W111 questions

[CBoz]

Hello Folks -

I'm looking at the W111 series coupes, and have some general questions:

1. What is the general feeling about transmissions for these cars? I see that a rebuilt automatic can be purchased for around $2000, but how reliable are these? Alternatively, how reliable are the 4-speed manuals, and how hard are they to find?

2. Am I correct in assuming that the 280 SE 3.5 V8 cars all had the shorter front grilles?

I know these are broad questions (and I'll probably have more), but am trying to focus down on what kind of W111 I might want.

[Steve_Mack_CT]

Hi Cecil. Nice choice. I would suggest reaching out to new forum poster Marrs if you have not done so already. Check out the MBCA (MB Club of America) and "Benzworld" forums as there is a lot of info on these cars there. On BW, go to the "vintage" forum.

There is a nice off white/cream with red interior 220 coupe for sale in this forum also. 4 speed car, very attractive and under $20K - $17K , I think. CA location, I think check it out. (Benzworld Vintage Forum)

Gullwing in NY and Bev. Hills Car Club are also sites where you can see these from time to time. The open cars, especially with the larger 280 engine, can be very expensive.

Keep us posted as usual. I really like the W111s as well, and could see that or a W113 (Pagoda) in the garage someday. For now we are loving the 107 (560 SL) and I am really hot for an MG T series car or some type of speedster right now..

[Steve_Mack_CT]

Cecil, my preference for what it's worth is the high grill versions. Here is one I would give some thought to:

BaT Exclusive: 1961 Mercedes Benz 220SE Coupe For Sale

[MarrsCars]

We have been in contact, always available for Benz chat!

[Mark_Kurth]

Every 111 fan has their favorite, but my preference is for the 250 SE. They still have many of the design details of the early 220 models (small hubcaps with separate trim rings, low buckets w/out headrests, full wood binnacle, high grill), but also have 4-wheel disks and get a little more hp from the larger engine. They're very well built, easy to drive, and reliable if well-maintained. We've owned ours for nearly 10 years and wouldn't part with it. Coupes, in my view have been way undervalued relative to the cabs and good originals can still be found, if you're patient.

[jim rosenthal]

As far as driving goes, all but the 3.5 versions are kind of slow; the V8 cars are much better if you want to actually drive the car. The 280SE (later) car is the best of the six-bangers.

As far as decor goes, the 220 and 250 have nicer interior wood, including the wooden instrument binnacle.

The 300SE coupe is also a 111 car- the problematic air suspension plus the 3-liter six make these cars the most expensive to maintain of all the 111s, and the least bang for the buck. You are almost certain to be upside down in any 300SE you buy.

Transmissions: the manuals are clunky but reliable. The early automatics shift hard but are reliable if maintained. The later automatics shift a bit easier but still not like a modern transmission. Rebuilds are possible but expensive.

The best 111 coupe for driving and enjoyment is a 3.5 coupe. A good one is a joy to own. A bad one will make you unhappy. As in all things with vintage cars, do your research (Frank Barrett's book is a good place to begin) and line up someone for a serious and searching PPI before you buy anything. If you find a good one, you will have an enjoyable, highly usable elegant car which is likely to (slowly) gain in value over the years. Have fun looking, in some ways it's the best part of the whole process....