Advice on a Mercedes 230 CE

[sazzy]

I've been the proud owner of a pristine 190E for just over a year and basically have fallen in love with Mercedes.

I've decided to buy a second car as a classic and would really like a 230 ce about 1985 - a nice tidy one, preferably no more than 140k miles on the clock. Are there any particular problem spots to look for? Also, I've seen a massive range in prices, I've seen a couple of lovely ones - beautiful condition (apparently) for about £2.5k - is this what I should expect to pay? Also, just to be dead sad and girly, I want a red one (bright red) I've seen a couple, but most are champagne, silver or green, are red ones like hens teeth?

 

[television]

I've been the proud owner of a pristine 190E for just over a year and basically have fallen in love with Mercedes.

I've decided to buy a second car as a classic and would really like a 230 ce about 1985 - a nice tidy one, preferably no more than 140k miles on the clock. Are there any particular problem spots to look for? Also, I've seen a massive range in prices, I've seen a couple of lovely ones - beautiful condition (apparently) for about £2.5k - is this what I should expect to pay? Also, just to be dead sad and girly, I want a red one (bright red) I've seen a couple, but most are champagne, silver or green, are red ones like hens teeth?

Hello and welcome, your question is not easy to answer, that's probably is why no one has answered. From my veiw a good original car is worth more than one that has been repainted, simply as you never know what is underneath the new paint. There is no fixed price for these cars now, its what it worth now. Sadly one cant hang around too long when a good one comes up, if you can find someone that knows MB's take them with you. whilst you can always change the mechanics, you cant change the body.

malcolm

 

[robparker]

i had a 123 and the main things to check for when buying are rust (anywhere) and blocked drainplugs for the sunroof that cause water to fill the footwells.. lift up the carpets front and rear to check for any signs of water. the 2.3 injected engine shouldn't give any problems, just look for regular servicing

 

[stever]

Also check all of the windows open fully, that the sunroof is not stuck, and all vacuum items (central locking, seat back locks etc) work properly. All of these things can be fixed, but it should be reflected in the price. Also condition is much more important than age and mileage - w123 coupes were available from 1978 onwards, although I think the post 1980 ones have better rust-proofing.

 

[sazzy]

Thanks everyone for taking the time to reply. I saw a lovely 280CE on ebay and bid on it. I was outbid and even then the maximum bid did not meet the reserve. After the auction was over I was contacted a few days later and offered the car (which looks lovely) at my original bid which to my mind was far below the real value. My cousin who got me into Mercs in the first places and rebuilds cars for fun told me not to touch it with a barge pole as he thought it probably had electrical problems from a corroded fuse box (I think that's what he said). So it's back to the drawing board. I've seen a v nice and tidy 1977 230 E (lovely condition) and I have a secret fondness for the old 200s with the vertical headlamps (sorry, don't know what they're properly called). But the comments about rust, resprays, windows etc and all other good advice taken to heart - thanks!

 

[television]

Thanks everyone for taking the time to reply. I saw a lovely 280CE on ebay and bid on it. I was outbid and even then the maximum bid did not meet the reserve. After the auction was over I was contacted a few days later and offered the car (which looks lovely) at my original bid which to my mind was far below the real value. My cousin who got me into Mercs in the first places and rebuilds cars for fun told me not to touch it with a barge pole as he thought it probably had electrical problems from a corroded fuse box (I think that's what he said). So it's back to the drawing board. I've seen a v nice and tidy 1977 230 E (lovely condition) and I have a secret fondness for the old 200s with the vertical headlamps (sorry, don't know what they're properly called). But the comments about rust, resprays, windows etc and all other good advice taken to heart - thanks!

A 123 car is easy to work on,well finnished ,get one with no rust on the rear end, front wings are easy to replace, the last real DIY car.

Malcolm

 

[sazzy]

By the way, what is it about Mercedes? I have owned literally dozens of cars in my time and apart from a long partially to old Jags (my parents had a 420G when I was a nipper and I've loved cars ever since) I've never loved a car like I love my Merc. Don't like the new ones though. I love the build quality, reliability and distinctiveness of the old ones. You can spot them a mile off. I can see this becoming a real passion. My cousin sold me mine, and then missed it so much he went out and bought another, so he now has three cars excluding his work one. Nuts really.

 

[television]

Yes I have had all the old jags MK7/7M/8/9/10 and the 420G followed by lots of XJ6's including the first one made. What turned me towards Mercedes was just by closing the door compaired to a Jag. When I needed a LHD quickly,the 123 280TE was the best on offer,its then that the build quality sinks in. two years before that my best friend had a new 230TE and we compaired the build with a CX saffari that I had, never forgot my friends words,"you get what you pay for".
I had the choice of two 300TDT's but they were full of desert sand. I had the 280 for 4 years and went on to a 124 300TE, a car most of us never forget, I would still love another one,but it would not make sense.


Malcolm

 

[sazzy]

The TEs are estates aren't they?

 

[sazzy]

Check this out - if money was no object I would have snatched this chap's hand off. I think this car is absolutely stunning - I can't believe it only sold for £6k

I can dream....

 

[television]

The TEs are estates aren't they?

Yes correct, have always needed an estate all of my working life.

malcolm

 

[sazzy]

I'm just after a toy <grin>

Common sense tells me to wait till I've sorted out a garage to house the car and buy one in summer when I can enjoy it, but I keep looking at these cars and sensible goes out of the window!

 

[stever]

It's possible that now is a good time to buy on ebay - as everyone probably wants one for spring & summer. If you're going to store it outside for winter check and double check for rainwater leaks. I didn't do this quickly enough and ended up with two new inner sills.

 

[sazzy]

It's possible that now is a good time to buy on ebay - as everyone probably wants one for spring & summer. If you're going to store it outside for winter check and double check for rainwater leaks. I didn't do this quickly enough and ended up with two new inner sills.

Good point, but I really do need to find a garage, so perhaps I ought to find the garage first but not necessarily wait till spring or summer - no doubt the prices will go up - hadn't thought of that. I think I've finally decided on a 280 CE preferably about 1971, but I'll have to wait to see what I can afford.