Mercedes-Benz W108

Mercedes-Benz W108
Manufacturer	Mercedes-Benz
Production	1965 — 1972
Predecessor	Mercedes-Benz W111
Successor	Mercedes-Benz W116
Class	full-size sedan
Body style(s)	4-door sedan 2-door coupe
Engine(s)	2.5L straight-6 2.8L straight-6 3.0L straight-6 3.5L V8 4.5L V8 6.3L V8

See Mercedes-Benz S-Class for a complete overview of all S-Class models.

The Mercedes-Benz W108/W109 model series was a large luxury car line built by Mercedes-Benz from 1965 through 1972. The W108/W109 was a replacement for the higher end of the "Fintail" sedan range, with three-box styling similar to the W111/W112 coupes. The somewhat controversial fins of the so-called earlier W111 "Heckflosse" were eliminated by designer Paul Bracq. The initial lineup featured three W108 (short-wheelbase, coil-sprung suspension) models, the 250S, 250SE, and 300SE. The long-wheelbase W109 featured one model, the 300SEL, which was equipped with a self-levelling air suspension. The 6.3 was launched in the late 60's, it was the flagship model in the Merecdes line-up at the time. It was deemed the worlds best car and fastest production saloon on release, and held this title for many years-typical of all S-class'. The W108/W109 vehicles carried over much of the basic engineering principles from previous models, but had many refinements to make them some of the most well equipped cars of the era. The 300SE and 300SEL were especially well-appointed, featuring burl walnut dashboards, automatic transmission, and power windows. The 300SEL 4.5 featured a sophisticated and advanced 4.5L petrol unit, which was carried over to the W116 S-class and R107 SL roadster, as was the 3.5.

Models

1965 W112 300SE Coupe

The W108/109 line consisted of the following basic models: W108 (Short-wheelbase, coil-sprung suspension)

• 250S
• 250SE
• 300SE

W109 (Long-wheelbase, self-levelling air suspension)

• 300SEL

W108

W109

Later models

In 1967, the 250S and 250SE were replaced by the 280S and 280SE. The 300SE was deleted and the 300SEL received the 280's new 2.8-litre engine. The Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3 was also introduced, featuring the 600's 6.3-litre engine in a smaller, lighter body than the 600. Later, a 3.5-litre V8 would be available in both W108 and W109 series. It is worthy of note that 1973 was the last year of hand-built Mercedes-Benz cars.

Competitors

Initially the W108/W109's main European competitors, in terms of size, market position and luxury appointments were:

• Opel Diplomat
• Vauxhall Viscount
• Humber Imperial
• Citroën DS
• Rover P6
• Jaguar S-Type
• Daimler Sovereign
• Vanden Plas Princess
• Lancia Flaminia
• Alfa Romeo 2600
• Maserati Quattroporte

BMW did not return to this section of the market until the E3 sedans were launched in 1968.

External links

• Mercedes Benz W108 website
• W108/W109 Model Series
• W108/W109 Tom's Mercedes Benz 108/109 Resource Site