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Model dossier · Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz S-Class W108, W109

1965 to 1972 Combustion engine
Mercedes-Benz S-Class, photograph
OSX · Public domain
01 Overview

Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W108, W109) was built from 1965 to 1972. Powertrain: 2.5 L I6; 2.8 L I6; 3.0L I6; 3.5 L V8; 4.5 L V8; 6.3 L V8. Layout: FR layout.

Composed from the specifications below, so it states nothing the specs do not. Photograph: OSX, Public domain (Wikimedia Commons), from this generation's own encyclopedia entry.

02 Features and what it can do

Overview

During this period, the designation S for "special class" () was used for standard carbureted short-wheelbase models; an E for "injection" (), was added to the 250SE, 280SE and 300SE. Long-wheelbase models gained an L for "long" (), reflecting an extra 10 cm added in the rear passenger compartment. The more powerful 300SE and 300SEL models were classified as the W109 chassis, with front and rear air suspension (rather than the coil spring based W108 rear suspension), and available burl walnut interior trim, automatic transmission, and power windows.

Source: the English Wikipedia article on this model, CC BY-SA 4.0. Text may be shortened; read the full article for the complete text.

03 Specifications
Built1965-1972
Engine2.5 L I6; 2.8 L I6; 3.0L I6; 3.5 L V8; 4.5 L V8; 6.3 L V8
LayoutFR layout
Also sold as250S, 250SE, 280S, 280SE, 280SEL, 300SE, 300SEL, 280SE 3.5, 280SEL 3.5, 300SEL 3.5, 280SE 4.5, 280SEL 4.5, 300SEL 4.5, 300SEL 6.3
04 Market price

Not yet sourced for this model. Used prices swing with year, mileage, grade and country, so we publish a market range only when it comes with a named source and a date, and never an estimate. For a live figure, use the landed-cost tool with the price on the auction sheet.

05 Buyer's guide

Check before you buy

  • Inspect for corrosion at sills, floor, subframes and suspension mounts, and replace perishable rubber (hoses, bushes, boots) at import.
  • Read the auction sheet grade and notes, and verify the odometer against service and inspection records. How to read an auction sheet
  • Run a history check (accidents, flood, mileage) before you bid. History check guide
  • Import age rules: this generation already qualifies in United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia. Confirm the rule for your exact vehicle with customs before buying. Landed-cost calculator

General guidance for this type of vehicle, worked out from its body, powertrain and age. It is not a finding about this particular model; use an inspection and the auction sheet for the car you are actually buying.

06 Import age windows

Worked out from this generation's production years and each country's age rule. Rules also depend on vehicle type and the month of manufacture, so confirm with customs before you buy.

United StatesEligible now (built from 1965, 25-year rule).
CanadaEligible now (built from 1965, 15-year rule).
United KingdomEligible now (built from 1965, 10-year rule).
AustraliaEligible now (built from 1965, 25-year rule).
KenyaAll examples are older than the 8-year cap (newest built 1972).
07 Other generations and models

Other generations of the S-Class

08 Questions buyers ask

Can I import a Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W108, W109) from Japan?

By production year alone, Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W108, W109) is inside the age window for United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia. Rules depend on vehicle type and the month of manufacture, so confirm with customs before you buy.

What powers the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W108, W109)?

Per its encyclopedia infobox, engine: 2.5 L I6; 2.8 L I6; 3.0L I6; 3.5 L V8; 4.5 L V8; 6.3 L V8.

Answered from this page's own data, not from outside claims. See the sources below.

09 Sources

Confidence: single-source (Wikipedia infobox). Specifications differ by market, trim and model year; the auction sheet or the vehicle's registration document is the final word on a particular car.

Work out the landed cost Back to Luxury Database
FLUX · Chief Engineermi · USD