The w124 series Coupes were first launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 1987 after the predecessor, the w123, ceased production. It was designed by chief designer Bruno Sacco, who was also responsible for the design of the saloon variant. Two cars so similar were different in their own right. Coupes were slightly shorter than the saloon and their windscreen and rear screen have a flatter angle, giving the appearance of a longer coupe. Standard on the 300CE was anti-lock braking and an electrically adjustable nearside door mirror.
In 1989, the w124 received its first facelift. The main difference was the fitting of the “Sacco Planks”. These are the trim panels mounted to the lower section of the doors to give a slightly wider look. Mercedes installed either the four cylinder M102 engine or the Straight 6 3.0 litre M103 powerhouse. The 3.0 litre produced 185bhp in 12-valve guise, or 216bhp in 24-valve (this car is the former) and was mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Even though the Coupe has missing B-pillars, this was compensated with reinforced A-pillars rocker panels, doors and a high percentage of high strength steel. Although this made the coupe slightly heavier than the saloon, I‘m sure you'll agree a few extra pounds for the missing B-pillar is completely worth it!
This 1992 Mercedes 300CE was purchased by the seller in December 2020. Having previously owned a couple of the w124 model it wasn't long before the itch started again, and so the hunt was on.
Finding such a cool car in the right price bracket can be difficult at the best of times, even more so finding one that hasn't had the added retro tax applied. That said, after some patient searching, the seller did manage to find one, and it was one with a decent amount of paperwork for work carried out over the years.
A couple of points to mention; the Mercedes does have evidence of a respray at some point throughout its life, but looking at the car this was quite a few years ago. More recently in 2016 the 300CE was fitted with a reconditioned gearbox.
Unfortunately due to a change in circumstances caused by Covid-19 the seller has made the decision to put the Mercedes up for grabs.
The V5 is present and shows the 300CE has had 5 previous keepers. The car comes with one key. The MOT certificate expires on 27th October 2021. There are 10 old MOT certificates along with plenty of receipts for parts and work carried out to the car over the years, with the biggest invoice for the replacement gearbox work which was in 2016.
Inside, this 1992 Mercedes 300CE is in better than average condition, especially when you consider the mileage on the car. The seats are finished in grey material which, with 184k on them, are excellent with no obvious wear to the bolsters on either the driver or passenger seat. The rear seat doesn't look like it's had much use over the years and is in excellent condition. Just above the rear seat the small parcel shelf amazingly houses the original first aid kit, usually the one thing to go missing. The door cards have a couple of age related scuffs and the Zebrano wood insert is worn from where someone has been sitting relaxing their arm on the armrest, cruising along in the Coupe.
Sitting in the driver's seat, the original steering wheel is just smooth from wear, but no damage. The dash is free from any cracks or splits, the odometer shows a reading of 184,728 and there are no warning lights displayed. Moving to the left, the heater controls are all nice and clean with no real wear to the numbers. There is a Parrot hands free kit fitted, which is believed to be working. A Sony radio cassette player is fitted, but unfortunately, there is a cassette stuck inside. Lower down on the centre console, the Zebrano trim does have a couple of cracks around the Electric window switches.
All the windows go up and down nice and smoothly, giving the pillarless coupe that classic clean look when they are down. There is an issue with the seatbelt butlers, they don't extend out as they should which is quite a common problem and would need investigating, although the seatbelts do work as they should. The seller reports that everything else is working.
The carpets show no real signs of wear. There is some cracking to the quarter panels by the windows, this looks like it's caused by sun damage. The headlining in the Mercedes is nice and clean, and it's nice to see the electric sunroof fully working as it slides back or tilts up with ease.
Into the boot area, and again is nice and clean, with the spare wheel present together with the jack and wheel brace. There is a 10 disc CD changer mounted in the boot, but the seller has never used this and so is unable to comment if it works.
The 300CE is a beautiful shape and even more so when the windows are down revealing the smooth, pillarless look. It is finished in Metallic Silver with the lower section in Grey, a classic colour combination for the year from Mercedes. As mentioned, it was repainted a number of years ago.
Starting at the front and the bumper is scuff free. There are a few stone chips just below the headlights, but the lights and indicators themselves have escaped any damage. There are some headlight washers which are fully working although they may need adjusting a little to line up correctly. The grille is in nice condition, with no dents to show, and has the famous three pointed star sitting pride of place. The edge of the bonnet aligns nicely as it should as do the edges to the wings.
Moving around to the sides of the long, sleek Coupe, to the top of the nearside wing there is some lacquer peel and the driver’s wing could do with a little touch up on the arch. The doors align straight and even, and as mentioned, the sunroof works as it should. There is the odd age related scuff here and there, as you would expect, but generally it's in a good honest condition.
To the rear, the boot lid aligns nice and straight. The offside light does have a slight crack but this doesn't affect it. There's a small split in the boot trim around the number plate light. The wheels on the Mercedes are slightly corroded and would require a refurbishment to bring them back to nice condition. The tyres were mentioned as slightly perishing on the MOT and this is still the case, and whilst it did not fail the MOT, it would be advised that they would need to be replaced quite soon.
This w124 is fitted with the Mercedes tried and tested 3.0 litre straight 6 M103 engine, producing 185bhp with 191 ft-lb torque and fuelled by the Bosch KE-Jetronic fuel injection system.
Flick the key in the Mercedes and it fires straight up taking just a few seconds to clear its throat before coming to a nice idle. The engine sounds just as it should with no noises creeping in from the engine. The seller reports the car pulls strong through all the gears and the automatic change is nice and smooth. As previously mentioned, the gearbox was replaced in 2016 and this work was carried out by The Mercman based in Cornwall. There are no untoward noises from the drivetrain or transmission.
The suspension on the 300CE holds the car well and it sits just as Mercedes intended. The car soaks up the bumps on twisty A roads with ease, just like the coupe should. Something to note, there is a small blow on the rear section of the exhaust. The seller has priced this section up and one can be purchased for around £125.
It has to be said that the Mercedes 300CE is certainly well into the realms of a timeless classic, with its elegant body shape. This is the perfect car to jump into and use daily, or for those out there who like a bit of hands on work. Mechanically just a few jobs like the exhaust and tyres are needed. The interior is in nice condition with no real wear to the seats. The exterior could be painted to freshen it up, or just as easily be left and enjoyed with a spot of patina. Either way, the pillarless coupe is sure to become more of a modern classic as time ticks on, so what are you waiting for!
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