Mercedes 280 W114 on 2040-cars

History:  I purchased this 1975 Mercedes 280 W114 in May 2010 from a Doctor in Pennsylvania (2nd owner) with documented 88,283 original miles.  The original owner sold the car in October 2007.  I have records from both previous owners reflecting service and repairs.  The car now has 105,000 miles on it and is running strong.  I religiously have the engine oil and filter changed every 3,000 miles.  I have either replaced (OEM) or updated many parts in order to make this 280 drive like a modern car.  I bought this 280 as a stylish, comfortable highway driver to take me on business drives between DC and New York as well as family road trips.  I wanted something easy to work on and extremely reliable.  My contribution to recycling.  She has never failed me.

Exterior:  New dual port windshield sprayer nozzles, Halogen headlamps, new trunk seal.  The windshield has a small 2 mm superficial chip in the center.  The paint is fair to good, but not original.  It had a re-spray from one of the previous owners. The chrome is excellent.  There are small rust spots near the headlight wells and wheel wells.  One wheel cover/ hubcap has a dent in the corner from scraping a sidewalk curb while parking.  I located and installed a hard to find passenger side mirror.  The body is in good condition for its’ age, but does have rust in spots which I fill in as I see them.  The floorboards were pitted, and have been drilled out and covered with fiberglass body sheets.  Although the boards are water tight and extremely strong, they would not support the car if used as a lifting point.  See photos.

Engine:  A trickle down compression test reflected only 8% loss in 5 cylinders and 16% in the 6^th cylinder.  New (OEM) air filter, Holley 4 barrel carb (rebuilt), spark plugs (Bosch Super Plus 7911), valve cover seal, Pertonix electronic ignition, spark plug wires, air conditioner compressor, Conti tech belts, 130 amp Bosch alternator (for a/c, fog lamps and accessories.  Maintains at 13.7 volts under load at idle).  Valves adjusted at 90,181 miles.  The transmission is strong with filter and fluid replaced.  The shifter is tight.  Rear differential fluid replaced.  New Bosch starter and new Mercedes OEM exhaust with OEM chrome end tip.  Radiator re-cored, all new hoses.  Coolant flushed and replaced.

Brakes:  New Brembo disc brakes all around, EBC pads, new rear left caliper ( I have the orginal ATE, which has a sticking piston), bleeder valves, brake lines (OEM), brake fluid reservoir (OEM).  Parking brake shoes are excellent.

Suspension:  This 280 was in need of a serious suspension overhaul/ upgrade for the long highway drives.  I replaced the front subframe mounts, installed Bilstein Heavy Duty shocks, new Lesjofors coil springs (front and back), sway bars, front- end alignment, tie rods.  Pirelli P4 all season tires with 7,000 miles to date.  Power steering fluid and filter replaced.

Interior: 

Seats:  The M Tex seats (front and back) were stuffed with upgraded foam padding, which is very comfortable.  They are in good condition.

Electric:  Everything works! Rear defroster, fan, air conditioner (new compressor), lights, power antenna, horn, gauges (the VDO clock was replaced with a voltmeter.  I have the clock), turn signal/ wiper stem (new).  All electric windows have been lubed and work properly.  A Kenwood stereo was installed along with Alpine speakers (2 front center, 2 back).  All fuses cleaned and replaced.

Sold As Is.  Seller assumes no responsibility or liability for vehicle.  A good collection of additional parts.  Clear title.  Complete service history. Buyer can either pick the vehicle up or arrange for shipping.  I can drive the old girl to a meeting point within 250 miles.  If she does not sell, then my lucky son will have something to inherit one day.