Let's talk Euro Versions - 230CE
 

So I have a 1985 230CE. Seems like this car was only offered in UK, but somehow made its way to the states. I can't find any parts anywhere!! Not on this site and not on any other sites. Am I screwed?? Will I have to pay the dealers big bucks whenever I need work done on it?

Thinking outside the box....
 

As far as I know, your particular model could be ordered in Euro trim at ANY MB agency, worldwide, EXCEPT in the USA, back in 1984 and 1985,MostAmerican dealers were reluctant to work on gray market cars, and some flat out refused to do it.

Well, I don't know what parts you need, but whichever ones will fit both US and Euro spec. cars probably could be ordered over the Counter at your local MB dealer, but using the internet widely will be a good start, and the resources ARE there.

Being in Oregon, you might want to sign up at www.Canadiandriver.com, and see if a Forum participant there, can direct you to a good Euro parts source there.

Similarly, www.mbspares.com (Australia) is worth a look, as a lead for W123 euro parts, their newsletter and website seems to depict some really friendly and helpful chappies, and I bet they could help.

Similarly, searches on ebay.uk and ebay.de (Germany) can lead to paydirt, and a good parts source. Years ago, for instance (Most German vendors speak at least rudimentary English) I was able to work out with one ebayer in Germany a deal where he went to a junkyard in Berlin, and bought several Warndreich "warning triangles" to mount inside the trunk lids of 123/126 Mercedes, and made some happy customers and friends on both sides of the pond.

There are plenty of older MB sources, especially the W123 and W126, that I can think of, but am very sure by putting the word out, like you have here, and agressively searching the net, you can get what you need. might not be as cheap or as fast as you need, but it can be done.

The 230CE is an elegant classy ride, stylish and everlasting, and especially nice looking with Euro lights and bumpers, in either MB tex or the euro cloth pattern designs. Definately worth the fight to keep up. In my opinion.

Good luck.

the body chassis parts should be pretty much the same as other 123 models.

the engine will be the same as or very similar to the 190e 2.3 motor offered here.

if you have a unique part to that model, you should be able to take the number off the part and order it from your mb pars supplier.

i wouldnt think it will be too much trouble.

sounds like a nice car. good luck

tom w

230XE's
 

There is an 81 230TE up on eBay. The seller is a mech and rebuilt a lot on it. He's in Richmond, Va area, but should know sources US-wide.
See:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4639879272&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1
Whyuncha email the seller and ask. For all we know, he may also be a forum member.
Stan

I have one of those too.. Parts are not too hard to locate. Depends what you need....:D

Well, the first issue I need to repair - the engine overheats when sitting somewhere idling for a while. It was suggested that it is the fan clutch. So I need to locate a new fan clutch somewhere. Any suggestions?

You have a 102 engine. You might want to check a 190e models they have similar engines. Not exactly sure if they are the same.. Another option is to just install a auxillary fan..