1981 230ce slicktop - Page 5 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

euroamg · #61 12-26-2017, 10:41 AM

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?

sixto · #62 12-29-2017, 11:30 PM

$4500 it was - https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1985-mercedes-benz-230ce/

You can spend $4500 on the slicktop and not get it back when you sell. Enjoy it with the engine you prefer.

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon

bsrjironman · #63 01-02-2018, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sixto

$4500 it was - https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1985-mercedes-benz-230ce/

You can spend $4500 on the slicktop and not get it back when you sell

I don't understand what you mean here.

Both cars have been in the garage as I've been busy with a home remodeling project. I expect to be working on the benz in about a months time. Before I begin however, I have decided to compression test the m102, and further diagnose/isolate the problem. If the problem turns out to be in the top-end, I MAY refresh the M102 and dump the CD, with the aim of sourcing a turbo diesel donor (or other interesting donor) in future.

sixto · #64 01-02-2018, 03:09 PM

I mean if someone wants a 230CE, they can have one for $4500. I’m pretty sure I couldn’t buy your car, get it running, fix the rust, spiff up the upholstery, etc. for $4500. Your car has pluses such as being gorgeous silver over black that the repainted blue over cream will never have. But it has one Euro tail light to your none

I’m just here to be the little guy in a red suit with horns and a pitchfork whispering in your ear to drop the 617 in the CE already.

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon

bsrjironman · #65 01-02-2018, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sixto

I’m just here to be the little guy in a red suit with horns and a pitchfork whispering in your ear to drop the 617 in the CE already.

You wont have to be too persuasive! I already prefer to scrap the M102. But after mulling it over and driving the CD for a couple months now, I'm not sure I want the N/A 617 in the CE either. I like that it's diesel, but it's a pretty underwhelming power plant. I think a turbo 617 would "fit" better... and a manual box.

So, if the comp test reveals a head issue, I may patch it up, dump the CD and search for a "better" donor.

On the other hand, if the M102 shows lower-end fault, the N/A 617 is going in for the interim.

vonsmog · #66 01-03-2018, 09:48 AM

Find a turbo OM617 and do it just once. I am so happy with my 280CE converted to diesel, with 5 speed transmission, which really wakes up the turbo diesel motor! A 5 speed would be hard to find, but you can find the 4 speeds from 240D's and then just find the heavy 300D flywheel. I have about $4800 total into my car and think I could sell it for over $15k if I needed the $$. Plan on keeping it as a fun summer driver, like my 85' 300TD.

bsrjironman · #67 01-03-2018, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vonsmog

...A 5 speed would be hard to find....

Sounds great. Where did you source the 5-speed?

EDIT: I see now. I think I'll just stick with the 4-speed for convenience.

vonsmog · #68 01-03-2018, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsrjironman

Sounds great. Where did you source the 5-speed?

It was the original transmission in the car! Original motor was seized due to blown head gasket, so the owner parked it inside of his heated warehouse for 25 years with the blown motor. My cost to rebuild the motor would be about $5k-7k and that is with me doing the labor. I had the turbo OM617 already from a 81' wagon I parted out, with only 84k miles on it. Since the car has SLS in it, putting the diesel in was a no brainer for me, as it had the SLS pump on it being from a wagon. I left all the gas engine stuff under the hood, and saved all parts I took off to do the conversion, so it could be put back to stock if someone wants to in future.

bsrjironman · #69 03-19-2018, 01:22 PM

Thought I'd update:

Sold diesel coupe.

Sourced and procured a 2.3l M102 from a 190E with low(ish) mileage to replace the defunct motor.

Decided this was the easiest and cheapest option for the time being, as I didn't really take to the N/A OM617, and therefore didn't want to waste effort swapping only to re-swap... I will drive the 230ce with the gas motor while I source a more ideal diesel powerplant.

ROLLGUY · #70 03-19-2018, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsrjironman

Thought I'd update:

Sold diesel coupe.

Sourced and procured a 2.3l M102 from a 190E with low(ish) mileage to replace the defunct motor.

Decided this was the easiest and cheapest option for the time being, as I didn't really take to the N/A OM617, and therefore didn't want to waste effort swapping only to re-swap... I will drive the 230ce with the gas motor while I source a more ideal diesel powerplant.

HOORAY! That sounds like the best plan, and I am sure many will agree.

sixto · #71 04-27-2018, 07:33 PM

Then there’s this - https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1984-mercedes-benz-230ce/

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon

bsrjironman · #72 05-17-2018, 01:13 PM

Car is running again.

Got sick with the flu last month, so I used my "time off" to swap engines. Efficiency is key to success!

Swap went o.k. Had to transfer quite a few parts from the old M102 to the "new" one to avoid any "custom" bits or fitment problems. Have yet to do a "shakedown" run but this weekend is looking good. Took it a very short distance and I can definitely say that this is a different animal from the 300cd, and I like it. MUCH more responsive, and more smooth as well. Runs really sweet, very quiet. Have a bit of an exhaust leak from a flange somewhere, but still very nice sounding. Transmission shifts very nicely, firm and predictable.

Planning to take it to a show next month with a friend who is into the "Old school import scene."

bsrjironman · #73 05-21-2018, 12:20 PM

She's rolling.