The 280 M110 engine was and is a very dependable motor. I've been involved with putting 300k on two different models a 126 280SEL and a 280TE that our shop has used for 15 years (we just replaced it with a 91 300TE).

I definitely prefer the injected models. The US versions with carbs had problems when they were new (everybody was having problems in those days making carburated cars meet emissions standards). When I worked at the dealer we went through scores of modifications to the carbs various systems to try to improve matters. Things don't get better with wear.

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Steve Brotherton
Owner 24 bay BSC
Bosch Master, ASE master L1
26 years MB technician