Buying a 230 TE-problems with advertised cars...

[Mercedes 190E]

Hi All
As I have said in another thread, I am looking for a cheap W124 230 or 280 TE 7 seater. I have seen a couple in my price range, but both have issues that need repair.

car one has a "Tickover" problem-it sometimes stalls at junctions

car two has failed MOT because one of it's rear shocks (Self-levelling) has "broken" (Physically I think.)

Do either of these sound like easy repairs? I am aware that the rear shocks are not cheap, but is it likely to be just one shock or the whole system that needs replacing?

I must stress that I am still considering options and do not intend to rush in to anything, but any answers could be very helpful.
Many thanks in advance.

 

[Bolide]

I think the rear suspension is easier to diagnose & repair than misfiring / idle problems

BTW there are no shocks on the back of a W124 estate. It has a pair of suspension legs, a pair of springs and a pair of gas-pressurised spheres. There is also a height corrector and a self-levelling pump

Normally the spheres fail at around 200k and they cost about £90 each. Legs can leak - they're relatively inexpensive secondhand and can be replaced individually rather than in pairs

Work on rear suspension should only ever be done by a Mercedes specialist or, at a pinch, a Citroen specialist. Everyone else will waste your time & money

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[stumpy]

I think the rear suspension is easier to diagnose & repair than misfiring / idle problems

BTW there are no shocks on the back of a W124 estate. It has a pair of suspension legs, a pair of springs and a pair of gas-pressurised spheres. There is also a height corrector and a self-levelling pump

Normally the spheres fail at around 200k and they cost about £90 each. Legs can leak - they're relatively inexpensive secondhand and can be replaced individually rather than in pairs

Work on rear suspension should only ever be done by a Mercedes specialist or, at a pinch, a Citroen specialist. Everyone else will waste your time & money

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

Intermittent engine problems are a nightmare to fix. Many threads on here about that. At least a rear suspension overhaul is a known quantity. Nick, how much do you normally expect a headgasket repair to cost on a 280 N reg?

 

[Mercedes 190E]

I think the rear suspension is easier to diagnose & repair than misfiring / idle problems

BTW there are no shocks on the back of a W124 estate. It has a pair of suspension legs, a pair of springs and a pair of gas-pressurised spheres. There is also a height corrector and a self-levelling pump

Normally the spheres fail at around 200k and they cost about £90 each. Legs can leak - they're relatively inexpensive secondhand and can be replaced individually rather than in pairs

Work on rear suspension should only ever be done by a Mercedes specialist or, at a pinch, a Citroen specialist. Everyone else will waste your time & money

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

Thanks for that Nick. Is there a parts diagram of the setup somewhere on the web that I can get a look at for reference purposes?

 

[Bolide]

Intermittent engine problems are a nightmare to fix. Many threads on here about that. At least a rear suspension overhaul is a known quantity. Nick, how much do you normally expect a headgasket repair to cost on a 280 N reg?

I think I'd budget £1200 for a complete top-end overhaul of a petrol or diesel 24-valve engine

A "simple" CHG replacement might cost less but it'd be wise to do other tasks while the head is off. The bottom end of these engines doesn't seem to give trouble so a proper top-end overhaul should see the engine give another 10 years of service

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[jibcl500]

Im just about to break a good 124 230 TE the SLS is all good so if you bought the one with suspension probs then I have all the parts to fix if that helps, not free mind but could work something out.

jib

 

[Mercedes 190E]

Thanks Jib. Not buying straight away, but I will bear in mind that you break 124s. I like the white one you just bought-that is the kind of money I have available for a car-i.e. not much !

 

[jibcl500]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1989-MERCEDES...=39:1|66:2|65:7|240:1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1995-MERCEDES...=39:1|66:2|65:7|240:1307&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MERCEDES-300T...=39:1|66:2|65:7|240:1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1993-MERCEDES...=39:1|66:2|65:7|240:1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

jib

 

[Mercedes 190E]

I'm already watching all of those...
Apart from the top one which is a 5 seater. I need a 7.
Thanks.

 

[jibcl500]

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/621875.htm

jib

 

[Bolide]

Thanks for that Nick. Is there a parts diagram of the setup somewhere on the web that I can get a look at for reference purposes?

http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...GM=717.433&CT=F&cat=44R&SID=32&SGR=195&SGN=04

http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...GM=717.433&CT=F&cat=44R&SID=32&SGR=195&SGN=04

http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...GM=717.433&CT=F&cat=44R&SID=32&SGR=220&SGN=05


Those are for a 300 Diesel but the basic arrangement will be the same for all estates as far as I know

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[Mercedes 190E]

Thanks for that guys-very useful.

 

[Mercedes 190E]

One further question. Given that I'm not intending to tow or carry many really heavy loads, is there anything wrong with the E200 auto? I realise it will have less power, but is it that important? There seem to be a few cheaper ones about.....

 

[simon_wall69]

The 16 valve one should be fine. The older 8v one is underpowered and driving it would probably not be that pleasant - test drive one and see what you think. I also assume that if you want the 7 seats then you'll be carrying a fair weight. There apparantly is a carburetted version of the 8 valve as well but I have never seen one.

 

[Mercedes 190E]

Hi Simon

Thanks for that. Do you have any idea when the engine changed from 8 to 16 valve? The 7 seats would only be for very occasional use anyhow so it sounds like the 16V might be OK. As you suggest, I think I will have to try one out.

 

[jibcl500]

Your welcome to come and test drive my 230 TE its 20 years ols and ok its not fast but it can hold its own against todays traffic and it can be quick from 60-80++. Only a 4 speed though.


jib

 

[simon_wall69]

Hi Simon

Thanks for that. Do you have any idea when the engine changed from 8 to 16 valve? The 7 seats would only be for very occasional use anyhow so it sounds like the 16V might be OK. As you suggest, I think I will have to try one out.

1994 I think.

If it says 200te then it is 8 valve.

If it says e200 then it is 16 valve.

 

[Mercedes 190E]

Thanks Simon-very useful to know!

Thanks Jib-i may take you up on that, but I am near Birmingham, so its a fair journey.

 

[simon_wall69]

If you're near Brum, there used to be loads of te's going through Birmingham Car Auctions in Sparkbrook. I have picked up some incredible bargains there over the past few years, including the 560.

 

[Mercedes 190E]

Worth knowing Simon-thanks.