This 1971 Mercedes 280 SE was purchased from the former Owner in Tacoma WA. He had intended to restore it but a move to Arizona persuaded him to sell. I am a mechanical engineer, a gear head and restoration hobbyist. I own several of these sedans and a coupe and love to bring the back to life the way they left the factory. The high grill and vertical quad headlights are a classic look that you do not see anymore. I fell in love with it. After getting the car home to my shop, the fuel tank was replaced, a new fuel pump installed, the fuel lines and injectors flushed. Before starting the engine, a compression check revealed 125 psig per cylinder. Impressive! The car started right up on non-ethanol fuel. Next the brakes and suspension was inspected. New front brakes, rotors, pads and a new master cylinder were installed. Rear brakes were fine and just needed to be bled. The rear spring set was replaced as an incorrect spring had been installed which gave the car too much rear positive camber. Front idler arms were replaced and the car aligned correctly. Next the electrical system was gone through, electric door switches replaced and motor mechanisms adjusted so all the electric windows functioned correctly. The original radio was sent back to New York to Becker Audio who rebuilt the radio and a new speaker was installed. Head light switches, wipers and turns signals were checked to be sure they were all functional. New horns were installed. New interior carpeting was installed and new MB Tex seats installed if the old seat was damaged. The wood trim along the dash to front window was sent to Madera Concepts in Santa Barbara for restoration. Finally, the car was re-painted to the original German Grau-Blau (Gray-Blue) and the exterior chrome polished with a kit from Mercedes to bring back its luster. I have not restored the clock which easy for a new owner to do. The goal of this restoration was to bring the car back to a good driver, a car the new owner could enjoy driving, with out getting too upside down on costs. It could be taken further if the new owner wishes or kept as it and enjoyed.
Located in Blaine, WA.