[U96]

Hi-

While I have had W201s in the past, I have always wanted a W123 since these were new and were my favorites when I was a young lad in Germany.

Against any logic, I am seriously considering a 1978 280CE that is for sale in my area. I did search the forum but did not see anything regarding what to look out for with regard to this model. It has 140K on it and seems to be in ok condition but I have not seen it in person yet. I always wanted the diesel flavor of the W201 or W123 chassis but have come to favor gassers as of late.

I do live in rusty New England so you know what that means. Both my W201s looked great underneath but then I discovered that the metal that had once been beneath the undercoating was gone. The undercoating/soundproofing looked great though!

If any of you would be so kind to ball park me about the market price is on it for those of us who like these cars and any other information, I would greatly appreciate it.

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

[Euro W123]

If your looking for a gasser then get a euro unless you find a us model in very good condition and the price is right. The price as you might have guessed depends on how much rust it has. Keep in mind that the us gassers have less power and poorer fuel economy than the euro ones.

 

[Robin-H]

Common areas of rust:
- Trunk, under the plastic liner (cause: a rotten window seal)
- Wheel arches
- Near the rear bench, in the foot area (knock on the carpet at the sides (or pull 'em)).
- Under the battery box
- Under the hood hinges
- Under the hat shelf (cause: a rotten window seal) (look upside down in the trunk)
- Look for cracks in the underbody-coating, cracks = rust.
- Underside of the doors

A bit of rust isn't too worrysome, if caught in time, it can be repaired. Just make sure it isn't all of the above.

Second thing: the K-jetronic likes to be driven and the M110 can clog itself and act lazy quite quickly. The effects of the latter can be reversed with short-interval-oil changes and long stretches of highway and high revs. The first one is a problem... K-jetronic parts are expensive... very expensive. Low mileage on these cars/engines is not by definition a good thing. Service records are always a good thing, although the 280 can handle quite a bit of abuse.

Consumption figures for my euro 280CE: 18.8mpg / 8.6km/l (running on 98 octane)

 

[C_R]

Common areas of rust:
- Trunk, under the plastic liner (cause: a rotten window seal)
- Wheel arches
- Near the rear bench, in the foot area (knock on the carpet at the sides (or pull 'em)).
- Under the battery box
- Under the hood hinges
- Under the hat shelf (cause: a rotten window seal) (look upside down in the trunk)
- Look for cracks in the underbody-coating, cracks = rust.
- Underside of the doors

A bit of rust isn't too worrysome, if caught in time, it can be repaired. Just make sure it isn't all of the above.

Second thing: the K-jetronic likes to be driven and the M110 can clog itself and act lazy quite quickly. The effects of the latter can be reversed with short-interval-oil changes and long stretches of highway and high revs. The first one is a problem... K-jetronic parts are expensive... very expensive. Low mileage on these cars/engines is not by definition a good thing. Service records are always a good thing, although the 280 can handle quite a bit of abuse.

Consumption figures for my euro 280CE: 18.8mpg / 8.6km/l (running on 98 octane)

^^^^Very well said!

 

[jwasnewski]

Get a good one. They are fine automobiles as I have been driving these gasser 280E's for years. Probably in excess of half million miles. My USA spec gets around 19mpg. I drive it at least 75 miles a day today. The car is 37, not bad.

 

[jwasnewski]

Oh yeah, forgot. These 280E cars need higher octane so do not run worth a damn on anything below 89.

 

[U96]

Many thanks to all of you who took the time to respond with all the helpful advice. I may see the car in person today, depending on other responsibilities. I was just assuming that they were all US-Spec since I do not remember seeing any in Germany back during the 80's, just 240Ds and 300Ds.

I would still be driving my '89 190E 2.6 had I not noticed terminal rot around the upper control arm attachment point on the passenger side subframe during a routine service. I loved that little car! This is why I really appreciate the information about the typical rot areas.

K-jetronic I assume, means the fuel injection system that is now way "obsolete" as far as getting parts and help from MB is concerned. Not sure what M110 is though...

 

[U96]

A big DUH on me: M110 is the engine! Sorry.

 

[Robin-H]

The K-jetronic is indeed the injection system. I believe your 190E has in essence the same system. Do realize that the W123 has quite a bit of body roll compared to your 190E. Suspension parts for the W123 aren't very expensive, so don't let a bit of body roll be a dealbreaker. Rust and fuel delivery is much more important.

Edit:

Here is the sound/view of my M110 just after tuning it to factory specs. Mind you, this is with a collapsed engine mount. Evne then, they should still run fairly smooth. In Park or Neutral you shouldn't feel the engine at all.

 

[gatorblue92]

The K-jetronic is indeed the injection system. I believe your 190E has in essence the same system. Do realize that the W123 has quite a bit of body roll compared to your 190E. Suspension parts for the W123 aren't very expensive, so don't let a bit of body roll be a dealbreaker. Rust and fuel delivery is much more important.

Edit:

Here is the sound/view of my M110 just after tuning it to factory specs. Mind you, this is with a collapsed engine mount. Evne then, they should still run fairly smooth. In Park or Neutral you shouldn't feel the engine at all.

280CE Stationair - YouTube

Impressive running engine.


I would second everything that has already been posted in regards to what to look for. I got my 280E on the cheap and so far it is a great runner. It does love to be driven and after the first few tanks of premium high octane gas and long interstate runs the car runs wonderfully.

 

[U96]

Robin:

That video was very impressive. When I was about 13, one of my school teachers told me once that on the old Cadillac V-12's you could set a glass of water on the engine and it would not even quiver. You have done that with half the cylinders!

Again, nice talking to all of you. Doing schoolwork today but will try to get out to see the car in the near future.