Which would you get . . . a W123 280CE or a W123 300CD

Let's say you wanted to get a W123 coupe, and let's assume that the condition, mileage, paint color, options, etc. of the each are similar . . . which would you get, a 280CE, a non-turbo 300CD, or a turbo 300CD? The bodies and transmission of all three are the same, (meaning automatic only . . . shucks! ). Only difference is the engine. The 280's I've seen seem to be a little less expensive than the 300's. What would be your preference? And if I may ask, why? (I've had both diesel and gas Mercedes cars, so I know the advantages and disadvantages of each. Just would like to know what others think. Thanks.)

[Snibble]

I think the gas 123C's are more rare than diesels... or so it seems

[dieseldude]

I'd shoot for the diesel, one becuase of durability, two the CE's seem to rare (as you've observed Snibble), and usually demand a higher price. I forget which engine the 280 had, but it's not the most durable from what I remember...that is purely anectdotal however, since I only remember it being mentioned in passing...

I 300CD is turbo-diesel coupe (indicating a sportier nature) - quite a rarity if only in concept and not in collectors eyes.

I'd live to find a nice 300CD Turbo - manual if they made it. That would be one sweet car!

[Palangi]

280CE will be a gas hog and the engine will be difficult for shade tree diy'ers, but probably a fun car.
Non-turbo diesel will have the climate control servo, which will be bad news when it breaks. I would say 300CD turbo model would be the best choice for most folks.

[rbmercedes]

I'm also a big fan of the 617 turbo diesel. Also, in the 123 Chassis, the lower gearing made them step-off quite smartly!

I have a 123 wagon and sedan and have always liked the coupe, but three growing kids...

The 617 diesel also has significant longevity going for it. My dad's 82 300SD has 453,000 and counting with no major engine work, ever!

RBM

[omegabenz]

man I love my 300CD turbo diesel, get an 83, its the best year without all the emissions junk, ca models...federal in 85 had a lot of junk too, however they had a higher differential in the back.

check out my webpage, I have 17s on mine.

[unkl300d]

Well based on the scanty variables I'd vote for a 280CE .
I believe they come with a 6 cylinder. Although probably more involved mechanically that a diesel, it ought to drive nice with the six. I assume I have never driven a 280CE.

So, if it has low miles, records etc.... try it out.

The 300CD sounds nice if the windows work and the window seals dont leak.
Hey, the non turbo 300D is fine. The Klima thing is not a big deal!
The servo is offered in an upgraded issue.

Depends on what you want out of it and what you are willing to put into it.
Let us know!!

Den

[omegabenz]

the only way id get a 280CE is if it had an AMG body kit, it was a euro car with the high compression engine, and stick shift, because the american version is not nearly as fast as the euro car. They arent really hard to work on, its that they arent as reliable as the 300CD turbo...definately get turbo, Im up at 7k feet, and I have a hard time getting going...well having the 17s on doesnt help either =)

[ctaylor738]

We had a 1982 300D - turbo - for many years, and I had a 1979 280E for about five years. I greatly preferred the 280E, and would thus vote for the CE.

Whatever you do, get a late 1981 or later car that has the horizontal buttons for the climate control. The worst part of the 280E was was the early setup with the infamous servo.

The CD is faster off the line only because the transmission shifts into 1st at a stop. On the gas cars, they start in 2nd unless you really mash the throttle or pull the handle into L. You can change the modulator to get the gas cars to do the same.

Occasionally, a euro 280CE with a manual trans appears - that's the one to get!

[a2aa]

280 CE

DOHC
STRAIGHT SIX
GAS
RARE

for those too concerned about mileage- get a honda

[rbmercedes]

check out the 83 280ce posted today
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2403306091&category=6329

[jas2wa]

The US 280CE is strangled with emissions crap, and as such, makes low power and sucks gas. A euro spec CE, even with auto trans, is much faster and efficient. The pre-emissions US spec fuel injected sixes are great, but of course pre-date the 123 coupe.
Otherwise, as others have said, the CD with 617 turbodiesel is the way to go. I have a sedan and a wagon each with this engine, the coupe would be no less enjoyable. Love that pillarless hardtop look.

-JAS

My '78 280CE is a looker here in NYC. For speed/commute, I drive my '98 Ford Crown Vic Police Interceptor. For a weekend cruise, the 280CE is just the ticket... cruising the way you're supposed to.

[pj67coll]

There is nothing wrong with the 110 twin overhead cam motor of the 280CE. I had one in a 280S and it was a superb unit.

It may not be quite as long lived as a diesel but that's just because of the difference between gas and diesel engines, not because the 280 is a poor design. Outside of the US most of the worlds top level Mercedes were 280's using this power plant and it worked perfectly from 1973 to the late 1980's.

280 (W114 or 5?)(W123), 280E (W114)(W123) 280C/E (W114)(W123) 280S, 280SE, 280SEL, (W116 and W126), 280SL (R107), 280GE (Gelandewagen).

If the US unit is indeed screwed with emissions crap and a lower compression ratio as others on this thread have stated then the performance advantages over the 300D might well be absent. In which case I'd go for the 300CD (preferably turbo) given the greater longevity of the diesel and the probably much greater proliferation of parts/expertise in the US for the diesel as opposed to the gasser.

- Peter.