1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE (W116) |

Closed Auction- Unsold

1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE (W116)

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Mileage~85,168
TransmissionAutomatic
Engine2.8L
LocationHereford

AUCTION CLOSED

1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE (W116)

Introduction

Glyn Parry

Professional Consigner

The W116 began production in 1972, it was the first time the S-Class name was used. In 1974 the W116 was the European Car of the Year.

The 280SE uses the M110 engine with Bosch D-Jetronic injection, a straight-six developing ~182bhp. The S-Class has always been at the forefront of new technology, the W116 was the first car to be fitted with four wheel anti-lock brakes, which were an option on 1978 cars. It also features a strengthened body to protect the passengers within.

This particular 280SE comes to market after ~4 years of ownership. The vendor has spent time getting the car running again after acquiring the car in a barn find condition, and in the current ownership the car has covered some ~4,000 miles. The interior on this car is the star of the show, it's it amazing condition considering the age and mileage, take a look through the listing.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Glyn after meeting Dan the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

I've enjoyed the time with this 280 SE, I even used it as my wedding car!

Dan bought the car when it was in a barn find like condition some 4 years ago, he has spent some time getting the car into shape, the main work being getting the car running.

After ~4 years of ownership Dan has decided to sell on the 280 SE as he doesn't have a garage and thinks to preserve the life of the car, it needs to be dry stored. He would like the car to go to someone who who has the time one means to improve the condition of the bodywork and keep this piece of history on the road. He'll be happy to answer any questions on the car in the comments section below.

Dan

Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER

Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

The W116 has that classic Mercedes look, a boxy shape with the rippled lens coverings for the taillights, everything you could want from a 70s Mercedes.

Wheels and Tyres

The wheels all had the original trims on them, all looked in good condition, however there was a slight bit of damage on both the driver side trims, with paint peeling on one and a couple of kerb markings on the other.

There were three different branded tyres on the car, two Vredstein, a Matador and a Maxxis. All tyres were old however all apart from the Matador looked in ok condition, the Matador tyre showed cracking on the sidewall, we would definitely recommend replacing this tyre, if not all the tyres as they are old, some from the 90s.

Please have a look at the photos and video below to asses the condition of the wheels and tyres for yourself.

Bodywork

The fit of the body was in good shape, all panel gaps looked to be nice and tight. The body was however showing signs of corrosion in various areas. Around the arches, under the headlights, sills and on the bonnet. Some time and money would probably be needed to prolong the cars life. We did also notice some signs of corrosion underneath the car.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The paint looked in ok condition, as mentioned above there are quite a few areas or corrosion coming through the paint. The car could do with a fresh lick of paint once the corrosion has been sorted. There are receipts to show some work that has already been done on the rear quarter panels.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The glass around the car looked to be in good condition, we didn't notice any chips or cracks in the windscreen. All windows featured the registration etched into each of them.

The chrome around the car looked to be in good condition, the bumpers did look like they were starting to crack though. One of the taillights did seem to have been changed as one was darker than the other.

Please view the photos and video below to review the condition of the glass and trim for yourself.

VIEW ALL

INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Stepping into the car was like stepping back in time to the 70s, everything looks remarkably very fresh given the age.

Seats and Carpets

The patterned fabric trimmed with leather on the seats looked in great condition, there was a slight stain on the bottom of the driver's seat but the rest of the seats were looked to be in very good condition.

The beautiful blue carpets were in great shape too with only a couple of small stains noticed.

Please take a look at the photos and video below to decide on the condition of the seats and carpets for yourself.

Dashboard

The dashboard in the 280SE is very simple, it features a speedometer but no rev counter, instead there is an analogue clock where you'd expect to find it. The centre console is also a simple affair, with the heater controls and a few vents.

We noticed the fuel gauge was not working whilst out on the drive with Dan.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel showed only slight wear, it looked in good condition. On the drive we noticed it was not sitting central but there was no pulling or shaking.

The gear selector also looked in good condition, with only very slight wear being noticed.

Please take a look at the photos and video below to check the condition of the steering wheel and gear stick for yourself.

VIEW ALL

'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The 2.8L straight-six mated to a 4-speed automatic gearbox give a smooth drive, which go hand in hand with the elegant style of the W116.

Engine and Gearbox

Starting with no problem on first attempt, the straight-six ran smoothly on our run with Dan. Power was delivered with ease, with no unusual noises noticed.

The automatic gearbox provided shifts which were hardly noticeable, adding to the luxury of the car. We didn't notice any strange noises coming from the gearbox either.

Please take a look at the cold start video below to see for yourself the performance of the engine and gearbox.

Suspension and Brakes

The car had quite a soft but comfortable ride, much to be expected for an S Class. We didn't notice any clunking or other unwanted noises from the suspension.

The brakes felt good for the age of the car, not quite as sharp as a modern car as you would expect. Dan told us the pedal felt firm.

Please take a look at the on the road video below to see how the suspension and brakes performed.

The Drive

As mentioned above the car drove well, the powertrain giving a smooth power delivery. Paired with a comfortable ride and responsive brakes, giving the 280 SE a luxurious driving experience.

To see the car in motion please take a look at the on the road video below.

Electrics and Other

We noticed the fuel gauge wasn't working whilst out on the road with Dan, he also told us the driver's window wouldn't stay up all the way as it needed a new surclip. Dan also told us the internal fan could be a bit temperamental so he has taken the fuse out, he also hasn't opened the sunroof, just incase it doesn't close again.

Dan told us everything else was working in the car, he still has the original radio for it but didn't have it with him during our visit.

VIEW ALL

History and Paperwork

The build quality of the W116 shines through, with power being delivered smoothly, and the ride quality being great. It features a proper blast from the past interior.

Coming to market after ~4 years ownership, and only 3 previous owners before Dan, one being in the Mercedes Owner's Club. A perfect project car for someone who is willing to put some time into getting this 280 SE back to its former glory.

Dan will be happy to answer any questions in the comments section below.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
18.03.1980	Service	563
22.08.1980	Service	5,269
04.12.1981	Service	9,988
06.09.1983	Service	15,332
19.07.1984	Service	19,959
11.12.1985	Service	25,065
26.02.1987	Service	29,920
26.10.1988	Service	34,300
09.06.1990	Serice	40,043
14.02.1991	Service	45,841
21.02.1994	MOT	50,323
03.03.1994	Service	50,373
13.02.1995	Service	52,869
29.03.1996	MOT	61,897
26.03.1997	MOT	68,481
07.09.1998	MOT	70,842
26.04.2000	MOT	77,423
23.05.2001	MOT	79,938