1980

Mercedes Benz

280 SE Sedan

Rare Euro-model

VIN: WDB12602210015152

Only two owners since new!

Factory books included

Here’s another nice Mercedes Sedan we’ve recently acquired for our Ebay customers. Please feel free to contact me directly with any questions before the auction ends. My name is Mark and my phone number is 206/914-1173. You’re welcome and encouraged to make an appointment to inspect and test-drive the 280SE.

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION:

Ever spent an afternoon driving a classy, vintage Mercedes Benz? What a treat! Smooth is the word for sure. Smooth powerful acceleration. Smooth handling in the curves or on the highway. Comfort, styling, and versatility all in one gorgeous ride. For my money, a W126 model of any variant is one of the best values for the overall driving experience that a vintage Benz has to offer. Look over my photos and I’m sure you’ll agree. What you’re viewing here is the result of a wash and vacuum only! I know you’ll admire this rare car’s overall provenance.

In late 1980 the 280SE sold new in Germany and was immediately (and legally) imported by the original owner here to the Seattle area. It remained in our snow and road salt-free Western Washington environment with him for sixteen years and then for the past twenty with the second owner (locally as well).

Many of us that love these cars appreciate the look of these shorter bumpers and large, non-sealed beam headlights that the designers intended. In addition, this Benz has the dual horn function found only on European models. Overall, it has been lovingly cared for, lightly used and always garaged for the past 36 years. Along with the free & clear title, we received the original owner’s manual, service booklet and operating hang tag. All will arrived stowed in the glove compartment for the next caretaker.

CONDITION:

The first thing I’m always asked about is RUST. Please, this Mercedes HATES rust and you won’t find anything here to cause you concern! The Puget Sound area is famous for rain, but our winter roads are never salted. At the first sign of a snowflake everyone panics and stays home, so the car hasn’t seen much in the way of metal-eating chemicals or road salt and was factory undercoated. Having owned dozens of Mercedes over three decades, I’ve developed a great appreciation for their style, mechanical reliability and the overall driving experience. This is truly one of the best smoke-free, well-maintained W126 models we’ve come across and been able to offer here on Ebay.

I take pride in the vehicles we post here and feel you should know as much about them as possible. Accordingly, here’s a list of the good and also a few small things needing attention:

Hop in; fire up the strong 2.8 liter inline six and it starts promptly – even when cold. The motor idles, runs and drives as I feel it should – immediate, strong oil pressure, good battery and charging system (the alternator is almost new), no perceived brake fade or pull and tight steering. The automatic transmission shifts through the gears just as expected with no slippage. All the way around definitely better than most thirty-six-year-old vehicles you’re likely to come across!

On the interior, the MB-Tex seats are in good condition as pictured with no sagging springs. There is a wear spot on the driver’s bolster, but hardly noticeable. Both front power window lifts work great as does the cruise control (like many Euro models, the rear windows are manual crank). The large power sunroof opens and closes without binding (I do make a habit of helping the motor close the sunroof on all my vintage Benz as preventative medicine). I believe there’s been one respray to the original factory blue metallic color. You’ll appreciate the modern AM-FM/CD stereo. It works great, gets good reception and both sets of front and rear speakers project well. About the only real flaws I’ve encountered are: the power antennae is inoperable (but in the up position). The A/C doesn’t blow very cold, though the compressor has been recently replaced. I think it may still be fitted for R12 refrigerant and likely would benefit from a recharge. The key doesn’t turn the driver’s door lock, so I lock/unlock on the passenger side front door.

All four alloy wheels are straight and true. They’re wrapped with great touring radials with each having at least 80-90% remaining tread. Overall, I feel this is a very roadworthy car and have now added over 500 miles during the past three weeks.

Because of the amount of money involved in buying a vehicle, we require that new Ebay members with a feedback history of five or fewer transactions call or email before placing a bid. If I don’t have this initial contact, your bid may be cancelled. As I’ve outlined above, the phone number to talk directly to me is 206/914-1173. Please feel free to call any time during the auction. My name is MARK THOMPSON. You’re welcome and encouraged to come by my Auburn, WA warehouse to inspect & drive the Mercedes. You might also make an offer before the end of the auction, as many of my vehicles sell to smart “early birds” that call and work out a deal prior to the auction’s end. I always reserve the right to sell during this period.

A Few Additional Terms and Conditions:

A nonrefundable $500 deposit is due within 48 hours of the auction’s conclusion. The balance is due by cash or certified funds within seven business days unless prior arrangements have been made with me. I can accept bank cards, but I’ll first need to invoice you and ask that you cover the 3.5% fee our processer charges. Please remember you are bidding to buy and I fully expect the winning bidder to fulfill their Ebay contract! You’re not bidding to hold or then come inspect and test-drive the vehicle later -- You’re more than welcome to do this before the auction ends.

If you decide to have thecar transported home, there are scores of companies to choose from. We ship vehicles regularly and I'd suggest that you get a transport bid from Dependable Auto Shippers (DAS). They're EBay’s preferred transporter and will give you a fair quote. Call them directly at (888) 817-6203. Give the phone rep my affiliate number (2362642) and they can pull up all our information for a station-to-station or even door-to-door quote.

For west coast bidders, we have a great local hauler that delivers quickly to Washington, Oregon and California at reasonable rates.

As another alternative, you might get bids from the U-Ship.com website. You’ll be able to choose a transport broker from multiple offers. The zip code for pick-up would be 98002 (Auburn, Washington). The shipping of the vehicle and company chosen are the responsibility of the BUYER.

TheMercedes can be stored free of charge at my location for up to two weeks after the auction ends assuming full payment has been received. After that period storage is $20 per day.