1989 230GE
Hi,
Im going to look at a 1989 SWB 230GE on the weekend, its manual and has covered roughly 150,000 miles. It hasn't been used on motorways or any major off road as i live on an island with a low speed limit.
I have read about checking for corrosion on the spring cups/damper mounts, Leaking axles/gearboxes, vibrations from running gear, check the the 4wd/locking diffs engage. I have fairly good mechanical knowledge so i know the general issues to look out for but is there anything else specific i should be checking for?
Also at 150k its no spring chicken, is there anything that should have been routinely changed at this sort of mileage or anything i should be worried about going bang?
It apparently has a massive folder of invoices for work carried out over the years so my understanding is that it has been fairly well kept. I guess only time will tell!
Any input would be much appreciated.
Regards,
Mike
Take a look if there is rust on the inside of the rear light panel (usually visible at the seam between the rear and wing panel) and front (again usually visible on the diagonal front quarter panels and body near the a pillar).
Another repair which is a potential pain is the heater motor (check to see if all the speeds work and that you get hold AND cold air) and wiper spindles (check if there is any damp on the front foot/floor panels). Otherwise the engine should be running smoothly: I don't want to say any more as you seem to know your way around.
I'm sure others will think of more...
Check for rust in the front bulkhead (battery box area), around the windscreen and rear door bottom hinge, rear wheel arches under the under seal - all expensive repairs. Fuel tank - if plastic a bonus if metal check for leaks - they rust at the top so only leak when nearly full.
Is the odometer working? Buy on condition not miles.
Lots of invoices sounds good news.
As Phileas says others will think of more.............
It maybe cheaper to purchase a bonnet in europe now as the euro is on its arse.....
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Thanks for the response guys, good pointers on the rust as that is a real show stopper for me. It has some rust on the front edge of the bonnet which isn't a big deal. Does anyone know how much a new bonnet is from MB?