I have the opportunity to purchase a 1975 230 with 45,000 miles (yes, forty-five) for $500 (yes, five hundered). It has been garaged most of its life. It sat in the garage for the last 4 yrs. and has not been started. The vehicle had its carburator replaced (dealer) just before it was parked for 4 yrs. Vehicle mileage is verified by dealer service records. Rust is very minor surface. Interior is in good shape except driver's seat which is worn. No cracks or wear on the dash. Headliner and back seat are in very good condition. Trunk will not open; my guess is the vacuum pump is now inoperative. Tires are original, so they will need to be replaced; still lots of tread left but I'm sure they're squared by now. My questions:

1) What generally needs to be replaced on a well-functioning low mileage car that hasn't been started in 4 yrs.?

2) Does the engine need its top side rebult(i.e. cylinder head gasket, pistons rings, valve seals)?

3) Will the transmission need to be rebuild since the seals are all internal?

4) Rear differential seals replacement?

5) I am not looking to restore for concours, but want to get it running for local use. Will $3,000 get it up and running for daily use (considering it was running fine prior to it sitting) or is this potentially a bigger money pit?

Appreciate any advice. Thanks in advance.

ARVY
1992 300E (150,000 mi.)
1984 190D 2.2 (160,000 mi.)

Based on other experiences like yours reported on this forum, I suggest the following.

1) Drain the gas tank and lines. Replace fuel filter and tank screen if there is one in your model(W114). Check for cracks in the rubber gas lines and replace as needed. Dump float bowl fuel and spray with card cleaner as well as other internal parts of the carb. Put some new high-octane fuel in her.

2) Replace brake hoses, brake fluid(DOT 4) and check caliper pistons for free movement. Replace brake pads as needed.

3) Replace dizzy cap, points and condensor as well as ignition wires.

4) Remove spark plugs and clean. Squirt a bit of Marvel Mystery Oil into each cylcinder.

5) Charge up the battery. Sit behind the wheel and fire her up.

An upper end rebuild is possible, but not based on milage. Transmission is probably good for a while. Some vacuum lines might be cracked or disconnected causing a rough idle and inoperative locks.

Good luck and enjoy!

Alex

__________________
'78 W123 280E, 58,000 mi!
'97 Mazda Miata
'94 Isuzu Trooper, 4WD
'03 MB C240 4-matic Wgn - Wife's
From the Archives:
'73 2002
'68 TR-250
'67 Austin Cooper "S"
'59 Austin Seven (Mini)
various p'up trucks

Thanks for the good pointers.

Regards,
ARVY