Mercedes-Benz 230TE
ENGINE 2299cc/4-cyl/OHC POWER 134bhp@510Orpm TORQUE 151Ib ft@350Orpnn MAXIMUM SPEED 117mph 0-60MPH 11.4sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 24-32mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, five-speed manual MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 176,285 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
A cold start is evidence enough that there’s little to fault with this car’s four-cylinder motor. It has strong oil pressure and instant, quiet running. The clutch is light and engages at less than half travel while the manual gearbox provides positive selection through all five gears. The steering is precise with plenty of assistance when parking but a slight pull to the left is apparent at speed; this should be little more than tracking or incorrect tyre pressures and is on the vendor’s to-do list.
BODYWORK CHECK
The original Almandine Red metallic finish is bright and very clean. Careful inspection reveals a small hairline scratch to the nearside front wing plus a small chip on the roof panel also on the nearside, which could be touched in. The original chrome is in excellent condition while the underside is well protected and has not required any assistance from the welder’s torch. The Mercedes wheel trims are so clean that they could be recent replacements and all four wheels sit on healthy rubber. The nearside headlight lens needs to be replaced because of stone damage, but the vendor says that this will this be rectified prior to sale.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The cabin is bright and clean with just a small mark to the passenger seat base. The carpets show no excess wear, having been protected by overmats from new, and the grey trim is unmarked. This car is loaded with options, so testing every switch and dial takes time. Everything works perfectly, including the tilt slide sunroof and electric aerial. The interior’s ‘party piece’ is the rear facing seating bench that offers a seven-seater option. Overall the cabin area is in remarkable condition considering the mileage reading.
UNDER THE BONNET
The bay is clean with no sign of corrosion from the model’s suspect area beneath the washer bottle or behind the headlights. This car has registered two owners but just one driver from new and has an impressive history file. There are 34 service stamps, the most recent being for an engine service that was done 300 miles ago when a new exhaust system was also fitted. There’s also every invoice from 1993 and MoTs from 1994, plus tax discs up until 2015 with handwritten notes, manuals and dealer pack.
THE CCW VIEW
This W124 230TE has obviously been meticulously maintained over the years. It’s the perfect everyday classic that drives correctly, yet presents really well and wouldn’t look out of place at any show. Ultra-high mileages are not uncommon with this era of Mercedes because they were superbly engineered, and this example has many more miles to offer.