460 280lwb manual

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Grecian
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Hi all, I'm coming round to the idea of getting a new G instead of repairing my current one.

Having talked things over with the garage I reckon I could be looking at 1000GBP to get it through the next MOT and then probably the same again to get the niggles sorted, then there's the bodywork to deal with.

I'm therefore thinking I might just trade mine in for one that's in good nick and is a little more refined for motorway driving (mine's a bit of a tractor). That way I can get rid of my 328 and justify the extra cost (a bit!).

I've got my eye on a 1988 280lwb manual (it's on ebay Item number: 250314890180). If I got this am I really going to notice the difference when doing 70mph on a motorway do you think?

There are obviously other options too, quite a few 230 swb manuals with 5spd (mine only has 4) and 280 auto's. What are these like for cruising?

Any thoughts or comments more than welcome. I'm going round in circles a bit and the MOT runs out in January so need to decide soon.

Thanks in advance.

prwales
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Re: 460 280lwb manual

a lwb 280 will be no quicker than a swb 230 on the motorway but the 6 is a nice smooth unit so will be quieter at motorway speeds. The downside at motorway speeds will be the fuel consumption which is horrific, might be a little better with a 5-speed manual but these are rare. So why not get a 463 300 manual petrol or even the diesel which although slow being a 6 is a much pleasanter option than the old 5 cylinder unit. Prices on these are falling and apart from the plasticky interiors are a much better car than the 460s.

hus55
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Re: 460 280lwb manual

if its a more refined drive you want you must only consider a 463 and get rid of the 328 :wink:

honeslty, i have both and the 463 is an s class on stilts :lol:

Grecian
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Re: 460 280lwb manual

I only want a little more refinement, not the height of luxury!

The cheapest 463 I can find (without looking too hard) is just shy of £10k which is a big chunk more than a 460 280 or 230.

Surely a 280 auto or 5spd is going to be noticably nicer at highish speeds than my 230 screaming at 3500rpm in 4th at 60mph. I would have thought a 5spd 230 with carpets would be a small improvement! No?

Perhaps I need to do some test driving.

prwales
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Re: 460 280lwb manual

you should be able to source a 463 swb for between £5-7k depending on spec, look through our cars for sale section

hus55
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Re: 460 280lwb manual

hi grecian, i have owned a 460 for a long long time now. early versions were rough! 86 onwards saw more refinement. a maual G is marginally smoother and quieter, bu not much...

a 280 is gonna burn more fuel for a bit more power. motorway driving wont really make a big difference until you step into a 463.trust me.

i owned a 280 GEL for just over a year here in the uk. 1990 model 70000 odd thousand miles certified,auto, recaros etc. i loved it . it was ok at 60-65 but anything above was quite noticeable. when i went to cyprus for christmas and drove my 300 GD cabrio.

I WAS SHOCKED THAT THERE WASNT MUCH BETWEEN THEM!! :shock:

dont rush [like me] and get a 463 :wink:

Grecian
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Re: 460 280lwb manual

I test drove the W460 280 manual today. It is definately a step up from my 230. Very quiet at 70mph (took a wee while to get there though!), smooth through the gears, brakes much sharper and generally very tidy. I'm tempted but the price is high for a 460 (it is a verynice example though). He offered 5k and my 230 and for that he'd put a new MOT on the 280. There's a possibility he might take my BMW as well though and he's local...but it's 463 money innit.

prwales
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Re: 460 280lwb manual

its to much really, be patient

fixwin38
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Re: 460 280lwb manual

Hi Grecian that sounds like a dark green one with aircon and a recaro drivers seat... chap called Mark who sells beds.....I have a 280 GE SWB 1989 with 72000 miles lots of history new LPG installation.front arm rests in Gold ..Pics by Email P/x sight unseen if yours is motorway fit to drive GBP 4000 to trade

Grecian
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Re: 460 280lwb manual

Fixwin,

Sounds interesting. I've PM'd you with email address for pics. I'd want to get the brakes checked on mine before you drove it too far - there was a big difference when test-driving the other one yesterday.

You're right about which G it is. Nice guy, nice G.

Tom

fixwin38
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Re: 460 280lwb manual

Hi Tom I know that G' it belonged to a elderly couple..the recaro seat was in the passenger position for the owners wife...Mark went through itbefore he sold it to a young couple who found the fuel consumption a bit daunting!!! and Mark bought it back..bit better fuel economy with a manual 280ge but still average is only 20mpg on a run and 14/16 mpg around the town. the gold one is 4 speed automatic. low cost LPG takes the edge off the cost per mile....

Grecian
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Re: 460 280lwb manual

Just had news from garage after getting brakes checked. It's BAD. Definately not fit for motorway driving. There appears to be a leak from the n/s rear cylinder, they think this is due to the link rod from the load sensing valve having snapped. To add insult to injury the n/s rear shock top mounting has come away from the chassis. :(

fixwin38
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Re: 460 280lwb manual

Hi Tom please read your PM...thnks