Found a 280 SL for sale... with rear drums

[Rallyus]

So... looking to add to the erm... collection  a 280 SL besides the 220 Se Cabrio and the 250 SL that I already have.


Found one at the 70K euro mark, but when the seller sends me fotos of details... I see brake drums in the rear.


Sooo... question is... if having to buy all new parts, how hard and how expensive is to change back to rear discs?

Hope this isn't a full rear axle swap job...

[mbzse]

.../... change back to rear discs?
Hope this isn't a full rear axle swap job...

Yes it is, in order to have disk brakes at the rear, a change of axle is needed.
What may save your day is, the same disk brake equipped rear axle that was mounted in Pagoda cars was used on the S-Class W108 (introduced 1965).
These cars were made in larger numbers than 250/280 SL Pagodas. Ask vendors in Germany, perhaps (?)

[GGR]

You should confirm it is an original 280

[TheEngineer]

In my humble opinion there is nothing wrong with drum brakes on the rear wheels. My 2009 Prius has them too. The rear brakes see very little load and it complicates things when you have to have a drum for the hand-brake inside of the disks. My 230SL had drum brakes and it was a very hot car. I sold it at the time because I was afraid I'd kill myself. It was just as hot as my 280SL is now with the european cam, but I am older now and drive more carefully.

[twistedtree]

I agree with GGR.  Something is wrong with the car, and I'd be sure to know what before buying.  Putting a 230 rear end in a 280 would also entail changing the master cylinder and balancing valve, I think.  Maybe the handbrake cable too.  Why all the work to go backwards.  It seems the more likely explanation is that it's a 230 with a 280 engine and a new trunk emblem.  I had one of those for a while and sold it, but sold it as a 230 with a 280 motor and trunk emblem.  Now there's nothing wrong with that as long as you now what you are buying and it meets your needs.

[Benz Dr.]

I agree with GGR.  Something is wrong with the car, and I'd be sure to know what before buying.  Putting a 230 rear end in a 280 would also entail changing the master cylinder and balancing valve, I think.  Maybe the handbrake cable too.  Why all the work to go backwards.  It seems the more likely explanation is that it's a 230 with a 280 engine and a new trunk emblem.  I had one of those for a while and sold it, but sold it as a 230 with a 280 motor and trunk emblem.  Now there's nothing wrong with that as long as you now what you are buying and it meets your needs.

I have a disc brake axle on my 230SL and I'm still using the 230 master cylinder which seems to work just fine so I'm not convinced it needs to be upgraded. I did install the brake force regulator because I'm not afraid to drive in the rain and that's really when you need it.

[ejboyd5]

Most likely the original SL rear was swapped with one from a W108 in order to have a more favorable axle ratio.  Unless you are a real purist, I wouldn't be too concerned as the rear drums will be more than adequate and the ratio change could be a plus depending on how you will use the car. 

[stickandrudderman]

It's simple. If it's a 113 044 VIN then it's a 280 with the wrong rear axle.
If it's a 113 042 VIN then it's a 230 with a 280 badge and maybe even engine!.

[GGR]

It's simple. If it's a 113 044 VIN then it's a 280 with the wrong rear axle.
If it's a 113 042 VIN then it's a 230 with a 280 badge and maybe even engine!.

That is if the VIN on that car is the same as when it came out of the factory. If the VIN is 113 044, it would be worthwhile looking at other details specific to the 230. If they are there, then it is time for questions.

[TheEngineer]

Please inspect the VIN number stamped into the frame just under the air intake on the passenger side. These cars are becoming so valuable now that people are very motivated to misrepresent.