This isn't the kind of car that comes up often for sale in the United States. It is a 1984 230TE 5 Speed A/C wagon. I love this car and it is killing me to type this note. But the wife doesn't have the same appreciation of 123 wagons as I do so it might have to go. I wanted to give the members of Mercedes Shop the first shot at the car before I went out and tried eBay or something else. I have owned multiple Mercedes now for many years and have really enjoyed this forum. So with sadness I will tell you more about this car.

This is a gas powered 123 wagon with a 5 speed transmission. The engine is a M102 2.3 liter engine. Same one found in the 190E. The chassis is basically identical to a 300TD wagon. The car has 213,000 miles on it. It was imported into the U.S. in 1985 and spent most of it's early life in California. I have some records that helps track it's life over the years. I know many people have fears about getting parts for a gray market car. It really isn't hard. First I have books that list every part # on the car which makes it easier. Second all the chassis parts are the same as the 300TD wagons and the engine parts are the same as a 1984 190E 2.3. Mercedeshop is also a great help and source for parts if needed.

Engine. The engine runs great. It may have 213,000 miles on it but runs very good. It turns in 31 MPG on the interstate and we have taken it on many trips. It is no powerhouse but makes a healthy 136 HP and with the 5 speed it is plenty. The wagon will cruise all day at modern interstate speeds. The engine overall has been pretty maintnance free. I have had to change the occasional water pump, and spark plugs but so far haven't had to open it up. The transmission and clutch work flawlessly. I recently changed the shift bushings and besides the typical long Mercedes throw the shifting is smooth and quite. The clutch is still smooth and progressive. The exhaust is solid but is getting a bit louder with age. It may need a new rear muffler soon.

Exterior. The body and paint are in very good condition. There are a few rock chips in the paint but overall for the year and mileage it looks very good. The car is 99% rust free. There is one small spot on the right rear wheel wel that just started. Otherwise that, the body and chassis are very solid and rust free. The car is fitted with Euro headlights. The car has a vintage set of BBS rims painted to match the body color. The suspension works exceptionally well. The rear hydraulic self leveling system works as designed and has no issues. The car handles great. For those who have only driven the Diesel powered 123's you have to understand that this gas powered 123 weighs 300 lbs less then the diesel wagons and most of that weight is up front. At 3251 lbs this wagon is light for a Mercedes wagon. The tires are 195/70 14 Yokohama Avid H4's. They work very well and are quiet. They are pretty new and probably only have about 5000 miles on them. The car is equipped with a manual sunroof.

Interior. The interior is the blue cloth interior. Overall it is in good condition. I have replcaced some of the 230 plastic parts with 300 wood parts to upgrade it. The dash has a new dash cover, the headliner is nice and the seats are as comfortable as 123 seats can be. The only seat that needs attention is the drivers seat. It has a broken spring and is leaning a bit. Any 123 wagon or sedan seat can fit in this car. The seat covers have a few stains here and there from previous owners. The car has a Blaukpunkt AM/FM CD player with Pioneer speakers. The car has A/C and it works. It was convereted over to R134 by a previous owner. There is also a new heater core. That was a major undertaking to replace so you don't have to worry about the heater core for years to come. Took me a good weekend to do. I also have an uninstalled third seat in a box. This will go with the car and you can install at any time. It comes with all the hardware including seat belts, bolts, brackets etc. The car also has power windows that all work. The car also has the rear cargo cover / cargo net.

The car has many new parts. Such as new fuel hoses, charcoal canister, motor mounts, tires, BBS rims, a used set of euro headlights from Germany, fuel sender, heater core, hood pad and water pump. The car isn't perfect but it is very nice and presentable and has tons of life left in it. You can see some pictures at www.intergate.com/~chuck3 Since those pictures were taken I did add euro headlights. Now to the tough part. What is the car worth. It is really hard to say. I have had people offer me all types of money through the years. Some quite high. My biggest hope is that this car is bought by a true Mercedes enthusiast who will enjoy it and keep it going for many years. Email me at chuck3@intergate.com. The car is located outside of Atlanta, GA. Cars over 10 years old do not require a title in Georgia, so I do not have one and the previous owner also did not have one. I do have some of the older titles and bills of sale so you can clearly see legal ownership of the car. Buyer would receive Bill of Sale with car. $5800 OBO

Chuck

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GORGEOUS wagon, is it still for sale?

eric

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1995 E320 Sportline Wagon "Bernard"
black on black leather

http://i.imgur.com/BdZ7jM3.png

Hey Eric,

Been a while. We talked a few times through email probably a year or more ago. I had some questions back then about your great looking wagon. Yes the car is still for sale. I was getting ready to put it on eBay soon. If you want to talk over the phone just let me know and I can email you my #.

chuckathon@hotmail.com

Chuck

hey chuck, yea i definitely remember talking with you. you sent me pictures of your car. im sad you're selling it. im in love with it and if i had the money id buy it. at the moment ive dumped so much into the cosmetics of my car that im just staying with the one.

but a friend wants a wagon and may be interested. he'd rather a diesel though. honestly, i think you'll get the most money for it on ebay. good luck

eric

__________________
1995 E320 Sportline Wagon "Bernard"
black on black leather

http://i.imgur.com/BdZ7jM3.png

Eric,

I am sad I am selling it also. Going to miss this car. Since nobody on this list has made any offers I will probably end up putting it on eBay. I will just list it with no reserve and see what happens. High bidder will win. I probably won't list it for a few weeks as I am waiting for my digital camera to be fixed under warranty by the manufacturer. In the meantime it is still for sale. I am open to any offers. I know there are lots of 123 folks out there that would love this car. While I have owned the car I have had quite a few people make offers to buy it from me. Don't I wish I had kept those emails!!!

Chuck
1985 230TE 5 Speed. For Sale and taking offers.
1990 Mustang LX 5.0
1988 Honda Hawk NT650GT

For those that were interested. The car has been posted on eBay with no reserve. URL is below. I also posted some new pictures on www.intergate.com/~chuck3

Good Luck
Chuck


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?viewItem&item=2446600493

Beautiful wagon, if only it where a diesel.

chuck i hope you get what you deserve for it. good luck!

eric

__________________
1995 E320 Sportline Wagon "Bernard"
black on black leather

http://i.imgur.com/BdZ7jM3.png