Looking at a 1985 2.3_16
12-30-2004, 02:43 PM
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88 M5, 91 M5, 1991 300E
Looking at a 1985 2.3_16
Hi,
I am currently looking at a 1985 2.3_16, it has 138,000 miles, has had the head rebuilt (valves, guides, springs), new timing chain and a new resonator.
What a common problems with these automobiles? I know of the SLS problem, and I have a finicky car (1988 BMW M5) so im used to expensive parts and lots of maintenance. Do these cars hold up well after 100,000 or 200,000 miles? I would assume if it is taken care of it holds up well.
Thanks.
I am currently looking at a 1985 2.3_16, it has 138,000 miles, has had the head rebuilt (valves, guides, springs), new timing chain and a new resonator.
What a common problems with these automobiles? I know of the SLS problem, and I have a finicky car (1988 BMW M5) so im used to expensive parts and lots of maintenance. Do these cars hold up well after 100,000 or 200,000 miles? I would assume if it is taken care of it holds up well.
Thanks.
12-30-2004, 03:17 PM
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'85 190E 2.3-16 '99 C280 '11 GLK350
Unless it's already been taken care of, the 20 year old front and rear suspension rubber/plastic bits could probably stand refreshing, like the flex discs, ball joints, camber and link arms, subframe mounts, engine mounts, strut tower mount, as would any W201 of that age.
12-31-2004, 12:02 AM
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88 M5, 91 M5, 1991 300E
Ok, thank you.
These engines have cosworth heads right? The seller says that the car would not pass emissions when he bought it. So he had the valves, guides, etc replaced. And the dealer he bought it from threw in a completely new ignition system, coil, wires etc. After that, it passed. The reason for this is that the cosworth head wears out after 100,000 miles. Is this true?
Im going to have the engine compression and leakdown tested (along with a complete check at Pro Star, in Englewood CO). Anyone know the proper compression numbers for this engine?
Thanks again.
These engines have cosworth heads right? The seller says that the car would not pass emissions when he bought it. So he had the valves, guides, etc replaced. And the dealer he bought it from threw in a completely new ignition system, coil, wires etc. After that, it passed. The reason for this is that the cosworth head wears out after 100,000 miles. Is this true?
Im going to have the engine compression and leakdown tested (along with a complete check at Pro Star, in Englewood CO). Anyone know the proper compression numbers for this engine?
Thanks again.
12-31-2004, 12:35 AM
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'85 190E 2.3-16 '99 C280 '11 GLK350
Mercedes retained Cosworth (Mike Costin - Keith Ducksworth) to design the 2.3-16 cylinder head, originally as a rallye racing engine. They decided to stop the rallye project when it was clear that the Audii Quattro was killing everyone and that AWD was the only way to go. They brought the project back as a road car and as Mercedes re-entry into circuit racing. The initial production runs of the cylinder head were done by Cosworth in the UK, but Mercedes soon took over production and manufacturing because they were fustrated by Cosworth's slow delivery and production space was freed up in Germany.
Properly cared for, there really isn't a 100K mile barrier on the 2.3-16, but that's the catch. Most 16 valves were babied by the original owners, but when they got resold, subsequent owners tended not to spend the time and expense of maintaining the quirky sport sedan. Since it doesn't use they hydraulic lifters of the 8 valve versions, the valvetrain is the first thing that needs attention with shimming and adjustment of the valves' solid lifters.
Properly cared for, there really isn't a 100K mile barrier on the 2.3-16, but that's the catch. Most 16 valves were babied by the original owners, but when they got resold, subsequent owners tended not to spend the time and expense of maintaining the quirky sport sedan. Since it doesn't use they hydraulic lifters of the 8 valve versions, the valvetrain is the first thing that needs attention with shimming and adjustment of the valves' solid lifters.
12-31-2004, 01:06 AM
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88 M5, 91 M5, 1991 300E
Originally Posted by MTI
Properly cared for, there really isn't a 100K mile barrier on the 2.3-16, but that's the catch. Most 16 valves were babied by the original owners, but when they got resold, subsequent owners tended not to spend the time and expense of maintaining the quirky sport sedan. Since it doesn't use they hydraulic lifters of the 8 valve versions, the valvetrain is the first thing that needs attention with shimming and adjustment of the valves' solid lifters.
Ah, ok. I am familiar with such upkeep on my E28 M5. It has mechanical lifters and I do valve adjustments on it every 20,000 miles.
A rebuilt head on this car should not be a deterrent, in my opinion.
Thanks.
