to offer this 4.5 liter V8 w108 for your consideration this week. The vehicle offered here today is exceptionally clean and original and runs and drives as nice as it looks. The current owner is from New York and he is an avid Mercedes Benz, BMW, and Porsche collector. The vehicle is fully sorted and turn key and all the power options function as intended including the heater controls which are fully operational (see video). The condition of exterior paint and bright work tells the story about the life it has lived and all of the vehicles original glass is crystal clear and stain free. The condition MB Tex is exactly what you would expect on a low mileage car and the carpeting is also exceptionally clean and not faded due to UV exposure. The vehicle's dash and door cards are completely free from cracks, and the vehicle's woodwork is in beautiful un-restored condition and still has a high gloss and excellent patina. According to the records that came with the car, the vehicle started out as a southern car (Lousiana) up until the mid 1980's when the vehicle was purchased by a MBCA member from the mid west who owned the car up until 2017. It is quite apparent that the vehicle was loved and cared for and I would describe the car as a perfect contender for a preservation award at any judged event. The new owner will not be disappointed with this car and inspections in person or by a third party are welcome. I can be contacted through the \"Contact Seller\" icon at the bottom of the BaT Essential tab in the upper right corner of this ad.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1549972744, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2951022, "authorName": "Ztonto", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ztonto/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "My Father bought one identical to this in 1973, same color combo, it was one of the finest cars he ever owned. That V8 is an awesome engine, first car I drove over 140 MPH and with ease. Not sure why he ever sold it off, beautiful car and a huge memory car for me.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1549975326, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2951028, "authorName": "GoneBatty", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/gonebatty/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The high bidder on that other one is kicking their self.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1549976214, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2951039, "authorName": "GoneBatty", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/gonebatty/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I would camp out under this one, \r\ndine in the engine bay, \r\nand the cockpit would be my library.", "likes": 7, "timestamp": 1549977142, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2951052, "authorName": "robert_rader", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/robert_rader/", "bidAmount": 2000, "content": "$2,000 bid placed by robert_rader", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1549977676, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 2951121, "authorName": "drcharles2", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/drcharles2/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "My recollection, when a 108 was in my collection.\r\nQuarter to seven, Sunday AM, 1976, on a zero traffic stretch of US 12 south of Niles, MI \u2018burning the carbon off the plugs\u2019 I came over the crest of a hill in the low 3 figures.\r\n\r\nThis being the normal time of a shift change for the MI highway patrol, who would have guessed a trooper doing one more clock before heading for coffee ?\r\n\r\nHe politely noted the gun showed 101, and I inquired as to the equipment accuracy ? He said he calibrated an hour before, and why would I ask ? I told him mine showed 106. He laughed. I squirmed.\r\n\r\nBottom line : wrote a warning ticket for doing 65 in a zone that had been recently lowered to 55. He was very interested in the 4.5, had questions, so he followed me to Edwardsburg for coffee at Lunker\u2019s cafe.\r\n\r\nI had purchased the car from a lovely woman, a real knockout, head of stewardess services for United Airlines. She had used it to commute 200 mi r/t to O\u2019Hare every week. Even with high mileage, toll road, summer and winter, the car remained as elegant as the driver. Wife of a local attorney, UAL offered her a leased car as a perk. The sedan too, was rather attractive, in its own subtle fashion; a carefully concealed performer dressed in a tuxedo.\r\n\r\nSadly, after our five years as a family car, it succumbed to rust from winter salt. I sold it to the dean of engineering at Notre Dame, who undertook the thankless and expensive task of underbody and sheet metal repair. His son, Danny, now 50 y/o, still has the car, same flawless MB Tex brown interior, Ivory exterior, no sun roof, and 300+ on the clock.\r\n\r\nThanks for the memory. I still prefer flying on United. Thanks, Mrs. Robinson, wherever you are.", "likes": 31, "timestamp": 1549979162, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2951163, "authorName": "mee418", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mee418/", "bidAmount": 5000, "content": "$5,000 bid placed by mee418", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1549980134, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 2951174, "authorName": "Allan_L.", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/allan_l.-user/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "An important positive note not mentioned in the ad copy is that it does appear to retain a correct original style Hydropneumatic compensator on the rear suspension. The photos are pretty dark in this area, perhaps the seller can confirm? Big plus in my books!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1549980285, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2951205, "authorName": "Larryrocker66", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/larryrocker66/", "bidAmount": 6000, "content": "$6,000 bid placed by Larryrocker66", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1549981479, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 2951248, "authorName": "AdamsPolishes", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/adamspolishes/", "bidAmount": 7250, "content": "$7,250 bid placed by AdamsPolishes", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1549982632, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 2951273, "authorName": "Dean_Laumbach (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dean_laumbach/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Allan_L. Yes the vehicle does have its original hydropneumatic compensator on the rear suspension. I have a better photo of this part and its still wears original paint and factory marking. I will submit a better photo of this item up close this morning. If you look at photo #124 its visible, but the photo I will add this morning is a close up shot.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1549983291, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2951304, "authorName": "PSS130", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/pss130/", "bidAmount": 8000, "content": "$8,000 bid placed by PSS130", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1549984262, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 2951313, "authorName": "AndrewsMBService", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/andrewsmbservice/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "$10,400 original price, $64k in today\u2019s money. Equivalent new Benz would be an S560 which comes in at $99k. Not that any of this really matters but I find it Interesting and to me, even at $30k this car is a great deal!", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1549984419, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2951314, "authorName": "bringatrailer", "authorUrl": "", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The additional photo of the rear suspension has been added to the gallery.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1549984442, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2951329, "authorName": "Dean_Laumbach (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dean_laumbach/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Allan_L. Please see photo #126. Thanks @bringatrailer.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1549984799, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2951524, "authorName": "WAGONBOYTD", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wagonboytd/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Dean_Laumbach\r\nCar looks great but I have to ask was the undercarriage sprayed at any given time throughout it's life? as there is lots of over spray on the brake lines and 4 different shades of white down there. I just want to make sure the claim isn't this is the original undercarriage. Albeit amazing looking. too many textures going on down there. to have not been sprayed at all. Again beautiful 108 another great offering by your team. but the whites are off below.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1549988376, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2951601, "authorName": "calisomb", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/calisomb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@drcharles2 Thanks for sharing that lovely story. It\u2019s these little first hand experiences by car owners that make this site so great! Cheers.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1549989574, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2951644, "authorName": "Dean_Laumbach (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dean_laumbach/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@WAGONBOYTD Yes the vehicle was refreshed underneath and inside of the fenders and quarters by the previous owner and were painted 131 Pastel white. The current owner had the floor pans once again refreshed in 131 and it is In fact the ORIGINAL floor pans. I do not see any variation in the pastel white underneath the car and it could possibly be the lighting that is giving you the impression that 4 separate shades of white were used? In a perfect world I would have preferred that the pans were not painted at all, but they were. I can assure you that the pans are 100% original to the car.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1549990374, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2951655, "authorName": "alagol", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/alagol/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Wow, not the usual Laumbach offering but a beauty nonetheless as to be expected otherwise it wouldn't be a Laumbach. Maybe they can restore old Mercs with new gear and call them Laumbach Mercedes. A new part of their business model. LOL.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1549990560, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2951727, "authorName": "WAGONBOYTD", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wagonboytd/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Dean_laumbach\r\nAwesome thanks. I knew the pans were original and tight/solid all that looks right. could be the light in regards to the whites. but figured it had to have been sprayed at some point. Thanks as always for giving us high standards in regards to detailing. Bracq would be proud", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1549991729, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2951801, "authorName": "Drkidneydr", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/drkidneydr/", "bidAmount": 8200, "content": "$8,200 bid placed by Drkidneydr", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1549993186, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 2951910, "authorName": "BitNippy", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bitnippy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Yes! A 70's german luxury muscle car! Only inferior to the 6.9, imo. My Dad had one of these in identical spec in the late 80's and I was just out of HS. He added a set of Riken STX wheels, and slightly lowered suspension iirc. I regularly drove the car on weekends and loved the sound it made at WOT. It made toast of many unsuspecting cruisers. Great highway cruiser, too. GLWA", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1549995034, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2952043, "authorName": "hank42", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/hank42/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Dean, we were talking about overspray on the 3.5 listing so let me say concerning the question of the floor boards being painted on this car...as the factory went around and painted and oversprayed under and around the floor boards would have been hit with body color but missed in the area of the B pillar getting in the way. If you want to see pics of my red 4.5 let me know and I'll email them.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1549997014, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2952055, "authorName": "hank42", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/hank42/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The underside paint touch-up as you say was redone as the clamps holding up the gas tank would have been zinc plated and added after the car was painted and the tank installed. Clearly painting over here.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1549997183, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2952112, "authorName": "Dean_Laumbach (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dean_laumbach/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@hank42 Concur 100%. The previous owner definitely did a cosmetic refreshing underneath, and the car was not disassembled like a rotisserie restoration. The suspension components were thankfully largely untouched and still wears original paint and factory markings. \r\n\r\n@hank42 PLEASE do e-mail me the photos !!!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1549997877, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2953020, "authorName": "the_normanns", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/the_normanns/", "bidAmount": 10419, "content": "$10,419 bid placed by the_normanns", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1550005629, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 2953034, "authorName": "the_normanns", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/the_normanns/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Dean.. I hate the \"blue\" interior, look in my last email :-)...\r\n\r\nBut these WHITE WHALE IS SO BRIGHT -WHITE...... \r\n\r\nGLWTA", "likes": 6, "timestamp": 1550005824, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2954690, "authorName": "Mike63", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mike63/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Wow, so clean. I feel like i'm seeing things that i've never seen before. Beautiful 108. GLWTA!", "likes": 7, "timestamp": 1550032763, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2954769, "authorName": "Hansjorg", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/hansjorg/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This interior is beyond stunning. I never thought a white car could look that good.\r\nGLWTA.", "likes": 9, "timestamp": 1550037384, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2955193, "authorName": "Dean_Laumbach (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dean_laumbach/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Good morning BaT. I want to thank @hank42 for e-mailing me a few photos of his 6k mile red 4.5, and I will definitely be making it a point to go see that car in person in the near future. His car is GORGEOUS !!! He also shared with me some photos of the floor pans from inside the vehicle and I took some photos this morning of this white 4.5's floor pans and they should be uploading soon.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1550068438, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2955305, "authorName": "bringatrailer", "authorUrl": "", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Photos of the floor pans have been added to the gallery.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1550070732, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2955551, "authorName": "zachmac", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/zachmac/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Another gorgeous Bracq creation offered up with full disclosure and history. Now if it was only being offered by a known expert with a reputation for bringing the finest and best examples to BaT. \n\nOh wait, check that block as well! GLWA Dean.\n\nI also don't care for the blue (make mine tobacco please) but this one looks very nice.", "likes": 6, "timestamp": 1550074500, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2955792, "authorName": "berfinroy", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/berfinroy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Another fine \"Deanmobile\" from a seller-with-a -stellar reputation!\nA clarification regarding the horsepower of these early US spec W117 4.5s is in order. They were officially rated at 190 (or possibly 195), not 225. The previous generation W116s were rated at 200, thus appearing more powerful that the 4.5 despite its one liter displacement advantage. Not so. The 3.5s were rated under the older \"gross\" rating system, which was replaced in 1972 by the more realistic \"net\" rating system under which the 4.5 was rated. The 4.5 is decidedly more powerful and torquey than the 3.5. It probably WOULD have been rated at 225hp or so if the \"gross\" rating system had been applied to it!\nGood luck with this wonderfully preserved example.", "likes": 11, "timestamp": 1550078732, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2958262, "authorName": "savantauto", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/savantauto/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Steve_S1 Your MB Tex comment was stellar. Love it AND MB tex! Wonder if its formula was created by \"the most Interesting man in the world\"?", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1550099968, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2958714, "authorName": "MichaelAngelo", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/michaelangelo/", "bidAmount": 10823, "content": "$10,823 bid placed by MichaelAngelo", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1550111654, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 2964220, "authorName": "Danny", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/danny/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The undercarriage pictures are cleaner than my 72 twin, somewhat daily driver.", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1550252300, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2967271, "authorName": "Awesomefinds79", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/awesomefinds79/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This car is simply gorgeous, I\u2019m a big fan of this color combo when it shows this well. These cars carry such a presence!!!", "likes": 6, "timestamp": 1550293544, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2967868, "authorName": "mhlcat", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mhlcat/", "bidAmount": 11280, "content": "$11,280 bid placed by mhlcat", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1550336086, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 2968003, "authorName": "Drkidneydr", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/drkidneydr/", "bidAmount": 11600, "content": "$11,600 bid placed by Drkidneydr", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1550340307, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 2968139, "authorName": "Brutto", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/brutto/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The \"Like\" thumbs up symbol is dangerously close to the \"Flag as not constructive\" button -and there is no \"undo\"....apologies. Every comment on this thread is really good: witty and knowledgeable..", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1550344239, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2968258, "authorName": "porkchopious", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/porkchopious/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "All this car needs is a set of euro headlamps.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1550348472, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2968709, "authorName": "p.smitty", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/p.smitty/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I totally disagree. I put a set on my 4.5 at one time and they made the the car look stodgy. The North America lights are much cleaner looking.", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1550370897, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2968960, "authorName": "W108109", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/w108109/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I'm with @p.smitty. Further the Euro headlamps contain the turn signal which then makes the stock turn signals look out of place.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1550404671, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2969085, "authorName": "Blocksteel", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/blocksteel/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@porkchopious, and @W108109, not sure if this is what you are thinking, but I believe the later vehicles never got the full lens Euro headlights occupying the complete headlight shell space. All later V8 108 and 109 came with quad headlights in every market, including Europe. The difference would be that instead of sealed beams, Euro market would get halogen H4/H1 headlamps and the turn signals (amber lens to the outside) and city light (clear lens to the inside) would occupy the lens space between the headlamps. In North America these are just dummy clear lenses and not used. This allowed for fog (or driving lamps) to be installed where the large orange turn signal/parking lights are on North American market vehicles. Here is an example of that Euro arrangement on the 109 6.3 that is (was) in the MB Museum in Stuttgart: https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0UGrq0zwGN4Bhd", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1550413629, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2969196, "authorName": "jamieSL", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jamiesl/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Perhaps there\u2019s a 108/109 owner out there that hasn\u2019t been shown or figured out that the gas cap fits snug in the two metal brackets ( one on fold down plate and one housed inside on deck) . When in place it braces said door open making gas nozzle easier to maneuver. You can see the \u201c bracket \u201c in detail in pic 40 . Wished I knew that \u201ctrick\u201d a lot earlier myself !", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1550418142, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2969204, "authorName": "MrcBnz55", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mrcbnz55/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@berfinroy wrote:\r\n\"A clarification regarding the horsepower of these early US spec W117 4.5s is in order. They were officially rated at 190 (or possibly 195), not 225. The previous generation W116s were rated at 200, thus appearing more powerful that the 4.5 despite its one liter displacement advantage. Not so. The 3.5s were rated under the older \u201cgross\u201d rating system, which was replaced in 1972 by the more realistic \u201cnet\u201d rating system under which the 4.5 was rated. The 4.5 is decidedly more powerful and torquey than the 3.5. It probably WOULD have been rated at 225hp or so if the \u201cgross\u201d rating system had been applied to it!\"\r\n\r\n@berfinroy meant well in trying to clarify the power figure for this car, but instead, he confused the issue further.\r\n\r\nUp to the 1972 model year for foreign cars sold in the U.S., the SAE Gross power rating system was used. This W108 was officially sold as a 1973 model, but that's just because it is a very late production W108, and the W116 was not ready yet. This car was primarily a 1972 model-year car, and it was rated at 230 hp SAE Gross. It was not until the W116 450 SE and 450 SEL came out later in the 1973 model year that Mercedes started using SAE Net ratings for the M117 engine used in sedans. Up to the 1971 MY, when the 3.5 models (M116 engine) were sold in the U.S., they were rated also at 230 SAE Gross hp. The reason that, in the U.S., the M117 4.5-liter engine had no more power than the M116 3.5-liter engine despite an extra liter of displacement was the fact that emission controls were beginning to be used, and the 4.5-liter V8 engine had to have a lower compression ratio than the 3.5-liter V8. In Europe, where no emissions equipment was introduced at this time, the 3.5-liter engine was rated at 200 PS DIN, and the 4.5-liter engine had 225 PS DIN. (Note: 1 PS is a metric hp, which is close to but not equal to 1 English-system hp, and DIN is a net measurement which is very similar to SAE Net, but very different from SAE Gross.) In 1973, the U.S. model 450 SE/SEL had 190 hp SAE Net. The U.S. 4.5-liter engine had definitely less power than the Euro 3.5-liter engine, 190 hp vs 200 PS, and much less power than the Euro 4.5-liter engine, 190 hp vs 225 PS.\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to torque, it is a different story. Torque is very dependent on engine displacement, so although the low-compression U.S. M117 4.5-liter V8 had less power than the Euro M116 3.5-liter V8, the extra liter of displacement of the U.S. 4.5-liter engine helped achieve a torque rating of 240 lb-ft SAE Net, whereas the torque of the Euro high-compression 3.5-liter engine was only 211 lb-ft DIN. The Euro high-compression 4.5-liter V8 had 278 lb-ft DIN of torque.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1550418638, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2969296, "authorName": "mhlcat", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mhlcat/", "bidAmount": 12000, "content": "$12,000 bid placed by mhlcat", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1550422000, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 2969651, "authorName": "berfinroy", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/berfinroy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@AMrcBnz55. You state in the first sentence of your reply that \" UP TO the 1972 model year for foreign cars sold in the US the SAE Gross power rating system was used.\" That would mean that all foreign cars sold in the US AFTER 1971....including this car....used the SAE Net system, and was thus rated at 190. I agree that the 4.5 was de-tuned relative to the 1971 3.5 because the US emission regulations got stricter in 1972. For example, the 1971 US 3.5 had 9:1 compression while the 1972 4.5 had only 8:1. Of course, 1971 wasn't the first year of US smog regulations (that was 1968), which is why even the 1971 US 3.5 was not as powerful as its European counterpart.\nI submit that the 1972 US 4.5 had more \"usable\", if you will, power in that both its peak hp and torque were produced at considerably lower rpm. It may be argued that the 3.5 FELT faster due to its older generation non-torque converter 4 speed transmission, and its lower differential ratio, but contemporary road tests recorded very similar results.\nI'm away from home now and don't have access to the resources to support what i'm saying here. In point of fact, we are pretty much in agreement....especially with respect to the confusion created by the US switch between 1971 and 1972 from the Gross to Net SAE systems and the power and torque figures produced by the then un-smog regulated Euro engines under yet another Euro DIN rating system!", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1550438964, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2969715, "authorName": "MrcBnz55", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mrcbnz55/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@berfinroy\nFirst of all, I appreciate your answer, and I agree that we are mostly in agreement.\n\nI'm sorry if I was not clear, but when I stated \"up to the 1972 model year\", I was including the 1972 model year, which some would state as \"up to and including the 1972 model year.\" To make myself clear again: Mercedes cars sold in the U.S. in all model years 1972 and earlier were rated in SAE Gross. You will not find any official U.S. MB literature including the 1972 model year and earlier with ratings in anything other that SAE Gross. Starting with the next model year, 1973, Mercedes switched to rating all U.S. models in SAE Net.\n\nI owned a 1972 280 SEL 4.5 for many years, and I had driven a 1971 300 SEL 3.5 earlier. I agree with you about the driving experiences of these two models. The low-revving 4.5-liter engine with an extra liter of displacement had more usable power and torque. It was also smoother due to the torque converter 3-speed auto transmission vs the older fluid coupling 4-speed auto transmission.\n\nThe switch from gross to net power for Mercedes cars in the U.S. was from 1972 to 1973, not 1971 to 1972. American cars did switch to SAE Net from 1971 to 1972. My mother had a 1972 W114 250 (2.8-liter engine) rated at 157 hp SAE Gross, and my 1972 280 SEL 4.5 had 230 hp SAE Gross. These power figures actually appeared in the MBNA-issued owners manuals of these two cars. Also, if you look at old enough official MB literature, when they still rated European versions in both DIN and SAE Gross, the M116 3.5-liter V8 was rated at both 200 PS DIN and 230 hp SAE Gross in its European version.\nThe official U.S. ratings for the 4.5-liter V8 were 230 SAE Gross hp in 1972 (280 SE/SEL 4.5, 300 SEL 4.5, 350 SL/SLC (U.S. models with the 4.5 engine)) and 190 hp SAE Net in 1973 (in the 450 SE/SEL, 450 SL/SLC).\nNotice that the U.S.-only 1972 4.5-liter V8 had the same 230 SAE Gross hp as the Euro 3.5's SAE Gross rating.\nFor 1974 only, the 4.5 engine's power became 180 hp SAE Net for California and was still 190 SEA Net hp for the 49-state version. In 1975, all U.S. models of the 4.5-liter V8 ended up with 180 hp. In the final year of production, 1980, U.S. power went down to 160 hp SAE Net.\nThe confusion that many Americans have with power ratings is due to the combination of the switch from SAE Gross ratings to SAE Net ratings and the appearance of additional emissions equipment in 1972. These two events happened at approximately the same time, and created a lot of confusion. For example, what was the most powerful R107 sold in the U.S.? Many people think it was the original U.S. model 350 SL (with the 4.5-liter engine) which was rated at 230 hp in 1972. The later 560 SL was rated at \"only\" 227 hp. The truth is that the 350 SL's 230 SAE Gross hp figure was at best the same as 195 hp SAE Net, so the 560 SL's 227 hp SAE Net is definitely more power than the the 350 SL's rating.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1550443933, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2970130, "authorName": "berfinroy", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/berfinroy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@MrcBnz55. Very informative! You are right, I did think the switch from SAE Gross to SAE Net in 1972 included all cars sold in the US, not just domestics. My 1972 built 300SEL (sold and registered as a 1973) just picked up another 35hp! I'd love to know your source(s) by which you ferreted out this convoluted mess.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1550493578, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2970154, "authorName": "Tcstraker", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tcstraker/", "bidAmount": 12700, "content": "$12,700 bid placed by Tcstraker", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1550496194, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 2970167, "authorName": "GoneBatty", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/gonebatty/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Ha. All attempts to keep the bidding low are totally futile.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1550496749, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2970195, "authorName": "rumb", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/rumb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Having restored the belly of my 6.9 I can attest that is an insane amount of work to do. I wonder if dry ice blasting was used and then repainted.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1550497781, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2970242, "authorName": "Dean_Laumbach (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dean_laumbach/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Good morning BaT. One of things I enjoy most about the process of these auctions is the open sharing of information, and I would estimate 90% of the information shared between enthusiasts are constructive and educational. The dialog between @berfinroy and @MrcBnz55 is a perfect example. I do not in anyway see this as an attempt to dissuade potential bidders from participating in this auction. Most of us BaT regulars whether a buyer, seller, or just an enthusiast comes away everyday with a little more knowledge about a particular vehicle because of this open sharing of information. My guess is your average BaT subscriber knows what years and model of Porsches that had the infamous IMS bearing issue, the make and model of Mercedes Benz cars that had the biodegradable wiring harness and the presence of a single row cam chain in Mercedes Benz V8s in the early 1980's. LOL \n\n@rumb The current owner of this 280SE does not own a dry ice blaster. He did however own a very successful auto detailing shop in New York for many years. He personally owns a small collection of German cars and each car in his collection have been sorted and detailed to a high standard prior to being placed in climate controlled storage. I myself have looked into investing in dry ice technology for engine bay and undercarriage detailing, but I have not invested in this as the dry ice media is very costly and has short term shelf life with a 3-5% loss of product each day while in storage. I am hoping that a manufacturers comes up with a system that is more geared for this application as most of the equipment and cost involved are more in line with larger scale usage such as the cleaning of food processing equipment. The suspension components on this particular vehicle is still wearing original paint and much of the factory applied paint marking are still present on these components. As previously mentioned, the undercarriage floor pans and inside of the quarters were refreshed during previous ownership, but were also retouched in Pastel White by the current owner for cosmetic purposes.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1550499680, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2970268, "authorName": "Danthebenzman", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/danthebenzman/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Oh lord, wont you buy me @dean_laumbach 's benz?\r\nMy friends all drive porsches, I must make amends.\r\nWorked hard all my lifetime, no help from my friends,\r\nSo lord, won't you buy Dean's mercedes benz? GLWA, beautiful vehicle!", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1550500527, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2970287, "authorName": "Seansinkule", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/seansinkule/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Ive owned and restored close to a dozen 280SEs, most of which were 4.5s. These have LONG been one of the most overlooked treasures in the automotive world. Hand built, beautiful, fast, reliable, and the 4.5s benefit from a driveline much more modern that its looks. I just miss the days when i could pick up a good runner for $1,500 . I hold two 500,000 kilometer badges from Mercedes Benz for two of them. GLWS", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1550501211, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2970294, "authorName": "rumb", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/rumb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Regardless of how it was accomplished, cleaning the underside to that level is monumental task. A huge plus for this car!", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1550501488, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2970345, "authorName": "boxter", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/boxter/", "bidAmount": 12950, "content": "$12,950 bid placed by boxter", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1550503061, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 2970390, "authorName": "Soleman", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/soleman/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I wonder why 280s command so much less than 300s. They look the same, are the same size, leather vs MB Tex is a plus, the spring vs air suspension is debatable, and the premium vs standard wood dash is minor. Is the 300 that much more collectable simply due to its rarity? This car would be bidding $30,000+ if it was a 300SE 4,5.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1550504548, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2970426, "authorName": "CascoPhil", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/cascophil/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@soleman\r\nIt\u2019s not just 280\u2019s v 300\u2019s.\r\nThis car is an SE not an SEL. Hence they are NOT the same size.\r\n\r\nThe differences you mention are major! Air suspension is huge! So is leather. Plus 300\u2019s are indeed much rarer. The 300SEL was much higher priced for these differences originally and have always appreciated at a higher rate. As an owner of several well-maintained 300SEL\u2019s, they are far better cars at high speeds than the 280SE I have. In general, IMO, it is also much more demanding and difficult to maintain the 300SEL\u2019s because of air suspension, leather, and classier wood.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1550505086, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2970480, "authorName": "Soleman", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/soleman/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@CascoPhil: Thank you for the input but does the air suspension & leather make a 300SEL worth $20-30,000++ more than a similar condition 280SEL? Obviously that is a question best answered by the 300 buyer but it seems that the 280s are currently a bargain. We recently paid $50,000 for a mint, low-mile, 100% original 300SEL 4.5 but a similar 280SEL 4.5 would undoutably have been far more attractive if purchase price had been a primary concern. FWIW, if the 108 & 109s ring your bell like they do mine I suggest buying one of these while they are still available and a good value.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1550506614, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2970488, "authorName": "Dean_Laumbach (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dean_laumbach/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Soleman I agree with @CascoPhil regarding the W109 300SEL being the ultimate flagship model and although they are expensive to maintain, when they are sorted mechanically as well as cosmetically they are extremely collectible and valuable. Buying a W109 \"project\" is not for the faint of heart especially for those looking for a project car on a budget. My personal feelings about the W109 300SEL is a well sorted and strong condition (1- to 2-) model is always going to trade at a high premium with the 6.3 being the ultimate model. Although I have never seen a #1 condition all original 6.3 in person, I do know what type of value I would place on that car, and it would be a very large number.\r\n\r\n@Soleman I absolutely love both models and have owned a few myself. Of course take my opinion with a grain of salt being the seller here. LOL", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1550507010, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2970632, "authorName": "Soleman", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/soleman/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@ Dean_Laumbach: Thank you for your opinion; we are very pleased with our 300SEL but this 280SEL looks like one helluva deal for anywhere remotely near the current bid. If there was one more spot available in my 5-car/5-motorcycle garage this 280 would be coming home to us. Beautiful car. BTW, we owned a '71 280SE 4-speed manual (euro-import??) several years back and still lament letting it go.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1550510640, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2970703, "authorName": "CascoPhil", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/cascophil/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@soleman\nWhile I felt my post was clear, I certainly consider 109\u2019s well deserving of a price premium over a 108. While the 300SEL is far superior to the 280SEL, 280SEL\u2019s are still wonderful examples of the advanced automobiles made by Mercedes in the 68-73 era. I love the 6.3 versions the best like @ Dean_Laumbach but acquired mine a decade ago when good ones were much less expensive.\nWhat it really comes down to, for cars in comparable original condition, is how much you value those differences (leather, special wood, and air suspension). I value the 109\u2019s much more for the air suspension (not so bad to maintain if you go about it consistently) than anything else. Air suspension made them the best ride/handling of any Mercedes sedan at the time IMO.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1550512710, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2970774, "authorName": "Janos_z", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/janos_z/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Wading into the debate: according to most folks I've chatted with about the w108/109, if you plan to actually drive the thing, the 280SE 4.5 is the best version to have (though I fully admit that \"best\" is a subjective term). I think of it as the (w124) 400E equivalent of the w108/109 lineup.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1550514444, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2970912, "authorName": "MB280SE", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mb280se/", "bidAmount": 13500, "content": "$13,500 bid placed by MB280SE", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1550516569, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 2970919, "authorName": "Nsgreek", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/nsgreek/", "bidAmount": 13750, "content": "$13,750 bid placed by Nsgreek", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1550516599, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 2970924, "authorName": "MB280SE", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mb280se/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "That was quick!", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1550516620, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2970951, "authorName": "Soleman", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/soleman/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "CascoPhil; you're right and I stand corrected. As a past 280SE & current 300SEL owner, the lowly 280SE 4.5 is not even close to the highly exalted 300SEL. ...at any price. MBTex seats? spring suspension?? mere wood trim??? TRASH for posers & peasants only! (jest intended) LOL \nThe point is these cars are arguably 75% of a 300 but at 30% of the price. Get it? \nSome of us can afford the premium of a 300; some cannot or refuse to; but I contend that a primo condition 280SE/SEL 4.5 is a helluva deal compared to its upmarket brother.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1550516855, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2970962, "authorName": "robstone", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/robstone/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "very impressive condition and excellent presentation for sale Dean. I love it when someone has all the original paperwork, tools, window sticker for a 41 year old vehicle!", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1550516936, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2971069, "authorName": "Dean_Laumbach (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dean_laumbach/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Soleman Sorry I have to jump in once again. Every Mercedes Benz car from this era should be held in high regard due to the beautiful designs of Paul Bracq and the incredible \"built to last forever\" engineering of Mercedes Benz during this era. One of my all time favorite finds over the past 25 years is this utilitarian all original 1973 220D which was indirectly discovered here on BaT. \r\n\r\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FN7hGlRFdFk", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1550517410, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2971189, "authorName": "Soleman", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/soleman/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Mr. Laumbach, I agree 100%; btw great looking 220D. We like them all but appreciate the pre-'73 MBs the most. This 280SE you are repping looks like a gorgeous car.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1550518533, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2971240, "authorName": "Awesomefinds79", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/awesomefinds79/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "To me condition trumps everything whether it\u2019s a 280 or 300. When it comes to older classics I prefer the more simpler things in life, which is why I\u2019m fixated on a w108. I have dealt with air suspension issues and it wasn\u2019t for the faint of heart. A 280 4.5 with low miles, A/C unrestored, no rust is becoming harder and harder to find. This car should display a strong ending!", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1550519244, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2971316, "authorName": "Awesomefinds79", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/awesomefinds79/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Oh wait I forgot to mention the window sticker, I have a few of those, but not one this old..lol very impressive. Glwta", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1550520238, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2971404, "authorName": "Standimakos", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/standimakos/", "bidAmount": 14018, "content": "$14,018 bid placed by Standimakos", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1550521440, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 2971455, "authorName": "PSS130", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/pss130/", "bidAmount": 14500, "content": "$14,500 bid placed by PSS130", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1550521994, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 2971512, "authorName": "MB280SE", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mb280se/", "bidAmount": 15280, "content": "$15,280 bid placed by MB280SE", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1550522952, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 2971519, "authorName": "PSS130", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/pss130/", "bidAmount": 16150, "content": "$16,150 bid placed by PSS130", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1550523003, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 2971571, "authorName": "zachmac", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/zachmac/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I just wish I could get past the blue interior but I cannot so GLWA and to all bidders.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1550523538, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2971666, "authorName": "trcyspares", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/trcyspares/", "bidAmount": 17000, "content": "$17,000 bid placed by trcyspares", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1550524558, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 2971763, "authorName": "Standimakos", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/standimakos/", "bidAmount": 20000, "content": "$20,000 bid placed by Standimakos", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1550525501, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 2971832, "authorName": "MB280SE", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mb280se/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I remember hearing about emotional bank accounts. Something about deposits and withdrawals. I\u2019m trying to work that math in relationship to my wife...", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1550526428, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2971880, "authorName": "Soleman", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/soleman/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@MB280SE: Emotional bank accounts? you're wasting your time. Instead offer the little lady to remodel the kitchen and throw in a Caribbean cruise; works much better.\r\n@Standimakos: you're a smart man. An auctioneer at Barrett-Jackson once advised me to jump the bid like you just did to get the best price. If they nibble after that, jump it again. Works every time.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1550526919, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2971957, "authorName": "1600veloce", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/1600veloce/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Dean_Laumbach\r\n\r\nI think there is a spec of dust in picture 149?... JK! Nice example right down to correct radio. GLWTA!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1550527780, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2971987, "authorName": "jamieSL", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jamiesl/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Well Dean , I\u2019m in the Florida country right now with dicey cell service trying to watch the big finale to your auction of my favorite Benz model . I expect some fun final minutes - enjoy your auction..", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1550528194, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2972010, "authorName": "MichaelMcG", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/michaelmcg/", "bidAmount": 20500, "content": "$20,500 bid placed by MichaelMcG", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1550528384, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 2972019, "authorName": "Soleman", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/soleman/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Standimakos; JUMP IT AGAIN.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1550528449, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2972025, "authorName": "Standimakos", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/standimakos/", "bidAmount": 22000, "content": "$22,000 bid placed by Standimakos", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1550528491, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 2972040, "authorName": "MichaelMcG", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/michaelmcg/", "bidAmount": 22500, "content": "$22,500 bid placed by MichaelMcG", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1550528602, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 2972054, "authorName": "Soleman", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/soleman/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Standimakos; hit 'm again; shake him off. Nicest 280SE on the planet.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1550528716, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2972056, "authorName": "MichaelMcG", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/michaelmcg/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Sold on 2/18/19 for $22,500 to MichaelMcG", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1550528725, "type": "bat-bid-reserve"}, {"id": 2972077, "authorName": "MB280SE", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mb280se/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Congratulations, MichaelMcG!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1550528803, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2972080, "authorName": "Soleman", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/soleman/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Mr Lambauch, you can send the check to me made out to CASH. LOL. Congrats MichaelMcG; Smakos should've stayed on it.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1550528814, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2972091, "authorName": "jamieSL", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jamiesl/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Congrats @MichaelMcG you\u2019ve just bought one beautiful Benz - drive and enjoy !", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1550528902, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2972093, "authorName": "Dean_Laumbach (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dean_laumbach/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@MichaelMcG This car was very well bought. You will understand why when you see it !!! Look forward to speaking with you.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1550528911, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2972130, "authorName": "MichaelMcG", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/michaelmcg/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Thanks. Looking forward to some fun driving. Reading the comments on this and other auctions from all of you who experts out there. sincerely appreciate your knowledge and passion.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1550529185, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2972176, "authorName": "sonny_matharu", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/sonny_matharu/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Nicely bot indeed.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1550529713, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2972418, "authorName": "AndrewsMBService", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/andrewsmbservice/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Damn! Well done buyer, enjoy it!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1550532370, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2972914, "authorName": "Awesomefinds79", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/awesomefinds79/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Wow, this car sold for 8k less than my prediction... good deal for the buyer.. @MichaelMcG lots of luck on this beauty..", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1550548565, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2972949, "authorName": "MrcBnz55", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mrcbnz55/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@berfinroy wrote \"I\u2019d love to know your source(s) by which you ferreted out this convoluted mess.\"\r\n\r\n\"Convoluted mess\" is the perfect expression for this.\r\nMy main source is Mercedes' own TDMs (Technical Data Manuals). They are small format books with many pages and tons of information. I have many of them, with technical data on models from the 1940s to the 1990s - that is, up to and including the 1990s :-) . Then I have a 2003 edition. Unfortunately, I don't have any after 1993 except for the 2003 edition. In addition, I've been a car nut and a Mercedes nut for more than 40 years, and have quite a bit of literature on Mercedes cars. I prefer not to rely on secondary publications, such as books and magazine articles, since I find too many mistakes in them. The TDMs are, in my opinion, the most reliable source of technical data on Mercedes cars although I have noticed a few errors.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1550550384, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2977608, "authorName": "CascoPhil", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/cascophil/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@soleman\r\n\r\nI can see how you could see the 280SE as being 75% of what is offered in a \u201ccomparable\u201d 300SEL. There are, however, different ways buyers value collectible cars and the differences are often valued much higher than the 75% vs 100% that you suggest. I am not one to go against what value the market places on those differences. Obviously, if they do not strike you as worthy of the extra money they bring, you are correct (LOL!) and should not bid or offer to buy at the higher prices they attract. That will make it easier for those who do. :-)", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1550681223, "type": "comment"}]