280 SL v 280 SE

[Brennie]

Silly question.. but.. were 280 SE engines ever used in 280 SLs of the late sixties early seventies in the UK ..?

[Cees Klumper]

I don't think any 280 SL ever left the factory with anything other than an SL engine ...

What happened after ("used in England") they were sold to customers, I would guess that after the warranty period expired, some owners may have opted to replace broken SL engines with good used SE engines, like we still do today.

[ja17]

I think Brennie might be referring to the later M110 twin cam 280SE engines? Those engines were never used in the Pagoda or the W108 etc.

[Brennie]

Well… I’m told that my car has the original engine from the factory.. (letter of authenticity etc supplied by the last owner).. and, it says 280SE on the block.. that’s why I’m asking… I’ve seen one that has 280 SL/SE on it.. ?

[Lorsar]

Do you have the data card?

[Brennie]

Yes.. I do..

[Lorsar]

Look for the number stamped on the motor for match with what is on the data card

[Cees Klumper]

The '280SE' you may be reading off the cylinder head rather than the engine block it sits on top of. The engine will have an engine number stamped in. I believe 280SE is not uncommon on a Pagoda engine block.

[alchemist]

I have a 1967 230SL with 280 L engine replaced by the previous owner. I also have 1972 250C which has a 2.8 L engine with twin carburetors. It seems that both of these engines are identical. When I purchase a part for the 230SL, I buy the same part for 250C, which is identical to the one on the 230SL I also have M110 engine with twin cams installed on 1974 280SL R107 which is different than the one mentioned earlier. This MB is imported from Germany which was not marketed by MB USA. Recently, I updated the front end of the 230SL and installed the long water pump along with plastic fan marketed for 250C, successfully. I save a lot of money going that way.