280SE for $50 bucks? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

psfred · #1 07-09-2002, 09:47 PM

A question for this group:

I have the opportunity to aquire, for the grand sum of $50, a late sixties/early seventys 280 SE, I think a 3.5 with D-Jetronic injection.

Condition OK -- interior worn, no signs of water on the floors, probably needs window gaskets (duh!), paint in bad condition but only a few spots show rust, rest of body OK except for a broken taillight and small dent. Chrome OK.

Engine needs new water pump, and the car has been sitting for 2 1/2 years (since the current owner decided not to fix the water pump). I am assured by my mechanic that there will be considerable problems with the fuel system (manifold pressure sensor is supposed to be bad, although it looks new).

Any thoughts? I don't REALLY need four MBs, but this looks almost too good to pass on!

Thanks in advance!

Peter

leathermang · #2 07-10-2002, 12:14 AM

So when did this new rule go into effect ? about not NEEDING another MB causeing a member of this board to pass up a $50 car ? I have a 280 se for your backup parts car if you need it.... 69 or 70 not sure which... single overhead cam 6...

ctaylor738 · #3 07-10-2002, 01:09 PM

Another money pit.

I seriously doubt that the guy parked it over a water pump ($125) - probably also a bunch of other stuff as well, which you will discover if you get the engine running or as you try to get it running. Brakes are guaranteed to be trouble.

I am as fond of stray Mercedes as the next man, but I would only take it if there is something you need for another car, or if you are prepared to part it and dispose of what's left. There is just no way you are going to fix the water pump and drive off into the sunset.

psfred · #4 07-10-2002, 08:31 PM

Well, for better or worse, I bought it. It may end up getting sold for parts anywhat, depends.

Needs window gaskets (as usual) but the rust from leaks appears to be minor.

The PO did some work on it, about $3000 or so over the last seven years, and it was running well when parked. Has been through two kids going to college, was going to be used for the third when the owner balked at the water pump ($130 part, six hours/eight hours labor, depending upon the presence of the notch in the balancer for the bottom bolt). PO was second owner, always complained about fixing anything, and could very well have parked it because he didn't want to spend any more on it (had to replace the manifold pressure sensor, cost too much, etc).

I believe I saw this car driving around a few years ago, and Hans didn't say anything about anything else except maybe brakes -- not on the diagnosis sheet (he has records since 1980 on the car).

So here goes. I guess I dumpster the 220D -- way too much rust to fix up, was shot when I got it 6 years ago.

Thanks guys -- any other input welcomed!

Peter

ctaylor738 · #5 07-10-2002, 08:58 PM

Congratulations - I'm truly glad it found a good home. If you can get the engine running well without a lot of expense, you'll be fine financially. If the trans is good, then that's a bonus. But running gear is another story - these cars hate to sit. Brake hoses and possibly calipers, subframe mounts, sway bar bushings, differential seal, steering box ...

Have fun, but have a "stop loss" strategy.

psfred · #6 07-10-2002, 10:12 PM

Chuck:

Sounds exactly like my 72 220D -- did the bushings and sway bar things, brake hoses, etc, but was defeated by the rust -- both front floor pans gone, rears going, fender tips going, front fenders shot, and so forth. Engine bad, too, and drive train. Tranny OK, but that's all.

There is just a little rust-out on the 280 in the front corner of the floorpan, passenger side, one small hole at the doorpost, and one fenderwell, else OK. Trunk pan still solid, if a bit rusty, fenders OK all round. Paint peeling on hood, but I'm pretty much planning on a paint job, anyway.

We are in the process of restoring my brother's 1975 300D, which is why I have no plans to restore the 220 -- his was in much better shape and it was way too much work.

Thanks for the input!

Peter

joegolden · #7 07-10-2002, 11:34 PM

I'll give ya $100 for it! You wanna sell?

psfred · #8 07-11-2002, 09:20 PM

Joe:

Let me take a good poke at it first! I haven't even gotten it home yet!

I did find out today the shift linkage is screwed up -- lever won't go past neutral, will have to crawl under and see what is going on there, hope the towing guys didn't smash anything getting it to the shop.

Will post updates after I get it home and clean the tank, etc.

Peter

psfred · #9 07-13-2002, 12:36 PM

Well, it's home. Cost almost as much to get it here as to buy it!

Nearly pulled the rear towing hook off on the tow -- the dent in the rear corner allows water into the trunk, and has rusted the fender well on the driver's side some. Not bad, a couple days with the welder should fix all the holes.

The rust on the hood is due to a dent -- something fell on the car, I think, nice even depression about 6" in diameter on the edge of the center section. Caused the cheap paint job to peel the factory paint off -- cheap paint peeling all over on the old girl.

Exhaust system is hanging pretty low, too, and the muffler is shot -- will dumpster dive for that later this week. Also for the 4.5 badge some s...t stole off the car Thursday night! I suspect the front subfram bushings and motor mounts are shot, no surprise.

Some rust at the bottom of a couple of doors, no big deal as there are several int the "cheap" u-pullit yards around here in pertty good shape.

This is gonna be fun!

Peter

#10 07-19-2002, 11:46 PM

POst us some pictures of your new benz. I get inspired by other peoples' restoration.

psfred · #11 07-27-2002, 06:57 PM

Pics of Big Blue. Tried to start it today, but have not voltage to the fuel pump. Will fire on ether or WD40, so the engine is in great shape except for the cracks

.

1967250s · #12 07-27-2002, 07:55 PM

At 50$, It's a steal Man.....

DAN

#13 07-28-2002, 09:11 PM

Your car sure looks mighty good, I betcha you'll get her running in no time!!!

#14 07-29-2002, 09:02 AM

I just bought a 280 E, 1980 model for $100. Basicly a neglected car with 69k on the ododmeter. It was parked about 18 months ago due to lack of knowledge. I stopped in a local "foriegn car" shop and asked them if they worked on MB's. They said the european cars were too foriegn and sold me this one. I actually knew more about it than they did.

psfred · #15 07-29-2002, 10:17 PM

Update on Big Blue: runs on starter fluid, so everything is OK. Haven't jumpered the fuel pump relay to get clean fuel up there, but I think it will run fine, just haven't got a cooling system.......!

I have located a couple engines for transplant, will check one this week to make sure it isn't locked up with rust, and will pull it (and possibly the other one, too, to put in my brother's Chevy 1-ton!) in the next week or so.

We found out yesterday that we have tickets to the Brickyard 400, on short notice, so will be out of town this weekend!

Peter