This 1970 Mercedes 280 SE packs an S55's AMG V8 and a 6-speed manual | American Tuned ft. Rob Dahm

Sure, this looks like any other baby-blue 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE. That is until TG Tuning Correspondent Rob Dahm gets it out on track. Then he pops the hood and sees what’s producing all that power: a modern AMG V8. Next, it's onto a similarly upgraded 280 CE widebody. Hell, he’ll have a go in that as well. Rob’s attitude toward classic German luxury cars will never be the same...
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[@brethren111]

Supercars aren't impressive to me anymore, cars like these pull on my heart strings, they have a soul

[@rustysickle2528]

same here

[@TheBurnknight]

a bmw 7 series is kinda drippy doe ngl, that said, i will never afford one ;/

[@piuthemagicman]

@@TheBurnknight e38 the drippiest of 'em all

[@kensmechanicalaffair]

@@piuthemagicman e32

[@luigimirafiori1319]

Modern cars is suchlike a robot

[@joshacollins84]

Hey Top Gear, take care of Rob. He is the best part of the Top Gear catalog right now, and this series is great!

[@ameenr9129]

💯💯💯

[@ANDERZENAMG]

Shoutout Matt Kwiek for pushing the boundaries on what people know and realize possible about these cars. With my own Manual Swapped C55 AMG with the same drivetrain essentially, I can only imagine what a hoot it would be in this 280se... Great Job again Matt and THANK YOU to Top Gear and Rob Dahm (Rotary Dad) For Spotlighting an often overlooked Niche in the Tuning and Modification World!

[@MD-uu5nt]

W203?

[@ANDERZENAMG]

@@MD-uu5nt yep, all on my channel

[@Somebabies_]

What transmission and flywheel setup are you using? I have a c55 and want to make it a track day car soon and would be a huge improvement over the 722.6 in it

[@ANDERZENAMG]

@@Somebabies_ same as mentioned in this video for the most part, it’s all listed on my channel

[@TopGear]

🙌

[@ArthurZakaryan23]

These AMG engines from this era are among some of my favorites and I absolutely love both platforms they were put in. Obviously the coupe is more special and more racey and the sedan is a great sleeper. Love Rob's excitement as always, perfect host for the show.

[@Herbal69]

Rob makes such a good host. It's good to see a humble, honest guy succeed.

[@Games_and_Music]

I'm generally not into beefcakes, and he does show off his guns all the time and moves his arms a bit like a T-Rex, but, he does seem like a genuinely nice guy, haha. I had not heard of him before he appeared here on the channel, he's fine, albeit a bit awkward sometimes in his humble shyness.

[@piuthemagicman]

@@Games_and_Music liking guns and being fit does not make a man not humble. rob dahm has a channel by his own name - definately worth checking out, you'll see he's real.

[@Games_and_Music]

@@piuthemagicman I did not mean literal guns though, i meant his biceps, because he tends to move his arms in such a way that it somehow always flexes them. Like if he wants to point at something, he will often flip his hand so that the palm is up, which of course activates the biceps. Not a lot of palm down moves, unless it's to spread his fingers and flex his triceps. And in general his arms are rarely not in a 90° angle. All the while cropped into a tiny shirt. I mean, sure, flaunt it while you got it, but it does remind me a bit of Instagram "models" "casually" showing off their new tattoos and whatevers all the time. I mean, it sounds like i make a big deal out of it, while it is merely an observation. I did the same with the two Ollies of Top Gear, one Ollie tiptoes around all the time, while the other Ollie walks around like a cowboy in leather chaps (his backwards leaning stance and bowlegs). The reason i mentioned awkward is because he's kinda shy or insecure, or just really humble, which just feels a bit awkward during the interview parts. But all in all i think he's fine, so it's not like a Dahmning review (sorry, had to).

[@Anders_HeymSR30]

That W123 Coupe with the 55K engine is just perfection

[@kwiekclassics]

Thank you everyone for the support, and Top Gear and Rob and Tangent Vector for making it happen. If anyone has any more questions on the cars or wants one built, feel free to reach out!

[@pauliboo2]

Superb build, reminded me of the Meguiars UK Mercedes W114 build and the Hammer racing cars of the 80s

[@anthonysloanmusic]

These are amazing! Have you done any work with the M156 engines? Have been daydreaming of a manual swapped C63 for years.

[@kwiekclassics]

@@anthonysloanmusic I’ve been looking for someone to let me do an M156 6-speed swap, it needs to happen.

[@JoshRiolu]

I know of a 380SL in red I might be able to poke you guys about, one day.

[@JLKING98]

You just got yourself a new subscriber, love the uniqueness!

[@EndeavorsDnB]

“Almost a tuner vehicle” most extreme understatement so far of 23’.

[@RayanJaber.]

I happy to tell you that this car is so common here in Jordan 🇯🇴

[@johnprescott7389]

How much is this car in Jordan?

[@DR650-x2j]

How much it costs?

[@planespeaking]

Yeah, Beirut too. BBC journalist Quentin Somerville posts photos of them all the time. First place I would go to buy a couple.

[@planespeaking]

That body kit is disgusting, all else goid

[@RayanJaber.]

@@johnprescott7389 well I don't know but , it's Cheap(:

[@nfsjunkie91]

I love these cars. These are some really rad builds. Looking forward to more from this series and Matt Kwiek!

[@boostedmaniac]

Reminds me of this very old issue of hot rod magazine where someone took an old Mercedes 240D and swapped in a Chevy big block 454 and renamed it the 740G.

[@CorpseExplosion]

This guy has got some cool cars. Absolutely loving the variety this season. Hoping for a S3 with Rob on board again!

[@Gaudine]

What’s with his accent? I’ve never heard this accent before

[@kwiekclassics]

Rob and I are both from Michigan

[@jaidee9570]

I think due to the TUV regulations in Germany it's getting harder to run old cars, and close to impossible to extensively modify them. Given it's the home of Mercs and BMs and the existence of unlimited speed restriction autobahns to really stretch their legs, it's feels a real shame it'll probably only be in places like the US that you'll get to see these classics getting the restomod treatment. Good video, and interesting mods.

[@sidewayzmike]

Facts

[@MravacKid]

I remember reading in a magazine, years ago, about someone dropping a (then) recent AMG engine and powertrain into an early-90s or late-80s Mercedes, and the nightmare that was getting all the sensors to cooperate :)

[@kristoffermangila]

He should have used a '70s era Merc, instead of an '80s one, not much need for sensors.

[@ThomasRiebmann]

@@kristoffermangila But does not the ECU need tons of sensors and stuff to make the engine turn? Or do you use a 3rd party ECU? Greetings from Mercedes-land, where we were never allowed to put such a car legally on the street 🙈

[@MravacKid]

@@kristoffermangila The engine and powertrain are the ones that require sensors, not the chassis. The lack of sensors on the car itself was the problem.

[@kristoffermangila]

@@MravacKid fair enough... so an '80s or '90s Merc is needed then?

[@MravacKid]

@@kristoffermangila considering the advances in technology, I'm not sure even a 2010s one would be sufficient now... :)

[@ALMX5DP]

I didn’t realize those engines made that kind of power. Maybe with tuning and such they are easily unlocked. I remember when new those mills were rated at like 3-355hp. Cool to see them making something more appropriate for the modern era (and entirely obscene when slotted back into 50-60 year old relics!).

[@ukwan]

Those engines are stock power, the M113 5.0 was making 302hp and the M113K was making 469hp from factory in their original cars, guys are pushing over 700hp from the M113K. He's just engine swapped them, nothing unusual going on there.

[@ALMX5DP]

@@ukwan ah gotcha thanks. I thought when he mentioned the NA engine making 400bhp it sounded a bit high but I could be misremembering the generations and what they produced from the factory.

[@brunobegic3841]

@@ALMX5DP I guess the non-AMG engine cover kinda confused you. With it, it looks like a standard 5.0 306hp V8, while actually it's a 5.4 supercharged V8 with nearly 500hp and more torque than an F10 M5. That engine and transmission combo is definitely no joke.

[@Anders_HeymSR30]

@@brunobegic3841 isn’t it the non-supercharged S55 engine that he fitted to that SE280?

[@brunobegic3841]

@@Anders_HeymSR30 Yes actually. Tbh I didn't really notice until later into the video since I initially thought that non supercharged ones weren't sold in North America. Just did some research and it turns out they were, just in smaller numbers.

[@1411MEDIA]

Finally some Mercedes content!

[@gerasimger15]

damnnnn rob dahm in top gear? woah

[@scottm.9382]

Both of those are gorgeous. He’s definitely got two something’s to be extremely proud of

[@magnusshawn4698]

This is my absolute favorite kind of older car. Love this!

[@reddyuda]

absolutely LOVE it. W108 is one of my dream cars and I am going to have to buy one pretty soon...

[@w204mg]

would love to see more resto mod Mercedes and of course of the legend Rob Dahm 👍

[@Ledfndr]

That's my friend! Go Matt!

[@goose4150]

This dude basically created a 280 55 AMG Black Series

[@thirstforspeed]

nice to see ol' RobbyD in the limelight siiiiiiiick cars too. esp the red one

[@amberheardsbumpyknuckles9336]

So sick. Love it. Perfection. Classy.

[@thebull3365]

70's people watching this: That intro isn't even close to what cars really looked in the 70's

[@G55STEYR]

This is how it's done, classic Benz with muscle

[@donjuan150]

Awesome review Rob. Bring us more like this!!

[@ThomasMauger]

So happy to see this, I have a W116 300SD I'm in the initial stages of swapping a N/A CL55 engine and 6-speed into. The supercharged engine would be a blast but not much you can do on these cars in terms of brakes (upgrades are the W126 V8 fronts and S123 rears) before going to expensive custom machined stuff, plus the complications of intercooler routing and whatnot. Car is going to be a hoot to drive I'm sure.

[@Aminorsnickle]

Update? I also have a w116 300sd roller. But I'm not doing anything with it

[@LeeMooEez]

The real definition of sleeper car 😍

[@cris_pin2571]

An evolved masterpiece

[@andrewbentley8352]

That steel widebody is just absolutely gorgeous

[@bobkaiser8782]

Life goals

[@Ren200Z_MotoringLife]

Wow love this types of builds.. live for this kind of stuff

[@J-oDean458]

I absolutely adore this car!

[@MegaRetr]

I love these cars.

[@TheHariraman]

Hats off to you for making them. I love them so much. They are so desirable.

[@emilyvanmoslfak2295]

After decades of technological evolution Americans are finally able to tune German cars from the 70s.

[@steelshepherd6843]

Rob and the whole AT series have been great.

[@JohnDoe-id9hi]

This is awesome!

[@SLR-722]

I love both cars.

[@ericbitzer5247]

Love the old Mercedes. I really like the rims on this too.

[@e28forever30]

German Rial “Mesh” wheels.

[@elektro3000]

V8 Mercedes-Benz sedans with clutch pedals are one of those things I always want, probably more so because they simply don't exist except as custom drivetrain swaps.

[@demdudes954]

YEAH THAT Kompressor M113 is FTW!!!!

[@TurtlePigeon]

Outstanding car. My dad has a 71 220SL first automatic version with everything still authentic and original to the product as if it was just out from the factory. And from my experience and memory, it's built like a tank. Your view is high, the power is there but underwhelming due to the weight and old technology, and the seats are just so comfortable with those huge springs. Everything about that car is just so different and odd, but that's exactly why it's so great. My dad and I share the same opinion, to keep them as original as possible.

[@jeroendesterke9739]

My dad had one for 20+ years back in Holland. It was a rock when other cars were built from Chinese restaurant 'To go' trays. The doors sounded and felt like vault doors when you closed them and there's not been ONE Merc since that has felt as solid as the 280 SE.

[@carlosbalbi2230]

Excelente los Mercedes hasta 1998 despues la cosa ya no es la misma. Yo tengo un w 210 nafta 230 E de 1996. Hace 13 años que lo tengo nunca un problema. Sin duda el ultimo Mercedes que comprare y que consevare de por vida. Saludos Carlos Balbi desde Uruguay. 😊

[@JREVY22DECEPTICON416]

Supercars don't impress me much, these do.

[@biroldjoshan3745]

Them Merc's are awesome.... excellent job

[@timshearer5092]

Didn't think the German market 108's had he side markers. Really great job, I love that it's a driver and not overly restored.

[@kwiekclassics]

Thanks! It got corner markets and US market headlamps as part of the federalization process. I have euro headlights on the way for it.

[@joeschmoe5009]

The front area with no big center console, just open to the back seats, thats really cool to see. Dont see anything like anymore.

[@fraguzz]

Good job mr. Dahm ! Fine video and great with a true petrol head.

[@malcolmjcullen]

My dad had one of these (the 280 SE, not with an AMG V8) back in the seventies, in a red/ orange, that I can best describe as "Heinz Tomato Soup" colour. *edit" He also had a 280CE in the late 80's, but not such a nice colour - metallic olive green (that didn't have a V8 either).

[@piuthemagicman]

personally I love those 70's colours :) and yes I know exactly which you mean.

[@SpencerF6]

Wowser, love these. Also love the comment about having drivers think that he surprises a few drivers hoping to jump the queue.

[@mryepstatic]

Mercedes + rust = ❤️ for ever

[@mrbenz2392]

This is so cool.....Mercedes Benz the best or nothing!

[@300DBenz]

It’s soooooooo weird hearing a W123 coupe sounding like a 60s muscle car

[@RustyBonnet]

mmmmm, loving the 280. It would be my ideal car. Love the W108 and with a modernish engine in it...yes please. At least he didn't do what you Americans love to do to everything, and install an LS engine in it. :)

[@Games_and_Music]

The E30 is not bad! It was a fun plucky car, it's the drivers/owners that sucked. I have fond memories of our local distributor of green smokeable plants in his white E30, he always drove around the block a couple of times during the transactions and it was a blast to ride shotgun.

[@Peer_Teer]

And the fenders reminded him of an E30 M3 which is even better than the normal E30 and just the most successful touring race car of all times! So 'great' statement of him!

[@kens8903]

This is my dream car even un-modded

[@SmallBlogV8]

Super cool two-car garage. The W108 for weekdays, the C123 for weekends.

[@TheHonestPeanut]

Dude even looks like the kind of guy who would do this. He also looks like he'd be a lead guitarist for a prog metal band.

[@imSchwaggy]

Definitely have to get my next build on this show.

[@DEEuroworks]

Very cool pair of Benzes, the M113K in the CE is definitely something. Great builds.

[@AraCarrano]

All the Joy of the Oil pickup O-rings

[@BigMacProDaddy]

This episode helped me to warm up more to Rob. Rock on

[@kennetharmas679]

How the hell is rob literally a top gear host? Mind blowing

[@subilasikwese5459]

Man said he had an engine laying around and proceeded to wear a jacket printed stolen parts 💀💀

[@Tangster1205]

Was reinforcement of the chassis a mandatory requirement? Thx for sharing. These two cars did more than pull at your heart. It did a burnout!

[@JREVY22DECEPTICON416]

I need one in my life

[@adrianwilson725]

Matt looks like a generational Terminator😂

[@IslandStylee87]

This is a proper Mercedes resto mod!!! I would love an S55 swap in my w126!!!! OMG 💯🔥

[@kwiekclassics]

I’m working on a pair of those right now!

[@kk6941]

finally someone who has done it but no Teck Info ? > mind a few questions as I want to install a ML motor in my 1970 W108 ? (1) does the ML V6 / V8 / Type Oil Pan clear the W108 suspension ? or must you use a certain Oil Pan to work (2) What about the Exhaust Manifolds clearing the Steering box etc must you use certain ones ? (3) What about the Transmission Tunnel ( I am thinking to use the 5 speed automatic trans with a 320 V6 Motor or perhaps a V8 ) (4) more detail on t ht motor mounts did you use stock mounts & made up adapter plates to to connect to stock MB Mount arms ? Or ? what ? (5) If I do this sort of swap with a complete Motor and Trans from a donor car must I use the ECU from that car to make it run or am I going to have a Nightmare getting it to run correctly ? Exactly whats needed to make it run and run properly ? ( I Am thinking this may be the biggest hurtle and hardest part perhaps making the swap impossible for me ? ) It seems perhaps that Mercedes made these Car only work with the STAR Systems bla bla bla to make everything a dealer option so they can perhaps make money from all that > This may kill the swap but I hope not My attraction to this swap is it looks like the Stock Oil Pan will clear the W108 Front suspension easily without chopping it all up.. Great swap you have done on both Cars thank you for the Post ( I hope you reply as this is dated some

[@cleop.5318]

I like rob because he uses automotive jargon which most auto presenters dont, which is both more involving and more entertaining

[@InsaneBimmer]

A poor man's Hammer. Oh Yeah. Oh HELL YEAH.

[@ppatos]

Great review Top Gear and Rob! Top Gear don't lose Rob!!!!

[@MKIVGTI1.8]

The 55 engine is such a good pick too since those M113s are some of the most reliable AMG engines they made

[@blairwilliams136]

Any of the M1 series engine are very durable , imo the best balance of technology and durability.

[@dreamshooter90]

This is an awesome project. ^^

[@MrJearley6]

Thank you for this video! This is nice nice nice !!

[@Tech-Savvy1]

It is impressive what the guy has achieved but these cars especially S-Class are made to stay just as they are all original.

[@guterjunge3542]

Ever heard of MECHATRONIK its a German Firm they are doin that for ages ...with all kinds of old MBs

[@lukebrennan5780]

Thank you, Rob!

[@Styggson]

YES Mr Dahm is the shit for Top Gear!

[@4den63]

I want 1 now.. The red 1 looks like a monster power

[@JoshuaRosaaen]

Wonderful experience and awesome works of art...thank you for sharing this.

[@arez5358]

Mercedes and german always create a invension features at cars love them

[@angusnz7910]

Always wanted to report a mid 80’s S class (I still reckon the best built car) with a 2006 E55 engine/trans…best of both worlds

[@kwiekclassics]

I’m working on that swap right now, only with a manual

[@andrewwhite8776]

My favourite car, i also like the colour (BLUE) of this car . If it was my car i would have had to put the Mercedes wheel trims on and keep it original from factoey look.

[@MH-eu9iw]

Sick. That’s my dream

[@VettemanLT5]

Brother this is what's called a SLEEPER.

[@OvAeons]

I'd love to (patina) resto mod a 46 GMC truck in my grandpa's pasture. The dream would be a 1/2jz in it. I know a lot of stove bolt fanatics would hate it but it would be a nice summer daily

[@chrishenniker5944]

The hot ticket is the Atlas straight six, but the Mercedes OM606 is pretty tuneable. It’s the diesel 2JZ, which can be tuned to 800 BHP. There’s even speed parts for them.

[@prettyred409]

That’s my best friend Robert doing his thing

[@Cobra3901]

Both cars are pretty cool but I think I would have more fun with the blue “sleeper” blowing off idiots who think they have a fast car!! The red one would be fun also but between the exhaust and the fenders, I would know something is going on.

[@mchristr]

You would have to baby that car so as not to break the slide joint. I ended up changing a few, especially in the 6.3. Overall a very nice driver's car.

[@kwiekclassics]

I promise you I do not baby the car, I've put 25k hard miles on it since the swap.

[@car-spot-one8271]

He have some cool cars.

[@Wurzelofoz]

In a world rapidly heading towards EV's, all i can say is Yes, Yes and f'ing Yes

[@michaelfraser5723]

Top Gear's body builder

[@ginkumo12]

All I can think of when I hear Rob Dahm, is Hagerty/Cammisa's Fiero episode.

[@pooryaradpoor3156]

Hi thanks for this.i love Germany.

[@iskandarzulkarnain4002]

nice ONE ROB !!! Followed u everywhere in socmed.