NO RESERVE!! 1996 Mercedes C280, Straight-6 Engine, Runs Great!

1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Description

No Reserve!!

1996 Mercedes C280 Sedan

2.8 L Straight 6 Engine, Auto Transmission

Runs Great, Cold A/C, Good Heat

Previously a Mercedes Certified Used Vehicle, then later was a Carmax vehicle

Passed MD Inspection last July

Last Engine Oil and Filter Change 4 weeks ago

Transmission Oil and Filter Change in August

Please read the description fully and ensure that you can meet the obligations of this auction before bidding.

As is stated above, this is a NO RESERVE auction for a 1996 Mercedes C280 sedan. I bought this car at the end of last summer for my wife to use over winter. It was MD state inspected. I changed the transmission oil, filter, and pan gasket with a MB filter and Valvoline MaxLife fluid. Engine oil and filter changes have been with Rotella 5W – 30 and either Mercedes or Napa filters. I just changed the engine oil and filter again at the beginning of April. There was no service history when I got the car, but you could tell it had been taken care of over the years. A sticker inside the driver’s door shows that this was previously a Mercedes Certified Used Vehicle, and another shows that it was previously a Carmax used vehicle. It did a great job over winter and did not give us any troubles. We’ve taken it on multiple trips to DC, and my wife drove it to New York City just before Christmas. This car is not perfect cosmetically, but I have found it to be mechanically sound, very reliable, and a pleasure to drive. With warm weather coming, my wife is back to driving her convertible, so the C280 is just sitting in the driveway unused. I hate to sell it because it’s such a good car, but I already have a car and a truck to drive myself, so it’s just taking up space and needs to go to a good home.

This Mercedes has the big straight 6 engine. The engine runs well, has plenty of power, and always starts right up. It does not overheat or have blow-by. The engine does have a slow oil leak, which is common with these older straight-6s. It hasn’t caused any trouble and rarely requires additional oil. At the last oil change I followed the recommendation of only filling to the “halfway” spot between “min” and “max” on the dipstick instead of up to the “max” line, and I haven’t noticed the leak as much since. That was 4 weeks ago and the oil level has barely dropped. The leak is coming from the front right corner of the engine somewhere. It could be the timing cover gasket or the head gasket, but it’s hard to tell. The transmission shifts normally for an older Mercedes. The brakes are strong, and the suspension provides a smooth, but firm ride that is comfortable on the highway and the back roads. I think it could use some new front shocks though.

The grey interior of this car is in above average condition for the age. It’s not perfect, there are a few small stains here or there on the seats and carpets, but overall it is clean. There are no cracks on the dash, center console, or door panels. The seats are in good shape, clean, and very supportive. The heater is strong, and the A/C blows cold. The radio works. There is an XD radio unit, but it is unplugged and I’ve never tried to use it. There is also a CD-changer in the trunk that I have never used. This car has power seats, locks, sunroof, and mirrors. It has cruise control, but the stalk needs to be repaired or replaced for it to work. There are no warning lights showing on the dash. Over winter the check engine light came on for a p1700 code. This is associated with a malfunction in a vacuum switch that helps reduce emissions in cold weather. I cleared it when the weather warmed and it hasn’t come back. The headliner is going bad in places and I just stuck some pins in it to keep it up. This car has twin airbags for safety.

The exterior of the car is in OK shape for the age. I believe that the paint color is “midnight blue.” It looks great from a few feet away, however, up close there are numerous small scratches, and the expected little stone chips all over the place. There is no sign of accident damage, and there is no rust. The body and the undercarriage are solid. The alloy wheels look good, and are wrapped in Yokohama tires that have plenty of tread. The wiper and all of the exterior lights work as well. The power antenna has been snapped off, but I haven’t noticed an effect on the radio.

This is a great older Mercedes that deserves to go to a good home. If we had the space I would keep it to use next winter. It’s served us well, and will make a fine car for someone else. The title is clear and ready to be signed over to you. This car is in good shape for its age, but it is not perfect, as noted with the oil leak and scratched paint. It is 21 years old, so you can expect to have to do some maintenance from time to time. In my opinion the condition of this car is average for the age, but that is my opinion. I’d recommend that you please read the description thoroughly, look at all of the pictures, and come see the car to decide for yourself before you bid. I invite serious bidders to please come and see / drive this car. If you want to come, please contact me at least 24 hours ahead of time so that I can make time to meet you. I reserve the right to accept offers made on this car that are in accordance with ebay rules, but will not accept any offers on the final day or after the end of the auction. Buyer is responsible for transport. I only accept cash, so the buyer must come in person to make the cash payment and sign / pick-up the title.

PLEASE READ:

Payment is to be made in cash. Paypal and Bank Transfers are not cash, cash is physical, paper money.

Buyer must present a valid driver’s license at the time of pick-up for me to fill out the back of the title.

A $200 deposit is due within 24 hours of the auction's end. This can be paid through Paypal. The remainder is to be paid in cash at the time of pick-up.

Bidders with zero or negative feedback must contact me prior to bidding – I will delete your bids otherwise. Do not send me angry emails when you bid without contacting me, and then find that I have deleted your bids and blocked you from further bidding on the auction.

This car is sold AS IS, with NO WARRANTY. Please examine the supersized photos, and contact me if you have any questions. Serious bidders are welcome to come see the car, just give me notice ahead of time so I can adjust my schedule.

Payment is to be made in CASH at pick-up. Winning bidder must contact me within 24 hours of the end of the auction. The car must be picked up within 10 days of the end of the auction.