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Mercedes-Benz - 280SE (1985)
Looking for an accurate snapshot of the Mercedes-Benz 280SE price without the noise of dealership markups or auction surprises? Dive into an unfiltered overview of the 1985 Mercedes-Benz 280SE and discover how this iconic sedan stacks up in today's market.
- Model Year: 1985
- Engine: 3.5‑liter inline‑four (M103) swept 41.2 L, producing roughly 140 hp
- Transmission: 4‑speed automatic (optional manual) with overdrive
- Fuel Type: Gasoline (regular 87/89 octane)
- Drive: Front‑wheel drive with limited‑swing axle
- Chassis: C‑Platform, body‑on‑frame construction
- Dimensions: Length – 4,568 mm; Width – 1,705 mm; Height – 1,442 mm; Wheelbase – 2,665 mm
- Weight: 1,470 kg (gross)
- Interior Features: Leather upholstery, power steering, power windows, power seat adjustments, automatic climate control (optional), digital radio display
- Safety: Dual front airbags, ABS (later models), parking sensors (optional)
When you ask “Mercedes-Benz 280SE 1985 price”, the answer routinely swivels around the condition and mileage of the vehicle. A 1985 280SE in mint condition with original parts might fly higher on the market, whereas a heavily used example—especially one with considerable wear on the suspension—will sit at the lower end of the spectrum. That said, Mercedes-Benz 280SE depreciation follows a regular pattern. In its first few years of ownership, a 280SE typically loses about 15‑20% of its initial value annually, reflecting common trends for luxury sedans of its era.
Fast forward to today. Used Mercedes-Benz 280SE price figures hinge on a handful of key factors: mileage (typically 85–125 k miles for a 1985 model), mechanical condition (original engine and transmission versus aftermarket swaps), and cosmetic integrity (weathering, interior wear). A ballpark estimate across the United States suggests most 280SEs sit in the $9,000–$13,000 range when in decent condition. Again, these numbers can shift dramatically based on geographic demand and the overall supply of well‑preserved models.
What will a 1985 Mercedes-Benz 280SE be worth after a decade of owning it? The Mercedes-Benz 280SE depreciation curve is fairly predictable; after five years, you can expect a drop of roughly 45‑50% from new values. Over the long haul, the vehicle typically stabilizes around 30‑35% of the original retail cost after 15+ years. Those figures are merely averages. A meticulously maintained 280SE with a solid service history—and possibly a low mileage audit from an independent verifier—may trade pleasantly above that baseline.
Our depreciation insight section delves deeper:
- Year 1: 15‑20% depreciation value (first‑hand experience)
- Years 2‑3: 10‑12% per year as the car enters the mid‑used market
- Years 4‑6: 5‑8% per year, reflecting the car’s transition to a classic gathering point
- Years 7‑10: 3‑5% per year; the 280SE’s value plateaus and hinges on collector interest
- Beyond 10 years: Depreciation slows sharply, value determined by quality, rarity, and restoration effort
If you’re trying to gauge whether the Mercedes-Benz 280SE depreciation curve makes sense to your buying or selling plans, consider this comparison: a 1986 Mercedes-Benz 600—shared frame and some components—typically commands double what a 280SE offers after five years, but still sees a 55‑60% drop from its new retail price. The 280SE’s mileage band and powertrain durability make it a more accessible entry point for enthusiasts who want a classic Mercedes without the 600’s wealth of extras.
Now, let’s place the 280SE against peer models. In terms of luxury sedan performance, the Torino and the 300G are often compared due to their comparable period, chassis, and market positioning. Compared to the used Mercedes-Benz 280SE price of other German luxury models, the 280SE generally offers an excellent balance: robust power, classic styling cues, and a relatively lower maintenance profile when the engine remains stock.
Market position matters: The 280SE ranks highly in the classic luxury sedan niche, especially among collectors who favor mid‑80s 4‑door models with a pure gasoline engine (contrasting the diesel options in later generations). Its popularity in the U.S. aftermarket community is bolstered by a frequent pipeline of clubs and discussion groups, with the Mercedes-Benz 280SE 1985 price often highlighted in guarged forums and auction previews.
Last 20 car trackeds
| Last tracked date | Status | Price | Price rank | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 years ago | used | £16,495.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 4 years ago | used | £16,495.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 4 years ago | used | £16,495.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £16,495.00 | Unlock all links | |
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| 5 years ago | used | £6,995.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £6,995.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £6,995.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £6,995.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £6,995.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £6,995.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £6,995.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £6,995.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £6,995.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £6,995.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £6,995.00 | Unlock all links |