Just got another MB, sorry guys but its not a diesel. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

lietuviai · #1 08-12-2004, 11:22 PM

I just picked up another W123 today. The thing is, its not a diesel. I found a really nice '84 230CE and I just couldn't pass it up. The thing is I got it for way less than I would have paid for a diesel sedan of the same vintage. I got frustrated with all the junk that was for sale for even more than what I paid for this car. This car has a full history with records. It was very well cared for and it shows. It does have 162K miles on the engine though but the entire top end was rebuilt not too long ago and it runs like new. It has lots of power, the oil pressure at idle fully warmed up is 2+. The interior is in great shape but the dash has some cracks and some of the small wood pieces are also cracked, not a big deal to me. I'll have pictures to post in the near future.
Will you guys still talk to me after getting this car?

Tirebiter · #2 08-12-2004, 11:34 PM

Yes. You must be punished. Please send all moderators a twenty dollar bill dipped in WVO and they might not poke hoo-rah at ya when you aren't looking

Holson Adi · #3 08-12-2004, 11:51 PM

I think the 230CE is a good 123 coupe. It doesn't have the power of the M110 Twin-Cam but I think that M102(?) 8V I-4 is a more refined, more reliable, and newer tech. motor.. I could be wrong though. I had a 230E (W124) - It wasn't exactly 300E quick or smooth but it was definitely decent.

can't wait to see the pictures.

#4 08-13-2004, 12:52 AM

na we won't whip ya too much.... hehehe... maybe we could convert it to diesel, alittle hammering there, some cutting here, some welding over yonder, hehehe

chip

Hatterasguy · #5 08-13-2004, 04:11 PM

I don't know if were allowed o talk to a ga##$r owner

Btw to me at least the W123's with gas engines seem rare, was their more diesel W123's imported or maybe more diesels just survived. I noticed looking threw the local paper, as Mercedes creep up on the 20 year mark you tend to see more diesels.

Jorn · #6 08-13-2004, 04:56 PM

If I'm right the 230CE was never imported to the States, the 280CE was; from 1978 till 1981.

jdc1244 · #7 08-13-2004, 04:57 PM

I assume you still have the diesel. If so there’s nothing wrong with enjoying the best of both worlds.

fj bertrand · #8 08-13-2004, 05:20 PM

Can a diesel head buy a MB that didn't have a diesel option and still be OK?

I'm looking for a good 380SL.

My 4 MB diesels should mitigate any possible shunning, I hope...

dieseldiehard · #9 08-13-2004, 05:45 PM

the 230CE is a pretty lil gasser. As long as you have a diesel for back up when the 230 has to go in the shop for something you're all right.
I almost bought a beautiful 230CE, it was red with black interior owned by a local dentist who brought it over from Europe, unfortunately I already have my share of Benzs so had to pass on it. BUT, if it had a five speed in it I might have sold one of the diesels to make room for it!

Many 230's came with a cloth interior but some may have been sent over on special order with MB Tex like yours and the one I was considering buying. Black MB Tex looks real nice.

I presume your has no AC, correct?
What type of distributor does yours have? It should have a magnetic trigger, I am familiar with that distributor (bought one for my 220 but that's another story!). Yours has FI, right?
DDH

rg2098 · #10 08-13-2004, 08:07 PM

May I ask how much you payed for it? I bid on the same car early on. Have fun with it it looked pretty sporty

lietuviai · #11 08-14-2004, 01:28 AM

There's no way I'm getting rid of my 300D.

The 230CE is F/I and has A/C but its needing a recharge, it doesn't blow all that cold but it does work. It isn't the PITA climate control in fact it doesn't resemble any I've seen in any of the US models. Mine was brought over from Germany new and ended up getting "federalized". I did get the original headlamps, side marker lights and tail lamps. They all still look like new. The car is also a 4-speed so I need to brush up on driving a stick now since I haven't driven one for over 3 years.

RG2098, yes this was the same car that was on eBay. After looking it over and taking it for a drive, I asked the seller about the reserve. We got to talking and I was asked if I wanted to make an offer so I offered the reserve. The seller wanted a bit more but after some haggling I got it for $100 over their reserve and the seller ended the listing early. Sorry I'm not going to divulge the price yet but it was for much less that what I saw diesels of poor quality for sale in the area.

lietuviai · #12 08-14-2004, 01:38 AM

A photo of the car from the listing.

Hatterasguy · #13 08-14-2004, 06:15 PM

Nice car!

lietuviai · #14 08-15-2004, 07:08 PM

Anyone have any suggestions where in this forum I could best post questions about this car? I'm not one bit familiar with the M102 engine this car has. It looks really easy to work on.

Holson Adi · #15 08-16-2004, 12:28 AM

Could post on Tech Help - the 190E guys should know a thing or two about them

Tough motor - but, we had to replace the engine

mounts on our W124 230E to cure the rough idle, and it later developed a fuel delivery problem (causing extra-long cranking periods)