Mercedes-Benz : S-Class SE

You are bidding on a 1980 Mercedes Benz 280SE. This model was never sold in the U. S. It was privately imported years ago as a "Grey Market" vehicle. A basic no frills "S" class like this one would not have fit in with Mercedes Benz Luxury product line at the time. But the simplicity of this base model is precisely what makes it so interesting and so enjoyable to drive. The motor is a thing of beauty! So much smoother and energetic than the 3. 8 V8 that Mercedes offered here in the U. S. at the time. and let's not even mention the gutless. but bulletproof 300SD Turbo diesel also of the same era. Combine this smooth twin cam inline six with an effortless manual transmission and you have to get out to see if you are really driving an S" class. The driving experience is much more BMW like. I have driven this car over 100MPH with no effort. This car is loads of driving fun for the money. so bid up! No warranties expressed or implied. Vehicle sold "AS IS". DOES NOT MEET CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS. Vehicle has a clean Washington title. Title shows it as a 1980 model. but the VIN # designates it as a 1981. Keep in mind that you are bidding on a 34 yr old vehicle. Far from perfect by any means. it is a driver and it is currently road worthy for those wanting to drive it home.   Please inspect my photos carefully as I like to accentuate the good and the not so good so there are no surprises upon delivery. Good luck!

ENGINE:
Engine starts up right away. Settles into a nice smooth 700 rpm idle. Difficult to tell when engine is running it is that smooth! Revs build effortlessly to redline. No pinging. no missing or knocking. No smoke of any color from exhaust. Temperature gauge never moves past midway. Normal seepage in engine compartment. but nothing I would categorize as a major oil leak.
 
TRANSMISSION:
Clutch engagement is smooth and precise. No slipping or chattering. Gear shift moves effortlessly between gears with no grinding or clunk. No evidence of gear whine of any kind.

SUSPENSION:
This car is lighter than your average "S" class of this era. Suspension has less weight to deal with. It feels like a much lighter car. No bottoming out of shocks. Suspension still surprisingly tight. No wandering or drifting of the front end.

TIRES/BRAKES:
Tires have approximately 30% tread left with even wear. Brakes are at 60%. No brake pulsation. no squeaking. car stays straight and true upon braking.

INTERIOR:
Basic velour material on seats has held up well. Obvious wear on driver seat. but passenger and rear seats show no wear at all. Dash cover hides a number of vertical cracks in the the top of the dash pad from sun rot. Wood trim has also held up nicely with no fading or cracking. Headliner is still intact. I will include sheepskin front seat covers that came with the car.  

ELECTRICAL:
All electrical components in good working condition. Air conditioner has been converted to R134.

EXTERIOR/PAINT:
Paint is the weak part of this car. At some point. it was resprayed in it's original color. but probably not a quality effort. Hazy shine in most places. however. fading in others. No obvious body work or evidence of panels having been removed. All body panels are straight and still fit nicely. A nice respray is all this car really needs.

On Nov-18-14 at 00:18:19 PST. seller added the following information:

*****This vehicle is not smog legal in the state of California. Currently has a Clear Washington Title. Vehicle is sold "AS IS".

On Nov-18-14 at 00:28:03 PST. seller added the following information:

*****This vehicle does not comply with California Smog Regulations and will not pass California Smog inspection. Vehicle currently has Washington Title. Vehicle sold "AS IS"

Also published at eBay.ca

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