W108 and W109 are the symbols of luxury car manufactured by the German Mercedes-Benz between 1965 and 1972, and considered as the first belonging toS Class.
TheW111/W112 Heckflosse, while appreciated by the public, presented two "critical" line, designed to please the American market was too tied to fashion and was also an obvious similarity with the less valuable over Heckflosse W110.
Thus was born the need for a flagship more austere and less subject to rapid aging. Regarding the safety factor adopted those criteria were also used for the previous model and the largest and most luxurious 600, ie a shell deformation programmed, further improvements in this case. As regards the design of the car body, the task was entrusted to Paul Bracq, Try your hand at one of his last works before leaving the Opel. The design of the new car appeared very sober and devoid of frills, but effective enough to still be present at the time of cessation of production and have greatly influenced the styling of the smaller S-Class W114 and W115, born two years later. Stylistically were revived some aspects of previous models, especially the Heckflosse coupe and the SL "Pagoda". With a lower waistline, the new car looked even more sleek sedans and the passenger compartment of Heckflosse was brighter thanks to increased glass area.
To IAA in Frankfurt in 1965 were presented to the W108 (with short or long wheelbase and suspension "classic") and W109 (with a 10 cm longer wheelbase and suspension-type tire).
Although it was completely new car, the new flagship confirm the setting of the basic technique Heckflosse (rear wheel drive, 4 speed manual transmission or a 3 or 4 speed automatic, steering ball), front and rear trapezoidal in trailing. This idea is nothing new, represented by a cross in place of the spring damper mounted on the cross Heckflosse. As always, complete the suspension coil springs and hydraulic dampers. I had disc brakes on all wheels. The engine range initially consisted of three engines, all 6-cylinder, two of which derived from the old 2.2-liter mounted on 220 W187 1951. The third was a 3 liter M189 engine, derived directly from the unit that had equipped at the time the 300 "Adenauer".
The S-Class models W108 and W109 proved over the years a success: the customer always very wealthy, they will appreciate the comfort, the qualities of roominess, performance and safety while driving (although the rear, in case of rain, gave some headache).
In 1968 there was a slight restyling, during which he touched up the mask, which became larger meshes, while the headlights became faceted sides and Wheel covers were given vent holes. Were also updated the gear ratios 4 speed it was made available, upon request, a 5-speed manual. Also debuted new 2.8-liter engine, which went well form the basis of the range W108/W109, which was taken out of production in 1972.
Were never produced by the House of coupe or convertible versions on the basis W108 or W109, but were kept in the list of series coupe and cabriolet W111 and W112.
W108
The models are distinguished from W108 to W109 models the presence of classical suspension springs elicodali. Car body may be at a normal pace or stretched. The W108 was proposed in two engines, namely 3-liter and 2.5-liter, but the latter is available with a carburetor (M108) or injection (M129). The engine was just 3-liter injection, deliver up to 170 hp and equip 300SEb, credited among other things, a top speed of 200 km / h. Contrary to popular belief, this model was built between the W108, as it did not have air suspension and given that arose in the bed at a normal pace. As for engines from 2.5 liters, respectively, 130 and 150 hp, pushing the 250S and 250SE to maximum speeds of 180 and 190 km / h, more than acceptable at the time for a flagship of this mold, and with this engine. In early 1968, the 250SE was replaced by two models W108, equipped by the new 2.8 M130 injection: the 280SE and 280SEL, the latter with a longer wheelbase. Instead, the 250S continued to be produced but was flanked by the 280S, with the same 2.8 in the other two models, but fueled carburetor. With a power range between 140 and 160 hp, these models actually achieve benefits similar to those of models equipped 2.5-liter engines, but nevertheless reveal a great sales success, of course depending on the type of car.
In the spring of 1969, the 250S and 250SE out of production. The 280, already in the list for a year, it takes up the baton and go to place themselves at the base of the range. Based on 280SE/SEL W108 in 1970 is launched for the European market alone 280SE/SEL 3.5, powered by the new 3.5-liter M116 can deliver up to 200CV. In practice, this model joins the 300SEL 3.5 was born the year before, but from which it differs, as always, for the suspension.
Even last year of life of the W108, there were interesting changes: while 280SEL was taken out of production for the U.S. market were launched the 280SE 4.5 and 280SEL 4.5, driven by a 4.5-liter V8 based on birth and coupled by 3.5 M116 strictly to an automatic 3-speed, as required by the customer overseas.
The Mercedes-Benz W109 also debuted in 1965 with the model 300SEL, on a longer wheelbase platform. The House German states, however, that if the 300SEL and W109 in general, the letter L was not meant to Lang (German for "long" and referring to the past), but was about to Luftfederung, which in German means "air suspension . The 300SEL was equipped with the M189 from 3 liters 170cv also mounted on 300SEb W108.
Only the 280SEL 3.5 and 280SEL 4.5, already seen, were long-wheelbase versions in which the symbol actually meant the increase in wheelbase, but in fact they were standing classic and suspensions were then included in the W108 range.
In December 1967, the 300SEL was taken out of production, and leave the job two months later, the 300SEL 2.8, identical to the previous model, but with the more reliable 2.8 M130 at the same time had also started on the W108 model range. This engine produces the same power as the previous 3-liter, but promised better battery life.
In the spring of that year, at the Geneva Motor Show, is presented that will become the absolute top of the range top W109. An idea by Erich Waxenberger, head of experimental German house was born '300SEL 6.3, whose main characteristic was the mammoth 6.3-liter V8 M100 from the superlussuosa 600. This engine, the power of 250cv, allowed the car to exceed 220 km / h without problems and without any fear of confronting with some quoted sports era, like the Porsche 911 and the Dino 246 GTS. Externally, the 300SEL 6.3, produced only in long wheelbase, is distinguished from the rest of the range for a very few special banner pure understatement. Among these details, there are first the identification symbol in the queue, but especially the stacked twin headlights that resembled those for the U.S. market. With the 300SEL 6.3, Mercedes-Benz ushered in a new market niche, that of sedans with high performance. The car was equipped with an almost unlimited range of accessories: in addition to standard parts, such as electric windows, central locking, air conditioning, leather upholstery, automatic limited slip differential (standard since 1969), self-leveling air suspension, 4 disc brakes, ventilated , halogen headlights and automatic transmission, it could be added to list dozens of options and special equipment on customer request, including the radio telephone and a treat at the time.
So we arrive at Frankfurt in 1969, when it launches the 300SEL 3.5, with 3.5-liter V8 M116 and 200CV. This model will complement and subsequently replace the 300SEL 2.8, which will come out of production in 1970.
In 1971, for the U.S. market alone and simultaneously with the launch of the 280 SEL 4.5 SE 4.5 and 280 members of the W108 series is launched, the model 300SEL 4.5, equal to the first two but with air suspension.
The C-Class W108/W109 list came out in 1972, replaced by the W116, having been produced in 383,072 copies (of which 6526 300 SEL 6.3).
Source: http://pediaworld.com/category/cars/
In the spring of 1969, the 250S and 250SE out of production. The 280, already in the list for a year, it takes up the baton and go to place themselves at the base of the range. Based on 280SE/SEL W108 in 1970 is launched for the European market alone 280SE/SEL 3.5, powered by the new 3.5-liter M116 can deliver up to 200CV. In practice, this model joins the 300SEL 3.5 was born the year before, but from which it differs, as always, for the suspension.
Even last year of life of the W108, there were interesting changes: while 280SEL was taken out of production for the U.S. market were launched the 280SE 4.5 and 280SEL 4.5, driven by a 4.5-liter V8 based on birth and coupled by 3.5 M116 strictly to an automatic 3-speed, as required by the customer overseas.
W109
This symbol identifies those models that mount a longer wheelbase suspension: the pneumatic circuit was composed of an air compressor, driven by the engine, a storage tank located inside the left front fender (behind the headlight), from a main valves, two valves in front and a rear layer, as well as four "cushions" that would replace traditional rubber springs. In addition to isolate and filter out the roughness of the road the advantage of this system was to be self-leveling, keeping constant the vehicle attitude regardless of load.The Mercedes-Benz W109 also debuted in 1965 with the model 300SEL, on a longer wheelbase platform. The House German states, however, that if the 300SEL and W109 in general, the letter L was not meant to Lang (German for "long" and referring to the past), but was about to Luftfederung, which in German means "air suspension . The 300SEL was equipped with the M189 from 3 liters 170cv also mounted on 300SEb W108.
Only the 280SEL 3.5 and 280SEL 4.5, already seen, were long-wheelbase versions in which the symbol actually meant the increase in wheelbase, but in fact they were standing classic and suspensions were then included in the W108 range.
In December 1967, the 300SEL was taken out of production, and leave the job two months later, the 300SEL 2.8, identical to the previous model, but with the more reliable 2.8 M130 at the same time had also started on the W108 model range. This engine produces the same power as the previous 3-liter, but promised better battery life.
In the spring of that year, at the Geneva Motor Show, is presented that will become the absolute top of the range top W109. An idea by Erich Waxenberger, head of experimental German house was born '300SEL 6.3, whose main characteristic was the mammoth 6.3-liter V8 M100 from the superlussuosa 600. This engine, the power of 250cv, allowed the car to exceed 220 km / h without problems and without any fear of confronting with some quoted sports era, like the Porsche 911 and the Dino 246 GTS. Externally, the 300SEL 6.3, produced only in long wheelbase, is distinguished from the rest of the range for a very few special banner pure understatement. Among these details, there are first the identification symbol in the queue, but especially the stacked twin headlights that resembled those for the U.S. market. With the 300SEL 6.3, Mercedes-Benz ushered in a new market niche, that of sedans with high performance. The car was equipped with an almost unlimited range of accessories: in addition to standard parts, such as electric windows, central locking, air conditioning, leather upholstery, automatic limited slip differential (standard since 1969), self-leveling air suspension, 4 disc brakes, ventilated , halogen headlights and automatic transmission, it could be added to list dozens of options and special equipment on customer request, including the radio telephone and a treat at the time.
So we arrive at Frankfurt in 1969, when it launches the 300SEL 3.5, with 3.5-liter V8 M116 and 200CV. This model will complement and subsequently replace the 300SEL 2.8, which will come out of production in 1970.
In 1971, for the U.S. market alone and simultaneously with the launch of the 280 SEL 4.5 SE 4.5 and 280 members of the W108 series is launched, the model 300SEL 4.5, equal to the first two but with air suspension.
The C-Class W108/W109 list came out in 1972, replaced by the W116, having been produced in 383,072 copies (of which 6526 300 SEL 6.3).
Source: http://pediaworld.com/category/cars/
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