Highlights

Very tidy late model W111 with 118bhp 2.3L straight six
RHD car with only six registered keepers
£7,600 spent on mechanical work since December 2023
Kept in heated, dry storage since bought in 2023
Recent work to cooling system, carburettor, brakes and suspension
Parts and tools for the valve stem seal job are included
Practical and stylish four seat saloon

The Appeal

Bela Barienyi made it extremely safe, but it was Friedrich Gieger who secured the W111’s enduring appeal with his beautifully detailed bodywork, incorporating timeless features like the stack headlights and the transatlantic ‘Heckfloss’ styling that gave the car its nickname. Thanks to the reliability and spaciousness, the rare survivors make surprisingly usable classics.

The vendor bought this attractive mid-blue 230S in late 2023 and says he has since invested over £7,600 to maintain and improve it. It has a desirable specification including a 118 bhp 2.3L straight-six engine and a relaxed 4-speed auto box, a mix that is ideal for long-distance cruising. Maintenance has included the radiator, carburettor, intake system, alternator, engine mounts, tyres, brakes, and suspension components.

Externally, the car is described as honest, with a few small dings to the passenger door, a stone chip between the grille and headlamp, and some age-related wear to the chrome and paint that would benefit from a polish. We’re informed that there is a small plume of blue smoke after idling when hot and then pulling away, which the owner believes is likely due to worn valve stem seals. The required parts and tools are included in the boot. For a buyer willing to do a little initial work, this is a much-improved and nicely presented classic Benz.

The vendor says:

“It's the ultimate cruiser. You can't drive this car anywhere without a wave, a beep, or a conversation sparking. It's beautiful; just look at it, and it is so comfy to drive; it's like a pillow. Big old blue pillow.”

Key Information

Mileage: 48,208 miles indicated (odometer reading reported as correct)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
MOT status: exempt
Technical specification: M180 2,306cc 6cyl 118bhp, 4spd automatic
Paperwork: good history file, newspaper article, V5C, handbooks and wallet
Parts: Valve stem seal parts and tools included

Maintenance summary since 2023 advised by seller:

Reconditioned radiator
Tappets adjusted
New battery
Carburettor overhaul
Intake system overhaul
Grease all suspension joints
Cam cover refresh
New engine mounts fitted
Engine oil coolant
Power steering fluid replaced
Power steering system filters
Alternator recondition
Four new whitewall tyres

Work in 2025:

Gearbox cooler repaired
Rear wheel cylinders replaced
Front brake calipers
Tie rod boots
Anti roll bar link bushes
Underseal treatment on both sills
Engine service

2026:

Carburettor tune
Replacement brake servo rom W108

The Detail

Purchased by the current owner in December 2023
Extensive work totalling £7,6000 since purchase detailed above
Four new whitewall tyres fitted
Body colour chrome hub caps
Attractive mid-blue paintwork in fair condition with some age to note in photos
This includes deterioration to front wing and boot lid as shown
Bodywork presents well with straight panel fit across doors
The body has a few small dings on the passenger door
Stone chip between the grille and headlamp
The chrome shows age-related wear but remains presentable in photos
Vendor states that paint would benefit from a polish
Underside as shown with recent undersealing to sills
Small blue-smoke plume reported after idling when hot
Current keeper believes worn valve stem seals are the likely cause
Smart and well presented grey MB Tex interior with some age to note
Carpets, door cards and seats in good order with light age to note
Vendor notes slight peeling on dashboard wood finish
Vendor states interior is in very good order overall

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

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Comments

dfennem••••

4 hours ago

Have you gad a compression test to rule out worn cylinders? It could be far more serious than valve seals.

Herbie-••••

Seller

1 hour ago

Hello! The main reason I presume the valve seals are why the car burns oil when pulling away is because the previous owner left a classic car magazine article of valve seal replacement circled in highlighter, along with a footnote for the next owner (me) to look at. When I was looking on forums about the engine in this car, the M180, (this engine M180.947) People had reported smoke coming from their engine when pulling away being related to their stem seals being worn, piston rings going tended to be a more constant ploom of smoke according to owner’s stories. If you have any other questions, let me know. Thanks. Herbie.

4 days ago

Just for quick clarification - In the details of the vehicle it says the car is manual; It’s not it’s an automatic. Slight error on me for not checking before setting the auction live. If anyone has any questions ask away! Happy bidding. -Herbie.