The Mercedes 280 was produced by German automaker Mercedes Benz from 1976 to 1985. It was part of a line of cars based on the Mercedes chassis W123. Overall, the W123 models sold a total of 2.5 million units, easily surpassing its predecessor – the eight-stoke W114/W115 models. The 280 was introduced by Mercedes in 1976 along with the other W123 models. Unlike its W123 siblings that featured four unevenly sized round headlamps, the 280 models (280/280E) featured large rectangular headlamps. A later facelift made the rectangular units the standard across the range. The facelift that occurred in 1982 also standardized power steering and an optional five-speed manual transmission was also made available except on one W123 model – the 300TDT. Both the carbureted 280 and fuel injection 280E had a 2.8-liter M110 I6 engine carried over from the W115.and generated 164lf/ft of torque while the 280E engine produced 182 hp and 173lb/ft of torque. A coupe version on a wheelbase shorter than the four-door saloon was added in 1976, known as the 280C and the CE. This version was known as the 230C in some markets as well. The 280C was capable of 154 hp and produced 164 lb/ft of torque at 4000 rpm. At its initial release, the 280CE engine generated 175 hp at 5500 rpm. An uprated engine in 1978 increased output to 185 hp with 169 lb/ft of torque at 4500 rpm. Torque generation of the unit was increased to 173 lb/ft at 4500 rpm in 1979. A new version, the 280TE, was offered in 1978. This version had the same engine as the others. The 280TE engine was capable of 175 hp and 173 lb/ft of torque at 4500 rpm. The carbureted 280 was phased out in 1981, but production of the fuel injection 280E continued until 1985. All W123 models, including the used Mercedes 280 series, had options of Mercedes texturized vinyl, interior wood trim, leather upholstery, right side mirrors, five-speed and four speed auto transmission, power windows, central locking, sun roof, air conditioning, climate control, cruise control, seat heating, sun roof, self-locking differential, engine pre-start heating, catalytic converter, and many others. Standard on all W123 models were power-assisted disc brakes. Other options were added along the way – an automatic braking system in 1980 and retractable steering column and driver’s airbag in 1982. Mercedes ended the production of the W123 line in 1985. The last models of the 280 series were the 280E, and the 280CE.