HDT's Mercedes 280 E

[HDT Commodore]

1984 Mercedes-Benz 280 E (W123) sedan (Further specs in signature)

These are the only rust spots I've noticed. Here the paint is a little bubbled, although you can't even see it in this photo:

Here on the rear bumper:

My very first car. I am very happy with this and plan to keep it until I can afford maybe a cheap old Rolls-Royce or Bentley. The interior is almost perfect.

Someone I know who restored an old BMW recommended I replace the blackened dump pipes with chrome exhaust tips. The only problem is I'm pretty sure aftermarket exhaust tips are designed to slip over the existing tip. Being dump pipes, I can't just slip a straight tip over the top, as the current ones bend at about 40 degrees. The dump pipes come straight out of the muffler, and look as though they may detach. Or would they be welded? I'll post a picture soon.

 

[Dennisch]

Cool Benz. Very cool colour. 👍

Keep it as stock as possible and keep an eye on the fluids.
Is it an auto of stick?

Also. This thread is worthless without more pics!

 

[HDT Commodore]

Cool Benz. Very cool colour. 👍

Keep it as stock as possible and keep an eye on the fluids.
Is it an auto of stick?

Also. This thread is worthless without more pics!

Thanks. I will take more photos. Only thing is it has a cover on it a lot of the time. Next time I drive it I'll take some photos after.

I plan on keeping it looking stock but with a couple of little things to improve it just a bit. For example it has tinted windows and a new stereo at the moment.

It's an auto. I don't see the need for a manual in a car like this. I heard the auto in this actually starts in 2nd unless you put your foot down, then it uses 1st instead.

 

[Hayden]

My older sister had one of these for her first car and everybody loved it! They're such a big, comfy and cool Luxo barge! Look after this rig and you could drive it to the end of the world.

I like that you have ambitions to get into something like an old Roller too. Ignoring the price of parts and repairs, there's absoloutly no reason you can't drive something that would make Queen Elizibeth proud. Just be prepared to have lengthy conversations every time you fill up and get some bizzare looks from people. It's not everyday you see a young guy driving a big, luxurious slice of automotive history! 👍

 

[HDT Commodore]

My older sister had one of these for her first car and everybody loved it! They're such a big, comfy and cool Luxo barge! Look after this rig and you could drive it to the end of the world.

I like that you have ambitions to get into something like an old Roller too. Ignoring the price of parts and repairs, there's absoloutly no reason you can't drive something that would make Queen Elizibeth proud. Just be prepared to have lengthy conversations every time you fill up and get some bizzare looks from people. It's not everyday you see a young guy driving a big, luxurious slice of automotive history! 👍

Thanks!

Yes, only filled up 3 times and already a man said he liked it and he was from New Zealand. He said they are everywhere over there.

The thing with a Roller though, is that I can't buy one at such a low price (compared to standard price for one) as what I can a W123. Because with the Merc I know how much of a reliable car they are. That's why cost of part didn't really worry me. With a Roller however I may need to avoid the lowest of the low priced ones. (If that makes any sense)

By the way, here's the car next to my mother's:

Quite a contrast. Mind you I was surprised that there isn't too much separating them as far as driving goes (although certainly noticeable)

 

[Hayden]

I certainly see what you're saying. It's always best to avoid the cheapest of anything, but it's especially true for old, rare and expensive cars. I'd hate to think what it'd cost to get an engine rebuild or missing piece of trim for a 1970's Rolls Royce or Bentley. When you consider just how many small issues a mistreated example may have, you'd be far better off to buy a good one to start with.

The Merc is certainly a good compromise, with pretty much all the Luxo barge coolness without the massive cost factor. 👍