Noisy Tappets

[PhilR]

I am thinking of buying a 1982/83 280 CE (W123) as an everyday car. I have been told that they are extremely reliable and are cheap to maintain.

The first and only car I have seen looks ideal and has the rare air conditioning option.

I would be very grateful for advice on the following:

1) Should there be any tappet noise? They are on this particular car but it comes and goes. The car has done 120,000 miles but very little during the last couple of years. I have been told that with use the tappet noise will disappear. The cam covers have been off and are completely clean, i.e. no signs of oil sludge.
2) I want to use the car everyday but am worried about the fuel consumption, what sort of consumption figures can I expect to get and is there any improvements that can be carried out.
3) Is air conditioning a worthwhile option and being an 80’s car is it very effective?

I would be grateful for any advice on this possible purchase

Many thanks.

Phil

 

[turnipsock]

I would do an oil change and see if the tappet noise vanishes. Use the correct oil for the car. It may be that somebody has used a 'thinner' modern oil that is not suitable for the car.

Otherwise, changing the tappets is an easy diy job, if a little time consuming.

 

[type49]

This engine would be a 110 type. Not known for being a silent engine , so expect some tapping. Generally they are strong but do suffer from oil leaks and can be time consuming to fix. They are responsive to drive but not very good on fuel. As for the air con, if it works then great. If not, it may have to be converted from R12 gas which is now banned, to R134a. See if you can get some more info off Malcolm/Television - I'm sure he'll be more clued up on these than me.

 

[mister_cee333]

My father bought a new 123 series (but the 230e) in about 1982, from new it had a bit of tappet noise on start up in the mornings but was fairly quiet thereafter. Fuel consumption was around 28mpg from his which was an auto.

 

[type49]

My father bought a new 123 series (but the 230e) in about 1982, from new it had a bit of tappet noise on start up in the mornings but was fairly quiet thereafter. Fuel consumption was around 28mpg from his which was an auto.

I bet it's still going strong now! however, the 230 used a 102 type engine & the 280 is a 110 & they are not in any way similar so cannot really be compared.