This 1985 Mercedes-Benz 280TE is a European example which was sold new in Amsterdam before being imported to the US with 11k kilometers that same year. Finished in Thistle Green Metallic (881) over Beige Leather (255), power is provided by a 2.8-liter DOHC inline-six mated to a five-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels. Equipment includes central locking, anti-lock brakes, automatic climate control, power rear windows, manual front windows, split-folding rear seats and a five-speed transmission. Recent service included an oil change, new throttle shackle, steering box, front and rear brakes, fuel sending unit and a new battery. Original sales and import documentation along with records dating to 1985 are included. This 280TE wagon is now offered for sale by the selling dealer in Burlingame, California with 190k miles, the original manufacturer’s literature, decades of service history, a clean Carfax report and clean California title.
The exterior is finished in Thistle Green Metallic (881) and features a European spec front bumper and headlights with a US spec rear bumper. Chrome brightwork adorns both bumpers and beltline along with chrome roof rails, grill and mirror caps. The seller notes that the paint is oxidized on the hood, roof and left door and fender and hinge bolts for the doors and hood show no signs of previous removal. Exterior features include headlight washers, heat-insulating glass and a heated rear window. The seller notes that the power antenna, headlight vertical adjustment, and headlamp washers are inoperable.
The factory 14” Bundt wheels wear General tires measuring 195/70 on all four corners. The wheels were refinished during the car’s recent service in August 2022 and appear in excellent condition with on curb rash or damage. In addition, both front and rear brake pads and rotors were replaced along with the rear sway bar bushings. A full size spare is fitted in the trunk.
The interior is upholstered in Beige Leather (255) with Zebrano wood trim accenting the center console and dashboard. Interior amenities include central locking, a lockable glove compartment, power rear windows, manual front windows, an aftermarket head unit and 60/40 split-folding rear seats for through-loading. The wood trim remains glossy while showing some signs of age on the center console with the buttons showing wear. The seller also notes that the central locking mechanism occasionally malfunctions, the rear hatch locks/unlocks only manually, and the rear interior lamp is inoperable.
The four-spoke steering wheel fronts VDO instrumentation including a 150-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, an analog clock and gauges for fuel level, fuel economy, coolant temperature and oil pressure. The six digit odometer reads 190k miles.
In August 2022, the selling dealer performed extensive service on the car including an oil change, throttle shackle, hood insulation pad, new steering box, power steering service, new rear muffler, new catalytic converter, an alignment, new fuel sending unit and a new battery. Records dating back to 1985 are included with the vehicle. The seller has included underbody photos that are viewable in the photo gallery.
The Carfax first shows mileage reported in 1999 at 44k miles and shows registration in California and Nevada with no accidents or damage reports. This Euro 280TE is now offered by the selling dealer with original manufacturer’s literature, all original sales and import documentation, a clean Carfax report and a clean California title.
The S123 wagon is an icon of its era and loved by many enthusiasts as is, but no two things could pique an enthusiast’s interest more than this: European bumpers and manual transmission. Luckily, this car has both! The United States has a long history of slow-moving automotive regulation which meant cars had to be fitted with large impact bumpers and antiquated sealed beam headlights. Across the pond, European consumers enjoyed slimmer and more visually appealing bumpers as well as headlights that allowed for more freedom in choice of design. Another difference between the two markets was the perception of manual transmissions which were far more common in Europe. These features, along with the desirable Thistle Green Metallic paint color, make this S123 a super unique specification. While some cosmetic details will certainly need attention (and the rear bumper is US-Spec), mechanically, this car has been very well kept and will be sure to provide a phenomenal classic driving experience for years to come.
Open Transit:
Enclosed Transit:
The winning bidder will receive an email with the quote and option to proceed with shipping.
Get the best of The MB Market directly in your inbox every day. Subscribe for a curated list of our top market listings and articles!
15 Comments
Thanks for the comments and bidding. Very close but not quite there for such a rare car. I'm happy to have a discussion with any interested party regarding a sale. MB Market can connect us.RNM at the moment I bet$17,000 bid placed by @ValleysUp
$16,750 bid placed by @Alt767Gelt
$16,500 bid placed by @ValleysUp
$16,000 bid placed by @Alt767Gelt
$15,750 bid placed by @ValleysUp
$15,500 bid placed by @GJonesCA
$15,000 bid placed by @Alt767Gelt
$14,500 bid placed by @GJonesCA
$14,000 bid placed by @ValleysUp
We have a ways to go here. Keep in mind I spent over $7k improving this rare 123 Wagon. All my service invoices will come with the car. I received the plastic fitted dash cover and will include that in the sale. The car is immediately usable and drives beautifully.$13,000 bid placed by @Kcogliano
$12,000 bid placed by @ValleysUp
Such a cool spec on this wagon to be a final year 123 in green with the 5 speed!$11,500 bid placed by @Kcogliano
The car smogged no problem yesterday so a California resident can buy the car with confidence. Compression readings cold are (1-6): 115/110/120/110/115/120. We also installed the correct driver's side under dash panel - found it in Croatia!$10,250 bid placed by @tcstraker
@tcstraker No problem. Tires are dated 45th and 46th week of 2020. One is not dated but identical to the other 3 with regard to type and wear.$10,000 bid placed by @Kcogliano
$8,123 bid placed by @tcstraker
@mbheritage thanks! Love the radio trick! And date code on tires? Sorry to be a pest. ThxThanks for the note @tcstraker. In fact when the radio is turned off, it swivels 180 degrees and does look like a blank off plate. Clever function to foil would-be radio thieves. Climate control works correctly at the moment with heat and ac. No warning lamps on. Headlights seem to be aimed well. Additionally; clock/passenger outside mirror/fog lights/rear window power switches/various gauges/front courtesy lamp function as well. Hope this helps.Hi @mbheritage. The description says “aftermarket head unit” but looks like radio delete. Is there something behind that panel? Does climate control work properly? Any warning lights currently on? date codes on tires? Lastly, naive question… I don’t know headlight level adjustment existed. Are the headlights properly leveled as is?. Thank you!@mbheritage - what a great offering! I am the proud owner of one of the handful of 5 speeds 280TEs. They are amazing cars and great drivers. I feel confident driving mine anywhere and keeping up with today's traffic. And rightfully so, it is on my do not sell list.I just purchased a solid fitted dash cover for this car. It will be included with car. Compression readings coming shortly.Some background on this rare 280TE. According to Nitske's MB Production Models book, 1,329 280TEs were constructed in 1985. And of course, all those cars were European models. MB never imported a gasoline 123 wagon to the US, much less the top-of-the line 280 model. We received the now iconic 300TD models. Great turbocharged TDs bring a premium today. A US 300TD produced 123 HP while the Euro 280TE produced 185 HP, a full 34% increase over the turbodiesels. Nor were there any manual gearbox US models ever offered here. If you parse the possible number of similar cars now sitting in the US, the number is exceedingly low. Particularly accounting for the 5-speed gearbox. I doubt there are more than a handful of 280TE wagons in the US of any configuration. In my 31 years of business, I've seen only 1 other 5-speed TE. It was offered to me on consignment about a year ago with an asking price of $45k. It was far ahead of this Thistle Green car cosmetically but had the same mileage and felt generally the same. Ultimately the owner changed his mind about selling, noting he'd never find another one...Let's get this party started!$2,500 bid placed by @mtbemail
Really love this. Thistle green wagon would be an awesome Christmas present for myself haha. I would hate to bring this to a state with winter however..What a beaut. Everyone likes the diesels stateside, but this is the S123 for me. All day everyday. GLWA!!