W123 - Need support for my 1981 230CE

[Eiderdown]

I've recently purchased a rather battered 1981 230CE 5-speed manual in Euro spec from a fellow in Texas. The 230CE was not sold here in the US, and hence none of the repair manuals I've found cover the M102.980 motor. None of the US-based online parts suppliers, including my local MB dealer, are able to help with much either as that model/vin does not show up in any catalogues.

The previous owner had lost the only set of keys which constituted the first problem to be solved. After chasing several possibilities I ended up removing the drivers door handle and lock cylinder which I took to a local locksmith. He was able to make a key that fit all the locks on the car. Then came the moment of truth...PO said it "runs and drives" before he lost the keys. Cranked it over and it fired right up (yay!). Runs awful though...lots of things bodged up under the bonnet. So, I've verified the "runs" part but have not tried to drive it yet.

I know the 230CE was sold in the UK so thought I would reach out across the pond and see what level of support I could find. Several things I would like to know:
1. Repair Manual - what would you recommend? I do most all the work on my own cars
2. Vacuum Diagram - I would like to verify that all connections are correct and functional for the M102.980 motor
3. Online Parts Source - Suggestions for new/used parts vendors that will ship to US

Thanks!
Matt

 

[grober]

Mercedes-Benz W123 - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

POST your vin no and engine number-the information is probably out there but may need to come from other previous or contemporary models that use the same parts. Mercedes has a classic centre in the USA [with links to the European classic centre] which may be able to point you towards the info you require. Mercedes Classic Center

 

[optimusprime]

Eiderdown Welcome ,Yo might find some information in this look under >downloads < Diesel Mercedes | Woods and Barclay Automotive | Roswell GA​

 

[optimusprime]

Or in this one Model 123 Maintenance Manual Index

 

[Eiderdown]

Eiderdown Welcome ,Yo might find some information in this look under >downloads < Diesel Mercedes | Woods and Barclay Automotive | Roswell GA​

Or in this one Model 123 Maintenance Manual Index

Thanks...I've run across both of those resources but they are all focused on the diesel motors. No info on the M102.980.

 

[Eiderdown]

Mercedes-Benz W123 - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

POST your vin no and engine number-the information is probably out there but may need to come from other previous or contemporary models that use the same parts. Mercedes has a classic centre in the USA [with links to the European classic centre] which may be able to point you towards the info you require. Mercedes Classic Center

Thanks...I have interacted with the USA Classic Centre regarding the key issue...they confirmed the vin was valid but were not able to help. I could reach back out to them I suppose. I also have the WIS/EPC software but it does not recognize the vin nor is there really any useful information on the M102.980, it just skips over that particular sequence of the M102 builds.

VIN: WDB12324310004718
Engine: M102.980 10020274

 

[poormansporsche]

I cannot help in any way whatsoever but reading your predicament I personally wouldn't even bother faffing about with the carb 102. I'd just bung in a slightly later kjet 3.0 M103. All the info is out there, spares and knowledge are a lot easier to come by. It really was the engine of choice in the US for good reason.

 

[Eiderdown]

I cannot help in any way whatsoever but reading your predicament I personally wouldn't even bother faffing about with the carb 102. I'd just bung in a slightly later kjet 3.0 M103. All the info is out there, spares and knowledge are a lot easier to come by. It really was the engine of choice in the US for good reason.

It's not a carb engine. It has the K-Jetronic system.
Although, I concur with the engine swap idea. Thinking about that for a summer project. In the meantime I would just like to get it running properly. It's too bad I cannot swap in a M103 and maintain my 5-speed manual transmission, but I've read where the starter is on the opposite side of the engine.

 

[optimusprime]

Mercedes Benz M102.980 engine (2.3, 100 kW) try these [join ]

 

[poormansporsche]

It's not a carb engine. It has the K-Jetronic system.
Although, I concur with the engine swap idea. Thinking about that for a summer project. In the meantime I would just like to get it running properly. It's too bad I cannot swap in a M103 and maintain my 5-speed manual transmission, but I've read where the starter is on the opposite side of the engine.

Cool. A manual M103 swap is possible (been there done that) but I should imagine the chances of getting the parts in 2025 are zero. When I got my manual M103 190 engine swapped for the m103/m104 3.0 24v my original car was a manual but the donor 124 was also a manual so everything needed was there. Even 15 years ago that was luck more than anything else.

I only suggested a engine swap because most people nowadays with 123s have to remove the engine in any event just because of the bulkhead rot.

Completely understand just wanting to it running as is though and good luck. The C123 is such a cool little thing

(Although I would keep your eyes out for a manual 2.6 190, they do exist but dunno if they were auto only in the states)

 

[ray_hennig]

VIN: WDB12324310004718

Try here:

https://partsouq.com/en/catalog/genuine/vehicle?c=MB201810&ssd=%24%2AKwHU4PHqnI6tt7WEiYPx-IyYuL-h0N_S08Hu3ZWToLejr6mh8_TkoqKutbWzsqvx9tO5l5OXprCkoI6DntTT09DW19DWiICVmJGFiaacwpSdi4-xo6LQ1NTS1oyAndbX1NbX38LOndzOxN3C0NTU0taMk4HElIPD3MXCzp3cxsTdwtDEy8KB0ZOXxNXS0sTLwpTck5fE1sKcAAAAACjaU1o%3D%24&vid=0&q=WDB12324310004718

RayH

 

[Eiderdown]

Mercedes Benz M102.980 engine (2.3, 100 kW) try these [join ]

Yes! That was good find. Was able to download a M102 Engine Service Manual that includes the M102.980.
Thanks!

 

[Eiderdown]

Try here:

https://partsouq.com/en/catalog/genuine/vehicle?c=MB201810&ssd=%24%2AKwHU4PHqnI6tt7WEiYPx-IyYuL-h0N_S08Hu3ZWToLejr6mh8_TkoqKutbWzsqvx9tO5l5OXprCkoI6DntTT09DW19DWiICVmJGFiaacwpSdi4-xo6LQ1NTS1oyAndbX1NbX38LOndzOxN3C0NTU0taMk4HElIPD3MXCzp3cxsTdwtDEy8KB0ZOXxNXS0sTLwpTck5fE1sKcAAAAACjaU1o%3D%24&vid=0&q=WDB12324310004718

RayH

Very nice! That's a complete resource. I'll have to give them a try.

 

[alabbasi]

Find yourself an M102 engine manual. They were used in the US 190E and get a copy of EPC on eBay so that you can reference part #. I may have a paper M102 paper manual (in N Texas)..I also have a pair of seats with good frames for a C123.

MB was pretty simple back then, you had 5 basic engine designs and 5 basic chassis designs which made working on them easy and parts support easy.

Top tip: a radiator from a W126 560SEL should slide right into the support should you want the extra cooling.

 

[Eiderdown]

Find yourself an M102 engine manual. They were used in the US 190E and get a copy of EPC on eBay so that you can reference part #. I may have a paper M102 paper manual (in N Texas)..I also have a pair of seats with good frames for a C123.

MB was pretty simple back then, you had 5 basic engine designs and 5 basic chassis designs which made working on them easy and parts support easy.

Top tip: a radiator from a W126 560SEL should slide right into the support should you want the extra cooling.

I have found a M102 FSM online which I downloaded. I'm sure it will come in very handy for some things. As you noted it is for the US 190E and as such has a number of differences, notably the KE-Jetronic fuel system and associated pollution controls.

I've ordered and received two useful books; the Bosch Fuel Injection & Engine Management and the Bentley Publishers Mercedes W123 Owners Workshop Manual 1976-1986: Owners Workshop Manual. The Bentley manual is the only one I've found that specifically addresses the M102.980 engine. So, overall at this time I think I'm covered about as well as I'm going to get.

I do have an copy of EPC and WIS that I ordered off eBay. My VIN is not valid using WIS so not much help there but EPC does take it. Very limited value though. It does not seem to have much info on the M102.980.

I'll keep the seats in mind...I've yet to try and clean mine up.

Thanks!