question on m110 280e - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ruchase · #1 08-12-2013, 02:50 PM

I have a lead on a 1983 280e with a 5 speed manual.

However, I'm not familiar with the m110 engine. My only experience with the gasser w123 is a 230 (carb) that my dad owned - it was a wonderful car.

Is this car worth looking into, or should I hold out for a 230e?

Thanks.

t walgamuth · #2 08-12-2013, 03:03 PM

That will be a euro spec car with that engine and transmission. The 280 is a wonderful engine, flat torque curve, pulls right up to redline. With a five speed it might reach mid 20's on fuel economy but its a farily thirsty engine....but longivity is nearly as good as a 617 oil burner. Not much to go wrong electronically, a cold start enricher or fuel pump relay is about all there is to it, plus points plugs and wires.

ruchase · #3 08-12-2013, 03:07 PM

Thanks Tom - yes, it is a euro car. Seeing that this is a 280e, would it still have points? I figured by 1983 they have electronic ignition.

Also are parts available at a reasonable price, or is it a PITA to source parts for the m110?
Much appreciated.

t walgamuth · #4 08-12-2013, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ruchase

Thanks Tom - yes, it is a euro car. Seeing that this is a 280e, would it still have points? I figured by 1983 they have electronic ignition.

Also are parts available at a reasonable price, or is it a PITA to source parts for the m110?
Much appreciated.

Yeah, it probably has no points. The parts should be pretty available, if not here at the dealer. With my euro if i took a parts number to the parts guy he could always get it. Most parts are the same as the us spec cars of the same year if the 280 motor was offered. If not offered the nearest year offered usually worked.

M110 is smooth powerful and rugged. Loves to rev, loves to work. My car had been flooded when I got it. Pulled it down and replaced rings, re-used most everythign else, welded the intake where the water had frozen and broke it and went autocrossing with it. Redlining mulitple times per run, no issues. I still have an excellent pp and clutch disc for it that I will sell reasonably if you get the car.

Mölyapina · #5 08-12-2013, 04:37 PM

Do it! And post pictures

.

ruchase · #6 08-12-2013, 04:42 PM

Thanks for the feedback Tom - I'll definitely keep you posted.

J.P. will do - if I get it I'll post pics for sure!

ruchase · #7 08-12-2013, 06:01 PM

here are some pics...

JB3 · #8 08-12-2013, 06:04 PM

headlight wipers even!

buy this.

t walgamuth · #9 08-12-2013, 06:27 PM

Looks pretty clean!

ruchase · #10 08-12-2013, 06:53 PM

Well, I gave in and wired a deposit. I'm picking it up in San Fran next weekend and then will drive it back down to LA. Hopefully gas mileage isn't too terrible.

pj67coll · #11 08-12-2013, 07:02 PM

Not to nitpick but you actually have a 280CE, since it's a coupe. Nice one. And I agree about the qualities of the M110, assuming it's in good condition. The mileage will not be good by modern standards but these cars were not built for penny pinchers. If I remember correctly in 5 spd manual form the 280E/CE were the fastest cars in Mercedes lineup when they debuted in 1977.

- Peter.

ruchase · #12 08-12-2013, 07:16 PM

You're right Peter - when I first posted, I thought it was a sedan, until I spoke with the seller.

Mike D · #13 08-12-2013, 07:28 PM

You don't want THAT car and I'll give you a few reasons why,

A: You don't have the "up-graded" ACC with its attendant "advanced" servo to control the manifold water flow.

B: Those bumpers won't pass the DOT 5-MPH bumper test and will always show you have the "inferior" European model.

C: With a 5 speed you have to shift one more time every time you reach top gear. Egad, what a detriment whilst trying to text!

D: With that cloth interior it will take forever to heat the seats up in the sun to keep your coffee/food warm.

E: Since it is the "European" model it won't work on US gas. We use "gallons" and they use "liters". You'll probably have to drive to Canada or Mexico to get gas which will fit.

Ordinarily I wouldn't do this but I hate to see a fellow Forum member being taken advantage of. You drive it over here, I'll give you what you paid for it (minus a 30% inconvenience fee), I'll give you cab fare to the Greyhound and I'll split the bus ticket with you. You can't beat that deal now can you?

Looks like a super score!

DeliveryValve · #14 08-12-2013, 07:46 PM

Wow, I just saw the listing for this car and thought about calling.

Nice grab! Be sure to bring it to a SoCal GTG in the future to show it off!

.

ruchase · #15 08-12-2013, 08:02 PM

Mike D - I just read the first sentence of your post and my heart dropped...until I read the rest of it.

Delivery - yeah, my friend up in NorCal is the one that told me about it. At first I thought he didn't know what he was talking about since he's not a car guy (regarding the 5 speed MT) - until I called the number he gave me and had the seller send me some pics.

I've never had had a 5-speed w123, so I figured I might as well, since I just sold my euro 300d 4 speed.