230 TE

[clive bishop]

I am looking at buying a 89 model year 230 te auto. Can anyone give me the things to look for. I know nothing. Car has done 121000 miles.
Any advice would be appreciated. Bad points, fuel economy.

 

[NormanB]

Clive

See my reply here not a 230TE but similar applies:
http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/viewtopic.php?t=5478

Have you got the details of the particular 230TE and price?

Specific 230TE and age/mileage thingies:

1. Bodywork, check front wings(wheel arch lips), jacking points, and inside tailgate lip. Also rear wheel arch lips.

2. Check all electrical including windows, wipers (front and rear), blower (aircon if fitted) rear demister radio aerial lights blah blah.

3. The drive, is it smooth no clunks or jerks on change up. Reverse OK?

4. Engine idles smoothly, engine temp when operational around 80-90, oil pressure at these temps at idle may fall to around 1.2 bar BUT MUST increase to 3.0 as soon as you move off (say 1500 engine rpm).

5. Have a good look at engine compartment for evidence of oil leaks, check expansion tank has water and no oil!) - and a general optical bollicking.

6. Lower rear seats to check function.

7. Normal bits tyres/exhaust etc.

8. My MPG = 29 around town, upto 33mpg on a run if I am grannying it or 30 if I hoof it - so normally 30 then!

PM me if you want any more specifics.

Good luck
NormanB

 

[andy_k]

check the rear suspension very carefully (or get someone to check it for you).

It should remain level even when the rear is heavily loaded - try sitting 2 adlults in the back of the car then starting it up, you will feel it rise slightly)

It should give a smooth ride over bumps any harshness suggests that you need new suspension spheres

There should be absolutely no signs of any leakage from the struts behind the wheels.

If any of the above apply do a bit of negotiating, they are all expensive parts

At the mileage the car has done the spheres if they are original will be just about at the end of their lives so you will need to budget for replacing them (MB reckon they last 100k miles)

struts £250 each
level valve £150
nitrogen spheres £130 the pair

It's not a 10 minute job to rebuild a TE back suspension and most mechanics will be charging "by the book" which is about 7 hours labour!!!

Check the self closing mechanism on the back door works properly

make sure the gas struts on the rear door don't need replacing (not expensive but a pig of a job)

make sure the E/S switch on the auto selector works properly

check the steering damper - dead easy top replace, they nearly always leak and you can negotiate the price accordingly.

Take a look at the anti roll bar supports behind the front wheels - they are a crappy metal bracket and are known for snapping with age - easy to replace and can rectify a noisy clunky front suspension for less than £20.

Mileage from our 230TE is about the same as Norman but in the mid to high thirties running at 70mph (ish).

Same offer as Norman, if you need any specific 230TE help (we've got a 1989 230TE with 220k miles on it) drop me a line

Andy

 

[Badshot1uk]

Hi,

I would have to agree with the other chaps, also check the heater works on both passenger sides, but most importantly drive it and youll know.

My 89 230 te still drives lovley and pulls well with wife 3 kids and loads of bags all the way to the south of france and back!

They are a great buy go for it and good luck.

Paul

 

[FRAGGLER]

Hiya all....

just looking on tha web and found you....

i am thinking about buying an e reg 230TE from a local garage and am impressed with what you all have said, the car has had a recon engine and £2000 worth of engine repairs, had a look but the battery is flat lol....but every thing else seems to be ok....and at £895 looks like a bargain...

after the death of my wife i have to get rid of my mondeo ghia x v6 as it is a mobility car, but am looking forward to becoming an MB owner....

thanx....

 

[Ade]

I've had a 230TE for the past 10 Months, best car I've owned. Few minor niggles but definitely worth owning one. Providing the one you like is reasonable for it's age and there are no major problems I think you'll never want to own anything other than a Merc once you've bought it

 

[FRAGGLER]

well ive been driving my 230te for 4 days and it did break down, the rac didnt know, my mechanic didnt know but both said it could be the fuel pump relay, so after looking around the net i found out where it is...lol....and took it out, then put it back in and like magic the car is running fine....

must admit its a lot nicer to drive than any other car ive had and the load space is immense, hand brake is a bit strange to get used to, but every thing, except 1 rear window, works perfect....and for £800 a real bargain and only £200 to insure fully comp....very pleased with it and glad to have found this forum to chat on....