Mercedes W123 what to look out for?

Blue850

Going to have a look at an 82 230E auto tomorrow, described as driving perfectly but having a slight rattle in the timing chain and some bubbles on the doors, and its cheap. What are 'walk away' problems? How big a job is chain repalcement?

8~)

Mechanically the chain can rattle a bit - could last forever, but then again might not! Can't comment on difficulty to change, I've not done one. Autobox - if it finds all gears quickly and smoothly, including reverse, it's probably fine. Check the fluid for nice red colour - if not red, but burned brown, it's neglected or knackered. Steering can be loose if the steering box is worn; pricey enough to replace (300ish DIY). Check the driveshaft boots at rear - cracked and needing replacement is expensive (I paid around 400 all in some time back). Rest of the mechanics generally last forever, though do the normal checks for brakes, steering, bearings, etc etc.

Body - rust. Check everywhere. Walk away spots, for me at least, are rusty inner wings, strut tops, rusty seams inside front wheel arches, bulkhead. One bulkhead area is where the kickdown switch is sited - can rust there. If a bit flakey you could be amazed at how much rot needs to be cut out. Saying that welding in a repair is not too difficult, but depends on the extent of the rust. Behind the battery is another common rust spot.

Check inside for water ingress - if the battery tray area has rusted water gets inside and sits on the floor helping to rust out the floor and sills. Check for crunchy bits around the bottom nut of the front seatbelt mountings. Floor is hard to check because of the bitumen-like soundproofing on the floor. If soundproofing is cracked and broken, water has been inside the car at some point.

Sills generally last well, though jacking points can rust, especially if carelessly used at some time in the past.

Rusty door bottoms are common but if bad, doors can be got - I know where there are 4 available. Similar story with bonnet and boot lid. If fitted with a sunroof check the tray for rust - probably will have some.

Rear boot floor can rust out also, though I'm not as familiar with the backend of the saloons as I am with the estates.

If you want, let me know where the car is and if geographically handy for me I could volunteer to come and kick the tyres with you.

Blue850

Wow 8~), Thanks for the detailed answer, car is in Co Galway and will probably sell for a grand. I'm going to look cos its local, 755 road tax for the next 5 years though is a bit of a killer though.

8~)

Welcome - main thing with these cars is rust. They are built to last but 20+ years will take its toll.

If the car's in Ballinasloe, Galway then I could be interested in taking a look. If much further west than that is too far for me.