I know this is the diesel forum, but I would rather go to you guys first. There is a 1985 280TE wagon near me at a local used lot. Its got 182K on it and looks pretty good. They want just under 5 K for the car. Is this a some what rare car? I don't remember seeing too many gas 123's here, and I've seen no gas 123 wagons in PA. I just wanted your opinion(s) on the car.
Thanks

Randy

__________________
-Randy Wakefield

1969 220D 4 speed (parts car)
1976 280C
1976 280S
1981 240D 4 speed (parts car)
1982 300D
1983 300TD (Ivory)
1983 300TD (gold)
1985 300TD (gray)
1987 190D 2.5
1970 280SEL (sold)
1977 240D 4 speed (sold)
1974 280 (rusted to death)
---
1927 Chevy 4 door sedan
1938 Chevy 2 door sedan
1950 Willys Jeepster
1955 Studebaker President 4 door
1977 Ford F250
1979 Glastron 17'
1948 John Deere A
1960 John Deere 2010
1979 Satoh S650G
--
2000 Bichon (Doby)

in the NW there are an abundance of old cars of all types. Little rust. I Have only come across 2 TE's of that vintage while I see at least one near-mint Carmanghia a day during the pleasant weather months.

I would ask this question in the open discussion forum, you may find a more confident response.

__________________

My understanding is that in the 1980s Mercedes imported a lot of diesels to the USA and fewer gassers because it was an easy way for them to meet the smog regs in effect at that time. I agree that a 280TE wagon is probably somewhat rare; I would check carefully for rust, at that price it better be near-perfect.

__________________

"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970

MB never offered the 280TE in the US. MB never offered a gasser 123 wagon in the US. So, yeah, they're not easy to find.

For perspective, you can get a newer W124 gasser wagon in good condition for under $5K -

http://harrisburg.craigslist.org/ctd/915312780.html

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=255237180

Sixto
87 300D

ALL 280 TE's were Gray-Market cars. ALL of them. They were a little bit less money than a 300D from a dealer and were bought by people who wanted to save some money (about $2000) and avoid buying a diesel.

I remember these well since I almost bought one. They get about 15 MPG and the valves must be manually adjusted. Since this adjustment thing is often overlooked the cams go flat and the cam followers get dished out.

If you hear a 'ticking' noise from the engine that is not a bad hydraulic lifter, it is a flat cam. They are about $600 each and you have to pull the head to replace them.

I did not buy one because Mercedes went on the rampage over gray-market cars and forbid their dealers to work on them or to even sell parts for them. In reality Mercedes just refused to send parts if the VIN was not for a US delivery car.

I would look, at that price, at a good 300 TE.

Pooka

I love the 280TEs and have been searching for a high quality, low mileage one for about nine months. Problem is, I can't find a really good one. They drive well, but the M110 is a bit noisy for a gas engine and it does get oil leaks just like the diesels, but the M110 is a very bulletproof engine.

The 280TE is a very good, very solid car with the same issues that all w123s face; the price for a cheap one is about $1500 and the price for an excellent one is about $6000. Figure that into your calculatione while you're looking at that one.

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- Brian


1989 500SEL Euro
1966 250SE Cabriolet
1958 BMW Isetta 600

In a lot near Mechanicsburg, huh? Care to share where?

Actually, I wouldn't mind seeing what it looks like, but I'm not interested, so you've got no competition from me, so have at it!

__________________
1985 300TD-euro 352,000 mi
1974 240D (1?)52,000 mi - has a new home now

Nice cars. Lots of power compared to the diesel cars or the USA 280.

I had a grey market 280E, now have a grey mkt 280TE.

Can get some wierd colors, though.

Mine's bright butterscotch yellow with a brown tex/cloth interior.
Small bumpers and euro lights, no power windows, no sunroof.
Has a factory trailer hitch and alloys.
Bought it from a fellow MBCA member, and it has 139K.

Jim

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14 E250 BlueTEC black. 45k miles
95 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 66k miles
94 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 152k miles
85 300TD 4 spd man, euro bumpers and lights, 15" Pentas dark blue 274k miles

The car is at spanky's, just west of Mechanicsburg off of 641 (Trindle Rd)

I really don't have an interest in the car, its a bit expensive for me.


I know the engine well, we own a 76 280S & 280C with the same engine, only not injected. The injected engines are supposed to be rather snappy from what I've heard.

Thanks

__________________
-Randy Wakefield

1969 220D 4 speed (parts car)
1976 280C
1976 280S
1981 240D 4 speed (parts car)
1982 300D
1983 300TD (Ivory)
1983 300TD (gold)
1985 300TD (gray)
1987 190D 2.5
1970 280SEL (sold)
1977 240D 4 speed (sold)
1974 280 (rusted to death)
---
1927 Chevy 4 door sedan
1938 Chevy 2 door sedan
1950 Willys Jeepster
1955 Studebaker President 4 door
1977 Ford F250
1979 Glastron 17'
1948 John Deere A
1960 John Deere 2010
1979 Satoh S650G
--
2000 Bichon (Doby)

I have never had any trouble with my M110 other than an oil leak. It runs great and start with a touch of the key.

__________________
1985 300TD Turbo Euro-wagon
1979 280CE 225,200 miles
1985 300D Turbo 264,000 miles
1976 240D 190,000 miles
1979 300TD 220,000

GONE but not forgotten
1976 300D 195,300 miles
1983 300D Turbo 175,000 miles

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...e485-1-2-1.jpg