looking for background info on 280 TE's

[neumann]

I am looking for background info on 280 TE's. I found a 1981 280 TE with 130,000 miles. Anything special to look for on these cars?

[sixto]

Do a search on what to look for in a 300TD. Ignore the parts about the engine. There are things to check specific to the M110 engine. You can try searching on that but I haven't seen much 'what to check' for M110s.

Since the 280TE was not officially imported to the US, be suspicious of mileage particularly if the speedo is of the US-spec mph/kph variety. Who knows how many kms were logged on the original speedo.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

[neumann]

Any issues regarding title and insurance and such since its a "Euro"?

The guy is asking $1400, I have him at $1200 and maybe as low as a $1000. Has some rust in both lower back quarter panels and in both front areas where the lower front fender meets the lower front valance. He bought it at an auction for about $600 and replaced the water pump.

Vehicle is silver..BIG plus in my book. Tinted windows, radio was stolen Seems to have a nasty exhaust leak, maybe at the header or in a pipe just below the front seats. Interior is decent, black..cloth with a touch of wood grain on the dash.

Pretty cool vehicle that needs some love.

Is the sunroof supposed to close flush? This one seems to have tilt backwards and a gap in the back when I close it.

Power windows all work, albeit a tad slow. Back wiper was removed or broken off at the pivot point. Has a trailer hitch

[ctaylor738]

M110's are notorious leakers, especially at the front seal and between the cam box and head. The valve seals wear and cause oil consumption but they can go a long time like this. Replacing them is a major chore because the "cam box" needs to come off.

They are kind of noisy by nature.

Look for 1-2 bar oil pressure at hot idle.

The euro version has around 185 HP and is a blast to drive.

Passing emissions tests can be a problem, but I gather that is not an issue in Florida. If you need to find an exhaust system with a cat, that could be expensive, but you can probably get the non-cat version from Timevalve.

I have not had any trouble with title or insurance with my euro 107.

Sounds like a decent car that needs a new home.

[neumann]

I'm going back tonight for a second look. I'll check out the items that have been mentioned.

Emissions are not an issue here in FL. I may go with a straight pipe from the header back to the muffler. Should be well under $200 at my local exhaust shop. Where can I find more info on "non-cat version from Timevalve"?

Engine noise is fairly normal? Do you mean lifter tick/tap?

Originally Posted by ctaylor738

M110's are notorious leakers, especially at the front seal and between the cam box and head. The valve seals wear and cause oil consumption but they can go a long time like this. Replacing them is a major chore because the "cam box" needs to come off.

They are kind of noisy by nature.

Look for 1-2 bar oil pressure at hot idle.

The euro version has around 185 HP and is a blast to drive.

Passing emissions tests can be a problem, but I gather that is not an issue in Florida. If you need to find an exhaust system with a cat, that could be expensive, but you can probably get the non-cat version from Timevalve.

I have not had any trouble with title or insurance with my euro 107.

Sounds like a decent car that needs a new home.

[ctaylor738]

By nature, the valves make noise, they leak, and they use oil.

www.timevalve.com - I was just there and they have a system for the 280TE.