Picked up my 230CE this morning

[Rydal]

I picked up my 2000(H) W124 230CE this morning and have spent the rest of the day washing, polishing and waxing! So far, I'm very impressed but would just like to check a few things;

(1) Oil pressure at idle when cold is 2, idle when warm is just over 1 and during normal driving is 3. Are these all normal?

(2) Water temperature during normal driving is around 90 degrees - normal?

(3) When accelerating away from a roundabout etc the autobox seems to keep 3rd gear until you lift off the accelerator ever so slightly at which point it takes 4th gear. Is this to aid rapid acceleration to cruising speed or do I have a fault?

Any comments would be much appreciated, will post pics tomorrow.

Thanks

 

[Richard Moakes]

Hello, and congratulations on your purchase.

(1) Oil pressure sounds normal

(2) Water temperature sounds normal, don't panic if it rises a little under load on a hot day, Mercedes will run 105 degrees without worrying

(3) Gearbox sounds normal, does the behavior change with the E/S or W/S switch by the side of the gear selector?

 

[Dinnie]

I agree with Richard (don't have much experience of the oil pressures but 2 and 3 definitely sounds right)

Congratulations and Pics please!

 

[Juddian]

If you've any doubts at all about the box, change the oil and filter, it should be changed about every 36k if my appalling memory serves.

And just keep an eye on the water header tank for a while, keep a look out for gunge, temp sounds ok to me though.

Other than that the best of luck with your fine vehicle.

 

[kth286]

Apart from the fact your car is 10 years older than you state, it all sounds normal.

As per Richard's comments it will be different depending on whether setting is S (standard) or E (economy).

 

[Alex M Grieve]

Congratulations from me too!
Oil pressures sound fine - important point is that you have full pressure in normal running, with reduction on tick over - more so on a hot engine.
Each car seems to have its own "default" running temperature - I had a W124 estate which ran at 90 and was fine. Don't get too paranoid on the temperature guage - it may run to slightly more than that after cold starting and until the thermostat opens, then it will settle to its normal running temperature. If you watch it too closely, this would worry you, but I believe it is normal.
Gearchange, especially 3/4 suggests you are in Sport mode which allows higher change up points for better acceleration. I have done fuel consumption studies on both modes over distances of 10,000 miles in each and the economy remained the same.
In sport mode you have the convenience (and fun) of better accleration and you learn to change gear (subconsciously) by altering your foot pressure on the accelerator.
If the car is "in need of a good run", i.e. has been used very little, or driven very conservatively, you may find the down changes (4/3) less eager but general use will improve the situation so that you get slick and pretty seamless changes both up and down by altering foot pressure.
I am sure you will have fun testing these ideas - especially in the current nice weather!

 

[jibcl500]

I have a 1988 230TE and mines the same in very respect so I wouldnt worry, you can check the trans fluid level as you do have a dip stick, put the car on a level surface and with the engine on tickover remove the dipstick and look at the level.
A new filter and and trans oil wouldnt hurt either, I did mine and it transformed the car, mine looks like it taken a beating but mechanically it drives like new even after 200++k.

Front anti roll bar bushes have made the biggest difference as I had this constant knocking.
jib

 

[Rydal]

Thanks guys, all very reassuring (and good spot on the year, god knows why I put 2000!), in any event here she is in this mornings sunshine:

No rust, all electrics work perfectly, one owner from new - 1400 quid!!

 

[horgantrevor]

lovely car i hope she brings you many years of great driving

 

[colechelle]

looks like a nice one!!!

 

[Dinnie]

Was this advertised in carandclassic.co.uk? I enquired about one this weekend but the seller said someone was picking it up on Saturday. I think the car was located in Berkshire........just checked the ad......you beat me to it !! I'll give you £1500

 

[Rydal]

It is indeed Dinnie, sorry!! Thanks for the offer but having found it I think I'll hang on to it for a bit. Have done 150 faultless miles this weekend - never missed a beat.

 

[Ashley H]

Great stuff, Rydal - it looks like a cracker and the last of the "proper" Mercedes in some ways...

 

[kth286]

Rydal

Are you now another coupe owner in sunny Berkshire. If so we can have a coupe meet at a local pub.

 

[Dinnie]

Rydal, did the seller have a garage? Just wondering how it was kept in such a wonderful condition! (or can these cars really live outside and not attract any rust)

 

[Rydal]

He did have a garage although I didn't get the impression that it was actually put in there very often, I think it was just looked after well. It now resides in Gloucestershire.