1800: - Advice wanted re purchase

jagman · Feb 16th, 2008, 15:10

Hi All,

I have wanted a P1800ES for many years and would now like to take the plunge as I have need of a more practical car. My queries are:-

Is the fuel injection system reliable? if not are the parts readily available?

Is the steering heavy? My old body is not what it used to be!

I would like to use the car 2 or 3 times a week for shopping and days out.

I am retired so do not cover a high mileage. Are they reliable? My current transport is a 77 Mercedes SL which is totally reliable but I am now past the stage I want open air motoring.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, many thanks, Barry

stevo48 · Feb 16th, 2008, 17:44

I'm surprised nobody has replied to your post, there are quite a few P1800 owners on the site so I will bump this post for you.

Bob Clark · Feb 16th, 2008, 18:26

The 1800E or ES is a reliable car and ok to use as a daily driver. The fuel injection system is extremely relaible and all parts are available from Bosch but expensive. The steering is not heavy as long as the steering gear is in good condition and the steering box is not overtightened. A power steering conversion has just been made available for these cars, and 120's, but really it should not be needed. The biggest problem is getting in and out of these cars as they are low and you also sit very low in them. Being 6' 3'' I have to crawl out of mine. Not very practical if you are wearing a suit.

mike gilbert · Feb 16th, 2008, 20:23

Yep it will do everything you need and be reliable and practical, but to be honest the drive is not in the same class as the Mercedes. Have a good loooong test drive in one - if you still want it and its in good condition, buy it.

B20F · Feb 16th, 2008, 22:23

Two parts of the Djet injection system are no longer available new. That is the AAV (Auxiliary Air Valve) and the MAP sensor. The first can easily be replaced with an early electric one from a Volvo Kjet system. It controls the cold idle. But the MAP sensor can become a problem in the near future as it is essential for the functioning of the Djet. Those where also used by Porsche and Mercedes of the same period but not exchangable for whay I know. But good second hand MAPs are still available. And with some searching on the web NOS ones to. I have never had a problem with my '73 ES since I sorted out the years of neglect. The last 8 years (about 40kMLS) where trouble free. Never owned a car that would start so easy and reliable, no matter hot or cold, sun or snow. Two times a year she takes me to France and back(1000mls) without ever letting me down. So yes I think they are VERY reliable. (if well maintained ofcourse) But probably not as comfy as the Merc, but not bad either. You have to get used to them, definatly take a long testdrive as Mike advised. It's a very different driving experience from a SL. Just my 2p.

Gordon Hunter · Feb 18th, 2008, 08:57

HI Barry,

I've sent you a PM with some details of a good ES for sale.

Some answers to your questions...

Is the fuel injection system reliable? if not are the parts readily available? As already answered above, yes, but can be very expensive. Wise to look out for second hand units.

Is the steering heavy? My old body is not what it used to be!
I have an electric power steering upgrade on my S. Its a brilliant system. Contact me if you'd like more details.

I am retired so do not cover a high mileage. Are they reliable?

A well looked after B20 with fuel injection is pretty bullet proof. Most mechanical parts (apart from some FI) are reasonably priced and easy to get hold of.

Hope this helps,

Gordon

P1800_Lover · Mar 14th, 2008, 22:06

I have found this thread extremely helpful as I too have recently decided to buy a P1800 coupe. So far I have had no luck as I want the very best (even though I'm willing to pay "through the nose" for it!) If anyone has any pointers as to who might help me in my search I would be very grateful. If the only way I can get "the best" is by restoring one to concours winning condition, then so be it, so any tips as to who the very best restorer is would also be much appreciated!

acshortt5 · Mar 14th, 2008, 22:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by P1800_Lover

I have found this thread extremely helpful as I too have recently decided to buy a P1800 coupe. So far I have had no luck as I want the very best (even though I'm willing to pay "through the nose" for it!) If anyone has any pointers as to who might help me in my search I would be very grateful. If the only way I can get "the best" is by restoring one to concours winning condition, then so be it, so any tips as to who the very best restorer is would also be much appreciated!

There's one on auto trader at the moment.

P1800_Lover · Mar 15th, 2008, 08:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by acshortt5

There's one on auto trader at the moment.

Thanks I had a look. I think this is the same car that was recently on eBay, at about £6500 I think. It looked pretty rough from the eBay photos but might be a reasonable candidate for a restoration. If I can find a good P1800 restorer (any recommendations gratefully received!) I'll see if they can go and take a look at it for me.

Feb 16th, 2008, 15:10	#1
jagman jagman Last Online: Jun 20th, 2014 14:19 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Hebburn	Advice wanted re purchase Hi All, I have wanted a P1800ES for many years and would now like to take the plunge as I have need of a more practical car. My queries are:- Is the fuel injection system reliable? if not are the parts readily available? Is the steering heavy? My old body is not what it used to be! I would like to use the car 2 or 3 times a week for shopping and days out. I am retired so do not cover a high mileage. Are they reliable? My current transport is a 77 Mercedes SL which is totally reliable but I am now past the stage I want open air motoring. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, many thanks, Barry

Feb 16th, 2008, 18:26	#3
Bob Clark Bob Clark Last Online: Oct 2nd, 2008 19:34 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: South Shields	The 1800E or ES is a reliable car and ok to use as a daily driver. The fuel injection system is extremely relaible and all parts are available from Bosch but expensive. The steering is not heavy as long as the steering gear is in good condition and the steering box is not overtightened. A power steering conversion has just been made available for these cars, and 120's, but really it should not be needed. The biggest problem is getting in and out of these cars as they are low and you also sit very low in them. Being 6' 3'' I have to crawl out of mine. Not very practical if you are wearing a suit. __________________ The crumple zone of a Volvo is the other car.

Feb 16th, 2008, 22:23	#5
B20F Master Member Last Online: Jul 7th, 2016 21:43 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Zeist View Photos By: B20F	Two parts of the Djet injection system are no longer available new. That is the AAV (Auxiliary Air Valve) and the MAP sensor. The first can easily be replaced with an early electric one from a Volvo Kjet system. It controls the cold idle. But the MAP sensor can become a problem in the near future as it is essential for the functioning of the Djet. Those where also used by Porsche and Mercedes of the same period but not exchangable for whay I know. But good second hand MAPs are still available. And with some searching on the web NOS ones to. I have never had a problem with my '73 ES since I sorted out the years of neglect. The last 8 years (about 40kMLS) where trouble free. Never owned a car that would start so easy and reliable, no matter hot or cold, sun or snow. Two times a year she takes me to France and back(1000mls) without ever letting me down. So yes I think they are VERY reliable. (if well maintained ofcourse) But probably not as comfy as the Merc, but not bad either. You have to get used to them, definatly take a long testdrive as Mike advised. It's a very different driving experience from a SL. Just my 2p. __________________

Feb 16th, 2008, 17:44	#2
stevo48 Premier Member Last Online: Jul 9th, 2020 20:08 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Halifax West yorkshire	I'm surprised nobody has replied to your post, there are quite a few P1800 owners on the site so I will bump this post for you.

Feb 16th, 2008, 20:23	#4
mike gilbert Master Member Last Online: Apr 27th, 2024 18:57 Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Peterborough View Photos By: mike gilbert	Yep it will do everything you need and be reliable and practical, but to be honest the drive is not in the same class as the Mercedes. Have a good loooong test drive in one - if you still want it and its in good condition, buy it.

Feb 18th, 2008, 08:57	#6
Gordon Hunter Ex 1800 Register Keeper Last Online: Apr 29th, 2022 17:04 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Central Scotland	HI Barry, I've sent you a PM with some details of a good ES for sale. Some answers to your questions... Is the fuel injection system reliable? if not are the parts readily available? As already answered above, yes, but can be very expensive. Wise to look out for second hand units. Is the steering heavy? My old body is not what it used to be! I have an electric power steering upgrade on my S. Its a brilliant system. Contact me if you'd like more details. I am retired so do not cover a high mileage. Are they reliable? A well looked after B20 with fuel injection is pretty bullet proof. Most mechanical parts (apart from some FI) are reasonably priced and easy to get hold of. Hope this helps, Gordon

Mar 14th, 2008, 22:06	#7
P1800_Lover VOC Member Last Online: Apr 20th, 2009 23:52 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Devon	I have found this thread extremely helpful as I too have recently decided to buy a P1800 coupe. So far I have had no luck as I want the very best (even though I'm willing to pay "through the nose" for it!) If anyone has any pointers as to who might help me in my search I would be very grateful. If the only way I can get "the best" is by restoring one to concours winning condition, then so be it, so any tips as to who the very best restorer is would also be much appreciated!

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