PKW4161 Types 250 S - 300 SEL 6.3 (108, 109 series), 1965 - 1972

Types 250 S - 300 SEL 6.3 (108, 109 series), 1965 - 1972

In August 1965, another generation of top-class models was presented with the Types 250 S, 250 SE and 300 SE, which succeeded the fintail types 220 Sb, 220 SEb and 300 SE. What all three models had in common was its body, which had been designed by Paul Bracq. Its main charm was the simplicity of form, which avoided all fashionable detail, and its restrained elegance, which even today, kept its timeless essence. From a technical point of view, all models closely corresponded to their predecessors. Apart from the new body, there were new two 2.5-liter engines, which had been developed from the 2.2-liter aggregatens by reboring them and by increasing the stroke of the piston. In the injection engine version, a six-piston pump was used instead of the two-piston pump. In contrast to its predecessor, the new 300 SE was no longer fitted with air suspension. Like the two 2.5-liter models, however, it had a hydropneumatic compensating spring at the rear axle instead of the former coil spring which maintained the level of the body at a constant level, irrespective of loads.

In March 1966, the Type 300 SEL was added to the model range. Compared to the 300 SE model, it had a wheelbase, which was extended by 100 mm. The additional space was used for increased leg room in the rear and wider rear doors for easier access. As had been the case with its direct predecessor with the same model designation, air suspension was part of the standard equipment of the 300 SEL, too. Internally, the models with conventional suspension were bracketed together in W 108 series; the 300 SEL with air suspension, however, was assigned to an independent model series W 109.

Two very special versions of the 300 SEL have been developed in Sindelfingen between 1966 and 1967. However, they were not designed for batch production but made to a very special order of the Vatican. In June 1966 a landaulet with standard wheelbase was completed, which was distinguished from the serial saloon by a single seat in the rear as well as by the landaulet-hood, extending to the front edge of the rear door. Almost one year later, in may 1967, two identical six-seated limousine were ready for delivery with both being based on a chassis prolonged by 650 mm and comprising modified rear side doors as well as two folding rear seats. While the landaulet was used alongside the 600 model for the pope, the Pullman limousine was used for the transportation of guests. 

Production of the models 250 SE and 300 SE was stopped at the beginn of 1968; as their successors in January 1968 the Types 280 S and 280 SE were presented; they were distinguished from their predecessors only by a different engine and other equipment details. The new 2.8-liter 6-cylinder engine delivered 140 hp in its carburettor version and 160 hp with fuel injection. A more powerful version of the injection engine with 170 hp was not only built into the 280 SL, but from January 1968 into the 300 SEL, too, where it replaced the former 3.0-liter light-alloy engine.

In March 1968 the 300 SEL 6.3 became top of the class of this model series. It was equipped with the V8-engine and the automatic gearbox of the 600 model so that its power was equal to that of a high-level sportscar. Its presentation at the Geneva Motor Show created a sensation, especially since there had been no hints, that a model like this was to be forthcoming. From outside, the 6.3 could only be recognised by its broader tires, double halogen headlights and additional distance beam headlights. Even though it cost over DM 10.000 more than a 300 SEL and twice as much as the 280 SE, many customers were interested in the 300 SEL 6.3, so that 6,526 units were produced.

In Autumn 1969, the 300 SEL with 2.8-liter six-cylinder engine was replaced by the 300 SEL 3.5, which was powered by a completely new "small" V8-engine with 3.5 liter cubic capacity and 200 hp. From March 1971 this new engine were also used in the 280 SE 3.5 and 280 SEL 3.5 models, which had conventional steel-spring suspension. The 280 SE with six-cylinder engine was still available, whereas the 280 SEL was taken out of the sales programme to make room for the eight-cylinder model. Parallel to the 3.5-liter V8-engine, a more powerful version with a cubic capacity of 4.5 liters was produced exclusively for the American market. From May 1971 export models 280 SE 4.5, 280 SEL 4.5 and 300 SEL 4.5 were available with this type of engine.

A special 108/109 series model, which was never sold on the market, a security version of the 280 SEL 3.5 was built in 1971. As no further special protection cars had been produced by Daimler-Benz following the completion of the bullet-proof 600 Pullman limousine, several federal authorities put forward a request to that effect. Due to attacks carried out on diplomats in Latin America in 1970, the foreign office saw the necessity to give special protection to certain ambassadors' and consuls' cars. The result of these efforts was the armour-plated version of the 280 SEL 3.5, 28 of which were built between May 1971 and September 1972.

Production of the very successful W 108/109 series ended in September 1972. It was succeeded by the 116 series S-Class models.

Mercedes-Benz Typ 250 S aus dem Jahre 1965
U40208A
MB 250 S
Mercedes-Benz 250 SE W 108
U40192
Mercedes-Benz 250 SE
Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse-Limousine
U40205
Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse-Limousine
Mercedes-Benz 250 SE
S-Klasse-Limousine der Baureihe 108
1965 - 1972
U40213
Mercedes-Benz 250 SE
Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse-Limousine
U40215
Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse-Limousine
Mercedes-Benz Typ 300 SEL aus den Jahren 1966-1970
U45358
MB Typ 300 SEL
Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL Limousine
1966 - 1967
U45361
Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL
Mercedes-Benz Typ 250 SE aus dem Jahre 1965
U45802
MB 250 SE
Mercedes-Benz Typ 250 SE aus dem Jahre 1965
U45806
MB 250 SE
Mercedes-Benz Typ 300 SEL, 1966 bis 1967
U48315
MB Typ 300 SEL
Mercedes-Benz Typ 300 SEL 6.3 der Baureihe 109
U65301
Mercedes-Benz Typ 300 SEL 6.3
Im Vergleich: Mercedes-Benz C 111/I mit 3-Scheiben-Wankelmotor, Mercedes-Benz Limousine 300 SEL 3.5, sowie Mercedes-Benz Coupé und Cabriolet 280 SE 3.5-Liter, auf der Einfahrbahn in Untertürkheim, 1969.
U81107
Mercedes-Benz C 111/I, 300 SEL 3.5, 280 SE 3.5
Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 W 109
1967 - 1972
U89402
Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3
Mercedes-Benz Typ 300 SE der  Baureihe 108
65155-6
MB Typ 300 SE
Mercedes-Benz Typ 250 S aus dem Jahre 1965
66008-5
MB 250 S
Mercedes-Benz Typ 250 S aus dem Jahre 1965
66008-8
MB 250 S
Mercedes-Benz 280 S, 1967
67344-1
Mercedes-Benz 280 S
Mercedes-Benz Typ 300 SEL 6.3 der Baureihe 109
68049-13
Mercedes-Benz Typ 300 SEL 6.3
Mercedes-Benz 280 S and 280 SE,1967
68058-13
Mercedes-Benz 280 S and 280 SE
Mercedes-Benz Typ 300 SEL 6.3 der Baureihe 109
68067-17
Mercedes-Benz Typ 300 SEL 6.3
Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3
1967 - 1972
68077-2
Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3
Mercedes-Benz  280 SE Limousine, 1968 - 1972
68149-18
Mercedes-Benz 280 SE
Mercedes-Benz 280 SE, 1968
68149-22
Mercedes-Benz 280 SE
Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 Saloon, 1967 - 1972
68206-5
Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3, model series 108/109
Mercedes-Benz Typ 300 SEL 6.3 der Baureihe 109
68206-95
Mercedes-Benz Typ 300 SEL 6.3
Mercedes-Benz Typ 280 S mit Wohnanhänger Dethleffs-Nomad 420
68272-15
Gespann MB 280 S
For comparison, first row: Mercedes-Benz C 111/I with 3-rotor Wankel engine, an MB 280 SE 3.5-litre Convertible. Second row: 300 SEL 3.5-litre Sedan and a 280 SE 3.5 litre Coupé, on the Untertürkheim test track, 1969.
69257-38
Mercedes-Benz C 111/I, W 109, W 111
Mercedes-Benz Typ 300 SEL 6.3 Liter, 1967 - 1972.
70248-81
Typ 300 SEL 6.3
Mercedes-Benz Typ 300 SEL 6.3, 1967 - 1972.
70379-9
Typ 300 SEL 6.3
Mercedes-Benz Typ 280 SE 3,5 Liter aus dem Jahre 1971
71207-86
MB Baureihe 108
In comparison: The Mercedes-Benz Saloon Type 250 (rear) together with the Research Vehicle Mercedes-Benz C 111/I with 3-disc Wankel engine, the 300 SEL 3.5-liter and the 300 SEL 6.3-liter in the steep curve of the entrance in Untertürkheim, 1969
U81004B
Mercedes-Benz 250, C 111/I, 300 SEL 3.5, 300 SEL 6.3 (W 114/115)
Mercedes-Benz Typ 250 SE aus dem Jahre 1965
1999DIG1192
Typ 250 SE
Mercedes-Benz 250 SE, W 108,1965
1999DIG1188
Mercedes-Benz 250 SE
Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL, W 109,
1965 - 1967
1999DIG1269
Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL
Mercedes-Benz 280 S/SE Limousine
1968 - 1972
Frühling oberhalb des serbischen Donauufers
70175-11A
Mercedes-Benz 280 S/SE
Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5
1971 - 1972
2007M2645
Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5
Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5
Coupé aus dem Jahre 1969
69168-18
Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5
Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5
Limousine, 1970 - 1972
70248-62
Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5
Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 3.5
Limousine, 1970
70248-94
Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 3.5
Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 3.5
Limousine, 1970
70248-32
Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 3.5
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