This 1998 Mercedes-Benz V230 was sold new in Japan and imported to the United States in 2023. Finished in Labradorite Blue (5560) over Beige Cloth, this V-Class is powered by a 2.3L M111 4-cylinder paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission. Features on this van include air conditioning, power windows, power locks, captains chairs, wiring for an aftermarket head unit, and more. This van has reportedly been serviced regularly under previous ownership but records have not been retained in import. The seller has inspected the vehicle and notes it operates and drives as intended without issue or warning lights. This V230 currently shows 97k km (~60k miles) and is offered by the seller in Belmont, North Carolina with two keys, a clean Carfax report documenting history post-import, and a clean North Carolina title.
Finished in Labradorite Blue (5560) the exterior shows in good condition without major blemishes or body work. The V-Class features two sliding doors, clear corner lights, fender marker lamps, power front windows, and power mirrors. Normal wear is noted by the seller including minor rock chips and the passenger wind deflector is missing from the window trim. All glass remains original and free from cracks.
ThisV230 wears 16” alloy wheels fitted with Yokohama tires at all four corners. Braking is handled by discs behind each wheel and a spare wheel is mounted under the rear of the vehicle.
The cabin is trimmed in beige cloth and offers seating for 6 passengers with captains chairs throughout. The cabin offers power front windows and air conditioning with climate control featuring REST functionality. Rear speakers and ashtrays are shown for the third row of seats and tie-downs are shown on the floor of the van. The center console has had an aftermarket head unit installed but the faceplate is no longer included. Light wear can be seen throughout the cabin with minor flaws noted including a crack in the passenger door handle and the glove box latch. The seller notes the A/C needs a recharge.
The analog gauges feature a 200km/h speedometer and tachometer with readouts for coolant temperature and fuel level. An LCD screen displays the odometer and trip functions.
This V230 is powered by a 2.3L M111 4-cylinder paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission. The engine is rated by the factory for 143 horsepower and 215 ft-lbs of torque. This van has reportedly been serviced regularly under previous ownership but records have not been retained in import. The seller has inspected the vehicle and notes it operates and drives as intended without issue or warning lights.
This V230 currently shows 97k km (~60k miles) and is offered by the seller in Belmont, North Carolina with two keys, a clean Carfax report documenting history post-import, and a clean North Carolina title.
The seller has included the following videos:
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24 Comments
@PricklyPearAutoClub Not yet. The owner messaged me on FB not too long ago. Btw, excellent customer service this site has for anyone deciding to ever try and sell here.
Let me know. Did MB Market send you my contact information?
Sad face! Maybe something can be worked out. Not too far away
Ah, didn't meet reserve? I didn't even notice! Bummer...
Lol, same here.
I must say. This is exciting and terrifying at the same time!
$8,750 bid placed by @PricklyPearAutoClub
$8,500 bid placed by @PWalden
$8,250 bid placed by @PricklyPearAutoClub
$8,000 bid placed by @PWalden
$7,750 bid placed by @PricklyPearAutoClub
$7,500 bid placed by @Highoctane
$7,250 bid placed by @boris21
$7,000 bid placed by @PWalden
@124guy That would be rad!
Hear me out.... 3-piece 16" Aero III wheels and maybe a 1" drop.... someone do it PLEASE
$6,750 bid placed by @boris21
@PricklyPearAutoClub It’s been roughly two weeks since I’ve tried that. I’m not near the vehicle, so I don’t want to comment as I’m not 100% certain. I’m sorry!
Can you hear/feel the AC compressor kick on, but it's just not blowing cold?
@PricklyPearAutoClub No leaks on the ground. I’ve looked through the engine bay and nothing is leaking. It was serviced before I purchased, but just had basics done. I generally have a vehicle fully gone through if I were to keep. The goal for this was to be used for my wife’s business, but she didn’t want it due to RHD. We’ve had a RHD vehicle in the past we went cross country in, and she never said a word. We live in a super congested area with awful drivers so it makes her nervous. As stated in the ad, the AC doesn’t blow cold. It did when delivered, but that could have been due to the temp outside? AC switch and everything works, my guess would be a leak somewhere given the age.
Also: 1. What is that flapping in the wind near the windshield wipers in the driving videos? It's hard to make out. 2. Can you post a picture of the VIN please? I don't see one in the ad. Thanks!
Any fluid leaks anywhere? Oil, brake fluid, antifreeze, etc.? Air conditioner blows cold?
@PricklyPearAutoClub Yes. When it was on a car hauler it was backwards. The aero from that ripped it off. I’ve had that happen on another vehicle years ago. Same situation. A set is 40 euro on eBay
Any idea what happened to the trim on the drivers side part of the windshield?
$6,500 bid placed by @PWalden
Down to nearly the last hour!
Ugh I love this thing! Small world. Seller is very much local to me. I can’t put together funds this will probably go for. I would be more than happy to drive this for a buyer though :)
$6,000 bid placed by @Highoctane
I will try to stick around for the ending of this auction to answer any last min questions.
$5,250 bid placed by @boris21
$5,000 bid placed by @PWalden
$4,500 bid placed by @Highoctane
$4,000 bid placed by @AE327
$3,250 bid placed by @handgemacht
$3,000 bid placed by @AE327
$2,250 bid placed by @handgemacht
@Overcooked Indeed! I’ve only driven it a handful of times around town, but it gets a lot of attention. Mainly from women asking about it, which is definitely not the norm for any vehicle in my experience.
So funky and cool I love it!
$2,000 bid placed by @AE327
@Abaxter Responded. Quick back story regarding this V230. I purchased this with the intent on giving it to my wife. She’s a ceramicist, and her current vehicle makes hauling around a bunch of pottery a chore. She didn’t want this due to it being RHD. We went cross country 9,000 miles with a RHD vehicle years back, and she never mentioned any issues. So I assure this wouldn’t be an issue either. I’ve owned various RHD vehicles over the years, and within a few days it’s 100% natural. Apparently she’s not comfortable due to how crazy the drivers are in our area. While I would love to keep this for myself. I’m currently selling off some of my own vehicles in order to downsize.
$1,000 bid placed by @outlier4x4
I saw this locally briefly on FB and the ad was quickly pulled. Trying to make moves so I can comfortably start bidding. I love these Sending you a message
@PricklyPearAutoClub I’ve never heard of that service. Entering it into their system, it shows they have no records.
Can you provide a Car VX report since this is a JDM vehicle? The Carfax provides no information on the vehicle prior to its import to the USA.