My E230

[Rayy]

Got her on Friday. 1992 230E Auto, 64,000m 3 previous owners. Lovely. I used to have a 190e and this feels very similar to drive: smooth and wafty. I think it encourages relaxed driving - you can't hurry it because it sets its own pace (almost).

Nasty crack in front screen developed yesterday so not the best start.
[url]
|http://thumbsnap.com/pqdyHMMR[/url]

[80sMatchbox]

Looks superb!

I remember years ago my then girlfriend's father had an E200, and he gave me a lift home in it. He gave it the beans but it didn't really go much faster. As you say, best to drive in a relaxed manner and enjoy the ride.

Edited by 80sMatchbox on Sunday 11th December 08:57

[Rayy]

Thanks. You are really aware of the car's weight as you drive. It's not that it requires much effort from you - far from it - but it does feel secure as it travels in a way many other cars don't seem to equal.

[andyastrasri]

Nice looking E class, my Dad had one of these and then moved onto the coupe version with same engine

Is it a Merc of the era where it pulls away in second gear unless you give it full throttle?

[Rayy]

Yep. There's a switch next to the auto that gives you a choice of 'S' or 'E'. The latter makes it pulls away in second unless you kick down. But even "S' is hardly meteoric. Not what the car's about, tho....

[mccrackenj]

Looks lovely. From Mark Taylor?

I had a 230TE For a while (yet another car I shouldn't have sold!) and the 2.3 is absolutely fine. The sixes are smoother of course, but judged in isolation the 2.3 is a decent old lump, certainly not rough, and pulls a light car like a w124 saloon along very pleasantly indeed.

Enjoy.

[0a]

Lovely. I'm sad enough that I think I also notice that csr from Mark's website! Congratulations!

[Rayy]

Correct. It is currently on his site, marked as sold. Well spotted. Mark's cars aren't as expensive as some, and he buys well and brings them up to a good standard pre-sale.

[0a]

I'd like to know where he finds all these beauties! Lovely interior by the way. These really are very suited to modern life, I find myself doing most of my miles in my w124.

[Inny]

Very nice OP. Looks really smart.

Biased, as I've got a coupe.

I should sell it as it's an indulgence but I just the bloody thing. Satisfies me deep inside.

Deep enough I'm going to get my wallet out and give it the attention it deserves. They wear miles so well it can be easy to indefinitely delay the preemptive stuff.

[Monospace]

Rayy said:

Yep. There's a switch next to the auto that gives you a choice of 'S' or 'E'. The latter makes it pulls away in second unless you kick down. But even "S' is hardly meteoric. Not what the car's about, tho....

Nice!

This is geektastic but if you use 'S' mode the box still starts in 2nd but will downshift to 1st on heavy throttle.

To force a 1st gear start without enduring a tedious downshift on acceleration you need to put the box into '2' position and move it back. Or Leave it there in '2' position if you want it to hold 1st indefinitely until you hit the redline. Give it a go and let me know if my Memory is serving correctly!

[Let off some steam Bennett]

Love it

[Rayy]

An update: Got the windscreen fixed via the insurance - cost me £75 using Auto Windscreens. Had to wait 3 weeks but fitter was polite and friendly and did a neat job.

A few tasks have been needed since. Had to replace engine mounts after car started vibrating badly on tickover and at the same time had the strut top mounts renewed because they were cracking. Checking back through the car's history it turns out that the mounts were only 4 years old - but, judging by the price on the invoice, poor non-OE parts were used back then. At my garage's advice, went for M-B ones this time round. They were only a few quid dearer.

Similiar story with the fan control switch which also failed, causing the car to overheat in traffic. This part, too, was only a couple of years old. Mechanic showed me the item that came out - looked quite different/cheaper than the M-B unit now installed. Replaced thermostat and rad cap at the same time, plus top hose, which was going soggy. Flushed rad and added fresh coolant.

Front pads have been changed, too. They were almost down to the metal but no advisory light glowing on dash. Again, non-OE parts replaced with MB pads and wear sensors. Garage said the car was, despite its age, a pleasure to work on because everything came apart easily and replacements fitted as they should.

Now at almost 69k miles. Using daily and enjoying.

[74merc]

That looks lovely, I much prefer the pre-facelift too.