10/05/2026 7:36 am
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So I have been staring at this empty spot in my garage for like six months now and I finally decided its time to find a project. Specifically looking for a 70s Merc, like a W114 or maybe even a W108 if I can find one that isnt totally rusted out. I have about $9000 saved up specifically for the purchase, which I know isnt a ton for these cars nowadays but I am looking for something that needs work—nothing that runs perfect right away.
I have been looking at Bring a Trailer pretty much every day but honestly the prices there are getting insane even for the no reserve stuff and I dont want to pay a huge premium just for the site name. Then I checked out Hemmings but most of those cars seem too nice? Like they are already restored and that kills the fun for me. My logic was that there might be some smaller, more specialized site for old Benz parts and projects that I am missing. I also checked out the PeachParts forums but their classifieds seem a bit slow lately.
I am in the Seattle area so I have to be careful about rust and I really want to find a site that actually has people who know these cars selling them. Should I stick with the big auction sites and just wait for a deal or is there some hidden gem site specifically for old Mercedes projects that I havent found yet? I really want to get started before the winter really hits so I have something to do in the shop...
4 Answers
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10/05/2026 7:36 am
I'm satisfied with Marketplace for local deals and MBWorld for history. Marketplace is cheaper but riskier, while forums are reliable. Both work well. Grab a Haynes Mercedes-Benz 280 1968-1972 Manual too!
10
10/05/2026 8:40 am
SearchTempest is the way to go to find cars outside the rainy Seattle bubble. Look for W114s in the high desert regions of OR or CA to avoid that nasty rust.
- BenzWorld classifieds are usually way more budget-friendly than those flashy auction sites.
- ClassicCars.com private listings often skip the crazy premiums. Since $9k is tight, hunt for a car with vacuum leaks. Sellers panic and drop the price, but you can diagnose it yourself for cheap with a Mityvac MV8000 Professional Manual Vacuum Pump Kit.
3
10/05/2026 8:10 am
> looking for a 70s Merc, like a W114 or maybe even a W108 Man, I love the W108 lines! They are absolutely iconic. If BaT is getting too rich for your blood, you seriously have to check out The MB Market. Its an auction site specifically for Mercedes and you can actually find some decent project-grade stuff there without the BaT tax being so heavy. Since you are in Seattle, rust is the absolute enemy! You gotta get under the car with a magnet and a good light. If you find a solid candidate with surface issues, grab some POR-15 Rust Preventive Coating Gloss Black 1 Pint right away. Its basically magic for stopping that PNW dampness from eating your floors. Also, for the mechanical side, look into a Bosch Fuel Pressure Tester Kit 0-145 PSI if you end up with a fuel-injected model... itll save you hours of head-scratching when it wont start. Cant wait to see what you find!
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23/05/2026 3:36 am
Re: "SearchTempest is the way to go to find..."
- Honestly, SearchTempest is amazing for casting a wide net! Finding a solid W108 for under $9k is such a fun challenge. If you want a reliable starting point without getting scammed, check these out:
- Facebook Groups: Specifically look for the Mercedes-Benz W108 W109 Enthusiast groups. Pros: Usually owned by people who actually know the maintenance history. Cons: No escrow or protection, so you really have to vet the seller.
- Classic.com: This aggregator is fantastic! Pros: It pulls from all over the web so you dont have to check 20 tabs every morning. Cons: It includes the high-end auctions too, so you gotta filter the noise.
- Beverly Hills Car Club: They are basically the kings of the project car world. Pros: Huge inventory of vintage Mercs that definitely need work. Cons: Their descriptions can be pretty optimistic... definitely ask for extra photos of the floor pans. Since you are doing this yourself, grab a Motive Products 0100 European Power Bleeder because those old lines will definitely need flushing. Also grab some Fluid Film Undercoating AS11 to keep that Seattle moisture off the frame while you work. Good luck, so stoked to see what you find!