230E INSPECTION ADVICE WANTED

[merckidda]

Hi, I have the opportunity to buy a 1984 230e, Could someone please advise me on what to look for when inspecting, It looks in great shape. Thanks.

Here is a picture of it:

 

[Mikesmerc]

Hello,
I have an 82 250 more or less the same body shape which looked very good when I bought it but there was rust lurking.
Check for water in boot- Rear screen rubber had perished leaving water to rot the crossmember which I had to weld (tricky). You may see signs of paint bubbling under the seal.
Seat belt anchors, inner sill, lift side carpets and check where floor meets the sill. Rear wheel arches, check for rust/filler.
Mechaically- You just have to drive it really and listen for clunks etc. Usually pretty bullit proof.
Hope this is of some help
Regards
Mike

 

[merckidda]

Many Thanks Mike, I have had a quick check and it seems ok, The car did slightly wander at 50 mph.

 

[squealinneil]

merckidda,
How many miles & how many owners & how much money? What documentary evidence is there that the car has been cared for.....service receipts, stamped up book, stickers under bonnet & in doors, old MOTs to verify mileage? Cars without big gaps in their MOT history have been looked after better than ones with missing months. Generally the fewer owners the better. Look for rust under the water bottle, rust in the sunroof drains (terminal) & the usual places - wheel arches, bottom of doors, bootwell. These cars, if they've been serviced properly, are bullet proof & a pleasure to own & drive. They are also surprisingly cheap to run, maintain & insure & becoming quite cool. So cool they get nicked regularly. I've got two, both 1983s, both with less than 90K & full historys from day one. My brown car had only one owner from new until May 2004 when I bought it. Go to http://groups.msn.com/W123Club/rants.msnw?all_topics=1 for a good forum/bulletin board dedicated to the breed.