Mb56091

I would like to know about the 1977-1981 280se. There is not a lot of info on this model. Are parts harder to find for this model compared to the 450sel. Is the engine well built? Is this car manual or automatic.

Nutz

M110 engine is an excellent engine found throughout many models;

W123,W116,W126,R107,W108,W114 so I think it's safe to assume there must be something right about it

Untertürkheim

The car will probably be automatic, especially if its a US model. Good engine, but doesn't have the grunt of the 4.5 V8. If you're looking for a SWB model, try a 450SE.

nomad

I know this is really old but, the 2.8 M110 is probably the most robust engine in the whole W116 lineup

Power is adequate (in euro form at least, with 185hp)
US models were 142hp for federal spec and 137hp in California (power outputs changed a little near the end of production but, not by much)

It's such a strong engine, the only downer is that it's rather noisy, being DOHC
They sound really grunty with a good exhaust though

It was such a well designed motor that Nissan was believed to have copied it for their series of famous straight six engines and you know what sort of insane figures those things can dish out

The euro/US factor is the clincher though IMO, euro models are worth owning, US models are probably not

Here's my euro spec '79 280SE which is away in storage and receiving a slow make-over