Get the Best Priced Mercedes 280SE Parts

The classic Mercedes 280SE was part of a series built on the W111 chassis between 1959 and 1971. Originally, these were all 4 door sedans, but 2 door coupes and convertibles were introduced in 1961 and were produced for the next ten years. The first models were powered by a 2.2 liter inline six. Soon however, a four cylinder version, labeled the W110, was introduced, followed by the W112, which was equipped with a larger six cylinder engine. The Mercedes 280SE itself was introduced as a coupe and a convertible cabriolet in 1967. The model received an engine upgrade in 1969, and continued in production until the W111 platform was discontinued two years later.

Mercedes had been around for over fifty years by the time World War 2 ended. During the postwar rebuilding of the German economy, Mercedes-Benz came out with its high-priced 300 series of sport roadsters and touring cars. Although these fine vehicles made a name for the company outside of Germany, it was the lower priced, more practical Ponton sedans that made the company the most sales.

In the late 1950s, Mercedes came up with some cutting edge safety technology that was not adopted on U.S. vehicles until the 1960s. One of these was the retractable seatbelt (which were not even required on U.S. vehicles at the time). Another was "crumple zones" for the front and back, designed to absorb the force of a collision (small wonder: as the first nation to have high-speed freeways, German drivers were no strangers to high-speed accidents). In 1956, Mercedes came out with its tailfin model, the Heckflosse, which was designed specifically for the U.S. import market.

The first W111 models rolled off the assembly line in August of 1959. However, it was another eight years before Mercedes produced the firt 280SE. Despite having a smaller engine than other models in the series, its performance was better than the others, with 160 horses under the hood and the ability to go from zero to sixty in just over 10 seconds - respectable acceleration for the time. The 280SE also featured a wood veneer dash panel and door lock buttons.

The 280 SE got a larger, more powerful engine in 1969. This was a 3.5 liter V8, generating 200 horsepower, giving it a top speed of 130 miles per hour. With a four speed manual transmission, the acceleration rate was improved, going to 100 miles per hour from a dead stop in 9.5 seconds.

Today, a 1970 vintage Mercedes 280SE convertible for sale can fetch over $100,000. Even Mercedes Benz 280SE accessories and parts can be pricey when its time to do maintenance, upgrades and repairs. When you're looking to buy Mercedes 280SE parts, it's a good idea to shop around, especially online. PartsGeek.com carries a full line of auto parts and accessories at steep discounts; often, the price is as much as 80% off what you would pay elsewhere.