This 1979 Mercedes Benz 280 VIN Verification was done by our team member in Covina, Ca. on 10-14-2025
This 1979 Mercedes Benz 280 VIN Verification was done by our team member in Covina, Ca. on 10-14-2025
The 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 represents a classic example of German automotive engineering from a golden era of the brand. Positioned within the W123 series, the 280 was a well-rounded luxury sedan that balanced refined styling, robust performance, and cutting-edge technology for its time. Whether in sedan (280E), coupe (280CE), or long-wheelbase configurations, the vehicle stood as a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to quality, safety, and durability.
The 280 model was part of the larger Mercedes-Benz W123 series, introduced in 1976 as a replacement for the W114/W115 lineup. The W123 quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional build quality and became one of the most successful Mercedes-Benz models ever, with over 2.7 million units produced.
The 280 and 280E were powered by six-cylinder engines and were positioned near the top of the W123 lineup in terms of luxury and performance. By 1979, the W123 had firmly established itself in both European and North American markets, appealing to affluent buyers who wanted comfort, reliability, and prestige without sacrificing practicality.
The 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 was available with two engine configurations, both inline-six:
280 (Carbureted Version)
Engine: 2.8L M110.921 inline-6
Output: ~156 hp (DIN)
Fuel System: Twin Zenith carburetors
280E (Fuel-Injected Version)
Engine: 2.8L M110.984 inline-6
Output: ~177 hp (DIN)
Fuel System: Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection
These engines were mated to either a 4-speed manual, 5-speed manual, or a 4-speed automatic transmission, depending on market and customer preferences.
The fuel-injected 280E delivered notably smoother and more powerful acceleration, making it the preferred choice for buyers focused on performance.
The W123’s design is timeless — clean lines, a stately stance, and unmistakable Mercedes-Benz cues. Notable exterior features of the 1979 280 included:
Large rectangular headlights (U.S. models used sealed-beam units)
Chrome accents on grille and trim
Optional sunroof and alloy wheels
Durable paint and rust protection systems
Interior highlights included:
Real wood trim on the dashboard and doors
Thick MB-Tex vinyl or optional leather upholstery
Ergonomic instrument cluster with large analog gauges
Manual or automatic climate control systems
Power windows, mirrors, and optional cruise control
Mercedes emphasized comfort and durability, with high-quality materials that often still hold up decades later.
The 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 was available in several body styles and trim configurations:
280 (Base model with carburetor engine)
280E (Fuel-injected, higher-performance model)
280CE (Coupe variant with fuel injection)
280TE (Station wagon/estate model, less common in North America)
Optional packages included upgraded stereo systems, alloy wheels, automatic climate control, and leather upholstery. Some regional variations existed, particularly between U.S. and European models (e.g., bumpers, lighting, emissions).
Mercedes-Benz led the industry in safety during the 1970s, and the 280 was no exception. Key safety and technology features included:
Crumple zones and a rigid passenger cell
Anti-lock brakes (ABS) became available in later W123 models, though rare in 1979
Collapsible steering column
Three-point seatbelts for front passengers
Advanced suspension design for stable handling
Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection (in 280E/280CE)
These systems gave the W123 a reputation for being one of the safest cars of its era.
Fuel economy was not a strong suit for the 280 models, especially the fuel-injected variants. Approximate figures:
280 (carbureted):
~14–17 mpg (U.S.)
280E (fuel-injected):
~16–19 mpg (U.S.)
While not efficient by modern standards, the 280 struck a decent balance between performance and economy for a luxury sedan of its time.
In 1979, the Mercedes-Benz 280 competed with vehicles like:
BMW 528i (E12) — more performance-focused but less refined ride
Volvo 264 — similar build quality but lower performance
Cadillac Seville — more luxurious in features but lacked Mercedes’ engineering finesse
Audi 5000 — more modern design, but early reliability issues
The Mercedes stood out for its longevity, resale value, and overall engineering excellence.
Original MSRP for the 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280E (in the U.S.) was around $18,000–$20,000, depending on options. Adjusted for inflation, that equates to over $75,000–$85,000 in today’s money.
On the current collector market (as of 2025):
Fair condition: $5,000–$8,000
Good condition: $9,000–$15,000
Excellent/Restored: $18,000–$30,000+
Rare variants (280CE, manual transmission): Higher premiums
While the 280 itself wasn’t singled out for specific awards, the W123 series as a whole earned numerous accolades over time:
Regularly cited as one of the most durable vehicles ever made
Celebrated for its million-mile reliability by Mercedes-Benz owners
Voted “Best Classic Sedan” in various enthusiast polls
Still used as taxis in parts of Africa and the Middle East — a testament to longevity
The W123 280 remains a beloved classic among enthusiasts for its balance of old-school craftsmanship and dependable usability.