This a 1977 German 280S with a Solex carb. Bought new by a doctor in Germany in 1977. The maintaince record shows oil changes in Zurich until 1984. Brought to the USA in 1984 and kept in the same family until yesterday. 177,xxx miles, blows no smoke (accel or decel) and has a nice, undented upper body, with rusty rocker panels.

Can I use the spec's from a 1976 USA 280S for this car? As you know, the USA parts companies don't have a listing for a 1977 280S.

Also, I could use a replacement left headlight glass. Is the glass the same as a USA W116?

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1970 280S M130 engine- good runner
1971 250 M130 engine- #2 rod bearing, gone
1971 280SE (blown engine,parts car)
1977 German 280S W116-only 33 years old

Can't answer the other questions, but US-market W116s had 5" sealed beam headlamps. Is your 280S a stick or automatic?

Happy Motoring, Mark

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DrDKW

Depends on what you need? The headlights for the US and Euro cars are different. The US spec cars use a twin sealed beam light. You can get the glass on it's own and it's not expensive. You'll need to ask around as I have no idea where you can buy it here in the US.

You can also try shopping on www.eBay.de.

For the parts, most body parts are interchangeable with the exception of the front and rear tail lights and bumpers. Euro spec cars used a manual A/C system. US spec cars had Automatic climate control from 1976 model range.

You should be able to get rocker panels from www.rustrepair.com

Good luck.

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With best regards

Al

Vehicle is an automatic, and fortunately it works great. A little harsh on the upshifts, but that is better than a flare between gears.

It has points igninition with 1 ballast resistor. The rocker panels may be salvagable. Are they bolted on, or welded?

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1970 280S M130 engine- good runner
1971 250 M130 engine- #2 rod bearing, gone
1971 280SE (blown engine,parts car)
1977 German 280S W116-only 33 years old

They're welded

__________________
With best regards

Al

My second Mercedes was a 79 280S Euro spec. The carb was troublesome but when you got it moving and got up to speed on the highway it was like you were in a low flying aircraft. Beautiful long distance cruiser.

- Peter.

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2021 Chevrolet Spark
Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S

Although the top flange screws amd carb base bolts were loose, maybe by 1977 the Solex carb was improved for German drivers. I know the carb needs a base gasket, but the inside is clean.

Once I do valve adjustment (DOHC= mecanical lifters?), fluid change, retard and advance vacuum hoses re-connected, plugs, Dwell (does have points) and timing, perhaps the engine will re-awaken. Must do commpression test.

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1970 280S M130 engine- good runner
1971 250 M130 engine- #2 rod bearing, gone
1971 280SE (blown engine,parts car)
1977 German 280S W116-only 33 years old

Got any pics, I'd love to see pics of this oddball twincam solex carb'd points ignition 116. Also check the pumpkin tag for Autobahn gear ratios. Betcha its got steep cut cams too. Plus manual heat controls, eh? Owned '77 European 280SEL and it was the ultimate land yacht, a job keepin it under 85mph. Handled much better than the 123 too.

Valve adjusters are self-torquing acorns, really nice set up that oughta self torque at about 30lbs. If they are looser and below 20lbs then you replace the adjust acorn and threaded collar nut combo.

I think mine has a 3.54:1 rear diff. I'll have to check it in the AM and snap pics of that goofy 4A1.

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I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

Here is a picture. Thanks for your responses. The carb is a Solex, as stamped on the side. I am not trying to make a "performance" car, hence my interest in gas mileage.

Attached Thumbnails

 

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1970 280S M130 engine- good runner
1971 250 M130 engine- #2 rod bearing, gone
1971 280SE (blown engine,parts car)
1977 German 280S W116-only 33 years old

Sharp looking car!

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I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

Great car Minich, I can't think of a guy that deserves that beauty more in the pacific northwest. You have been a great help for w114 owners on this site.

The archives are rich with information.
Almost always, a reader can add 1 + 1 + 1 and get 3, because of the combined knowledge of all the members of this forum.

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1970 280S M130 engine- good runner
1971 250 M130 engine- #2 rod bearing, gone
1971 280SE (blown engine,parts car)
1977 German 280S W116-only 33 years old