Mercedes-Benz 320 w124 E320 Coupe 1996
General description :
Model History
W124 was the internal chassis designation for the 1984-1996 version of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. It was also the first generation to be officially referred to as the E-Class. The W124 models replaced the W123 models after 1984 and were succeeded by the W210 E-Class after 1995.
Much of the 124's engineering and many of its features were advanced automotive technology at its introduction, incorporating innovations that have since been adopted throughout the industry. It had one of the lowest drag coefficients of any vehicle of the time due to its aerodynamic body, that included plastic molding for the undercarriage to streamline airflow beneath the car, thus reducing fuel consumption and wind noise. It had a single windscreen wiper with an eccentric mechanism at its base that extended the wiper's reach to the top corners of the windscreen (more than if it had traveled in a simple arc). The saloon, coupes, and convertibles had optional rear headrests that would fold down remotely to improve rearward visibility when required. This feature was not available for the ‘T’ model because there was no space to store the retractable headrests.
With the exception of the 200, fuel injection was standard throughout the range along with other performance-maximising technologies. The most notable feature was the addition of an oxygen sensor in the exhaust system, which in conjunction with a semi-electronic fuel injection system, could make the engine run more efficiently. This improved fuel consumption while simultaneously meeting stricter emission regulations.
The first C124 models to see the light of day were the 230CE and 300CE, followed by other versions such as the 200CE, 220CE, and 320CE, along with a new “Sportline” package introduced in 1989 together with the facelift. Later that year the flagship 300CE-24 joined the lineup with its six-cylinder engine producing 217hp.
Equipment
Green-Black Metallic paintwork, Beige Leather upholstery, 8-Hole light alloy wheels, 5-Speed automatic transmission, Cruise control, Electrically-adjustable front seats with driver’s seat memory, Electric sunroof, Electric windows front and rear, Blaupunkt Pasadena DJ cassette radio, Electrically-adjustable door mirrors, Headlamp wash/wipe, Air conditioning, Folding front armrest, Folding rear headrests, Electric aerial, Fire extinguisher, Remote central locking, Carpet overmats, Alloy spare wheel, Spare keys.
Exterior
With just shy of 57k miles from new this handsome 124 pillarless coupe presents to a really high standard. The lustrous Green-Black Metallic paint retains a deep youthful shine with quite a prominent blue hue in most lights, a very attractive colour that our studio photos really don’t do justice. This cherished example has always been carefully stored, which is evident not only from the superb rust-free condition of the exterior, but also the underside. Looking closer, the panels are straight and true along both sides, and the lights are crystal clear all round, with no signs of any moisture ingress or damage to report. A dusting of light frontal stone chips and one or two minor blemishes at the rear show the car’s honestly.
VIEWINGS WELCOME BY APPOINTMENT ONLY /// ADDITIONAL PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
Interior
In accordance with the low mileage the airy E-Class cabin presents beautifully. The striking beige leather is still incredibly supple throughout, with only some expected light wear to the driver’s bolster as evidence of use; amazingly the rear seats appear to have never been sat in. The door cards are free from scuffs and the dash shows no signs of any sun damage; the glossy walnut inlays are also in excellent condition having never been over-exposed to sunlight. Furthermore, all the controls have been checked and work exactly as they should, and pleasingly the original Blaupunkt head unit is still fitted for a perfect factory finish. At the rear of the car the you’ll find a very clean boot area with the spare wheel, warning triangle and jack present and correct.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The engine compartment is extremely clean and is perhaps the finest we have seen of any W124. There are absolutely no signs of any corrosion, accident damage or poor repair, with all components appearing in first-rate original condition. The mechanics of the car remain factory standard, and quite rightly so as she drives like a dream. The 3.2-litre straight six is a perfect blend of performance and economy, while the 5-speed auto ‘box ensures silky-smooth gear changes every time.
A common issue with Mercedes of this era can be with the wiring loom, but fortunately the current owner has already had it replaced. This work was done in September 2019, the part alone costing £734 from Mercedes.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The car sits on its original 8-hole light-alloy wheels, all in fantastic condition with no unsightly curb marking or age-related wear to note, even to the centre caps. They are shod in a matching set of quality Michelin tyres, all with at least 6mm of tread remaining. The brakes have also been checked and perform well on test.
History File
This lovely low mileage example was first registered in April 1996 and was supplied new by Woking Motors Mercedes-Benz. It has now driven just 57k miles from new in the hands only four keepers. Since arriving at 4 Star the car has been fully inspected and freshly MOT’d for the new keeper’s peace of mind.
The accompanying History File is complete with a raft of maintenance invoices from over the years, old MOT certificates, the first owner’s registration certificate, three spare keys, and the original owners’ manuals including for the Blaupunkt Pasadena DJ cassette radio.
http://www.4starclassics.com/for-sale/mercedes-w124-e320-coupe-for-sale/
1996 Mercedes-Benz 320 w124 E320 Coupe is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Kingsley by 4 Star Classics for £17495.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Mercedes-Benz Model : 320 w124 Model Version : E320 Coupe Engine size : 3.2 Model Year : 1996 Sub type : Coupé Location : Hampshire
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About Mercedes-Benz
In the annals of automotive history, the journey of Mercedes-Benz is a tale that unfolds with the ingenuity of its founding pioneers. In the year 1886, Karl Benz crafted the Benz Patent Motorwagen, a creation that would go down in history as the world's inaugural automobile. Unbeknownst to him, this moment marked the genesis of what would evolve into the most illustrious premium car manufacturer globally. The financial underpinning of this pioneering venture, interestingly, was provided by Karl Benz's wife, Bertha Benz, demonstrating a remarkable partnership that would set the tone for Mercedes-Benz's legacy.A parallel narrative emerged not far away, as Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft, founded by Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach, entered the scene. In 1901, they unveiled their automobile under the now-famous moniker "Mercedes," meaning "godsend" in Spanish. This name was bestowed upon the car at the behest of Emil Jellinek's daughter, the distributor for Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft. The wheels of innovation were set in motion.
Fast forward to 1926, a pivotal year that witnessed the merger of Daimler with Benz & Cie., culminating in the birth of Daimler-Benz. The amalgamation saw the adoption of "Mercedes-Benz" as the distinguished trademark for their automobiles, fusing the legacies of two visionary entities into one.
Contrary to perceptions of conservatism, the trajectory of Daimler-Benz unfolds as a chronicle of industry firsts. From the introduction of the honeycomb radiator to the float carburetor, and the pioneering implementation of four-wheel brakes in 1924, Daimler-Benz consistently pushed the boundaries of automotive innovation. The diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz 260 D in 1936 marked the inception of diesel engines in passenger cars. The iconic Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing made history as the first car with direct fuel injection, albeit the Gutbrod's tiny 2-stroke engine can claim precedence.
Safety innovations became a hallmark, with Béla Barényi's patented safety cell design in the "Ponton"-models in 1951, featuring front and rear crumple zones. The W116 450SEL 6.9 saw the introduction of the Anti-Lock Brake system (ABS), another pioneering safety feature. From the first production airbags and beyond, the legacy of "firsts" continued to be etched into the fabric of Daimler-Benz.
Over its centennial journey, Mercedes-Benz has not merely produced cars but has sculpted automotive icons. The SSKL, 710 SSK Trossi Roadster, 770K Grosser, 540K Spezial Roadster, 300SL Gullwing, w100 600 Pullman, w111 280SE 3.5 Flachkühler, w113 230SL Pagoda, w109 300 SEL 6.3, and w201 2.3-16 Cosworth stand testament to the brand's commitment to engineering excellence.
The roaring Silver Arrows, or "Silberpfeile," including the W 25, W 125, W154, W165, and W196, created a legacy of dominance on the racetrack. These machines were not merely cars; they were expressions of precision, speed, and an indomitable spirit that left their competitors in the dust.
As Mercedes-Benz marches into the future, it does so not just as an automaker but as a custodian of a legacy, a torchbearer of innovation, and a beacon of automotive excellence. The road ahead is sure to witness the continued fusion of cutting-edge technology, timeless design, and an unwavering commitment to setting new standards in the world of automobiles.
One luminary figure who left an indelible mark was Béla Barényi, often heralded as the "father of passive safety" for his pioneering work in safety engineering. His patented safety cell design, featuring front and rear crumple zones, became a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz's commitment to occupant safety, setting new standards that reverberated throughout the automotive world.
Moving through the chronicles, the collaborative genius of Wilhelm Maybach, alongside Gottlieb Daimler, laid the foundation for Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft. Their innovations not only birthed the first Mercedes but established a culture of relentless pursuit of technological excellence that remains integral to Mercedes-Benz's DNA.
In the post-merger era of 1926, Ferdinand Porsche emerged as a prominent figure within Mercedes-Benz. His work on the Mercedes-Benz S-Type, a supercharged race car, garnered acclaim and set the stage for a legacy that extended far beyond the marque. Porsche's impact would later extend to his eponymous company, but his influence at Mercedes-Benz during those formative years was pivotal.
As the 20th century progressed, the legendary Rudolf Uhlenhaut emerged as a key figure. Uhlenhaut, an accomplished engineer and the driving force behind the iconic Silver Arrows, played a crucial role in Mercedes-Benz's dominance in motorsports. His engineering prowess and attention to detail were instrumental in creating some of the most formidable racing cars of the era.
In the latter half of the century, figures like Bruno Sacco, the head of design at Mercedes-Benz from 1975 to 1999, left an indelible imprint on the brand's aesthetic identity. Sacco's design philosophy, characterized by clean lines and timeless elegance, shaped iconic models like the W126 S-Class and the W201 190E, solidifying Mercedes-Benz's reputation for luxury and sophistication.
The narrative would be incomplete without acknowledging the contributions of engineers like Hans Scherenberg, whose leadership in the 1970s ushered in a new era of technological innovation at Mercedes-Benz. Scherenberg's tenure saw the development of groundbreaking technologies, including the Anti-Lock Brake system (ABS) and the introduction of airbags in production cars.