New Series! 1969 Mercedes 280 SE!!

Its time for Monkey Wrench Mike to begin the rolling restoration of his new, old 1969 Mercedes 280 SE (W108 Series). He’s following Kent Berga’s advice and concentrating on 1 system at a time. This is the first cideo introducibg you to the car and providing some of its amazing history.

[@geraldcoe1123]

Mike! You are the best! So nice to see you happy! I really enjoy your videos and getting to see Lola too!

[@rich5223]

You brought a bargain it should be in a museum

[@45AMT]

That 30 year old repaint looks better than most factory paint on a new car! That car is amazing. as someone who really will enjoy it. I'm glad you ended up with that one!

[@briankoundry3401]

Never get that kind a machine work done nowadays for that money LOL great video Mike thank you

[@jonsmith1259]

Really nice to pop the hood and NOT have a massive amount of hydraulic lines, hoses, and tons of computerized stuff to be concerned about! Takes me back to the days when cars were so much simpler to work on!

[@garycook2355]

happy to see you kick off this project.

[@markfinnigan4994]

Mike what a beauty! Have owned 2 280se's. Slow blinkers = high beam, motor not running + low battery ...... bugger! Cheers from Australia

[@SirTime10]

What a beautiful old Mercedes. I loved seeing that old Pan Am leaflet from the car being shipped over from Europe.

[@ianwilson4666]

A new cam mike, will be money well invested ;-)

[@phillipclaridge3112]

Looking forward to more content on this car😀

[@larsnovas]

Absolutely one of my favorite cars of all time. I have been looking for many years for one of these in good shape at a reasonable price. I have not had the good luck you experienced. I will , however, not stop trying. Great project. Best wishes!

[@MonkeyWrenchMike]

Thanks Lars! You’ll probably find one when you least expect it!

[@jimmydeen58]

Love the car looking forward to more videos....

[@rickschisler5682]

Glad to see you back. I really enjoy your videos

[@s24gav]

Mike loving the videos from scotland uk

[@kennethbaker2008]

Love your videos,keep doing what your doing. Don’t change a thing.

[@kennethbaker2008]

Replace the camshaft.

[@MonkeyWrenchMike]

Thanks Kenneth!

[@Kevin-go2dw]

You need someone in radio to do your audio. LOL What a find, what a score. Check engine is not seized, then clean cam shaft followed by various systems (fuel, electrical, cooling) prior to starting. No working engine and you have a shiny paper weight.

[@jimnielsen4076]

Good head tilt Lola! Turn signals might flash faster without your headlights on. Might not be enough juice. That radio was a very cheap unit. She deserves better anyway. Im not feeling the floor mats. If you like them that's all that matters. This will be a fun series!

[@Louisfps]

Nice to see that 69 getting some love, it´s an excellent idea the series can´t wait to see it driving down the road it's an incredible piece of machinery.

[@a-dub]

Nice car. I have a '70 280S. The dome light switch on the dash is for the rear dome light. For the front dome light the light itself pivots to either be on, off or turn on when the doors are open. At least that's the way they are on my '70.

[@larzDJ]

This is going to be an amazing series!

[@montyholland3357]

Important window works

[@NewBeRVer]

Luv the tshirt I purchased! Kent is the Benz master!

[@MonkeyWrenchMike]

Thank you!! Send a pic wearing it and I’ll put it in a video!

[@roberteyres424]

Beautiful Car Mike, great buy. Looking forward to see it been driven again Cheers from Oz

[@Tillbilly]

gonna be a great series

[@josephmccormack1641]

I would go through it before attempting to start it. Think of the drama and anticipation. Good video. Liked the gear change fix.

[@WrenchOnRebuilds]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS CAR!!! This has to be the bargain of the century!

[@montyholland3357]

👁️👁️👀👁️👁️👀

[@WrenchOnRebuilds]

👁👁

[@JoesGoldenGarage]

I’m in GA Mike but I know you are a Mercedes guy. I have a 2007 e550 for sale. It’s a nice nice car but has a couple of “Things” that need to be done. It’s a beauty!

[@danielkeel9265]

No man that cam is toast. No doubt you could clean it and get it to run, but it won't last. The hardened finish is gone. That said, I think that with all the good news, it shouldn't need much else. Service the brakes, clean tank and lines (& maybe repack the seals in the fuel injector pump), new tyres on those immaculate rims and she'll be a fine car. They are joy to drive. Better than my v126 500sel was. Ive been waiting for you to start on this one, and I'm watching from Western Australia! Look us up, the most isolated capital city on Earth! Envy you the journey, looking forward to more episodes!

[@MonkeyWrenchMike]

Australia! How very cool! Thanks for watching!!

[@67chevellered]

You may want to try some emery cloth on those lobes. A very fine one it can’t hurt to try. I had a 84 240D that a oil cooler line blow when my wife was driving. We had to have the crank turned and changed the bearings. My father used emery cloth to clean up the cam. It worked great we drove that car another 50,000 miles before we sold it, and bought a 89 300 SD. Turbo Diesel. Another great car brand new from the dealership. I really enjoy watching your videos even the early ones. 👍😎

[@MonkeyWrenchMike]

Thanks Edward!!

[@robertogachoowiti6623]

Watching from Doha Qatar ❤

[@wrenchesinmotion3282]

Love it. Working on my 280SEL in between other projects. Can't wait to see you drive it.

[@roydavis2242]

I'd probably do an oil change and cooling system flush after cleaning the cam and then see if she turns over. That is just to makes sure it isn't froze up. If it turns over then change the plugs and wires to see.if it fires. It wouldn't hurt to do a fuel tank flush and filter change.

[@nathanielgould5284]

Great vid

[@yazanbaddawi9683]

Hey Mike, shout out from the middle east, love your videos brother.

[@jfv65]

$500,- is a SUPER score for a car like this. Over here in Europe expect to pay at least $5k,- to 6k,- BTW steering wheel is not original. Probably a later W123 wheel. About the cam: definitely try to clean it first, if it doesn't work out you can always decide to replace it later. Use some fine steelwool or a scotchbright pad. Keep a vacume cleaner hose close by with the motor on so you don't drop the crud into the oil/sump.

[@craigschenk729]

Try and clean up the cam lobes. Drain gas tank, new fuel filter. Disconnect the fuel line at back of injection pump, crank over till fresh, clean fuel comes out. Refasten and give it a go at starting.🤞🤞🤞

[@sergiop2207]

WOW! Great video !!! That 280SE is beautiful!! I cant wait to see it running!!!

[@briantayler1230]

Great video, Janis should get those subs up. You deserve 100k at the end of the Janis series. When you get her going, take Randy for a drive. He would love it. By the way, it is mid-winter in Brisbane Australia and today's temp is 75.

[@MonkeyWrenchMike]

75 sounds like my kind of winter! Thanks!!

[@Da305Alive]

Ed Clark was a cash daddy.Car is looking NICE!! glad you have this gem, Mike.

[@alejandronestorrozzi7788]

love that car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@lonniedavis4462]

This is a beautiful car honestly I don’t have any input I’m here for the journey keep up the good work

[@russelltrupia4479]

The 280 se is my favorite , love the old classics.This has to be one of if not your BEST video to date. Great job Mike!!!!

[@simoncozensplasticscalemod7871]

Mike mike mike it is all your fault i just bought a 2000 clk 230 kompressor convertible with a couple of problems only cost 300 pounds sterling keep up the good work love the videos and lola

[@kristalmartin3684]

Hi Mike, Kristal from the U.K.......I think that the 4+1 buttons on the drivers door are 2 for rear doors 2 for front doors and the big chrome button I believe locks the two back windows from being used by Kids? in the rear seat........... best wishes

[@gregporsche6162]

Remove spark plugs and Put WD-40 or something for a day or 2 , cam you most likely can be saved, 2000 then 3000 S paper and polish paste 😉 but take time don’t rush with this super nice Mercedes

[@conorneupert5381]

I love these w108/109. I've got a 280se 4.5 and a 300sel 4.5 that I need to part with, sadly.

[@chrissiano381]

Cam Shaft, Coolant for sure. Then fuel, Replace plugs wires filters etc.. Then electrical, first start.

[@Rideshare-Lisa]

Power windows in 1969? Nice! That end switch is probably what locks the windows from opening!

[@gosportjamie]

I don't think the side marker lights were required to light up in 1969, though I could be wrong. If they aren't then they'll just be reflectors... This is a much older car than you usually work on, the indicators/turn signals operate on a mechanical relay rather than anything electronic, so if the car isn't running, they will flash much more slowly than they would with the engine running and the power from the alternator/dynamo flowing through the electrical system... If you bought a new Mercedes-Benz back in the '60s, you could pick a collection option where you could travel to Stuttgart and collect the car from the factory before enjoying a motoring holiday in Europe and then having the car shipped back, in this case to the US...

[@colinblankenship2401]

Turn engine over by hand and hand clean cam lobes with emery cloth. Follow this with an oil change remove plugs spray oil and diesel mixture into each cylinder turn engine over for 20 seconds or so a couple of times ,drain oil and change filter, all before trying to start. This should help and may save a lot money in the long run.

[@MonkeyWrenchMike]

Great advice! Thanks!!

[@richardkafka5625]

Glad to see you begin the journey on Janis, under the watchful eye of Lola! Can't wait for the next video already. Great work Mike!

[@alexanderginis1488]

When I think of Mercedes that body style comes to mind. When I rebuilt my rover I removed the camshaft and soaked in parts cleaner. Then I started with crocus cloth and started to 'sand' the lobes, crocus cloth is very mild if the results aren't promising then step up in aggressiveness paper possibly a Dremel tool and attack just the rusted area.

[@nomebear]

When I was 18 years old and precious, I was riding in a new 280SE with the car salesman who surprised me by intentionally taking his hands off the steering wheel and hitting a curb going about 45 mph. I nearly bit a hole in the leather seat with my a_ _ . The car simply hopped up on the curve, and the steering wheel stayed straight, as the car kept going straight. From then on I was sold on these cars. My very first one was a 1970 250C. Fast forward 50 years, and many cars later, I'm drinve a C250.

[@MonkeyWrenchMike]

Crazy!!

[@danielsmithwick5299]

Great video great car and can’t wait to hear it start!

[@ralphadams4478]

Hooking battery up,,,,positive first , negative second

[@eduardocastillo368]

Wow, what a bargain, can't believed I'm in a process of buying a barn find car and it is a 280se 4.5. will be watching your videos, thanks.

[@MonkeyWrenchMike]

Thanks! And good luck!!

[@clevelandmaker386]

@@MonkeyWrenchMike man.......that was a...... steal of...the...century!....... I guess one of these days your going to find a 500k Marlene in the back of a coffee shop!

[@mexicanspec]

Now you know the car does not have original paint or original miles, but none of that matters with how lovely she is.

[@lucyenglish8215]

Your car is fabulous mike , I love watching your channel mike , Hello Lola xx

[@byrane759]

Mike, I love this car and what an adventure it's going to be until it we get to see it run. Do it right Mike, Lola and I are watching you. lol

[@timgruper1381]

Love the old car Mike, that's the year I graduated High School, so I was really into cars, foreign and domestic!!!

[@MikeBMW]

Awesome, Mike, I'll be watching this new series with bated breath! Love the history lesson regarding the '69, it's gonna be a fun series! :)

[@racerboy2212]

Such a beautiful car! Well built, fun to drive and a great piece of history! This will be a great series!

[@montyholland3357]

Beautiful old girl

[@jackmead6166]

Great Job!!!! I Love the History.

[@davidmorris435]

keep going mike im sure you will get it

[@kimberlyvaughan7566]

Lola awwwww

[@chadtacular]

Absolutely beautiful car, can't wait to see her come to life.

[@Jsellers1965]

My advice, Remove the oil pan and check the crank shaft for rust. If there is nothing there, replace the pan and change the cam shaft so it doesn't cause you an issue and ruin the motor. You want to be careful with your classic baby. Best to be safe than sorry. Also look in the cylinders with a scope to see if they are rusted. Have you turned the motor over yet? Good luck my friend she seems like a sweet beauty. Take care of her. Cam first or nothing else matters

[@Rideshare-Lisa]

Mike your going to have so much restoring this car!! It’s so pretty! 😁😁😁👍👍👍

[@danstewart8218]

Mike!! Love Janis!! You can get very fine grinding stones (can't think of the correct name - that are little 4'' by 1/2'' by 1/2'' sharpening stones) that would polish that rust off very gently, tho make sure you protect the rest of the valves etc with clothes/cling film etc before starting or even try to remove the cam...I'm sure patient and diligent work could be made to pay dividends... Tho first watch Uncle Tonys video on starting a car that been sitting its pretty good. If it looks like a nightmare then take it to weird beard...He would treat her with the respect she deserves...Or the Car Ninja!!! He would love to recommision her...Collab with him he;s a sweet guy!!!

[@MonkeyWrenchMike]

Great advice. And Janis says hello!!

[@scottbrady5127]

What a beautiful car! That one has held up so well, especially sitting outside for as long as it did. I would never get rid of that one.

[@lynnappleford3857]

Trying to "clean up" the camshaft could end up being an effort that does not payoff. I would invest in a new camshaft before ever trying to start the old girl. think you would be money ahead.

[@gosportjamie]

Yes, I agree, I think that cam is done, and trying to clean in in-situ could lead to a lot of the scale falling into the engine and causing a whole load more issues when it does start. It's not all bad news, however. Looking at the bill for the engine rebuild, I doubt that was a new Merc camshaft when that work was done, so it's either an aftermarket replacement, which often weren't very good, or it's been reground, which could well be worse as the grinding may have gone through the hardening on the shaft, which could well be why it is now so corroded...

[@eoinoconnell185]

They are a work of art. Absolutely timeless design. As much as I'd love one, I lack the knowledge and skills to keep the girl running.

[@zenjamin6262]

You probly know mike but replace all the fuses with newer non aluminum fuses also some de-oxit spray to wake up her nerves!

[@jeremiahsullivan5219]

Mike you can put a camshaft on a large same as they do with a crankshaft I used to work at a engine rebuilding shop years ago

[@richardbeckett5580]

I would put a socket wrench on the Harmonic balancer and try to turn it over by hand to see if will spin over and see if it has compression.

[@steveedwards1072]

You have a true diamond. I would focus on the “getting it running” part. Reason? The rest of the car is immaculate. Plus looking good doesn’t do much if it can’t be driven. IMO. Peace

[@Bootneck-RMC]

You have a lot of hard work ahead of you Mike and we will be with you all the way (watching lol), but all the hard work will be worth it when you have the end result. Plus you have SML there to help you.

[@MonkeyWrenchMike]

Thanks!! SML??

[@Bootneck-RMC]

@@MonkeyWrenchMike Senior Mechanic Lola, I mentioned her in the last video lol

[@MonkeyWrenchMike]

Oh! Now I remember!!

[@amadeo_serrano]

Back in the day, a friend had a 1969 Camaro and, as it predated PC culture, he had a sign painter (dating myself, here LOL) add a logo to the back that read "Nothing Finer Than A 69er" Guess that would fit here, too, huh? As for the slow window movement, grab a can of spray silicone and spray the tracks, top to bottom. That ought to speed things up a might.

[@MonkeyWrenchMike]

Thanks!!

[@sonnyblazer5504]

Well, thank you kind sir for another video for us! BTW: I received my BLACK "Monkey Wrench Mike" coffee cup a day ago and it's unique. It's white on the inside so when I pour coffee I can actually see where it's at and never overfill. Problem is, it's so good looking I don't want to soil it. THANKS! Well worth the small pittance! Listen, I was in Germany and took many taxi rides. ALL the taxi's were your car but in black, diesel and (ready) they were 4 speeds ON THE COLUMN! Let me tell you, you get in one of them you better HANG ON. They corner like the best of sports cars. Anyway, had to share that and tell you yours is beautiful and from here, that paint is flawless, certainly done correctly. Main thing, you HAVE the car, small thing, you will make it run right. What's a little 'cam' action among friends! Thank you, Mike! Sonny (CT)

[@MonkeyWrenchMike]

Thanks Sonny!

[@saftevand]

very similar engine bay to my w113 Pagoda :-)

[@drmengele6192]

Mike once the engine is running the blinkers will blink faster

[@KingGene]

I would try to find a deal on a camshaft and lifters you must do both that cam is wasted for sure too much rust and pitting it will just eat up the lifters. I would then change the oil and filter along with all belts, hoses, spark plugs, wires etc. Not sure if you have a points or electronic distributor if it is points you may be able to look at Pertronix electronic ignition kit? Have the radiator checked and cleaned the go to the electronics and wiring. Lots of work ahead but I think it is worth it and I am not even a Mercedes guy but I like this one. You should create a Monkey Wrench Mike Janice 69 Mercedes shirt for the series.

[@someonejaw]

use some emery cloth to clean the cam make sure you collect all the crap if there not pitted you should be ok but if they are it will run but will need a replacement eventually change the oil remove plugs and turn over till oil gets back around the engine

[@rayphillips332]

Use a fine wire wheel with oil on it

[@J19A95B]

NICE! Another MWM video💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@1967250s]

Great find! Looks like a European model SE, U.S would have orange rear turn signals( maybe an OK thing?), and steering wheel is wrong one.?! 1st, turn battery around, neg to front. 2. Turn signal bulbs and mounts need cleaning. 3rd. The fuse thingy under the fuse block is a bulb for the door opening. Don't think the side fender reflectors had lights in them. Sounds like the car was in an accident , then sent for paint that had to be redone. Cam? Maybe a machine shop can save it, is questionable. Wonder why the car needed a motor rebuild after only 10 years ownership..

[@gregsn2u]

You might have a serious problem with the electric windows. When the switches are on the door as opposed to the console it is a major problem to replace the window regulators. You may want to convert to manual

[@J19A95B]

Mike first thing I'd do is clean fusebox with a brass brush and put in all new fuses

[@andrewwmacfadyen6958]

Those fuses were always a problem - the original Bosch were much more reliable than aftermarket replacements. To clean corrosion off electrical connections off car soak in white vinegar for 2 hours then wash with water with added baking soada then rinse and spray with an electrical contact grease.

[@J19A95B]

@@andrewwmacfadyen6958 I did not know that the new fuses were problematic. The best solution would be to find new old stock then, but that is easier said than done...

[@zacjenkins1258]

Love the old school benz. Don't start the engine without addressing the camshaft issue

[@2DogsVlogs]

The 1969 is my favourite year\model. I love the old school wood around the window frame. Didn't see it in yours so not sure if yours has been taken off or its the '69\70 model which deleted this. No the indicators aren't that slow normally.

[@MonkeyWrenchMike]

Thanks! Yes, I have wood everywhere! Lol

[@2DogsVlogs]

@@MonkeyWrenchMike I never thought about putting on alloys. It looks nice, I might try it. I can always change it back. My paint job was $2k but I also had a door straightened as the previous owner side swiped something and had some rust removed. The paint on these things is so thick.

[@Plexxarn]

Lovely car Mike, and the hand written paper history, isn't that what dreams are made of.. what will happen to our contemporary cars with "digital service books" in 20-40 yrs..? Anyway greetings from Sweden !

[@MonkeyWrenchMike]

Sweden!! Thank you!!

[@jdelgren9927]

Turn signals are probably slow because of a sticky relay. My guess is it sat so long corrosion built up in the relay and it needs to be taken apart and polished up or simply replaced. Either way I wouldn't throw out the original you never know when it might come in handy some day

[@volvowagon70]

You may want to source a good used engine that hasn’t be torn apart and messed with so much as a good base for an engine refresh.

[@shartne]

A wire wheel on a drill would clean up the cam shaft then rotate it over half way and do the other side. Piece of cake. maybe a green scratch pad would take it off too. wd40 for starters.

[@robertogachoowiti6623]

Polish it. The camshaft will work well

[@hookyjo72]

Hello Mike, I just found this video, she's a beautiful lady I just wanted to let you know I noticed when you turned the headlights off the ignition was left on, I don't know about a 69 german car, but I know it's a big no no to leave a points ignition in the on position with it not running on a American car it fries the points. Just thought you should know.

[@petercarlsson8181]

That red light can be some issue with the altenator or startmotor, that red light should not be on if the ignition is off, so check altenator first.

[@1chish]

Maybe that was the smoke earlier - from the alternator?

[@ralphadams4478]

Slow turn signals could be the flasher or ground connecrions or contacts need cleaning

[@Lifetime1776]

Been looking for one to buy Sutch a beautiful car been following ur channel a while