Yes both the sedan and the coupe 114 only came to the US with carbureted engines. The M110 in the US was both carbureted and low compression. It made 120hp.

The pre-emissions carbureted M114 2.5 and M130 2.8 versions in the US W114 had the same power as euro models. 143hp I think for the M130

FYI: the 71-72 250 models actually have a 2.8 M130 engine so don't let the name fool you

Christuna, Thanks for the helpful information. That helps.

Cth350- Great link thank you.

if you are ok with shipping i was browsing fb marketplace in france ad saw one. 8500 euro
ive bought crs overseas. you could go checm it out
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/834056923807975/?ref=search&referral_code=undefined

Gary, thanks been watching some of the overaeas sites and would be open to it. How the heck do you manage an overseas purchase? Nice find. Unfortunately the blue interior is just the one color I can't warm up too. Is there some recommendations you can make on purchase, shipping, taxes etc? I there a good company to deal with? Thx again

I had friends in France get a car for me but since guy is outside Paris, maybe fly there and look and pick it up yourself. Id have a mercedes dealer insoect it first.I used a 40 ft container for mine. Make sure you strap car down tight in the container via the wheels and rims.there are shipping companies.

GA:

Since you are open to an engine swap, that avenue is likely to yield a rust free W123/M110 package at rather lower cost than sourcing outside the US.
A 240D from the southwest US would be the starting point. ROTW M110s are available in the US. Crack a pack of Zigzags and roll your own.

Frank, maybe an option agreed. I believe the 240d tended to have manual hvac and windows correct? Those would be perferred. AC for me is nice but optional. I imagine engine/trans/management system would then all have to be sourced. Was thinking a 280e to 280e euro would be easier? Thoughts thanks.

The ranking begins much like real estate (location, location, location):
1) Rust free
2) Rust free
3) Rust free
4) Manual windows
5) Manual HVAC
6) Late ACC (HVAC)
7) Manual trans
8) Wiring & plumbing
9) Originally M110
10) "euro" cosmetics

LMAO, thanks Frank. I hear you.... Big Smiles.

Yes because you will already have: Fuel pump package with proper lines/hoses and fittings, Proper Differential, Proper speedo (No tach on us market 280E sadly), Exhaust?. Also the title will say that it's a gasoline car with 6 cylinders so you won't have to get into all the red tape of trying to change that.

Also you will have another M110 for spare parts etc... to keep your swap going

The 280E was sold here 1977-1981. It made 140hp in stock US form. Had the same fuel injection but was low compression.

Well was hoping something might pop up. If anyone has a really clean US spec. I'd like to hear about it. No rust please. Manual is a bonus in my book but could always swap it out in future. Will probably also start a new wtb thread. Thanks for help so far guys.

Thanks for linking to cultcars.us. I had never seen that site before but they have a great search engine. Clean, fast, and seems to draw from all over. You're right that it's not particularly "smart", but still gets some interesting results.

Hey check this out. Looks like a 280E.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/824151611649618

Good find thanks. I can see the listing but don't have an account that will let me see the contact info. Coukd someone forward that to me. Big thanks.

I don't see it any better. I think that's due to the lack of a friends connection.

I suspect you need to use the facebook messaging app.

-CTH