On auto trader ive found a baby blue 108 benz that id love to check out. Its an 8 hr drive for me though. Its $1000. with 67000 miles. 4-speed. I havent talked with the owner yet, but were all these cars automatics? This seams like a good price on a decent looking car. Any suggestions or comments regarding things to look for (troublespots)?
is this car underpowered with this engine?

My first car was a 66 250S. I loved it, but as a college student, it ate my lunch. Biggest problems for these cars was the carbs. Boy, I hated those things. Biggest thing to check for now, is rust. You could spend a fortune doing body work for a car that isn't worth it.

If you talk to the owner and are still interested, pass me the info, I will take a look at it for you. Not a "professional" opinion but I have been around a few cars and live in Virginia Beach. My email is betty@whro.net

Jim,
My parents home is in Virginia beach - I visit there every month. I read that the ZF 5 speed was a rare option in the 280SL.How did you get one in the 230SL?
By the way, I keep a nice original
1972 250 coupe in my parents garage. I wish the garage was bigger.
Mark DiSilvestro
1972 250 and 250C (infamous carbs)
1961 180b (basket case)
and 2 DKWs!

Mark ... The ZF 5-speed was also an option for the last years of the 230SL. I have the original data card that includes its option code. My understanding is that only 680 ZF transmissions were installed in 230SL, 250SL, 280SL and the 250 sedan. When you visit your 250, give me a call. betty@whro.net 757-481-6398

Jim,
A former owner of a 1968 280SE with a 4 speed stickshift told me
"these cars feel 500 pounds lighter with a stckshift". I learned to shift on a 1961 180b with a 4 speed column shift and while not exactly sporty, the shifter had a precision and solid feel, better than some other makes floorshifts. I recently drove a 1969 280S with a 4 speed stick on the column and it was pretty nice too. While my 250 automatic is good to have in Northern Virginia traffic, I pay the price in gas and performance.
I inherited a rough 1967 230SL from my dad 12 years ago. My dad bought it in 1984 as a "rust-free Texas car". It was an OK driver but it had been poorly restored by the previous owner. By the time I got it the gas was turning to varnish and it was rusting badly, even in places that usually don't rust so I sold it, as it was no longer worth restoring.
Happy Motoring
Mark DiSilvestro

Jim and 'Jeepboy',
A former owner of a 1968 280SE with a 4 speed stickshift told me
"these cars feel 500 pounds lighter with a stckshift". I learned to shift on a 1961 180b with a 4 speed column shift and while not exactly sporty, the shifter had a precision and solid feel, better than some other makes floorshifts. I recently drove a 1969 280S with a 4 speed stick on the column and it was pretty nice too. While my 250 automatic is good to have in Northern Virginia traffic, I pay the price in gas and performance.
I inherited a rough 1967 230SL from my dad 12 years ago. My dad bought it in 1984 as a "rust-free Texas car". It was an OK driver but it had been poorly restored by the previous owner. By the time I got it the gas was turning to varnish and it was rusting badly, even in places that usually don't rust so I sold it, as it was no longer worth restoring.
Happy Motoring
Mark DiSilvestro