Mercedes Benz 230E (1975-86)
Production Total: 2,696,915
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Price New: In 1976, the new price of a Mercedes-Benz 230E in the UK was approximately **£6,000**. This model was part of the W123 series and was known for its reliability and elegant design.
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Rivals: In 1976, the Mercedes-Benz 230E faced competition from several luxury cars. Here are the approximate new prices of some of its main rivals in the UK:
- **BMW 520i**: Around £5,500
- **Jaguar XJ6**: Around £5,000
- **Audi 100**: Around £4,000
- **Rover P6 3500**: Around £3,500
These prices reflect the competitive landscape of luxury cars during that era.
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Recorded in UK 2025
As of 2025, there are **12 Mercedes-Benz 230E** vehicles currently licensed in the UK, with an additional **18 vehicles registered as SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification)**.
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Common faults with the W123 Mercedes Benz 230E include:
- **Exhaust issues**: The center and back box may need replacing due to wear or damage².
- **Fuel system problems**: Issues with the petrol hose from the pump to the tank can occur².
- **Rust**: Rust can be a problem, particularly at the bottom of the doors².
- **Brake issues**: Brakes may become locked up if the car has been sitting for a while⁴.
- **Electrical faults**: There may be odd electrical faults affecting indicators, gauges, and other components³.
It's always a good idea to get a full inspection by a professional to identify any specific issues with a particular vehicle.
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Generations
The Mercedes Benz 230E produced between 1975 and 1986 was part of the **W123** model range. There was only one generation of the W123 series during that time frame, which included various body styles and engine configurations. The W123 models were highly successful and are known for their durability and classic design.
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Body Style/Variants
The Mercedes Benz W123 was updated in incremental steps, resulting in different series:
1. **Series 0.5**: November 1975 – July 1976
2. **First Series**: August 1976 – July 1979
3. **Second Series**: August 1979 – August 1982
4. **Third Series**: September 1982 – January 1986
Additionally, the W123 was available in various body styles:
- Saloons/Sedans (W123)
- Coupes (C123)
- Estates/Wagons (S123)
- A long wheelbase version of the sedan known as the V123 Limousine was also offered¹³.
The most popular single models were the 240D, the 230E, and the 200D⁴.
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Engines
The Mercedes Benz W123 had a variety of engine options throughout its production. Here are some of them:
- **Diesel Engines**: 240D, 300D, and others with variations including turbocharged versions.
- **Petrol Engines**: 250, and the top 280 model which was also available with fuel injection.
Special orders included a few 280E limousines with specific engine configurations¹. Additionally, the W123 coupe (C123) was available as a 230C, 280C, 280CE, and 300CD, with the British market receiving only the petrol options.
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Spares
You can locate spare parts for a Mercedes Benz W123 in the UK and Ireland from various sources. Here are some options:
- **EU Spares**: They have a parts catalogue for both the W123 Coupe (C123) and Saloon (W123)¹².
- **Bestpartstore.co.uk**: Offers high-quality spare parts from manufacturers like Bosch, Hella, Sachs, Beru, and others³.
- **Cannstatt Classic Mercedes Parts**: Provides a range of W123 parts from engine parts to body panels and interior trim⁴.
- **Classic Mercedes Parts**: Offers a catalog of spare parts including premium items⁵.
- **MBZ Parts**: They have used, new, and rebuilt parts for the classic Mercedes-Benz W123 chassis⁶.
These sources should have a wide range of parts available for your W123.
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