280CE Coupe Advice

[PhilR]

I am seriously considering the purchase of a 1982/1983 280CE Coupe with 120K on the clock.

This would be my first Mercedes which is another way of saying that I do not have a clue what to look out for, therefore I would appreciate any advice even if it is to say stay well clear of this particular model.

One particular concern I have is the fuel consumption, what average MPG can I expect?

This particular car seems to have noisy tappets, is this normal, as I would have expected a Mercedes to be silent?

Using suppliers such as Euro Parts is it fair to say that given the legendary Mercedes reliability that the car will be cheap to run (with the possible exception of the fuel consumption)

The electric windows are a bit slow in operation but appear to be ok with the exception of one rear window, which goes down at a strange angle, seems to correct itself and then stops half way down. Is that simply a question of freeing it up with a good old squirt of WD40 or am I looking at a pile of trouble?

Any advice would be gratefully received as I am hoping to make a decision within a few days.

Thanks.

Phil

 

[television]

Fuel wise you are looking at 22-30mpg,not too bad for a heavy car.

The windows are slow compaired to todays standards. The rear window will not go all the way down due to the wheel arch. (think I am right there) the tappets are hydraulic and should quieten down when warm, It could be incorrect oil causing it. Nice cars and you will get many more answers.

Malcolm

 

[42847]

280ce

i think this model is well worth considering it is a future classic cheap on classic insurance and may will win trophies through the summer months at shows all parts available at europarts all mercs must have full service history of course to be a worthwhile purchase

 

[Bolide]

A good W123 is a nice car but they can suffer from rust. I wouldn't buy one without a thorough examination

Fuel consumption will be exactly in line with 1980's six-cylinder cars - low 20s

I'd ignore parts suppliers and buy bits direct from Mercedes

Faulty windows are common and I suspect one of your rear winders has come adrift. I'd replace the front winder mechanisms with good ones from a breaker and enjoy the car

Just make sure you get the spec you want (aircon, leather, etc) in a colour you like. Once you've had the car for a while these things will become more important. You'll end up wanting to keep it a long time so buy the best you can afford and avoid cars with tatty interiors

I approve of the 280. The six-cylinder engines are great!

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[stever]

Hi, I have a '79 280 CE so will comment on my experiences.

1. Fuel consumption averages 23mpg. You may get slightly better as the later models had fuel shut-off on overrun.
2. Noisy tappets are NOT normal - but they do need regular adjustment. If the noise gets better on a long run then the camshaft lobes may be worn. I would be concerned that servicing has not been carried out on the car you are looking at. Adjustment is fairly easy DIY but get the correct tool from MB.
3. Windows are slow compared to modern cars, but the rear ones are supposed to go all the way down. Both of mine had the fault you describe - there is a metal plate in the mechanism that bends over time. A replacement plate with better bracing is available from the dealer for around £100 the pair. Again a DIY job and I will give you instructions if you go ahead with the purchase. It took me about half a day to do the job on both sides.

Other than that, look very carefully for rain water leaks (e.g. wet carpet) as they are a pain to trace and fix, and will rot out your floor pan & inner sills.

 

[PhilR]

Thanks all.

Stever - the information provided by you has been very useful especially the leaks, which this car does but the cause has been identified as blocked drain holes.