Is it a good idea to get a 1983 280CE ?
 

I found a nice looking 2 owner '83 280CE Coupe I can get through a friend of a friend......

Original owner was an elderly woman down in Miami,FL and it went to her son, who sold it to the current owner who has no interest and need for a gas coupe as his DD is a 300CD.

Currently has little under 100,000 miles on it. Cosmetically it is above average with clean body, paint, and only rust is a few dots of surface rust on paint. Interior looks to be in better than average condition for an '83 model. I plan to go see it this week, and most likelly bring it back home.

What I know is it runs drives, shifts ok. AC not cold and suspect it is still original R-12. Sunroof is an unknown, however windows all work ok I am told.

I have owned 5 Mercedes Diesels and 2 gassers. A 190E and a 300E .

If anyone can give me any thoughts on owning an 83 280CE I appreciate all comments .

Thanks, Austin


....

Do you need an eighth vehicle? What would you do with it?

I guessing the answer to the question is - yes get it if you want it.

My impression of the M110 is that it is a bit clattery valve train-wise but on the whole a nice engine. By modern standards a bit heavy on fuel use but fitting in with your current stable it would slot quite nicely between the 190E and the 300E as a slightly older gasser

the m110 is a good motor, just thirsty. oil leaks and fuel consumption. make sure you get service records. valve adjustments are a must every 15k, otherwise you're looking at camshafts. otherwise, an ordinary 123. good luck, chuck.

Not an ordinary W123. Be prepared for the scarcity of coupe specific parts like every piece of glass and seals, Doors and door seals, Seats and a lot of the interior trim.

I have a 78 in the garage, I like it but don't find myself driving it very often. Sucks on fuel but its a nice car to drive. If you find a euro its much better car. Euro m110 has a lot more power.

OK. # 1 my stable is old cars and most are long gone....Right now I have 1 1990 Volvo 760 Turbo Wagon which is expendable...I wish I had 2 or 3 of those cars listed back ...

Gas mileage I tried to check and looks like avg city / hwy is around 20 mpg for an '83 . They are fuel injected and little better than the older carb 280's . Am I right there?

I was emailed a bunch of interior pics and unless I destroy the car I do not expect to be needing new glass , seats or major interior pieces.. Weather stripping etc can be found somewhere when needed.

I am comparing this to a diesel which is hard to find for under $5K in this condition.


AA.

the coupe aspect is correct, i forgot it's a ce. i had a hard time finding rear windows regs. for a 300ce a few years ago. thanks for the backup, chuck.

Reasons to buy: You really want a 123 coupe and/or you really want a 123 gasser and/or the price is really cheap. Coupe is a plus to some but a minus to many others. Same with being a gasser. I much prefer a 123 diesel sedan, and incidentally that's what I have.