My friends 72 280se priced right? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

leelanau motorsports · #1 10-25-2014, 11:36 AM

https://nmi.craigslist.org/cto/4729531337.html

I have cleaned this car up for an older gentleman, the second owner. He asked me to help him value it and list it on craig's list...I used hemmings as a guideline. It really drives great. But has some idling issues when cold..any input would be much appreciated.

Tomguy · #2 10-25-2014, 08:35 PM

If the rust in the trunk has perforation like the rocker covers / fender liners do, and if the rockers are perforated like those, it's at least $4000 too high. The problems that I see in the pictures:
The dash bow appears to have water damage from a leaky windshield seal.
The door panels appear to be bubbled/wrinkled from leaky door and/or window seals.
Rust in the trunk and in other common areas for places that would salt in winter.
Paint mismatch on the driver's side hiding collision or rust, and a mismatch like that may be hiding a lot of bondo.
Missing chrome on the speedo tells me the speedo cable needs replacing (not really a big deal but I've been there!)

Your cold idle issue is almost surely a vacuum leak. There looks to be some aftermarket cruise installed, so I'd look there.

Luckily it's a seller's market for vintage MBs currently. A few years ago, this would be a $2000-$3000 car, but currently it might fetch up to $5000 with a few things, such as Por-15 in the trunk if it's not rusted through.

leelanau motorsports · #3 10-26-2014, 03:54 PM

Thank you for the information.
Yes the trunk has a hole through the driver side lower rocker
The holes in the front wheel wells are just through and into the rockers.
I'm also aware that the front subframe bushings need replacement.
I am going to advise him of these issues and suggest he dramatically adjust his price. I may consider it myself... I'm a little leery of tackling the subframe mounts....but think I can handle the other issues... I took the idle air control valve apart, cleaned it and used hot and cold water to see it function...still have this surging idle at cold start up.
I dont believe it was ever driven in snow/salt ...unfortunately I do see a lot of "cottage cars" in my area. They often rust similarly to salt exposed cars. Due to poor storage techniques and lack of proper washing. In fact this car probably hadn't been washed in ten years until I brought it to my shop.

Thanks again for the great info. amazing website here...if I acquire it...I'll be needing some more advice and help.

meltedpanda · #4 10-26-2014, 08:22 PM

ahh the rust in the unibody frame would scare me , if its there is probably throughout the underbody. Trunk rust is not so scary . That is a high price, you might find a looker but if they know MB's I doubt they would pay that.
If I were looking at this one, 3 grand top, and would start at 2500.
Good luck

meltedpanda · #5 10-27-2014, 04:02 PM

if you are going to keep her get up to snuff on Djets, they are not for the faint of heart, a few of us her know a bit about them but they can be frustrating. The surge in idle could be a simple vacuum leak, the AAV, the distributor, among about 50 other things

also poke around on those rockers or shine a light down them