All prices shown here are based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. The Hagerty Price Guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.com/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of The Hagerty Group LLC, ©2025 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Hagerty Group, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty, Inc.
1980 Mercedes-Benz 280SE
4dr Sedan
6-cyl. 2746cc/142hp Bosch FI
#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good
$9,600*
-22%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
Apr 2025
Let us watch the market for you
We update the Hagerty Price Guide each quarter. Sign up for alerts and we'll notify you about value changes for the cars you love.
1972-1980 Mercedes-Benz W116 stats
Highest sale
$186,341
Lowest sale
$1,650
Most recent sale
$99,225
Sales
98
Photos
36 photosImages may not reflect selected vehicle.
Past sales
$99,225
1979 Mercedes-Benz 300SD Base
7000 M
Automatic
North America
Jan 7, 2025Bring a Trailer
View details
$40,606
1980 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL Base
Europe
Dec 4, 2024Bonhams
View details
$18,900
1980 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL Base
46000 M
Automatic
North America
Nov 26, 2024Bring a Trailer
View details
$4,750
1980 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL Base
370000 K
Automatic
North America
Oct 22, 2024Bring a Trailer
View details
$7,035
1975 Mercedes-Benz 280S Base
42000 M
Automatic
North America
Oct 4, 2024Bring a Trailer
View details
$56,700
1979 Mercedes-Benz 300SD Base
52000 M
Automatic
North America
Sep 26, 2024Bring a Trailer
View details
Insurance
Protect your 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280SE from the unexpected.
Better coverage built for classics at a price you can afford. Online quotes are fast and easy
Model overview
Model description
Mercedes-Benz’s introduction of the W116 in 1972 not only signaled the replacement of the previous W108/109 series, but also marked the beginning of the top-of-the-line “S Class” (Sonderklasse). This substantial sedan boasted muscular and imposing styling as well as a new chassis with a 112-inch wheelbase, four-wheel disc brakes, and all-around independent suspension that featured a unique twin control arm front suspension.
A range of engines was available upon introduction that included two different versions of the company’s familiar 2.8-liter inline-six: a 160-hp Solex- carbureted version for the 280S, and a 182-hp fuel-injected version for the 280SE. U.S. customers had to settle for emissions-equipped 120- and 142-hp versions of each car respectively, and both engines could be had with automatic or manual four-speed gearboxes. A 3.0-liter turbocharged 110-hp inline-five became available for economy-minded North American customers in the form of the 300SD in 1977, and this car was only available with a four-speed automatic transmission.
The W116 series represents a milestone in Mercedes history in pioneering many innovative safety features that have now become commonplace. Protected fuel tank placement, crumple zones, and carefully engineered interior padding were integrated in the design from the outset, and helped make the S-Class some of the safest cars on the road.
Slightly less than 275,000 examples of the six cylinder S-Class Mercedes-Benzes were produced from 1972 to 1980, and an additional 28,600 of the diesel 300SDs were built from 1977 to 1980. In spite of lackluster performance, these diesels have an especially enthusiastic like following due to smaller production numbers and characteristic diesel torque, reliability, and economy. The gas variants offer more spirited performance, yet they all offer roadholding and handling that, thanks to their high degree of suspension engineering, is confident and engaging. The materials and build quality of the S-Class makes these cars the automotive equivalent of the DC-3, adding further to the allure of these stately sedans.
Vehicle specifications
- Shipping Weight3439 lbs
- Vehicle Length196.7 in
- Wheelbase - Inches115.6 in
Find more values
Search for prices of other cars, trucks, vans and motorcycles
Common Questions
The value of a 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280SE can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $9,600 for a 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280SE in good condition with average spec.
The highest selling price of a 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280SE at auction over the last three years was $17,414. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.
The lowest selling price of a 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280SE at auction over the last three years was $2,550. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.
In the last three years there have been 3 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280SEs sold at public auction.
The most recent auction sale of a 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280SE was $2,550 on June 03, 2023 by Bring a Trailer.
Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.
Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.
Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.
The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.