politeperson
New Member
- Joined
- Jul 22, 2004
- Messages
- 1
- Location
- Lincolnshire
- Car
- w111 220se, G wagon, w125 500sec, w111 250 sec, Audi a3 130 tdi
I have just purchased a 1985 w123 280te with a manual 5 speed getrag gearbox. It is rusty but drives superbly. The engine and box are going in my 1961 220 se Coupe until i restore the original running gear (expensive).
I have only ever heard bad things about manual boxes from this era but driving this car was a revelation.
The manual box has a nice change and cruises at high speeds at low RPM with bags in reserve (80mph at 3,000 rpm in 5th). Hold it in the intermediate gears and the car flies. 100mph in 3rd and excellent acceleration over 4000 rpm. I know speed is relative to what you are used to but I have a 1000cc motorbike and my daily driver was a 560sec and beleive me this old tub flies!
The character of the engine gives the car a really sporty feel. The 6 cylinder engine sounds like a sports car from the 60's and so I hope it will compliment my old 220se coupe which might even be a bit lighter (and so hopefully go a bit faster).
Does anyone have any info of this spec w123 as I cant find any production data or performance figures and any reference to manual w123s refers to the old 4speed transmission.
PS The w123 has v good doors, tailgate chrome and interior if anyone is interested. James 01205 353584
I have only ever heard bad things about manual boxes from this era but driving this car was a revelation.
The manual box has a nice change and cruises at high speeds at low RPM with bags in reserve (80mph at 3,000 rpm in 5th). Hold it in the intermediate gears and the car flies. 100mph in 3rd and excellent acceleration over 4000 rpm. I know speed is relative to what you are used to but I have a 1000cc motorbike and my daily driver was a 560sec and beleive me this old tub flies!
The character of the engine gives the car a really sporty feel. The 6 cylinder engine sounds like a sports car from the 60's and so I hope it will compliment my old 220se coupe which might even be a bit lighter (and so hopefully go a bit faster).
Does anyone have any info of this spec w123 as I cant find any production data or performance figures and any reference to manual w123s refers to the old 4speed transmission.
PS The w123 has v good doors, tailgate chrome and interior if anyone is interested. James 01205 353584
