Hey guys!

I am venturing into buying a 1980 280SE. Euro model with only 63,000 original miles! The car is MINT! The guy wants $4,800 and it needs nothing. I know nothing about this chassis. It is not a 126, but the model before it. I think it is a 116? Correct me if i'm wrong....

Anything to watch out for on this car? Is it worth the money? It is an automatic but doesn't have a sunroof.

Any advise/ comments would be appreciated!!!!

Michael

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Mercedes-Benz Manhattan, Inc.
Business Development
536 West 41st Street
New York, NY 10036

-My Garage-
1996 E320: White 118,000 miles ~Dad's Driver~
1996 E320: Green 109,000 miles ~Mom's Driver~
~My Babies~
2000 SL500: Desert Sand 96,000 miles
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2008 E350 4MATIC Sport
-Flint Grey/ Ash/ Black Birds Eye Maple-

Does it have the fuel injected motor or the carbureted one?

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MB-less

I am not sure if the car has fuel injection or carburation.....

How can i tell?

__________________
My Work:
Mercedes-Benz Manhattan, Inc.
Business Development
536 West 41st Street
New York, NY 10036

-My Garage-
1996 E320: White 118,000 miles ~Dad's Driver~
1996 E320: Green 109,000 miles ~Mom's Driver~
~My Babies~
2000 SL500: Desert Sand 96,000 miles
-Previoulsy Judge Judy's-
2008 E350 4MATIC Sport
-Flint Grey/ Ash/ Black Birds Eye Maple-

Assuming a correct description of the model name, presumably fuel injected. The S-Class chassis that immediately preceded the w126 was indeed the w116.

The "E" in SE denotes fuel injection.

so, after all is said and done- is this a decent model? Is it worth the money with the low miles?????

__________________
My Work:
Mercedes-Benz Manhattan, Inc.
Business Development
536 West 41st Street
New York, NY 10036

-My Garage-
1996 E320: White 118,000 miles ~Dad's Driver~
1996 E320: Green 109,000 miles ~Mom's Driver~
~My Babies~
2000 SL500: Desert Sand 96,000 miles
-Previoulsy Judge Judy's-
2008 E350 4MATIC Sport
-Flint Grey/ Ash/ Black Birds Eye Maple-

The euro SE was a lot peppier than the U.S. version, so it should be a decent driving car. Just evaluate it well, especially for rust, as rust resistance was not a particular strong suit of the w116. Good engine, good chassis. If you like it and it's in good shape, go for it, just set aside a few grand for surprises inherent in any 27 year-old car.

Don't fall in love with the odometer. In a vehicle this old, low mileage does not guarantee good condition. Evaluate the value strictly on condition.

I paid $4500 5 yrs ago for a 1977 300d with 55k. Bought it from original owner's husband. I thought it was a good deal. I wouldn't be as interested in a gasser but I do like the 116's.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

I drove a 280S which had the carbs. I have a 6.9 and they both felt about the same except for the power difference. Big sturdy cars. I like the 116 style very much. Find out how long it has been for sale, these cars don't fly off the shelves.... a deal might be had.

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MB-less

IMHO,

The M110 motor is pretty durable, but prone to oil leaks between the cam box and cylinder head and the head gasket itself.

Rust is your biggest enemy on the W116 chassis, and any euro model can be dicey because some parts can be hard to find and expensive(lights and bumpers for example). I would call your insurance company first, and make sure they will insure a euro model. If they will, the premium might be higher than a US version. Also, a lack of air bags and abs brakes means that my '84 300D costs as much to insure as a mid '90s Corvette. Go figure, the same will probably apply to this 280SE.

The price seems a bit high, for a euro model with a six cylinder. I wouldn't pay more than 3k for a car like that, provided that it had documentation and the underbody was ok.

W116's are great cars! Just look out for rust, they rust badly!

If its a carb car it would be a 280S. E stands for fuel injection.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

You wont find a sedan that handles better. No ABS, but these had excellent brakes that stop on a dime. Being a euro, it should have the manual cliamate control, another plus. Most parts will interchange from a US model, so parts wont be too much an issue. The drivers side floor, and rockers are the first places that rust on a 116. You would only be getting liability insurance on something this old, so I wouldnt expect high premiums. If you are 25 plus and married with a good driving record shouldnt be but $200 a year or so. (at least in Wisconsin anyway) but that is dependent on where you live. They have great handling, respectable power, and should get 18mpg on the highway. The parts are long lasting like all the MBs of the era. Expect assorted power window issues and the like. No power seats and stuff to go wrong though.

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1959 Gravely LI, 1963 Gravely L8, 1973 Gravely C12
1982 380SL
1978 450 SEL 6.9 euro restoration at 63% and climbing
1987 300 D
2005 CDI European Delivery
2006 CDI Handed down to daughter
2007 GL CDI. Wifes

Below is a link to some info on the 1980 280SE.

I used to own a 1967 250SE. I loved its simplicity and good looks. I am sorry that I sold it.

Check for records and check all the things everyone else has suggested.

Good luck.

280 SE

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Current Benzes

1989 300TE "Alice"
1990 300CE "Sam Spade"
1991 300CE "Beowulf" RIP (06.1991 - 10.10.2007)
1998 E320 "Orson"
2002 C320 Wagon "Molly Fox"

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