Help! About to buy mint Euro '85 230CE (W123), have Q's - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Miles81_240d · #1 03-31-2006, 02:50 AM

Hello All,

I am just inches away from purchasing the 1985 230 CE, Euro car I have found locally for sale by private owner.. Car is in flawless shape (literally), 140K, has the M102.980 (4 cyl) engine, Automatic, Euro lights, bumpers, etc. Has been maintained by local MB dealer for most services, local MB independant for smaller things. I have a couple of questions about the mechanical properties of this car:

-Is the M102 engine reliable? This is the 1985 model (specifically, its the M102.980)..and it felt peppy and was idling smooth and quietly. I am curious about the timing chain scenario on this motor (as some other gasser MB's this is a 'fragile' part?).. Being a euro motor and an '85.. would it be safe to assume this one is a single row chain? Is the chain as big of issue in the 4cyl motors? It does appear oil changes have been religious, w/ 15w40 oil. On that note; how much would you approximate the local independant MB shop should charge to have it (and, the tensioner) replaced..??

-The Transmission..: It shifted well in all gears, but 2-3 had a flare symptom... otherwise seemingly fine.. I seem to recall certain Automatics in certain model years had a vacuum modulator ?? (or, some kind of adjustment mechanism for this symptom?) I've even heard about some kind of "piston" that usually needs to be replaced (?) What would be your likely guess as to fixing this symptom??

-The Wipers..: the "intermittant" speed setting for the wipers don't work.. But "lo" and "hi" work.... (?)

-Rear Driver's side window regulator..: Are these difficult to replace? The motor works but the window immediately gets stuck in downward travel (??)

Any and all help is greatly appreciated.. trust me guys.. this one is a *real nice one*.. a Euro coupe!

Miles81_240d · #2 03-31-2006, 07:53 PM

Wow.

I thought there would be some excitement upon hearing about this one ;-) hehe... Any opinions???

BTW the email address on my signature line is incorrect; its milesb@mac.com , (in case some of you happened to try to email me direct)..

Incidently from what I understand, the motor is similar to that of the M102 in the 1984-1985 190e (??)

Thanks for any & all of your help, guys!

-Miles
milesb@mac.com (ignore email address below)

Palangi · #3 03-31-2006, 08:10 PM

Go over to the Diesel Discussion Forum and look up a member named Lietuviai (or something close to that). He has a Euro 230E. He can probably answer most of your questions. I believe he is in your general area somewhere.

Jeremy5848 · #4 04-01-2006, 11:41 AM

...is all I am qualified (and just barely) to address.

If the motor works but the window gets stuck, you should next notice if the window seems to cock to one side or the other as it tries to start down. This is a sign that either the lubricant has hardened at some point, causing that side of the window to hang up, or one of the pivot points has failed due to a screw or rivet that has dropped out.

You might try "guiding" the window, gently, with a hand, as it tries to go down. Wiggle it up and down, back and forth, taking the weight of the glass off of the mechanism with your hand(s). If you can get the window to go down a little more, stop and get it back into the closed position (you don't want it to jam "open"). That will confirm a mechanism problem.

On the other hand, there could also be a limit switch that is not operating properly (I don't know how M-B designed its window regulators). An improperly operating limit switch could think that the window was fully open and stop the motor.

Which reminds me, when the window stops moving, can you hear/feel the motor still trying? That will separate electrical from mechanical problems.

Jeremy in Santa Rosa, California

t walgamuth · #5 04-01-2006, 08:31 PM

of any glaring weak spots on that motor. it is basically the same as the 103 six cylinder, which is a respected motor. they tend to need head gaskets for leaking but often it is just a cosmetic thing and can be let slide.

i have had a 123 280e euro car and dont know of much that is all that different mechanically. the major components are mostly identical in my experience.

the automatic might respond to changing the fluid and filter. this sometimes will help if that hasnt been done according to the 30k recommendation.

good luck with your new car (if you buy it)

tom w