1986 MERCEDES-BENZ 230TE (W123)

This Mercedes-Benz 230 TE is a sound example of a popular classic estate car, renowned for its reliability and comfort. Its engine is the 2.3-litre inline-four with Bosch fuel injection, producing around 130bhp, and driving the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. The odometer shows 160,500 miles from new.

Finished in the smart hue of Petrol Blue with a blue vinyl and chequered cloth interior, this 230 TE also features the manually operated sunroof, electric windows all round, an electrically adjustable offside wing mirror, dual-zone heaters, and central locking. It was also specified with the optional fold-down seats in the boot, meaning this is a seven-seater car when needed.

First registered in April 1986, there are nine previous registered keepers on the log book, which is certainly not unusual given its age and collectability. The car was evidently off the road between 2008 and early 2013, and it appears that this was when it was treated to some cosmetic and mechanical refurbishment to bring it up to a good standard. The seller has owned the car for the last four-and-a-half years, and has used it for road trips around the Isle of Skye, and even across to Copenhagen and back – and it has never missed a beat.

Today, the bodywork looks straight and solid, with few signs of corrosion. There is some surface rust underneath the front and rear valances, and some minor bubbling of the paint in a few places around the body. In 2017, the jacking points were re-welded, the rear wheel arches were replaced, rust was removed from the front arches, and the inner arches were also repaired. The MOT history indicates that there was some bodywork damage around 2009, but the seller notes that the panels all look good now, and that any repair work has evidently been done to a suitable standard. There is also no record of any accident damage on either HPI or Experian vehicle checks.

The Petrol Blue paintwork is in generally good condition, with small stone chips on the bonnet, and some minor blemishes in the finish, including under the nearside rear pillar, along the bottom of the offside rear door, and a chip on the offside front wing. The photo gallery below provides an accurate illustration of its current condition. All of the brightwork looks to be in very good order, with a pleasing shine. Some of the black plastic trims are slightly faded, but overall this is a usable classic that wears its miles well.

The interiors of the W123 generation model are typically robust, and the blue vinyl and chequered cloth in this car is no different. There are no rips or tears in the upholstery, and the condition certainly belies the mileage. There are some nicks and scuffs on some of the plastic and other trims, particularly around the foot well areas, and the seller also notes some slightly peeling in the corners of the wood inlays around the heater control panel.

The stereo has been replaced with a contemporary but retro-style unit that includes a CD player and Bluetooth connectivity, though the speakers are all original. The seller notes that while the windscreen washer jets work perfectly, the headlight washers are inoperative and there is only tubing to the nearside lamp. The rear windscreen washer pump works, but there is a leak that needs to be located at some point. Its boot area is in great shape, with the original tool pouch stored on one side, and the spare wheel on the other. The luggage cover is included, though one of the retaining lugs is missing.

Scheduled maintenance has just been carried out at classic car specialist Yattendon Garage, consisting of an engine oil and filter change, fresh gearbox oil, a new air filter, and new spark plugs. The transmission was also inspected to ensure it was in good working order.

Prior to this, its most recent services were in August 2018 at 159,194 miles, when the rear shock absorbers were replaced; and in June 2017 at 158,498 miles, when a front wheel bearing was renewed.

The last MOT test was on 17 July 2020 at 160,406 miles, when it achieved a first-time pass without a single advisory note. The wheels wear 195/70 R14 Dunlop Street Response tyres all round, which were fitted in September 2016 at 154,947 miles, and which still have ample tread depth.

Accompanying the car is the original owner’s manual and maintenance record, European service directory, warranty card, and Blaupunkt stereo user guide (though the radio is no longer with the car). The original Mercedes-Benz Approved Used insurance plan documents and roadside assistance card from 1987 is also present. There is an extensive history file containing a raft of invoices and receipts over the years, documenting lots of maintenance and repair work.

This Mercedes-Benz 230 TE is a smart and eminently usable classic, which offers a compelling blend of style, comfort and practicality. It has proved to be very reliable during the current ownership, and is sure to draw admiring glances wherever it goes.

All cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.