280ce on carbs

[Jamie-M]

Can anyone tell me what the deal is with the 280ce engine on carbs? I've read that they're down on power compared with the injected engines. Do they still pull well? Is there a difference with economy and reliability? And are they any less sought after and valuable than a later injected 280ce? Any thoughts greatly appreciated as I'm going to look at one today.

Thanks

 

[Charles Morgan]

Which model? W114 W123? If carbs it would be 280C not CE unless its been converted.

They pull well, but on economy and power they are down.

 

[Jamie-M]

It's a 1978 w123. I guess if you wanted you could put bigger carbs on? I was just wondering if they're temperamental and if it affects the desirability and price of the car?

 

[Charles Morgan]

You could indeed put bigger carbs on, but without improving the compression or size of manifolds you'd simply wasting fuel.

I think a 78 W123 with carbs is a lot less desirable than injection. As to temperamentality, it might need a tune, easier to do than refurbish the K jet injection.

Is it an import?

 

[Jamie-M]

I don't believe it's an import. It's actually a real nice motor, just not sure if I want a model with carbs and no power steering. Guess that's the compromise unless you're paying top money?

 

[Charles Morgan]

Try it and see, never rule out a good condition reasonably priced car until you've tried it. MB cars of that era have large steering wheels so the absence of PAS might be less concerning than on a sportier model.

I suspect the fuel consumption will be a killer though. Converting to modern Holley carb might get you a better result, but it will cost.

 

[Jamie-M]

Thanks, so there are carb options to improve it then? I'll have a look and see, like you say it's not the end of the world to have a '78 car in decent condition.

 

[John Jones Jr]

just not sure if I want a model with carbs and no power steering.

No, you really don't. In my view it's unsaleable unless the price truly reflects the above mentioned and then it would be advisable to refit both the fuel injection system and P/S. Actually it sounds like somebody modded the car for as some sort of pseudo competition car.


P.s. Personally, I'd buy a complete car!

 

[Bellow]

Think about retro fitting PAS. Sweating at the wheel of a W123 just isn't on!
Have an ask around to find out if the W123 steering box was carried over to the 190 or W124. Ditto pump. Brackets and hoses after that. Job done.

If the carbs are behaving and aren't so worn as to make getting a decent tune impossible you'd be as well stick with them. All the options will be expensive for very little gain - unless you get lucky and trip over a fuel injected system in good condition at a bargain price.

 

[grober]

If you are talking about the twin cam M110 engine I don't think it ever came with twin caburettors. The carburettor version was a single 4 choke solex I believe [ reputed to be notorious to keep in tune] otherwise Jetronic K CIS injection. On paper there wasn't much between them on power altho the injection would have the edge on economy. The last Mercedes engines with twin carbs [ Zeniths I think] were the single cam engines the M114 at 2.5 litre and possibly the M130 which ended up as a 280. Whether it ever had twin carbs or ever ended up in the W123 I'm unsure
Mercedes-Benz M130 engine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

AND

W123

 

[John Jones Jr]

Whether it ever had twin carbs or ever ended up in the W123 I'm unsure

The Op's car certainly didn't as it's an 'E'.

 

[Charles Morgan]

There was a Solex powered 280C - I think it is that and the E has somehow crept into the description. I can't think of many people who'd swap it back to carb.

 

[John Jones Jr]

Yes, I'm fairly certain there was a 'C', maybe an early production version.