PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - Which would you get . . . a W123 280CE or a W123 300CD

pj67coll · #14 06-16-2003, 02:37 AM

There is nothing wrong with the 110 twin overhead cam motor of the 280CE. I had one in a 280S and it was a superb unit.

It may not be quite as long lived as a diesel but that's just because of the difference between gas and diesel engines, not because the 280 is a poor design. Outside of the US most of the worlds top level Mercedes were 280's using this power plant and it worked perfectly from 1973 to the late 1980's.

280 (W114 or 5?)(W123), 280E (W114)(W123) 280C/E (W114)(W123) 280S, 280SE, 280SEL, (W116 and W126), 280SL (R107), 280GE (Gelandewagen).

If the US unit is indeed screwed with emissions crap and a lower compression ratio as others on this thread have stated then the performance advantages over the 300D might well be absent. In which case I'd go for the 300CD (preferably turbo) given the greater longevity of the diesel and the probably much greater proliferation of parts/expertise in the US for the diesel as opposed to the gasser.

- Peter.