1985 Euro Spec labeled as a 500SE but is a 280SE?

[rcarr72]

Hello all. I am a brand new owner of a 1985 Mercedes. I have looked all over this site for the answer to this question and have not located it. The car is supposedly a 1985 500SE. Well, it is Branded/Labeled as a 500SE. Upon researching the VIN as well as speaking with a Mercedes Old timer, they indicate this car is in fact a 280 SE. Do the German Spec cars get relabeled as other models in other countries? I am really confused about this. It is making it real hard to diagnose this fuel issue without diagrams and schematics. My VIN number is WDB1260221A180173. Hell, even having problems deciphering the VIN number. I am almost ready to scrap this whole damn thing if I can't get a straight answer about all this.