Merc 230E/230TE - 1989/1990 - anyone got/had one?
10 March 2003, 10:06 PM
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Hi,
Got a 4 door Merc 230E 4dr auto, but perhaps about to change it to the estate version as found a nice looking 230TE for a good price (7 seater estate).
230E has been pretty reliable with 93k on clock, and only petty items to replace/repair. Few hundred quid over last 2.5 years.
New one is 130k miles, but 18 months newer - but in better nick.
My view is that these cars are built like tanks and even 130k is young for the age.
Thoughts? Anyone any good/bad experiences before I change from 4dr to 5dr!!!
Got a 4 door Merc 230E 4dr auto, but perhaps about to change it to the estate version as found a nice looking 230TE for a good price (7 seater estate).
230E has been pretty reliable with 93k on clock, and only petty items to replace/repair. Few hundred quid over last 2.5 years.
New one is 130k miles, but 18 months newer - but in better nick.
My view is that these cars are built like tanks and even 130k is young for the age.
Thoughts? Anyone any good/bad experiences before I change from 4dr to 5dr!!!
10 March 2003, 10:22 PM
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No ownership experience sadly, but everything you read about these cars praises the durabily and quality, supposedly the best engineered E class ever made before the accountants took over. Done plenty of research myself: currently looking at buying a 500E/E500.
Went to Cyprus last October for a chums wedding, and we were amazed at the taxis: all E classes, mainly W124 models (as is yours), and the skyrocket mileages that the things rack up. It turned into a bit of a competition to find the highest mileage (I know, its sad), and the highest we found was 1.2m kilometeres, (750k miles?) still on same engine. The interior was a bit battered, but it felt as tight as the day it left the factory.
Went to Cyprus last October for a chums wedding, and we were amazed at the taxis: all E classes, mainly W124 models (as is yours), and the skyrocket mileages that the things rack up. It turned into a bit of a competition to find the highest mileage (I know, its sad), and the highest we found was 1.2m kilometeres, (750k miles?) still on same engine. The interior was a bit battered, but it felt as tight as the day it left the factory.
10 March 2003, 10:27 PM
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Yeah, spent 6 weeks working in Stuttgart last month and just about every 3rd taxi is a W124....even saw a W123 official city cab!!!
Most popular was prob the last E-class with a couple of brand new shape E-classes.
E-classes in general dominate the taxi ranks.....
My W124 still feels solid - dash is hewn from granite - might not be pretty, but is durable as hell. No creaks, etc.
Which is why I am loathe to get rid of 4 door, but need an estate!! I know my one, and hate starting again in the unknown with a new car.
Most popular was prob the last E-class with a couple of brand new shape E-classes.
E-classes in general dominate the taxi ranks.....
My W124 still feels solid - dash is hewn from granite - might not be pretty, but is durable as hell. No creaks, etc.
Which is why I am loathe to get rid of 4 door, but need an estate!! I know my one, and hate starting again in the unknown with a new car.
11 March 2003, 09:22 AM
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11 March 2003, 10:05 PM
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Well, viewed the 230TE and drove very well and looks a belter. Bodywork is pristine, and 7 seats are COOL! Can get better half to drive 6 drunken boys back from the pub in the car :-))))
The way the rear seats fold into the floorspace is great - leaves a 100% flat & level surface and no-one would know the seats were there....
Should pick it up in a few days once the cherished transfer of his private plate is complete....
The way the rear seats fold into the floorspace is great - leaves a 100% flat & level surface and no-one would know the seats were there....
Should pick it up in a few days once the cherished transfer of his private plate is complete....
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