1980 Mercedes-Benz W123 280E 2.8L 6 cylinder
Summary:
Mercedes-Benz doesn't make them like they use too!
Faults:
I got this Benz in 2000 when the car was 20 years old already.
Holds up extremely well. I purchased it for 1500 which is a great deal.
The engine was rebuilt 20,000 miles ago.
Repainted to get rid of ALL the rust.
Shocks are going soon, I can hear them.
1 flat tire and had to use the spare so far.
Engine runs smoothly and has always taken me from point A to point B.
Tranny is going because I can feel it jolt into second gear, but 3rd, 4th and 5th hit perfectly. Maybe needs to be rebuilt.
German parts run very, very high nowadays especially since it's a 1980 too.
General Comments:
I have always loved Mercedes cars since I was a teenager. I bought this when I was 20 years old. The car is absolutely beautiful.
I never had a problem with it besides a flat. The seats and comfort are excellent. I wish I could drive all day in this car.
One day I will buy a Kompressor, but until then, I will hold on to this.
An excellent car for the money and a wonderful collectors item. 280E's were German built and the second owner told me they shipped it over.
I haven't ever seen a 280E on the road since. This classic never dies!
If you have any questions don't hesitate to email me about my car at kevinlwc@juno.com
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 7th March, 2001
16th Jul 2007, 17:41
Great comments.
Currently own a 1980 280E. Only 127000km's so far, still a baby. Nice options, but no rev. indicator is needed tot tell me this M 110 engine goes and goes forever. Raw in the city, alive and ready to play on the motorway. Passing cars thinking you own a 200D or so (no type indication present) and they are puzzled.
The car feels so reliable, solid. Only drive it in Summers, so rust shouldn't be a problem.
I will never sell this one too...
31st Mar 2001, 09:33
Hey, man you are absolutely in the right way. I own two classic Merc's. One and my favorite is a 1971 280 s (that is the year I was born). The second one is a 1974 230.4 that is perfect in every way too. You know Mercedes made these cars to last and to enjoy the ride, and even though they are not high tech like today's ones, they make you feel like you are a piston of the car or something, or like you are breathing with it.
Well I hope you do not sell your Mercedes and have the chance to buy a Kompresor. I already drove a C Class five months ago and although it was wonderful and smooth and the ride feeling is intact, I prefer my classics. But as with you, I will not be angry if some lucky day I can have one of the recent ones.
Enrique
econtreras@elsalvador.com.