'84 280e info. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

cek1 · #1 01-03-2009, 07:30 PM

Hey folks, an '84 280e sedan has popped up on my radar. The problem is I know nothing about a 280e. I did some searching on here and know that it has the fuel injected M110 engine which appears to be pretty solid.

Because its an '84 does that make it a euro? It has 2 clear round headlights, what appears to be cloth interior (judging by photo).

What are other signs I can tell if its a euro?

If it euro, whats different? less emissions? more power?

Gas mileage in the mid-upper teens?

I didnt like the '90 300SE inline 6 (felt sluggish in the 126), is the motor similar to that?

Basically, if you have any information or links that could be helpful, Id appreciate it.

POS · #2 01-04-2009, 10:23 AM

The M110 is a tad noisy, even when running perfect. The DOHC setup is a rattler at idle. They drive very well as far as power goes, not sure if it's faster than a 300SE, but I would think it's in the same ballpark, perhaps a bit faster because of the less weight and because it's a euro which wasn't tuned down for the US market while your 300SE was most likely a US version.

If it's an '84, then it's certainly a Euro - look for dials on the AC rather than pushbutton, look for short bumpers, etc. It's a euro - it has to be. For some reason, and maybe it's just my imagination, but the Euro cars seem to rust faster than the US cars - check a lot for that.

The M110 engine needs valves adjusted, it does have head gasket leak issues, but otherwise it's a powerful, very reliable engine. You should get mid-teens for combined mpg, and low 20's for highway if you keep the rpms down.

I've owned a '85 280E with a manual, and if it's any testament to the M110 engine, I've been looking everywhere to replace my '82 turbo diesel with an M110 euro 280TE. Worse gas mileage, much for fun for highway crusing. Great little engine.

cek1 · #3 01-04-2009, 02:08 PM

Thanks, looking at the pics, the bumpers do look like euro bumpers. I have a Westfalia for sale and it should be sold in a few weeks, at that point I need to really focus on what I want for a second car. I had a 300D and a 300SE. I didnt think I wanted a gas Benz again but the more I read about these 280's the more I think its a possibility. The 300d never once failed to start, always had a solid idle, and never felt like it wanted to stall like an older gas car.