This 1985 Mercedes-Benz 280SE was originally ordered through the Reutlingen branch in Germany and sold as a German market example. It was imported to the United States in the 1980’s and subsequently federalized with emissions equipment and headlamps. Finished in Astral Silver (735) over a Black Cloth (071) interior, power comes from a 2.8-liter M110 Inline-6 paired to a four-speed automatic transmission. Features include a power sunroof, a heated rear window, tempomat cruise control, and power front windows. This 280SE currently shows 89k miles (TMU) on the replaced analog odometer and is being offered by the current owner with documented maintenance and restoration, service records, literature, two keys, CA smog and emissions certificates, an accident and damage free Carfax, and a clean California title.
Finished in Astral Silver (735) with contrasting gray lower cladding, this example features shorter, European style bumpers and headlights both front and rear. Exterior features include glass headlamps, a painted power sunroof, chrome window trim, and a power antenna. Paint imperfections are noted with specificity in the photo gallery.
This 280SE wears 14” Bundt wheels wrapped in new Hankook Optimo tires measuring 195/70 with original painted center caps installed. The wheels have been refinished and show no signs of curb rash or bends.
The cabin is trimmed in Black Cloth (071) across the seats, door cards, head rests, armrest, center console, and dashboard. The steering wheel and shift knob are finished in matching Black vinyl. Black carpets and floor mats remain with the car and can be seen in the gallery below. Burled walnut root wood veneer adorns the center console, door cards, and dashboard. The original Becker head unit has been replaced with a modern Continental unit with Bluetooth. Specific wear on the front seat fabric is documented in the gallery. Additional features include power front windows and heated rear glass.
The black steering wheel frames a 160mph speedometer and a 7k-rpm tachometer featuring an analog clock, along with gauges for coolant temperature, fuel level, and oil pressure. The six-digit odometer was replaced in 2019 and now shows 89,995 miles (TMU).
The 2.8-liter M110 inline-six was factory rated at 182 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque when new. Since 2019, the owner has undertaken significant mechanical refreshing and federalization on the vehicle totaling over $25,000 in receipts. The items covered are detailed below:
This 280SE currently shows 89k miles (TMU) on the analog odometer and is being offered by the current owner with documented maintenance and restoration, service records, literature, two keys, and a clean California title.
Driving, Cold Start, and Interior videos are viewable below.
Open Transit:
Enclosed Transit:
The winning bidder will receive an email with the quote and option to proceed with shipping.
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13 Comments
$4,500 bid placed by @Looocious
$4,250 bid placed by @Mountainrd27
$4,000 bid placed by @Looocious
That escalated quickly..$3,750 bid placed by @Mountainrd27
$3,500 bid placed by @Looocious
$3,250 bid placed by @Mountainrd27
$3,000 bid placed by @Looocious
$2,500 bid placed by @Mountainrd27
$2,250 bid placed by @Delta179er
On behalf of the seller, we'd like to announce that the Reserve has been LIFTED! This car will sell today.@alexhekimyan39 Understood. For all those out there...its about 3k to add A/C. Minimum.@Sgtbueno It’s a non AC car, some euro spec cars were ordered from the factory without AC. Lower end trim package of those days, basically.@Mountainrd27 hi, It’s a non AC car.@stanleyvanburen hi, The tales were replaced and were brand new oem spec from France. As for the side markers, I believe as you noted the left side marker had been replaced and the right kept original.$2,000 bid placed by @Mountainrd27
$1,750 bid placed by @djmontgo
$1,500 bid placed by @Mountainrd27
$1,250 bid placed by @dmassie
@Sgtbueno I've asked...I don't see a compressor. If you look at the auction pics of the black 1984 280 from a few weeks ago, for comparison...well, there ya go.So what’s the deal with the a/c? No mention in the description.$1,000 bid placed by @Mountainrd27
@Mountainrd27 Nevermind...I see it does not have A/C. Interesting.Silly question to the seller: I think I see high pressure hose for the A/C...but, I don't see any service records for it, and there is no tag on the core support indicating if it has been converted to 134...it does have A/C, correct?nice to see the correct taillights remain. the front-passenger turn signal appears to be US-spec. the "280SE" emblem is an older style and not correct for the W126, also looks a little low.$750 bid placed by @Sgtbueno
$500 bid placed by @AMC_BK
@AriBK TMU = True Mileage Unknown. The cluster was previously replaced.What does TMU stand for? (Next to Mileage)