*** Interested parties should note, this vehicle was subject to a CAT S insurance loss in 04/2018 ***
Highlights
- One of the last 280TEs built
- Attractive "Petrol Blue Green Metallic" code 877 metallic with beige leather with Bundt alloys
- Rare factory spec including air conditioning, cruise control, and mechanical sunroof
- Current keeper since 2020 and used as a daily driver
- Long list of mechanical and cosmetic improvements since purchase
- UK RHD car that is now MOT and tax exempt
- Private plate included
The Appeal
It took Mercedes a long time to deign to build an estate, but when it did it changed everything. The T-Class S123 gave buyers the practicality of a Volvo with the exclusivity and engineering excellence of a Mercedes. It was a huge success.
The enduring appeal of these cars owes much to their style and quality, but also their sheer usability. As the current keeper of this very smart "Petrol Blue Green Metallic" code 877 metallic 280TE proves, because he’s been using it as a daily driver since buying it in 2020. It is in good, usable order with a very smart and well kept beige leather interior. The car was factory supplied with some choice options that set it apart from other examples, such as Bundt ‘Mexican Hat’ alloys, the leather cabin, cruise control and air conditioning, both of which are fully working.
Since buying the car the vendor has not cut corners on maintenance. He tells us that the work has been done not out of necessity, but for reliability and peace of mind. The braking system, front suspension, air conditioning, fuel system, cooling system, and ignition have all received significant attention, and a custom stainless steel exhaust has been fitted. We’re told that since buying the car, the vendor has stated that the car was serviced every 3,000 miles or 6 months, whichever is sooner. Full details of the work completed can be found in The Detail section below.
Inside, the factory beige leather and Zebrano wood trim present well, with Cocomats protecting the carpets throughout. The exterior is honest and presentable, though it shows daily-use wear and some areas of corrosion around the arches and lower body that would benefit from attention. The paint is not original and appears to have been applied prior to current ownership. Buyers should note that the car carries an insurance category on record, and the vendor believes there was previous nearside front damage. The vendor describes it as a wonderful and reliable companion that has never let them down — a characterful, sought-after estate with a great deal of recent investment.
The vendor says:
“This 280TE has been a wonderful and reliable friend to me over the last 6 years. I've done my best to look after it, and in return it has never let me down - be it moving house or lugging equipment across the country. It's a difficult prospect to replicate - an enthusiast owned, uncommon car, factory fitted with some rare and useful options.”
Key Information
- Mileage: 131,464 miles indicated
- Country of registration: United Kingdom
- Technical inspection status: exempt, last test to April 2024 with no advisories
- Technical specs: 2,746cc fuel injected inline-six petrol, four-speed automatic
- Paperwork: V5C present; no history or paperwork from previous owners
- Registration: private registration plate B2NHP included in the sale
- The car has an insurance category on record
Note:
V5C declares the vehicle has been used overseas. DVLA records indicate car first registered in UK.
Factory options advised by seller:
- 255 Beige Leather Interior
- 877 Petrol Blue Green Paint
- 411 Mechanical sliding roof
- 420 4-speed automatic transmission with Tempomat
- 440 Tempomat (cruise control)
- 461 Instrument with mileage reading and English lettering
- 466 Central locking system
- 467 (Code 461 and 466)
- 512 Radio MB special with traffic news decoder (VK), with RDS
- 531 Automatic antenna
- 550 Trailer coupling
- 580 Air conditioner
- 600 Headlamp wiper/washer
The vendor says:
“I bought the car in July 2020 from a dealer. Sadly, it did not come with any history or paperwork from the previous owners. On the V5C, it is declared as an imported vehicle - possibly from Japan or South Africa as it is a RHD example. It has also been categorised. I believe there was once damage to the nearside front, as the wing is pattern and the suspension upright has a slot for an ABS sensor, which implies it was replaced at some point. The car turned 40 a few months ago so is now MOT and tax exempt.
“Decoding the VIN would suggest the car was one of the final run of 1329 280TEs built in the Bremen factory in 1985. 280TEs represent less than 1% of W123 production.”
The Detail
- Long list of recent maintenance detailed below with invoices in photos and on file
- Attractive Petrol Blue ("Petrol Blue Green Metallic" code 877 ) in good general condition for age
- Oil and filter changed every 3,000 miles using Millers Pistoneeze 20W50
- Occasional minor oil drip from the sump
- Vendor reports no active oil or coolant consumption
- Rear suspension reported to work as intended with no leaks or sag
- Lanoguard underbody coating applied annually
- Paint is not original
- Car appears to have been repainted prior to current ownership
- Some corrosion around the wheel arches and lower body
- Paint blister noted under the model badge and below one of the rear windows
- Rear bumper slightly misaligned on one side
- Bundt alloy wheels show some lacquer peel
- Headlamp wipers non-functional and removed and are included with the car for refurbishment
- Both front seats rebuilt with Kurth Classics reinforcement kits
- Driver's seat base shows the most wear; the vendor reports the remaining seats present well
- Full set of Cocomats fitted throughout, including luggage compartment
- Original carpet reported in good condition beneath mats
- Dynamat sound insulation added in selected areas
- Zebrano wood trim reported in good condition with no obvious cracks or peeling
- Matching wooden gearknob and centre console sourced
- Sunroof slides open and locks closed with no reported leaks
- Sunroof drains cleaned and tracks regreased
- Stereo upgraded to Blaupunkt Bremen SQR DAB head unit with upgraded front and added rear speakers
- Original unit included
- Cruise control (Tempomat) reported to work well
- Rare cargo net and luggage cover unit present and functional
- Rare original Oris roof rack included
- Full-size spare wheel, jack and incomplete original tool roll in the rear
- Fitted car cover in a Mercedes-Club holdall included
- Two vintage leather storage boxes added in the rear
Summary of work since vendor acquired car:
Brake system overhauled:
- EBC discs
- Greenstuff pads
- Braided brake hose
- All four callipers professionally refurbished by BCS
- Callipers painted to match the body colour
- New master cylinder was also installed.
Suspension overhaul in 2023:
- Disassembled, refurbished and replaced front suspension
- All bushes and ball joints replaced with OEM Lemforder components
- Springs powder coated
- Front shock absorbers replaced with Bilstein units
- Rear differential mount and gearbox mount replaced
Air conditioning system overhauled:
- Described by seller as almost entirely brand new
- R134a compatible condenser
- Compressor, expansion valve, drier and O-rings installed
- System charged and runs very cold
Fuel system work:
- New fuel pump, filter and pressure accumulator replaced recently
- New fuel injectors and seals
Cooling system:
- New water pump
- Replacement thermostat
- Runs on Evans Waterless Coolant
Other work:
- Modern 123-Tune Electronic ignition unit with Bluetooth functionality
- High-output coil
- Custom set of HT leads
- Original components come with the car
Exhaust system:
- Full custom fabricated
- High-flow stainless steel system
- AMG-style tips
The vendor says:
“Mechanically the car has no major issues that I'm aware of. She starts, runs, changes gear and stops very reliably. I have regularly driven around the country in it. There's always been an occasional drip of oil from the sump but it does not actively consume oil or coolant. The rear suspension works as intended and does not leak or sag. As with any car with a steering box, there's a bit of a dead zone in the centre of the wheel. The cruise control works well and holds the car steady at any speed requested.
“The car has been a daily driver. In recent years, I have replaced and upgraded many components - not out of necessity but for reliability and peace of mind. A few of the major items are listed here, but I have done many other small jobs on the car.”
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.
✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.
