79 EURO 280CE up on eBay - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Tristar1959 · #1 05-13-2006, 08:16 PM

For those who always wanted an earlier W123 280CE, but didn't want the joy and ecstasy of the ACC-II Climate Control.....for sale in Kenosha, Wisconsin
See

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1979-Mercedes-280-CE_W0QQitemZ4638876614QQcategoryZ6329QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Stan

Jim B. · #2 05-13-2006, 09:26 PM

It definately has the usual "euro" cues, the dark sunroof wind deflector, the skinny euro bumpers, wind up windows, the non tinted windshield, and what looks like a fabic upholstery. Has the US headlights though, too bad. I guess there was a gray market going on even then...

I wonder if the mileage reading got lost in translation, it is very low as stated, and how rusty this example is, if it has plied the German and Wisconsin roads during all those winters.

Definately an unusual 280CE, not too many of these were sold in Germany, when new. This was the biggest gas engine you could get in a gas coupe, that year...

franbev · #3 05-13-2006, 10:17 PM

Hey, I can't get more than a grand for mine in Minnesota. It's from Florida, has less miles and a true eurospec (driven in Germany for 10 years). I guess these things don't command much in the Midwest. Guess I'll just have to keep it.

Wodnek · #4 05-13-2006, 11:35 PM

Just 20 minutes from my house. Ive been thinking about looking at it. I wouldn't mind the bumpers for the 85 300D I'm restoring. If it goes around $800 it will be mine.

Tristar1959 · #5 05-14-2006, 10:38 AM

Wodnek - don't you DARE chop that thang up for a seedan!!!!

Other than the aftermarket sunroof windscreen

, [is that really a stock item in Europe?] seems like a pretty sweet lil car. Keep both - at the moment, in my area, midgrade gahzoline (probably what that eats, at least (could be the high-compression pistons, also) is about the same price as diesel (until winter heating oil recaptures that cracking fraction)...

Good luck - I don't believe the seller knows what he's got. Also 0 experience eBay...

Stan

Wodnek · #6 05-14-2006, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tristar1959

Wodnek - don't you DARE chop that thang up for a seedan!!!!

Stan

I couldn't use the bumpers anyway on the sedan. I had to fabricate new wheel wells and the 4 corners. While the wheel wells look perfect, The four corners do not. Where the steel is hidden behind the bumpers and bumper rubbers I did'nt spend the time on it. The euro bumpers wouldn't hide the right spots. I may still but it to replace the BMW though... too bad its not a 4 or 5 speed manual.

Tristar1959 · #7 05-14-2006, 01:52 PM

Guess I'll just have to keep it...(franbev)

Well, as they say down here, "War is Hell"
(reputedly uttered by William Tecumseh Sherman after his whiskey wagon overturned, marching somewhere between Atlanta and the Atlantic - at least, that's just one of the many unflattering things they say about him down here in "Grey" country...)

Just in case you don't - if it's a coupe, put me on your buddies list and let me know, please.

Funny how they seem to come in bunches - last month, it was 114 250C's - this month, 280C's and more 123 300CD's and 280CE's...

"wodnek" - you rebuildin' a normally-aspirated "D", there, or are you droppin' in a later turbo? If not the latter, better not drive the (possibly high-compression) 280CE...you could get to like the feel of a seatback pressing against yer spine...

And you'd miss that B(ring) M(ore) W(renches); a.k.a. B(reak) M(y) W(allet)

Stan

Wodnek · #8 05-14-2006, 03:27 PM

The 85 i'm restoring is a turbo. My 78 is the 5cyl na. I don't worry too much about tickets in it.

The fit and finish of the BMW, especially the interior isn't as nice as the MBs but it is fun as hell to drive. I always wondered why people with BMWs drive like a-holes on the illinois tollway, now I know its the nature of the beast.

Does 280se have balls? I've only driven the diesels, never an MB gasser.

Wodnek · #9 05-14-2006, 10:14 PM

Today I looked at it and test drove it. Car ran good. Trans shifted good and kicked down good. Plenty of power once you got moving. Interior was redone and was excellent. One window crank is missing, and sunroof needs help closing. Car was repainted recently and looked good but some of the chrome was masked instead of removed and has some overspray. The current owner has owned for 15 years and got it in California. It was traded in on a new benz in California after being brought over from europe. Speedometer is in mph. The only visible rust is by the trunk seal when you open the trunk. The jack points were solid. I noted an oil leak that appeared to come from the pan. The cruise was not hooked up and the air was not working. The master cylinder was low on fluid so there may be a leak somewhere. The breaks worked but not like they should. Suspect front brake issues. You could let go of the steering wheel and the car stayed on course.
I am passing on this one due to too many cars already, The other half says "what do I want to get rid of", and I dont want to part with any of the fleet.