Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W108/W109) Specs & Chassis Numbers
Compare the listed Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W108/W109) specifications and understand how to check an older chassis number. The listed variants predate the modern 17-character VIN format supported by our decoder. 13 listed variants. Free, no registration.
Identifying this older vehicle
Original chassis numbers from before the modern VIN standard can be shorter and use manufacturer-specific formats. Do not add characters to make one fit a 17-character form. Compare the original markings with the registration papers and the correct period manual; a later registration or replacement identity plate needs its own supporting documents.
The NHTSA vPIC decoder is intended for model years 1981 onward. The specification rows below are a reference for comparison, not authentication of an individual car.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W108/W109) specs by variant
All 13 listed variants, grouped by fuel and gearbox. Open a group and compare the listed years, engine, power and emissions. On a small screen, scroll the table sideways.
Petrol · MANUAL 10 variants
| Variant | Listed years | Fuel | Engine | Power | Gearbox | Drive | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 280 SE 4MT RWD (200 HP) | 1965–1972 | Petrol | 3.5 L | 197 bhp | MANUAL 4sp | RWD | — |
| 280 SEL 4MT RWD (200 HP) | 1965–1972 | Petrol | 3.5 L | 197 bhp | MANUAL 4sp | RWD | — |
| 300 SEL 4MT RWD (200 HP) | 1965–1972 | Petrol | 3.5 L | 197 bhp | MANUAL 4sp | RWD | — |
| 300 SEL 5MT RWD (170 HP) | 1965–1972 | Petrol | 3.0 L | 168 bhp | MANUAL 5sp | RWD | — |
| 300 SEb 4MT RWD (170 HP) | 1965–1972 | Petrol | 3.0 L | 168 bhp | MANUAL 4sp | RWD | — |
| 280 SE 5MT RWD (160 HP) | 1965–1972 | Petrol | 2.8 L | 158 bhp | MANUAL 5sp | RWD | — |
| 280 SEL 5MT RWD (160 HP) | 1965–1972 | Petrol | 2.8 L | 158 bhp | MANUAL 5sp | RWD | — |
| 250 SE 4MT RWD (150 HP) | 1965–1972 | Petrol | 2.5 L | 148 bhp | MANUAL 4sp | RWD | — |
| 280 S 5MT RWD (140 HP) | 1965–1972 | Petrol | 2.8 L | 138 bhp | MANUAL 5sp | RWD | — |
| 250 S 4MT RWD (129 HP) | 1965–1972 | Petrol | 2.5 L | 127 bhp | MANUAL 4sp | RWD | — |
Petrol · AUTOMATIC 3 variants
| Variant | Listed years | Fuel | Engine | Power | Gearbox | Drive | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 280 SE 3AT RWD (199 HP) | 1965–1972 | Petrol | 4.5 L | 196 bhp | AUTOMATIC 3sp | RWD | — |
| 280 SEL 3AT RWD (199 HP) | 1965–1972 | Petrol | 4.5 L | 196 bhp | AUTOMATIC 3sp | RWD | — |
| 300 SEL 3AT RWD (199 H) | 1965–1972 | Petrol | 4.5 L | 196 bhp | AUTOMATIC 3sp | RWD | — |
Specification reference from cardata.wiki. A question mark means a year boundary is missing from the source, not that production continues. An empty field means the source did not provide that value. Confirm the fitted engine, transmission and equipment against the car’s documents. How specification matching works.
Using the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W108/W109) specifications
Start with the car’s year, body and engine, then compare the matching row. Several variants may share a model name while differing in power, transmission or drive layout. If the advert conflicts with the registration or manufacturer documents, resolve the mismatch before relying on the specifications. The catalog does not authenticate an older vehicle’s chassis or restoration.
Other S-Class generations and versions
The same nameplate across body styles and chassis generations.
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Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W108/W109) identification FAQ
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