Sleeper Benz

Not as many Sleeper Cars could be categorized as such belonging to those truly Classic Ride. Sleeper Benz is quite a rare European Classic Ride, in particular the W109-300SEL 3.5. Looking at its OEM Driving Light Applications of the bygone era, one simply wonders whether its barely than adequate lighting power matches its awesome performance.

Though finding such original accessories is another special tale tells story effort, it does heighten a sort of well integrated Classic restoration. The aspect of capable lighting might settle for the last priority. The Lumen (or luminous power) would certainly be revisited once the brute power of this W109 is being exercised quite regularly, only then the priority could be reversed dramatically!

This depicted OEM accessories fitment is certainly difficult to come by unless from a dedicated Classic Mercedes Benz Restoration Specialist which unfortunately only a few around. Authentic accessories on an original looking W109 would no doubt stir the emotion of anyone with Benz fanatics as the legendary W109-300SEL 3.5 is regarded by many as an entry level to Sleeper Benz following the limited production of 300SEL 6.3.

Contrary to the inadequacy of its fog lamp the 3.5L V8 engine should be sufficient to propel the sedan in a civilized rocketing speed manner. Matching to the speed legacy is its air cushioning suspension at all four corners delivering un-forgetful ride quality.

As many other restoration projects there are ample of hurdle stand in the way; the hard to get chrome ornaments inside the passenger compartment and outside along the body exterior. The hours spent to revive numerous mechanical equipments including the plumbing system to activate the air cushioning suspension, whether there is enough pressure circulating around or even some trial and error works to look for the odorless and colorless air leakage particularly at those plumbing joints.

Surely replacing the whole plumbing and fittings would solve the problems immediately, but the aspect of originality could not be neglected all together. Take for example the engineering design behind the approximately 7.2 L air supply canister seems a bit small to carry 2.5 tones burden. Would it be tempting to replace it with modern stainless steel container?

And what about replacing those aging pressurized plumbing system all together? It is obvious that where there is a pressure there is always a potential for a leak somewhere some time on even the best material available; once these factors are being fiddled around why not refitting a bigger air container filled with Nitrogen gas instead, as now a customary fitment to our tires.

No doubt there are many other ideas as well as how extensive such restoration job should be carried, making a hasty decision will definitely pose an irreversible drawbacks! Drawbacks which will linger to the rest of such restored Classic Sleeper Benz life time in coming future.