Euro 280sl

[kramlavud]

I am considering a Europoean '80's 280sl with a 5 speed. What issues will I face re: parts, emissions, etc?
regards,
Mark
Fairfax, VA

[hanno]

Mark, just did this. Ensuring that its already in compliance and registered in a USA state will help much. The Euro VIN number will make it come up as something else, which drove the little ceaser of the railroad at Delaware DMV off the wall. Was actually fun to watch. Body parts match up (generally) to same year 380SL, although climate control probably will not. Same for engine stuff (even the PS filter and gaskets are different). The M110 engine was used in 280 series. I am waiting for a parts book from Germany, should help (most USA suppliers have no clue to Euros, but with a part number in hand they can get it). Good luck with it!

[nobby]

I bought an '83 280sl 5 speed last year in SC and drove it back to Ontario Canada. Because the car is over 20 years old it is not subject to emission testing so I am currently removing the odds and ends of a mickey mouse attempt at making it pass emissions at one point in its life. As far as I can tell, no professional mechanic ever worked on my car and it is costing me $$ in parts to rectify everything. There is my warning to you.

Now, that having been said, I love this car. I bought it specifically for the 5 speed / 6 cylinder combo. Everything else about the car is a 107 and parts are very easy to source. I bought the M110 manual from MB and the 107 manuals on EBAY. I also bought the CD but never really use it.
The M110 parts are all still available (the 2.8 was used in other applications) but you will have to make friends with the parts guy at MB and be prepared to wait a week or two for the stuff that is sourced in the fatherland.


That is my experience so far. Good luck.

[James L.]

A couple of things to note:

VA law allows Imports to not be emissions tested if they were not originally designed for the equipment. look inthe MBCA Greater Washington section's news letters from last fall, I think September, for the facts.

2. I f it is 25 years old - no more emissions testing required!

3. Look for Chuck Taylor's stuff on this. He's in Falls Church, and has had a couple of them. The guy knows his stuff, has helped me out a couple of times.

4. I have a 380 Sl and sometime wonder if I made a mistake not going for the 280, which has more HP, and less weight.

Good luck.

[James L.]

OK, I might have read the article wrong, but here is the link to the Metro Tri-star.

Page 11 is the article.

http://www.gws-mbca.org/mts/mts200510.pdf

[Michael K]

Emissions Standards for Gray Market Vehicles

Idrive a gray market 1982 Mercedes 200, a W123 model with the 2-liter M102 engine with a Stromberg carburetor. When it was time for the dreaded missions inspection in August, the emissions
testing facility informed me that there was a
Virginia law stating that gray market vehicles do not
need to undergo the emissions test (Section 46.2-
1177 sub-paragraph 3 of the Air Pollution Control
Law of Virginia, link below) because of an exemption
for any “vehicle which, at the time of its manufacture,
was not designed to meet emissions standards
set or approved by the federal government.” That
was good news.

I called the emissions officer on duty at the
Northern Virginia Regional Office of the Department
of Environmental Control at (703) 583-3800, and he
explained that he either needed to see the EPAimport
documentation or check the car himself at his office
in Woodbridge, Va. So I made the drive down over
lunch and met with a very nice representative of the
office who took down my VIN number and visually
inspected the car while I explained some of the history
of my 200 to him.

The next day he called me and confirmed that I
did not need to undergo the emissions test and that he
would send me a memo to take to the DMV for the
registration renewal. At the DMV, I needed the assistance
of a supervisor to finalize the registration, but
things went fast and smooth overall.
My research seems to indicate that this law has
probably been in effect since at least 1995, and I
would not have had to take the test in 2003 (the original
owner always underwent the test as well), but I
was only aware of the waiver for cars older than 25
model years. This experience serves as a reminder
that there is no perfect information no matter how
much we think we know about a subject.

— Eric Wagner

Link to the Air Pollution Control Law on the DEQ website:

www.deq.state.va.us/regulations/pdf/airlaw2003.pdf

[ctaylor738]

That's good news about the emissions check. My remaining 280SL is coming up for renewal in July.

These cars are really not a big deal to own and maintain. I have not had a problem with parts and there are a number of places that like to work on them. Peter Fuchs at Silver Star in Vienna is an expert.

[jas2wa]

thought I'd ask you euro SL experts (that's you, Chuck) if you've heard of any euro 280SL's floating around the DE/DC/VA area- I'm really having trouble finding one, thought I'd ask if you know of anything out there- Thanks, Justin

[hanno]

Justin, If you expand your search you can find one. Ours was found in North Dakota, had a wonderful 2000+ mile road trip home.

[jas2wa]

I know it, I've been looking nationally for a few years now- by the way, I tried to buy your very car!! You beat me to it, obviously... J

[POS]

I have a 280E with a 5-speed and I absolutely love it.

[hanno]

Justin, we were not trying to beat anyone When we went to pick up the car, it was autumn. My wife opened the hotel window only to find another window 8" beyond it. In no uncertain terms I was told that we were not staying any longer than necessary and certainly not going back during winter. The car is worth the trip. NO rust, 98% original (except for paint and wheels). Floor pans as new. Had to replace all the chassis rubber, shocks, flex discs, etc. Registering it was an experience only because the title clerk thought she was the supreme being in all matters automotive. The State Police had a talk with her and all was well. All this because of the 5 spd.

[t walgamuth]

when i bought my euro 280e i was most concerned about the insurance. so before buying i called my agent and confirmed that it was ok. it had a legal (as far as i know) title. emissions are not tested in indiana, at least not here.

parts have never really been a problem.

i have a damaged euro bumper on front. that is hard to find.

love it. very peppy with the five speed and a 369 rear end.

most have the 354 rear end i think.

tom w