1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 CE

This eye catching 230CE coupe is a fine example of the breed with much going for it. First and foremost, those in the know consider the 230CE as a real sweet spot in the jumble of permutations that were available. The 2,299cc M102 engine featuring here strikes an optimal balance between performance, economy, and reliability. Originally rated with a 134 bhp power output, this made for sprightly progress with a top speed easily exceeding 110 mph and fuel consumption in the mid-twenties.  

Specific to this example, however, is its amazingly modest mileage to date and its equally moderate owner count to boot. On the day of our shoot a mere 54,956 miles were troubling the six digit VDO odometer – a little under 1,400 miles a year on average. Remarkble. A rare situation indeed for these cars which are renowned for covering globe lapping mileages with consummate ease. Likewise just four registered keepers to date are noted with the first two covering the first 38 years of this C123’s life.

Our current owner acquired this Mercedes coupe in April 2024. At that stage the Mercedes-Benz had covered around 54,700 miles. Since then just a further 256 miles have been added, truly underscoring this cars very light use. Our vendor tells us "the car has started on the button every time, even after a few months of dry storage" and that "it has been a pleasure to drive. It gives me a great feeling of nostalgia every time I've taken it out". 

It is noted that this coupe has a Category D insurance marker associated with it dating from 2005. A Cat D signifies minor damage that can be repaired for road use but that the insurer declined to do so. The paperwork accompanying the car clarifies that some rear end damage was professionally repaired in 2005 with a number of new rear end panels being fitted at that stage. 
 

With the passing of time, it is easy to forget what great car colourways we were treated to back in the 1970s and 1980s. The Petrol Blue Green Metallic (877) being a preeminent case in point. This peacock-esque shade counterpoints nicely with the subdued and conservative styling of the C123 which prefers to emphasise the car’s nuclear bunker like build integrity rather than anything too frivolous. The C123’s steadfast image is definitely part of its character and charm. Those rugged panels seem to exude a nice, lustrous shine and appear appropriately tightly aligned. The C123’s particular attributes of real glass, briefcase sized headlamps, ribbed rear, dirt precluding taillights and foreshortened Mercedes-Benz grill are all delightfully present and correct here, too.

The C123 rides on an original set of so called “Mexican Hat” alloy wheels in a 14-inch configuration. These appear to be in a decent, overall condition with the high profile mixed set of radial type tyres seemingly keeping the rim extremities well away from threatening kerbs. Some minor paint deterioration is noted to the wheel centres, and the four wheels currently seem to be sharing just two centre caps.

Our diligent consignment team have reported some imperfections to the car’s exterior, which is not unusual for a vehicle of this age. These include areas of bubbling around the bodywork, some scrapes and scratches, paint runs and touched in stone chips. These have been captured by our photographer for your review.
 

The C123’s impressively commodious cabin is trimmed in Cream hued corded fabric (055) with accompanying matching vinyl for other surfaces. The upper and mid sections of the dashboard are finished in black deformable rubber, and the lower portions are finished in a cream hued equivalent. Complementary light coloured carpets and headlining complete the tally of substrates bar some strategically placed wood veneer accents.

Much like the exterior, the interior ambiance is one of understated confidence underwritten by a fit and finish that would put an original Eames chair to shame. Given the upholstery’s unforgiving shade it appears to be in decent order throughout. Once again there are a few age related imperfections in here that have been reported. These include a worn through outer driver’s seat bolster, a small crack in the dashboard and a broken trim piece on the structure of the passenger seat.

The familiar and original, large four-spoke Mercedes Benz steering wheel is fitted and presents well. The large, clear VDO instrument binnacle houses a central speedometer, a clock, and a multi-function dial. All are understood to be in good working order. The dash and centre console features accents of dark wood veneer. The 230CE is fitted with a period-correct, Blaupunkt Boston radio cassette head unit. A glance at the accompanying build sheet reveals some other popular 1980’s accoutrement, also. These include an electric sliding sunroof (410) which can, we are told be temperamental and may need attention, cruise control (440), front folding armrest (570), electric window lifters front and rear (584) and luggage nets on the back of the front seats.

The C123’s full sized cabin is ample for four full sized adults as is its wide and deep boot for their accompanying paraphernalia. This is trimmed with a hard wearing grey carpet mat. This, in turn, conceals a covered well housing a spare Mexican Hat alloy and tyre but not a spare centre cap. The original and obligatory warning triangle is also present.
 

In 1980 the 2.3-litre C123 was gifted a newer, fuel injected inline four-cylinder petrol engine in the form of the M102. This replaced the much older and carburettor fed M115 unit. This was widely seen as a good thing with performance and economy both benefitting from the change. In this application it is paired with a four speed automatic transmission allowing for relaxed and dignified progress. It is a smooth and powerful unit too, given its modest capacity and mere quartet of cylinders.

The engine bay exhibits the original Mercedes Benz data plates, detailing the various specification codes, the VIN and the permitted vehicle weights. It is fair to say that the engine bay does present the new owner with the opportunity to spend a little time and money to bring this aspect of the car up to the same standard as the body work. The inner panels, brake servo and cast exhaust manifold all exhibit varying degrees of surface corrosion which would benefit from some fettling and attention. The under bonnet insulating mat has mostly disappeared leaving only remnants and some gluey residues.

The underside of the car appears to be a mixed bag with some well presented sections and others that appear corroded. No underside corrosion issues have ever featured in the car’s MoT history, however, suggesting anything unsightly is purely cosmetic in nature.
 

This 230CE comes with a significant amount of provenance providing paperwork covering all periods of the car’s life. The current V5 and hard copy MOT are included together with many previous MOTs. The current MoT is an advisory free test and remains valid until March 2026.

The original book pack is present to include the service booklet. This contains eight service stamps covering up to 39,411 miles and December 2000. The bulk of the remainder consists of numerous invoices to include one for a service in November 2024. Another key document is an invoice from 2005 that details the professional repair to the rear end damage that was the subject of the Cat D insurance marker.
 

The C123 is a great classic market staple, if an increasingly hard to find one. It sacrifices very little in terms of space and practicality to the saloon but is significantly more sophisticated and, dare we say, cool. Everything else is impressive Mercedes-Benz classic fare. Superb build quality, longevity ad infinitum and sensible running and spares costs. There’s a lot to like about the C123, and no mistake.

This is a nice example of the breed in so many ways, too. Its low, original mileage represents a mere fraction of what this car is expected to be able to deliver and just four owners to date is significantly below average, too. It is nicely equipped (by the standards of the day) and offers up a delightful slice of typical 1980’s livery choice which is a welcome antidote to greys and silvers. In short this is a great opportunity to secure yourself an example of the 1980’s most desirable and understated coupes. 

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £8,000 - £12,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.