It may be hard to keep track of the variety of W123-platform Mercedes that are available to purchase, so we’ll drill it down for you: this one, featuring the Euro-spec M110 motor paired to a manual transmission, is the one to buy. Said to be an unrestored car in solid running/driving condition, this 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280TE here on eBay is worth a look if you’re shopping for a driver-quality classic that’s a hoot to drive and offers legitimate practicality.
The Euro-spec models also feature the prettier chrome bumpers, unlike the awkward park benches we received in the U.S. The rear fog light seen here is another Euro market feature, and I’m surprised to see the power antenna is actually retracted (and hopefully working). Starting in April of ’78, the M110 got a bump to a healthy 185 b.h.p., and the introduction of this phase of the engine also featured Bosch’s K-Jetronic fuel injection. Although carbs can be fun, this really is the ideal mixture of performance and ease-of-operation.
The seller notes this 280TE was originally spec’d for taxi cab use overseas. This is good news, as it means fully manual controls including the windows and sunroof, and no A/C that “just needs a charge.” The gray market cars like this one also had funky interior patterns, like these vinyl buckets with cloth inserts. Carpets are a bit tired but that’s what floormats are for. The Mercedes does have a salvage title from Oregon due to the hood latch failing and swinging back to smash the windshield. It now resides in Texas and the seller says it is rust-free.
Despite being a Euro car, the odometer remains in MPH, indicating it’s likely already been swapped out (U.K. cars use MPH, but then it would have to be RHD). While the mileage isn’t scary at all on a W123 car, the bigger question is whether it’s accurate. Some issues are noted, including some noise in the transmission and an exhaust rattle, but otherwise the seller says it runs like a top and he uses it daily. The opening bid of $4,499 seems reasonable to me and there’s no reserve, with six days left in the auction.
reason I clicked on this was: 1) MB wagon, 2) the 5 cyl diesel.
Unfortunatly it does not have the ‘million mi. motor’.
Thanks for the article/pic anyway Jeff!
(now onto that T-bird, where’d it go?)
Manual Windows!
I should tell my buddy about this, he’s always afraid he’s going to pull a Ted KENNEDY and he won’t be able to get out. I always tell him that old TED would always say “ i’ll drive off that BRIDGE when I come to it
This car , if as solid and rust free as claimed, deserves to be bought by a true W123 fanatic and brought completely back to excellent condition…
Too much for a car with TMU, no A/C, interior needing attention and this is just the tip of the iceberg. Dont confuse this engine with the diesel that can cover 4 times this mileage without having to go through a major overhaul. Having lived in Europe and Oregon, I would be on the lookout for rust.
BTW, if the insurance company has totaled the car just because of the dented hood and a broken windshield, its a good indicator to what the ACV (actual car value) of this car truly is.
I agree with LMK that this is a great car to have, just not at this price.
I love how uncommon W123s are on BF, you don’t put one in storage as they never let you down.
5speeds are rare in W123s, let alone wagons. Worth every cent.
Also of note, no roof rails.. must be one of the first wagons.
James Sterrey, Unless I am mistaken, this one is a 4 speed….Still , it’s a nice one ….
I agree with most of the above comments. 253,000 miles is way too much for a $4500 car, and it’s not a diesel so get ready for some very expensive engine work in the very near future, plus it sounds like transmission work is needed as well, and no A/C in Texas? I’m in Texas and I wouldn’t even look at it if it were $2000. I have a 4-speed 240-D and I love it.
Always liked MB wagons along with the Diesels because of their affordability compared to the SL’s. Good daily driver.
This car is NOT taxi spec., it’s just a strippo.
Taxi spec. includes a different dashboard for the taxameter, MB Tex upholstery , definitely no cloth interior like in this car and no metallic paint either.
The M110 is a very good engine, but with at least 253k miles very close to a rebuild.
Rust is usually a killer in 123s and this car should be carefully examined.