Any info on a 280 SEL - Benzworld.org

Litton · 09-01-2003, 12:35 PM

I am looking at a 280 SEL that seems to be in pretty good shape. Does anyone in this group have first hand knowledge of these machines. Just looking for impressions, upsides, downsides, etc.

~ $3,000 bucks.

tks much

**Snibble** · 09-01-2003, 12:53 PM

its a gray market model.. 6-cylinder engine. $3000 is kinda pricey for that model. I don't know how else I can help.. if you have specific questions let me know.

Litton · 09-01-2003, 01:03 PM

'precciate the reply. I don't have any specific questions right now but I may have in a bit. Oh, it' got 79,000 miles.

shrimpton · 09-02-2003, 02:59 AM

... A 280sel sounds pretty rare, (so maybe has collectable value if in really nice condition) but I honestly wonder about everyday driving a large body Merc with relatively small "grunt" ie: got the look but no "oomph" Could be a wee bit frustrating at times.
Honest question therefore, for what market did Merc make this particular w126?

ibrahim83 · 09-02-2003, 03:03 AM

my grandfather has one that he bought from mercedes benz in germany in 1983 and took to kuwait. still drives it till this day. it's a great car, but after getting used to my 560, it's pretty damn weak. but it's a high revving engine, and it kicks when it needs to, you just have to dig in. it's like driving a japanese car almost.

i like.

shrimpton · 09-02-2003, 04:26 AM

... which I swear was a Merc copy by design, and every bit a large car - very nice for the era. But it was pretty gutless. I remember driving it over our local mountain range (Southern Alps) and of how it struggled with the higher altitude.Thing is, I sold it to a friend 8 years ago, and it is still going strong!! That I will be so lucky.....

AJSM · 09-02-2003, 11:03 AM

The 280 SEL had a 6 cylinder 185 bhp. Much more than the early 380 SEL for the american market (155 bhp, I belive).
If it has auto gearbox I can tell you it will be very slow reving up, but it can go steady at 100 mph without any problem.

Jorge
'81 280 SLC

Neo420 · 09-02-2003, 11:14 AM

Ive heard that the 280 is a pretty good car. U of couse have to find a perfect car, rust is an issue and the head gasket is prone to leak. Otherwise i think ive heard that this car is somewhat faster than the later euro 260 SE witch is the same base as the 300 se. So pretty the same prestanda

0 - 100 KM

300 sel 9,3 sec 188 bhp
280 sel 10,8 sec 185 bhp
260 se 10,5 166 bhp

Ive driven both 260 and 300 se and those cars are verry similar in handling and power. Of couse i would go for a 300 se yust becouse the looks of the newer surroundings and engines are so much modern. but do u like the car its still the same.

Neo420 · 09-02-2003, 11:18 AM

Its like 15 000 USD- We have a pricy country

http://www.finn.no/finn/car/object?id=3892500&sid=532190106844739&pos=15&rub=2

71 000 km thoug

Litton · 09-02-2003, 01:05 PM

Went out and looked at it late yesterday and it seems in pretty good shape. Bit of fa butcher job installing an aftermarket stereo and speakers in the rear shelf. All the wood trim is intacked although does need refinishing. Runs real good even if a bit slow off the line but my 420 SEL isn't exactly a hot rod. Rides good, tracks staight and is quite quiet inside. Upolustry is excellant, AC works but the little adjuster things for the vents are broken. Only the drivers window works the others act like they are sticking in the tracks. Auto tranny shifts hard....in fact from 1st to 2nd around a corner squacks a tire.

Overall not a 10 but a pretty solid 7.5.

[img]http://[/img]