Finding an affordable classic station wagon that would be equally at home as a daily driver or undertaking a cross-country adventure can prove a challenge, but that is what is on offer with this 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230TE. These wagons are renowned for their ability to cruise effortlessly for hours on the German autobahns, but their sweet little four-cylinder engines are extremely economical. After nearly a decade in hibernation, the owner has worked through the meticulous process of returning this German classic to a roadworthy state. With summer fast approaching, it could be the perfect choice for a family contemplating a summer road trip. Located in Dallas, Texas, you will find the Mercedes listed for sale here on Barn Finds Classifieds. You could fly in and drive home by handing the owner $15,500.
Mercedes-Benz launched the W123 Series in late 1975, and the vehicles remained in production until 1986. It proved to be a sales success, with more than 2.7 million examples rolling off showroom floors. It may be more than three decades since production ended, but the survival rate is a testament to their engineering and build quality. Our feature 230TE wears what I believe to be Code 900 Deep Blue paint. The seller admits that it received some previous touch-up work, and while it isn’t perfect, it still shines nicely. There are no significant flaws or issues, and the panels look extremely straight. These classics are not renowned for rust problems, and a life spent in Texas since arriving from its homeland in 1990 will have helped its cause. The trim shines well for a vehicle of this vintage, while there are no visible issues with the wheels or glass.
When we delve below the surface, we discover why these wagons have proven so popular across the globe. Mercedes-Benz is a premium brand that has built a reputation for engineering excellence. This philosophy allows vehicles like the 230TE to clock more than 300,000 miles with little more than basic mechanical servicing and maintenance. This wagon has a genuine 129,000 miles showing on its odometer, meaning that it is barely broken in. The engine bay houses a 2,299cc fuel-injected four-cylinder engine that produces 134hp. The power finds its way to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission, allowing the 3,086lb Merc to cover the ¼ mile in 18 seconds. The wagon saw active duty for years before being stored nearly a decade ago. The owner recently removed it from its slumber and worked through a meticulous process to ensure that it is roadworthy and in sound mechanical health. He replaced the fluids and all belts before rebuilding or replacing every component in the fuel system. The sweet little four purrs into life at the first turn of the key and is kept cool by the addition of a new radiator and water pump. The brakes came in for a similar level of attention, receiving a new master cylinder, reservoir, hoses, front calipers, and pads. When you add new tires and a new exhaust to the equation, he has left no stone unturned in the revival process. The 230 runs and drives well and is ready for any cross-country adventure.
If you like the luxury of leather, you will feel at home inside this Mercedes. The seats wear leather upholstery, and while it isn’t perfect, it is serviceable and could be used untouched. There is some cracking on the driver’s seat, but a specialist may be able to blind patch this without the buyer resorting to replacement. The rear seat is slightly discolored, but it still presents well. The cargo area carpet has also deteriorated, but the owner holds a quote for a replacement that would address that issue. The vinyl trims on the C-Pillar have shrunk, which is pretty common. I performed a brief online search and had no trouble finding replacements for around $110 each, but a more thorough investigation could slash that figure. For potential buyers with a larger family, this wagon offers the added versatility of third-row seating. With warm weather approaching, comfort has to be a key consideration. The original owner ordered this 230 with air conditioning, and this has been fully updated to R134 specifications with a new crossflow condenser, new dryer, new compressor, and all new lines. The result was worth the cost and effort because it blows ice-cold.
The Mercedes-Benz W123 Series, including the 230TE, has developed a reputation for longevity. Many saw service in their home country as taxis, while others found their way to African nations, where they cemented their position as a firm favorite. Their reputation in those locations is founded on their ability to cope with harsh roads and climatic conditions and their overall bulletproof nature. Our feature Mercedes is in great shape for its age, and its fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine makes it a viable daily driver in an environment of rising fuel prices. It is those characteristics that make it worthy of a closer look.
I think if you were to ask people about a classic Mercedes this is the image that would come to mind. The W114/115 and the W123 series is the automotive version of the iconic Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser. These cars were built tough enough to thrive in third world nations where roads were poor or non existent. One would think this car fitted with the 4 cylinder engine would be a base model. However it’s fitted with leather seating, power windows and most likely locks and a sunroof? I would think the performance of the gasser would come close or equal the acceleration of the turbo diesel. These were definitely not fast cars but this should still be adequate to keep up with todays traffic. It’s a nice solid example and the work the sell has done didn’t come cheap. These are expensive to put right as I can attest first hand. The seller has got the car to the threshold it just needs the new owner to sort some trim items to take it all the way.
Would be loaded, as it’s a European spec car, gas mileage first, luxury second in priorities.
Sounds like a steal.
Last of the hand built MBs. I had a 83 300SD and kept the car for 16 years. In the 16 years besides normal maintenance, I replaced the power antenna and two glow plugs.
I believe they were indeed renouned for their rust issues. They would normally rust out well before the drivetrain had issues, at least in the Northern states.
Grey market import.
And I don’t recall the wagon available in North America with the 4 cylinder engine at the time. Most of those I’ve seen were 300 diesel models, which are really, really long lived.
I had a ‘76 300 D and expected it to run forever. The 5 cylinder diesel threw a rod at well under 100,000 miles.
My mechanic, a Mercedes trained mechanic , said the dealer used silicone
when replacing the oil pan and it sluffed off into the oil pan and plugged the pump.
The dealer refused to take any responsibility.
I replaced the engine and not long after the floor rotted out. I guess water gets trapped between the heavy layer of undercoating the factory puts on and the floor.
So my 300 D was not the best experience.
As a postscript , my mechanic was a bit of a character. He had a ‘65 Cadillac with a trailer hooked up to it. He used the Caddy to bring broken down Mercedes to his shop. He said that Cadillac was trouble free and used it for years to bring those “over engineered” Mercedes in for repairs.
Had an earlier 230 sedan. So slow would almost get rear-ended every time light turned green. Horse-hair coming out of seats. Built like a tank. Was dependable tho.
not as slo as the 300D. The 300 d/td had that million mile motor (like the ford 300/4.9).
I was not aware of this variation on the 123. As said it must have been a euro model? Same w/the 300D/TD – just made for merica & just w/an auto transmis.
This would have been my fav car (they call me wagonman round here) cept for the purchase price (in the early 21st cent. they were affordable, not B4 & not after as they have sky rocketed again). Whoas me.
I had a standard euro 230 wagon some time ago, crank up windows, fabric seats, plenty fast enough! As it was painted a lime green, my kids wouldn’t allow me to drop them at school, I had to be at least a block away. Wonderful car but rotted away in the NE weather.
These cars are sought after in Germany. Their value is only surpassed by the 230 CE (coupe). These cars frequently get over 30 mpg on the highway and seem to last forever. When the W123 chassis cars were replaced by the W124 hundreds of German cab drivers circled the factory in Stutgart expressing their dislike for the replacement model. This is a rare car in the states and in my opinion a much more enjoyable model than the diesel cars. I own a 230e sedan with a manual transmission and it is not for sale.