Thinking about a 1979 280E - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

gatorblue92 · #1 03-24-2013, 07:25 AM

Well last week I was trolling craigslist and found a 280E here in Delaware for sale and for S&G I called up the seller and went to see it yesterday. It basically matches my 240D and seems in fairly decent running condition. The car has some rust in the fenders but under the battery and the rockers& floors are super solid however the interior is very ratty aside from the somehow perfect drivers seat. The car does have a high idle and was smoking a tiny bit but the engine sounded smooth and even at idle. The car does need brakes ASAP. Almost new tires on light alloy wheels for hubcaps. Should I pull the trigger on this one? I have never owned a MB gasser before and wouldn't really be too interested if not for the fact this is a W123. I think I can get it for somewhere in the $1000 range so even if I just use it for parts it may be worth it.

Here are some pictures from the craigslist ad.

Hirnbeiss · #2 03-24-2013, 09:41 AM

Looks nice. If you like the car and want a hobby, go for it. Obviously it will demand your time. There is probably enough wisdom on the Bosch Jetronic available to help you keep it running smoothly, but they require more tinkering than today's cars.
If you're a UD fan, you could think of it as a Spring Chicken, even if it's not blue.