Advice on 1991 230TE Please :)

[98scenic]

Hi

Im going to have a test drive in a 230TE this afternoon and any advice on what I should look for would be much appreciated

I looked all around the car yesterday and apart from a couple of very small rust blobs on one of the front wheel arches, it really looks nice and straight, checked all the interior etc and everything is in good order and working fine

What specifically should I look for on a test drive ? nice smooth gearchange (its an auto) etc

Thanks

 

[jibcl500]

Front anti roll br bushes, there will be a clonking as it drives.
Broken coil springs Common but not obvious whilst driving.
Rusty brake pipes.
Locked out rear suspension, self levelling has failed.


About it really, Ive only just got my battered £100 230te on the road and love it.

jib

 

[98scenic]

A quick update

Had a test drive in the car yesterday, the suspension appeared to be all level, with no odd traits on the test, in fact, it didnt roll as much as I was expecting either (compared to my scenic anyway!)

Performance was quite lively, although the revs in 4th gear (autobox) were a little higher than I was expecting at 70mph

Not one squeak or rattle at all, which amazes me for a 17 year old car !

The car did have a button on the dash, which I have no clue what it does, with a picture I think of the sun on it, however, it didnt operate the sunroof or anything else that I could tell, any clues ?

Pickup the car in the next week or so, cant wait

 

[karlefr]

It could be the button you press when using snow-chains. Less wheelspin! Works only up to 25 mph. The handbook should tell you what the button is for anyway!

And why should a Merc squeak and rattle? It is not French, is it?

The fourspeed gearbox is missing the fifth gear allright, but you will get used to it.

If the price is right buy it and be happy!

 

[98scenic]

It does have a full owners manual set (So will check for sure what the button does!)and full MBSH, which amazes me given its age and the cost of putting an older car into a main dealer, still its all to my benefit

Tell me about the rattles in a french car, sometimes I think Im in a 1970's transit van !

 

[Sacco]

I too felt the 230 undergeared. I counted the upchanges, convinced the autobox was staying in"3". Soon got used to it though, and found it acted as a usefull govenor to my motorway habits. Whats the service history like?

 

[98scenic]

The car has a full mercedes benz service history and I will be the third owner of the car

Certainly looking at the receipts/service history its hand plenty of money spent on it, always a good tell tale for me is looking at the brand of tyres on second hand cars, in this case they are all matching good condition dunlops

It will be Mot'd for a year and a service, will collect it next week, will post some pics once I have given it a good clean and a wax

 

[turnipsock]

The switch will be for the rear interior lights probably.

The front wings are easy to change.

Revs should be around 3,500 at 70mph, it does sound a bit revey.

 

[RGubbioli]

I too felt the 230 undergeared. I counted the upchanges, convinced the autobox was staying in"3". Soon got used to it though, and found it acted as a usefull govenor to my motorway habits. Whats the service history like?

Thats because they normally start off in 2nd gear. Apparently if you switch between D and 3 and back to D then it starts in 1st gear. The other way is if you plant your foot down from standstill. Can't vouch for either method as have not tried them.

 

[Bolide]

If you start off in 2 it'll start in 1 (stay with me on this) and will only change to 2 when you move the lever to 2

I hope that's clear..

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[RGubbioli]

If you start off in 2 it'll start in 1 (stay with me on this) and will only change to 2 when you move the lever to 2

I hope that's clear..

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

Alas, not clear... if you started in 2 how can you then move the lever to 2?

 

[kth286]

I believe the estate cars had a lower diff ratio than the equivalent engined saloon version.

 

[Bolide]

Sorry, my mistake. Start with the lever in 2 and it'll start in 1st and stay in 1st

Push the lever to 3, and back to 2, and it'll shift to 2nd and stay in 2nd

Push the lever to 3 and it'll shift to 3rd

It's easier to do than to explain!

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[RGubbioli]

Thanks, I think I got it now... will probably stick to D

 

[98scenic]

Im sure Ill probably stick with D too, so much easier that way

Thanks all the comments though

Will sure to post pics when i have cleaned the car and my impressions of it when I have put a few miles under the wheels

I have previously driven a 230E Saloon and Coupe, so Im looking forward to seeing how the TE stacks up