Mercedes W108 Review: Generations, Specs and Which One to Buy
Overview of the Mercedes W108 sedan (1965–1972): its single generation, 150–200 hp engine range, and which versions stand out based on the data.
The Mercedes W108 is a sedan produced from 1965 to 1972 with engine outputs ranging from 150 to 200 hp. It suits buyers who want a classic rear-wheel-drive Mercedes sedan with a choice of manual or automatic transmission and a modest spread of three modifications to pick from.
Mercedes W108 generations
1 generation (1965–1972)
The first and only generation of the Mercedes W108 was built from 1965 to 1972 exclusively as a sedan. Power outputs span 150 to 200 hp across three modifications, all with rear-wheel drive and either a manual or an automatic gearbox. The notable versions are the 2.8 MT and the 3.5. The Mercedes W108 2.8 MT (1 generation) pairs a 2778 cc engine with a manual transmission and produces 160 hp, reaching 100 km/h in 10.5 seconds. The Mercedes W108 3.5 (1 generation) tops the range with a 3499 cc engine, 200 hp, an automatic transmission, acceleration of 9.0 seconds, and fuel consumption of 13.0 l/100km.
Which Mercedes W108 to buy
- 2.8 MT (1 generation): the mass-market choice with 160 hp from a 2778 cc engine and a 10.5-second sprint, matched to a manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive.
- 3.5 (1 generation): the most powerful version at 200 hp, with a 3499 cc engine, automatic transmission, and the quickest acceleration in the range at 9.0 seconds.
When buying used, keep in mind that every Mercedes W108 dates from 1965–1972, so any example is over fifty years old; with a single generation and only three modifications, comparing candidate cars is straightforward, and the main differences come down to engine size and transmission type.
Summary
The Mercedes W108 lineup is simple: one generation, one sedan body, three modifications, and a 150–200 hp spread. The Mercedes W108 2.8 MT (1 generation) with 160 hp represents the common specification, while the Mercedes W108 3.5 (1 generation) with 200 hp and a 9.0-second acceleration time is the performance pick of the range. All versions are rear-wheel drive, and both manual and automatic gearboxes were offered, so the choice narrows to how much power you want and which transmission you prefer.