mvngdcmls

There is a 2.3-16 in my area for sale. It's the right color and based on the description sounds good but these two pics have me concerned. I am not familiar with these so hoping someone here can tell me if I should turn around and run away.

In the first image there is a metal strap hanging down? Was that holding anything important?
And in the second image, is that the frame that is all gnarly or is that something else?

Thanks!

dolucasi

My concern with this car would be rust. It lost its jacking point rubber which is not a big deal, I recently bought 4 at the dealer for $24 total but as you can see the jacking point is crushed due to rust.
Rust is not something you can fix easily akin to cancer. You should also ask for pictures of the floor jack hole (after taking the plastic plug off) on the side of the car.

I am less familiar with the 2.3 engines and do not know what that extra piece is.

Perhaps a 2.3 owner can chime in.

190Efan

It would be well worth the money to have a pre-purchase inspection done by a local expert on W201-16vs in order to identify any possible serious and expensive to fix issues. I agree with Dolucassi that rust could be a big issue especially since it can lurk underneath and isn't always visible. I also know that the 16vs differ from the far more ordinary 2.3s like mine. That metal strap hanging down might be some type of additional brace that the 16vs got that the more ordinary 2.3s didn't get because I'm not recognizing that metal strap off the top of my head. 16vs are always worth saving but you want to go into it having a pretty solid idea of what you'll be dealing with to get it back to its former glory.

mvngdcmls

Thanks. The plan 100% includes having a local expert take a look.

TimC300

Looks like metal hangers for attachment points (yellow circles) to install the plastic undertrays that appear missing.

Not sure what that thing is but it looks bent. (red circle)




I would drive it to a shop and get it on a lift for closer inspection.

LauraS

I live in an area where deicing chemicals are used 5-6 months a year and vehicles typically have rust issues after only a few years even when coated with rust prevention chemicals. would certainly concur with what aready has been posted. One problem I have found with early Mercedes Benz ( I have owned 3 beginning with a 1965 230S) is that they put sound deadener on the underbody which is a tar like substance. Over the years this material hardens and then cracks which allows water to enter and get behind the undercoating. Rust ensues which is not visible and often a vehicle will look rust free when in fact it has severe rust out issues. My advice is to get it on a hoist and examine the chassis very closely and don't be shy about using a hammer to check areas that may appear to hold rust behind the undercoat. You might be very surprised at what you find.

mvngdcmls

Thanks all. I own a 70s BMW so I am very familiar with vintage German rust.

Unfortunately the seller started dragging his feet once I asked for a PPI. He also told me he had a deposit yet still wanted to sell me the car. Two red flags was enough. On to the next one.

190Efan

You made a wise decision. Inmho, any seller refusing to allow a PPI is hiding something in the way of an expensive repair or hidden accident damage. A seller claiming to have a deposit and still wanting to sell you the car, I don't think so. Walking away was the right decision. BTW, there's a pretty nice W201-16v for sale on the MB Market website.