Author Topic: BBB for 1969 280 SL  (Read 2337 times)

AndrewB

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BBB for 1969 280 SL
« on: October 28, 2020, 18:32:36 »
Hello All,

I would like to buy a BBB for a 1969 280 SL.

Please let me know if you might have a suitable one available

Thanks
Andrew
1969 280SL
1970 280SL (undergoing restoration)
1971 Range Rover Suffix A Kingsley Restomod
1987 500SL
2002 Porsche 996 Targa
2011 Landrover Defender TdCi
2019 Mercedes S560 Cabriolet

MikeSimon

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Re: BBB for 1969 280 SL
« Reply #1 on: October 28, 2020, 23:51:14 »
Don't pay too much for one. I have a 1971 280SL and find the BBB quite useless. Very little in there about the engine and very little else specific about the W113. You may be better off with a Haynes or any other W113-specific manual.
1970/71 280SL Automatic
Sandy Beige
Parchment Leather
Power Steering
Automatic
Hardtop
Heated Tinted Rear Window
German specs
3rd owner

scoot

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Re: BBB for 1969 280 SL
« Reply #2 on: October 29, 2020, 15:10:21 »
Don't pay too much for one. I have a 1971 280SL and find the BBB quite useless. Very little in there about the engine and very little else specific about the W113. You may be better off with a Haynes or any other W113-specific manual.
And I couldn't disagree more!  The BBB has helped me a LOT on many projects.
Scott Allen
'67 250 SL (early)
Altadena, California

ja17

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Re: BBB for 1969 280 SL
« Reply #3 on: October 29, 2020, 15:48:26 »
Yes, the BBB is helpful, but difficult to use since includes so much information on other models also. It just takes some time to sort it all out. You really need the early BBB and the late BBB along with the "Technical Data Booklet" and numerous Service Bulletins for complete factory documentation. In addition the BBBs should be the last printing so it will be complete and have all the supplementary updates. Some aftermarketr manuals are helpful also, since the information is already sorted out and includes some general automotive repair information added.
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback

MikeSimon

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Re: BBB for 1969 280 SL
« Reply #4 on: October 29, 2020, 17:02:55 »
And I couldn't disagree more!  The BBB has helped me a LOT on many projects.

Sure. On "many projects". Probably involving all kinds of different models. I am talking W113 only. Like Joe says, "it takes some time to sort it all out". And then you still don't find it.
My pet peeve is the cylinder head. Basically no useful information about the M130 head in there.
1970/71 280SL Automatic
Sandy Beige
Parchment Leather
Power Steering
Automatic
Hardtop
Heated Tinted Rear Window
German specs
3rd owner

Cees Klumper

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Re: BBB for 1969 280 SL
« Reply #5 on: October 29, 2020, 17:16:38 »
I must admit I bought a BBB early on in my ownership, maybe around 2002, and I don't think I have ever actually used it. I do remember consulting it for some things, but I think I came to the conclusion that this site and, to a lesser degree, the Haynes and one or two more obscure manuals, were much better and accurate resources as I did my repairs and maintenance. I guess what I am hearing myself saying is that you'd be welcome to my BBB, were it not for the fact that I am in California, and the BBB is in France, and I just don't know when I will travel there under the current conditions.
Cees Klumper
1969 Mercedes 280 SL automatic
1968 Ford Mustang 302 V8
1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Coupe 1600
1962 FIAT 1500S OSCA convertible
1972 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.3
1983 Porsche 944 2.5
1990 Ford Bronco II

MikeSimon

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Re: BBB for 1969 280 SL
« Reply #6 on: October 29, 2020, 19:46:20 »
One thing you need to consider with all factory-issued service/shop manuals: They are written and compiled to support a trained service dealer mechanic. They are not for the "hobby-wrencher" who may need a tad more detailed info about the procedure of a certain repair which may be part of the trained mechanic's repertoire, which he/she has acquired during his factory training.
1970/71 280SL Automatic
Sandy Beige
Parchment Leather
Power Steering
Automatic
Hardtop
Heated Tinted Rear Window
German specs
3rd owner