Mercedes Motoring Mercedes-Benz restoration, back road exploration!

Gasoline Coupe

1984 230CE Gasoline Coupe

  • Manganese Brown with Palomino Cloth
  • 56,955 documented miles since new
  • Euro model, original paint
  • Manual windows, sunroof, automatic transmission
  • Offered with Paint-Matched Hubcaps or Polished Bundts
  • New home, Cleveland, Ohio
  • Sold

I don't like to pick favorites, but I have to say, this car is one of them. I heavily considered keeping it for myself. I'm such a sucker for the Euro stuff. I drove this car back from Wisconsin last summer and it purred like a German sewing machine the whole way. I also just took it on a 700 mile round trip to Big Sur, again, perfect.

This particular coupe model has great European options, like sleek bumpers, cloth interior, H&R lowering springs, and period correct BBS wheels. It has a cool stance, very slightly lowered, with a great ride. If you're looking for a unique low-mileage W123, you just found it.

Description:  Manganese Brown Metallic (MB paint code 480) with Palomino cloth interior. 2-door coupe with 4-Cylinder, 2.3 liter, 136hp, fuel-injected, naturally aspirated gasoline engine, single overhead cam, 4-speed automatic transmission, power assisted 4-wheel disc brakes, 4-wheel independent suspension with H&R lowering springs, manual windows, electric sunroof, central locking, power steering, original Becker Grand Prix AM/FM cassette stereo with adjustable sleeve height power antenna, heater/defroster, electrically heated rear windshield, quartz chronometer, 3-way adjustable front bucket seats, 15” period correct BBS wheels, rear center folding armrest, front center cargo tray, rear cargo tray, passenger side power mirror, halogen head lamps, halogen fog lamps, 3-speed windshield wiper with 5-second mist interval control, 4-piece custom cocomats, zebrano wood dash trim, driver accessible rear dome light switch, headlight turn-off warning device, optional right and left side controlled parking light illumination, full spare and tool kit, roadside trunk reflector, first-aid kit, Owner's Manual, along with Mercedes-Benz dealership stamped Maintenance Booklet and other Mercedes-Benz literature. Free and clear title. (Disclaimer) California residents interested in registering in the state of CA need to look into the process of registering a gray market vehicle.

Exterior Condition:  The Manganese Brown Metallic paint appears to be 100% original. The paint is deep and clear and not faded or oxidized. There are a few very minor blemishes, but the overall impression is stunning. The polished anodized aluminum trim is brilliant, without any fading, a telltale indicator of a car that has been garage kept. Both front and rear Euro bumpers are in excellent condition without any scratches in the chrome. The impact strips are in like new condition as well. The period correct BBS wheels are in excellent condition. The all-season Michelin Defender 195/65/R15 tires are brand new. The factory 14” Bundt spare wheel and accompanying original Michelin XVS tire appear to have never been used. The trunk compartment is excellent. The roadside trunk reflector, jack and tool kit are all in like new condition. Era-correct pinstripe is flawless. The original door seals, trunk seal, glass seals, rubber weather-stripping, etc., are all in great shape and still soft and pliable. All factory glass is original except the front windshield and seal, which was replaced due to some light pitting over the years. The original chrome grill housing, badge and hood star are in excellent condition, and the mesh insert and correlating crossbars are brand new. The headlamps, turn signals, tail lights are bright and flawless without scratches or fading. The headlight bezels are new OEM Bosch. All of the emblems are bright and shiny. Original factory stickers and plates on door jam and engine compartment are in excellent condition.

Interior Condition:  The interior of this coupe is stunning. The Palomino cloth in in excellent condition. There are no rips, no tears, no fading. The back seat looks as though it’s never been sat in. The original carpets are flawless. They are without any stains, fading or unraveling. The OEM carpets are also protected by a 5-piece custom cocomat set. The zebrano wood dash trim is stunning! It was recently refinished with a factory-like clear, deep and durable shine. The headliner, sun visors and sun visors bolster are spectacular and look untouched. The MB-Tex door panels and heat-pressed cloth inserts are crisp, tight and look brand new. The map pockets are equally impressive. The wind lace looks new. The original unopened first-aid kit appears to have never been used. The instrument cluster is bright and flawless, without any faded needles or aging, and is in proper working order. The accessory switches, knobs, buttons, turn signal lever, etc. are in excellent condition without any faded symbols, and they are all in proper working order. The steering wheel is firm to the grip without any twisting or slack.

Mechanical Condition:  This car starts, runs, drives and handles fantastic. It has been driven regularly, but sparingly since new, and has never sat for any extended period of time. It has been exceptionally well maintained since new, and has never missed a single scheduled service. My favorite perk is the 4-cylinder gas engine. You not only get more horse-power than a turbo diesel, but you don’t get hit with the hefty fuel consumption bill like the big brother 6-cylinder 280. It's durable and fuel efficient 2.3 liter, 4-cylinder gasoline motor is smooth and strong, and it gets an average of 24 MPG. Cold starts are instant, which is a validation to its low miles. The motor, chassis and engine compartment are all exceptionally clean and dry. There are no leaks of any kind. The transmission shifts sure, timely and proper. Independent suspension is solid and comfortable, and the steering is tight and responsive without any play. There are currently no pending maintenance issues.

Accessories Condition:  All windows function excellent. All knobs and switches work and feel lightly used based on their respective resistance as well. Sunroof works smooth and excellent. Central locking works fast and excellent. Heater/defroster work excellent, and blows heat from the proper vents respectively. Becker Grand Prix AM/FM cassette stereo works excellent, along with adjustable height power antenna. Instrument cluster gauges all work excellent, including: clock, odometer, tripometer, rheostat illumination switch, oil pressure gauge, temperature gauge, fuel gauge, etc. Seats adjust smooth and proper. Headlights work excellent, along with high beams, fog lights, brake lights, parking lights, reverse lights, both dome lights, turn signals, trunk light, license plate lights, glove compartment light, accessory switch illumination light, instrument cluster lights, etc.

Cars