Highlights

In the same family since 1987: vendor's father's company car
Engine rebuilt by a Mercedes-Benz specialist in 2014, with approximately 3,250 miles covered since
History file with invoices for servicing and repairs going back many years
Always garaged when not in use
Voluntarily MOT tested despite being exempt, valid until November 2026

The Appeal

The W123 needs little introduction. It is widely regarded as one of the most robust and well-engineered vehicles any car manufacturer has ever produced. The 230 E, with its fuel-injected 2.3-litre inline four petrol engine and smooth four-speed automatic gearbox, offers a refined and dependable driving experience.

Our example has been in the same family since 1987, when the seller's father purchased it from his employer upon retirement. Having been garaged throughout, it benefits from an engine rebuild carried out in late 2014 by Crewe Engines Ltd, a well-regarded Mercedes-Benz specialist. Only approximately 3,250 miles have been covered since, all documented with invoices.

The vendor states that it starts and runs very well, feels solid, and drives smoothly. Recent mechanical attention in late 2024 included replacement of the offside front coil spring and lower suspension arm, along with welding and repair work at the rear. Some cosmetic imperfections are present, including corrosion on the wheel arches and wear to the driver's seat. Though exempt from MOT testing, it was voluntarily tested in November 2025 and passed.

Key Information

Mileage: 177,065 miles (indicated, unwarranted, believed correct by the vendor)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT valid until November 2026 (MOT-exempt)
Technical specs: 2.3-litre inline four-cylinder petrol, four-speed automatic
Paperwork: Invoices for servicing and repairs going back many years; engine rebuild documented

The Detail

In the same family since 1987; originally the seller's father's company car
Not used much for many years and always garaged
Engine remanufacture carried out in late 2014 by Crewe Engines Ltd, with approximately 3,250 miles covered since
In November 2024, the O/S/F coil spring and O/S/F lower suspension arm were replaced
In November 2024, welding carried out to the O/S/R inner wheel arch and N/S/R anti-roll bar bush mounting repaired with a plate and new nut
Welding carried out to the O/S sill near the jacking point in March 2000
Noticeable corrosion on the N/S/F wheel arch and minor rust on the other wheel arches
Small dent in the rear bumper
Some wear on the driver's seat and damage to the metal trim on the driver's door sill
Glovebox catch does not click shut and is currently taped
The vendor reports the interior is otherwise in very good condition
Clock does not work; all other functions are believed to be working
Original Blaupunkt radio cassette player has been replaced with a Sony unit
Equipped with a manual sunroof
The car's underside can be studied in the photographs
MOT advisories: corroded rear fuel pipes (from tank), nearside rear service brake binding but not excessively, offside front service brake fluctuating but not excessively, and nearside steering idler with slight play

BEFORE YOU BUY

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