280SE model specs - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

tbarry · #1 12-29-2005, 03:33 AM

I have recently been offered a 1972 280SE. According to some sites I hav e visited the 280 is a 6 cylinder in line 2799cc engine.

But they also made a 3.5 and a 4.5 litre V8, which were designated 350SE and 450SE.

But the 4.5l V8 in the US car seems to be identified as a 280??

Now: I have seen pics of the trunk of some of these cars and on the left it sez 280SE and on the right is says 3.5 (or 4.5).

The one I am offered has 280SE and 3.5 on the trunk. It has a 6 cylinder in line engine.

The Registration document (not original) states the engine size as 3500 but it has been crossed out and 2799 inserted: the engine number agrees with the document.

The plate on the front cross member sez Type/Model 280 SE/9.3.5

ah ha the 3.5, but what does 9.3.5 mean? and why put 3.5 on the trunk?

Tony Barry
Kuala Lumpur

Tomguy · #2 12-29-2005, 08:38 AM

3.5 means it has a 3.5 liter V8 (m116). If the plate says "3.5" on the doorframe, but it has a 6-cyl, then the engine was most likely swapped (and not the plate, badging, and title all together)

Arthur Dalton · #3 12-29-2005, 09:45 AM

Just check the Chassis #

108.018 is 130/2.8 engine
108.057 is 3.5/V8
108.067 is 4.5./V8

tbarry · #4 12-30-2005, 06:41 AM

The chassis number is 108.058-22-011231.

Whilst an engine swap might be a possibility in USA, here in Malaysia it is almost unheard of - the paperwork would take years. And this is a one owner from new car. And why is the Model No 9.3.5 (the 9 must have some meaning).

Would a 3.5V8 swap out with a 2.8 x 6 and leave the engine compartment looking original? Maybe the photos are misleading - it's a V12??? It's sure got 6 spark plugs down one side!

And I must make one correction: it is a 280SEL.

I'll continue the exploration when I get it - real soon now.

Arthur Dalton · #5 12-30-2005, 09:28 AM

108.058 is 280sel 3.5-116 V8 engine.
Rare car .. Only 951 production 3/71-8/71.

tbarry · #6 01-01-2006, 03:25 AM

even rarer with a straight 6 then! I'll wait until I get all the documents to see what the real truth is. Sounds like maybe the V8 was swopped out for a V6 before it was imported here?

Tony Barry
Kuala Lumpur

tbarry · #7 01-01-2006, 03:28 AM

I meant the V8 swopped out for a straight 6 ....... now I'm confused

Arthur Dalton · #8 01-01-2006, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbarry

even rarer with a straight 6 then! I'll wait until I get all the documents to see what the real truth is. Sounds like maybe the V8 was swopped out for a V6 before it was imported here?

Tony Barry
Kuala Lumpur

That may be what the 9 signifies .. I see the 9 mentioned on UK cars, but they do not tell the the reason... it may be special edition w/6 for certain export. You can contact the Mercedes Classic Cenetr and they will tell you..