Highlights
- Good history
- 3.2 litre straight-six
- Pillarless coupe
The Background
Mercedes-Benz were certainly doing things right in the 1990’s, with performance, luxury and stunning styling, as can be seen here with the E320 Coupe. The pillarless design sets it apart from the rest.
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.The Coupes were slightly shorter than the saloon, and their windscreen and rear screen have a flatter angle, giving the appearance of a longer coupe.
Even though the Coupe has missing B-pillars, this was compensated with reinforced A-pillars, doors and a large percentage of high strength steel. Although this made the coupe slightly heavier than the saloon, we are sure you'll agree a few extra pounds for the missing B-pillar is completely worth it.
Even though the Coupe has missing B-pillars, this was compensated with reinforced A-pillars, doors and a large percentage of high strength steel. Although this made the coupe slightly heavier than the saloon, we are sure you'll agree a few extra pounds for the missing B-pillar is completely worth it.
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. Originally, Mercedes installed either the four cylinder M102 engine or the Straight 6 3.0 litre M103 powerhouse. This was replaced in 1994 with the newer and more powerful 3.2 litre straight-six M104 engine, like the one we have here today.
The History
The seller of this well specced 1995 Mercedes E320 has owned the vehicle since 2019, when it was purchased to run alongside his other classic car to promote his business, and also avoiding any City Centre charges.
Upon getting the car, the seller has had some work carried out to ensure the 320 is mechanically sound, and a freshen up of some faded paint was applied to the roof, bonnet and tailgate.
As with many projects, costs can rise, as is the case with the seller's other classic, and so the decision has been made to part with this classic coupe.
The Paperwork
The V5 is present and shows there have been 6 previous keepers for the vehicle, and there are 2 keys present with the original Mercedes presentation box.
There are a number of invoices showing work carried out over the years. The most recent was in November 2021, when it had 2 rear dampers fitted, and some welding carried out to the inner rear wheel arches around the suspension mountings. Slightly earlier in April 2021, the car was given an engine service and new front brake pads were fitted.
There is an MOT on the car which is valid until the 18th November 2022.
The Interior
Inside, the Mercedes is straight from 1995. The grey leather seats are in nice condition with just some age related patina, which is less than the mileage would suggest. There is a small amount on the passenger seat where the stitching has split, but this could be repaired by an upholstery specialist to retain the original trim.
The heated and electric functions of the seats have been tested and are reported to be working as they should be the seller's mechanic. The rear seat is in nice condition, although it does have the common problem of the rear headrests not dropping down to give extra vision when reversing.
The heated and electric functions of the seats have been tested and are reported to be working as they should be the seller's mechanic. The rear seat is in nice condition, although it does have the common problem of the rear headrests not dropping down to give extra vision when reversing.
The dashboard looks to be free from any damage and the instruments are reported to be working as they should with no warning lights displayed. The odometer is sitting at 113,603 miles. Moving across the dash, the head-unit has been replaced, and we are told that this has Bluetooth for your creature comforts, such as phone and for music streaming. There are also some upgraded Rainbow speakers.
The seller does report there is a loose connection and sometimes the sound cuts off if you go over a bump. There is some cracking to the walnut finish to the centre console, as often found on vehicles of this age.
The seller does report there is a loose connection and sometimes the sound cuts off if you go over a bump. There is some cracking to the walnut finish to the centre console, as often found on vehicles of this age.
The electric windows are working as they should, along with the sunroof, and when all are open, the pillarless coupe has a light and airy feel to it. The rear driver's side window is sometimes a little slow at going down. The seatbelt butlers on each side are reported to be working as they should.
The carpets look to be in good order, having had a set of mats fitted to protect them has helped. The mats do have some wear to the driver’s heel pad, but are an easy item to replace. Inside the boot is nice and clean, with a CD multichanger mounted to the top, and lifting up the floor reveals the spare wheel and original tool roll.
The Exterior
Finished in Midnight Blue, the bonnet looks to align as it should, and as it has been repainted, there are no obvious stone chips to mention. The bumper does have a few light scuffs to the driver’s corner, and the lights are free from any chips or cracks.
Around to the sides of the long, sleek Coupe, the doors look to align as they should with an even panel gap around all sides. There is some paint lacquer peel on the driver's door where it looks to have been repainted at some point. There is the odd age related scuff here and there, but generally it looks to be in good condition.
Quite a common area to show signs of corrosion is the wheel arches, but these look to be in good order with just the front wing showing signs of corrosion in front of the wheel arch.
Quite a common area to show signs of corrosion is the wheel arches, but these look to be in good order with just the front wing showing signs of corrosion in front of the wheel arch.
The rear end is again like the front, just a couple of small scuffs here and there. The light lenses are free from any splits. The back window does have some delamination to both edges.
The alloy wheels look to be the originals which have a diamond cut face. These have some age related corrosion, but it would be an easy restoration job for your local wheel refurbisher, and the tyres are worn but do have some tread remaining.
The Mechanics
The M104 is renowned for being quite a bullet proof engine and used by Mercedes for 10 years. The double overhead cam, straight-six comes with a displacement of 3.2 litres in the E320, producing 217 bhp and 229 lb-ft of torque.
The seller reports that the E320 starts up on the button and sounds just as it should, with no untoward noises coming from the engine compartment. It was noted on the last MOT that there was an oil leak. We were told that this has been checked over by the mechanic and he was unable to say where it was coming from, as it was just a damp area and not actually dripping.
The Mercedes is reported to change through the 4-speed gearbox nice and smoothly, and pulls strongly. Bringing the car to a halt, the brakes are working as they should, pulling up to a stop in a straight line, with no juddering through the pedal. Another thing to point out is that there has been a replacement wiring loom fitted in the engine bay, eliminating the problem of it being too close to the engine and deteriorating.
The Appeal
What a stunning looking car, classic 90’s motoring with luxury and style, plus some extra style points for the pillarless look. Designed and built to the highest quality Mercedes could manage at the time, the E320 offered everything, performance, luxury and handling, to give a pleasurable and reassuring drive.
This 1995 E320, as mentioned, has been owned by the seller since 2019. With another project on the go, this has made it to the short list to be moved on. With only approximately 49 left registered on the UK roads, it certainly makes this 90’s classic one to catch before it’s too late.
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