1983 Mercedes-Benz 280E

First registered in October 1983, this 280 E is one of the later ‘phase three’ models, produced from 1982 onwards and incorporating a number of additional changes and upgrades including power steering as standard for all models, improved rear legroom thanks to re-designed seat backs, optional driver’s airbag fitment and other minor changes to alleviate wind noise and update the interior.

Purchased by the current owner in August 2021, this E-Class has proven itself to be a dependable weekend toy and long-distance cruiser, and has been kept garaged throughout its current ownership tenure.

Alongside using and enjoying the car as M-B intended, the current owner has also had the oil and filters changed, regularly maintained the car and fitted a few choice upgrades, including a new steering wheel, shifter knob and stereo system, including upgraded speakers. The suspension has also been slightly lowered, which we think gives this E-class a fantastic stance without impacting on its usability.

Fitted with the rare velour interior, along with electric windows all-round and a retracting solid panel sunroof, this is a lovely, useable example of the classic W123, which - judging by many records - is just about ‘run in’ at 133,000 miles!

Finished in a classic shade of silver, complemented by the much-loved and original ‘Mexican Hat’ alloy wheels, this E-Class remains a status symbol to this day, and has evidently fared well over the years judging by its overall condition.

Naturally, for a vehicle that is just shy of 40 years old, there are some signs of age visible, though these are - in our opinion - minor for a vehicle of this age and mileage.

Perhaps the most notable issues on the bodywork are two patches of bubbling, behind both front wheel arches. Equally, there appears to be some sort of overspray - perhaps from the undersea visible on the chassis - which is present along the lower sides of the vehicle on both the offside and nearside. Whilst a standard wash doesn’t seem to remove this residue, with a little persuasion it seems to come off quite happily, so this may not be a permanent issue.

Other than the above, the overall condition of this ‘E’ is very good indeed, with no sign of any major dents or dings to the bodywork, nor any signs of accident or impact damage. Some of the window rubbers are starting to show their age in a few places, whilst the usual smattering of minor marks / stone chips are visible upon close inspection, though this is commensurate for the vehicle’s overall condition.

One minor issue that is worth highlighting, however, is that the nearside bonnet hinge/stay has come away from its mountings, so the bonnet needs to be propped open, and closing it is difficult, and results in a slightly mis-aligned bonnet.

Speaking of the alloy wheels, all four are in good condition with a few marks and imperfections, though no major kerb rash or damage that we can see. Most importantly, however, all four are wrapped in matching Michelin tyres, which is usually a strong indicator of considerate and fastidious ownership.

Inside, the good news continues as the condition of this E-Class’ cabin is very good indeed, whilst the rare Velour seating adds an additional level of comfort and style to this executive saloon’s interior.

The seats - a key selling point of this particular example - remain in excellent condition both front-and-rear, with no noticeable wear beyond the usual creases and light scuffs to the outer bolsters on the front seats, and minimal signs of use in the rear.

Up above, the headliner is taut throughout, whilst the carpets are also in good shape throughout the cabin.

Ahead of the driver, the dashboard is free of any sun damage or cracks, whilst all of the trims and decor are present and correct. The standard (and now very outdated) radio has been replaced with a modern flip-out Pioneer unit with smartphone connectivity, which - along with the upgraded speakers - has transformed the day-to-day enjoyability of this example.

Alongside the entertainment system, the current owner has also upgraded the interior with a new steering wheel and shifter topper, which we think suits the car perfectly and feel very good whilst out on the road.

We did notice some corrosion visible on the outside lower corner of the door skins on the inside edge, particularly on both front doors, photographs of which are included in the extensive gallery below.

Of course, the high-traffic areas such as the door cards and inner door sills show some signs of wear, along with some of the switchgear graphics, though this does not affect their operation. The vendor noted that there is an intermittent issue with the oil pressure gauge, though this did not show any fault during our test drive, with the gauge starting up at ‘3’ on cold start and then coming down on idle as the car warmed through.

The clock built-in to the instrument binnacle has stopped (they all do that, sir) though all other systems, including the aforementioned sunroof, appear to be in full working order, though the speedometer has a tendency to ‘bounce’ below 20mph.

Under the bonnet (which needs to be propped open due to the aforementioned broken nearside hinge/support) the 2.8-litre inline-six engine is in need of some detailing and cleaning, though there are no signs of any obvious issues or major leaks that we could see.

This E-Class fires into life with ease whether hot or cold, and instantly settles into a typically refined and smooth idle that characterises Mercedes’ products of this era, with no smoking noted during our test drive whether on idle or under load.

Out on the road, the transmission shifts smoothly, being devoid of any major thuds/jerking when shifting from P or N into D / R, which is a good sign of a well-maintained example. The steering and suspension all appear to be in rude health, with no untoward noises or behaviours noted during our test drive.

Underneath, the chassis appears to be in excellent shape, and has been coated with an under-seal to preserve its condition, which is likely the cause of the unsightly overspray on the lower half of the bodywork. There is some misting noted around the sump pan gasket area, though no other problems or issues have made themselves known to us.

The most recent MoT exam - dated May 2022 - shows a pass with an advisory for a corroded brake ferrule. Prior to this, the car failed in April 2022 on various corrosion-related issues, which the vendor tells us have been addressed and tended to, though there is no documentation for this.

The latest major service took place in December 2021, which included the following works:

- Oil and filter change

- Full lubricant and filter check-over

- Removal, renewal and re-fitment of the oil cooler

- Adjustment and fettling to both rear windows

- Attention to the NSF door lock assembly

- Transmission fluid check and top up

Included with the vehicle is a well-stocked history folder, comprising of the following items:

- The V5 registered keepers document, showing a total of 10 former keepers

- Documentation from the recent service in December 2021

- Invoices for welding to the NS floor and other areas in April 2021

- Invoice for four new matching Michelin tyres in May 2020

- Purchase receipts for a full set of brake discs and pads in April 2021

- Receipt from a full set of ‘mexican hat’ alloys purchased in April 2021

- Fitment of a replacement instrument closer in June 2021

- Miscellaneous other documentation such as MoT certificates, small service bills etc

As always, we’ve photographed all of the documentation that we’ve been provided with, and this is available to view at the end of the photo gallery below.

A joy to drive long distances on weekend jaunts or use for day-to-day transportation, the W123 E-class has earned itself a justified reputation for longevity and reliability, which continues to this day, assisted by extensive aftermarket knowledge and parts availability to keep these German legends running and in top condition.

This ‘phase three’ 1983-registered example benefits from recent attention and expenditure, and presents very well overall with a number of considerate upgrades fitted by the current owner.

Offered for sale with NO RESERVE and an estimate of £10,000 to £15,000, this is an opportunity to obtain a useable and much-loved example of the 80’s E-Class that would look at home almost anywhere you take it.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.