200 TE - Adequate Performance?

[AlanWT]

Hello All - Happy new year

Still looking for a TE of 88 - 92 ish vintage. Have mainly been looking out for a 300 or 230, but see many more 200's for sale.

Is the 2 litre engine sufficiently powerful for such a big car?

On his website, 'Honest John' suggests that it isn't, and may be overstressed (for which presumably read 'thrashed'), leading to it's early demise.

What do people who actually own or who have driven a 200TE think?

Your advice/experience/opinions would be welcomed!

Cheers


Alan

 

[andy_k]

the short answer would be NO it's not powerful enough

the 230 is more than adequate but will struggle a bit fully loaded with the air con pumping. We've got a non air con one and it's plenty powerful enough with good economy.

HTH

Andy K

 

[eternal optimist]

I have an E200 W124 estate (1995/M) which (I think) has a different engine to the 200TE. It has 225,000 miles under its belt, on the original engine. I've done 2000 miles so far. Head has been off at 200,000 for a gasket and a skim. It's not the quickest car on the road for sure, but cruises nicely at 95. I wish I'd found a six cylinder though.....

 

[230TErry]

I looked at a 200T and TE before I bought the 230TE. Not in the same league. 230TEs and above usually have a higher spec as only tight wads bought 200's. Dont even think about a 200 carb version.

I had a BMW 325i Touring before the 230 TE and unloaded there was not much in it on open roads.

 

[JonathanC]

Hi

I own a 200TE but of '93 vintage. Although pre facelift it has the later 16valve engine which put out the same hp as the 230TE. These cars were badged E200 post facelift. Personally I am constantly surprised how well it goes. Although it isn't a rocket ship it never feels out of it's depth even with the A/C on. Obviously I would rather have a "six" but the lower running costs offset this (somtehing to do with being a "tightwad"? :wink: )

My opinion for what it's worth, if you are considering one try to get the later 16 valve version ('93 on) or if funds allow a 220.

Cheers

 

[gaspode]

mines not too slow

i run a 200te on a 93-K plate, i can fill it with luggage and family and it still pulls well. As far as how long it will carry on doing this who knows, it's 'only' done 112000 miles so it's still a baby. fuel economy is great on motorway (cruising at 85ish) about 30 mpg. Round town it's pants more like 8-10 mpg but it's a lot of car for a 2litre to lug round. mines the 8 valve sadly, does anyone know if the 8 valve has a catalytic converter for that year??

 

[Spike]

Yeah a 1993 8 valve model will have a CAT.

 

[230TErry]

Johnathon, I was referring to when they were bought new. ( I bet you've had yours from new )

 

[230TErry]

Johnathon, I was referring to when they were bought new. ( I bet you've had yours from new )

 

[JonathanC]

230TErry, No offence taken

 

[Madanglian]

The only real answer is - have a drive and see what you think!

Yes, I would have got a 230TE given the choice but the 200TE (8-valve) was in such good nick it was hard to resist!
Sure most cars can out-accelerate it if their drivers have a mind to, but it seems to me that they are driving such nasty little buzz-boxes, they can't wait to get out of them.

It is worth finding out as much as possible about the one you are interested in, if only to have some "ammo" for price negotiation -
eg"Oh, its the 8 valve........ they're not as popular as the 16 valve are they? (suck through teeth)... I don't know mate, are you interested in offers....." You get the picture

Who in Britain uses aircon for more than 10 days a year??

Madanglian