The Mercedes-Benz W111 Coupe 280 SE, produced between November 1967 and May 1971, represents the pinnacle of elegant grand touring from the German automaker during that era. As part of the W111 series, which also included saloons, the Coupe offered a more sporting and exclusive alternative. The 280 SE designation indicates the engine displacement and fuel injection system – a significant advancement for its time. While not initially a high-volume seller in the United States, the W111 Coupe gained a following among discerning buyers who appreciated its blend of luxury, performance, and sophisticated engineering. It served as a precursor to the later Mercedes-Benz coupes, establishing a tradition of refined, two-door grand tourers.
The Mercedes-Benz W111 Coupe 280 SE: A Detailed Overview
The W111 series, introduced in 1959, was a crucial model for Mercedes-Benz, replacing the earlier “Fintail” models. The Coupe variant, launched later in the production run, distinguished itself with its sleek, pillarless design and more focused driving experience. The 280 SE, the final iteration of the W111 Coupe, benefited from the introduction of fuel injection, enhancing both performance and drivability. This model occupied a premium segment, competing with other luxury coupes from manufacturers like BMW and Jaguar.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 280 SE Coupe is its 2.8-liter (2778 cm3) inline-six cylinder engine, designated M 130 E 28 / 130.980. This engine produced 160 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 240 Nm (177.01 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4250 rpm. The engine featured multi-port manifold fuel injection, a relatively advanced technology for the late 1960s, which contributed to improved fuel efficiency and smoother power delivery. Power per liter was a respectable 57.6 hp/l for the period. The engine’s longitudinal front-mounted layout and naturally aspirated design were typical of high-performance European cars of the time.
Power was delivered to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) took 10.5 seconds, and 0 to 60 mph was achieved in approximately 10 seconds. The top speed was rated at 190 km/h (118.06 mph). The weight-to-power ratio of 9.4 kg/Hp and weight-to-torque ratio of 6.3 kg/Nm indicated a reasonably balanced performance profile for a luxury coupe of its size and era. Fuel consumption was rated at 12.3 l/100 km (19.1 US mpg, 23 UK mpg, 8.1 km/l).
Design & Features
The W111 Coupe is renowned for its elegant and timeless design. The pillarless construction, a hallmark of premium coupes, created a spacious and airy cabin. The body style is a classic two-door coupe with seating for five passengers. The exterior lines were characterized by a long hood, a gracefully sloping roofline, and a relatively understated chrome trim. The car’s dimensions – 4880 mm (192.13 in) in length, 1845 mm (72.64 in) in width, and 1420 mm (55.91 in) in height – provided a substantial presence on the road.
Inside, the 280 SE Coupe offered a luxurious and well-appointed interior. Features included comfortable seating, wood trim, and high-quality materials. While safety features were less sophisticated than those found in modern vehicles, the Coupe incorporated disc brakes on all four wheels, a significant safety improvement over drum brakes. The suspension system, featuring double wishbones at the front and a trailing arm setup at the rear, provided a comfortable ride and competent handling. The steering employed a cone worm with recirculation balls, offering precise control. The car rode on 6J x 14 inch wheel rims.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | W111 |
| Generation | W111 Coupe |
| Type (Engine) | 280 SE (160 Hp) |
| Start of production | November, 1967 |
| End of production | May, 1971 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 12.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 19.1 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 23 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 8.1 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10 sec |
| Maximum speed | 190 km/h (118.06 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.3 kg/Nm |
| Power | 160 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 57.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 4250 rpm (177.01 lb.-ft. @ 4250 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M 130 E 28 / 130.980 |
| Engine displacement | 2778 cm3 (169.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86.5 mm (3.41 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 78.8 mm (3.1 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Kerb Weight | 1510 kg (3328.98 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1980 kg (4365.15 lbs.) |
| Max load | 470 kg (1036.17 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 82 l (21.66 US gal | 18.04 UK gal) |
| Length | 4880 mm (192.13 in.) |
| Width | 1845 mm (72.64 in.) |
| Height | 1420 mm (55.91 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2750 mm (108.27 in.) |
| Front track | 1482 mm (58.35 in.) |
| Rear track | 1485 mm (58.46 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 14 |
The Mercedes-Benz W111 Coupe 280 SE remains a highly sought-after classic car, appreciated for its elegant design, refined engineering, and enduring appeal. It represents a significant chapter in Mercedes-Benz’s history, embodying the brand’s commitment to luxury, performance, and innovation.
