This 1985 Mercedes-Benz 280TE is a Dutch-market example that was imported to the US in 1985, and it is finished in Thistle Green over Cream leather upholstery. Power comes from a 2.8-liter inline-six paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Equipment includes European-specification headlights, 14″ Bundt alloy wheels, anti-lock brakes, roof rails, power rear windows, and a 60/40 split-folding rear bench. The car spent time in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, California, and Nevada, and it was purchased by the seller on BaT in April 2023. This W123 is offered with service records, an accident-free Carfax report, and a California title in the seller’s name.

The car was finished in Thistle Green Metallic (881U) from the factory, and several body panels were reportedly repainted under prior ownership. Exterior details include roof rails, a rear fog light, a rear-window wiper, and a European-specification front bumper and headlights. Photos provided in the gallery below show faded paint on the roof and several other panels, a dent in the right-rear quarter panel above the taillight, and other imperfections around the body.

Bundt 14″ alloy wheels are fitted with 195/70 front and 205/70 rear General Altimax RT43 tires. The car was equipped from the factory with anti-lock brakes and a hydraulic self-leveling rear suspension.

The front bucket seats and the split-folding rear bench are upholstered in Cream leather (255) and are accompanied by color-coordinated door panels and carpets. Other appointments include power rear windows and central locking along with an aftermarket stereo that is disconnected. The car is also equipped with automatic climate control, although the air conditioning does not work. The tailgate needs to be unlocked manually, and the central dash vents do not open and close properly. Cracks in the wood trim, dashboard, and leather upholstery are shown in the gallery along with loose door trim, worn switchgear, and other interior blemishes.

The four-spoke steering wheel frames a replacement instrument cluster with a 150-mph speedometer, a tachometer, an analog clock, and gauges for fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and fuel economy. The six-digit odometer shows 192k miles, approximately 1,300 of which were added under current ownership. Total mileage is unknown.

The 2.8-liter M110 inline-six sends power to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. The seller reports replacing the battery in 2023.

Additional underside images are viewable in the gallery.

The data plate decodes as follows:

• 881 – Thistle Green paint
• 255 – Cream leather upholstery
• 428 – 5-speed manual transmission
• 466 – Central locking
• 470 – Anti-lock brakes
• 481 – Undershields
• 588 – Automatic climate control, electric windows
• 593  – Heat-insulating glass, heated rear window
• 600 – Headlamp wipers/washers

A replacement dash cover and spare velour carpet material are included in the sale, as are an owner’s manual along with import and service records.

The Carfax report is free of accident or damage entries.

The car requires further inspections by the California Air Resources Board and is blocked from emissions inspections there until that time, and as a result it cannot be sold to an in-state private-party buyer.

The vehicle’s California title carries a “NON USA” note under Vehicle History.