I would save the 230ce if that was me. I have one of those they are pretty nice, reliable cars, rare too. Probably will have more value if kept as a 230ce.
In the end its still your choice. Any interior photos of the car?

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'76 300D
'82 230CE
'84 300DT
'91 300D 2.5
'86 300D 5 speed
'86 250D 5 speed
'90 300E 24v
'88 560SEC
300TE euro 5 speed
91 350SD
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i3...d6605222-1.jpg