The Mercedes-Benz E-class is a range of executive cars offered in various engine and body configurations. Historically, the E-class is Mercedes-Benz' best-selling model, with more than 13 million sold by 2015. 

Although the E-class had been in the Mercedes range since 1953, from 1993 the ‘E’ became a prefix rather than a suffix and the 124-series was officially marketed as the E-class; the model brought the line firmly into the upper end of the mid-size luxury market. 

The estate cars (chassis designation S124) came in 5- or 7-seat models, the 7-seater having a rear-facing bench seat that folded flush.

Due to the E-class's size and durability, it has filled many market segments, from personal cars to frequently serving as taxis in European countries, as well special-purpose vehicles (such as police or ambulance modifications) from the factory.

The Mercedes was first registered in February 1996. It was specified from the factory with the ‘Sportline’ package, comprising the ‘sports chassis’ with a lower ride height, stiffer springs, uprated anti-roll bars and higher-grade bushes, plus the 15-inch eight-hole alloy wheels. 

The car was very much at the top-of-the-range in its time, with air-conditioning, electric seat adjustment, heated seats, electric sunroof and the 7-seat option. The vendor confirms that the vehicle was purchased as a daily driver then subsequently restored, bringing this E320 back to factory quality.

N153 OYW comes with a file of paperwork including numerous receipts, MoT certificates, the original owners’ manual, the manual for the radio and the service record.  The manuals are all in the original folder. The car is currently under a Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN). 

The E320 will come with 2 keys, the 2nd being an original factory spare with a value of £250, original spare wheel and also the original tool kit. The vehicle also benefits from a recent service, in December, at the expense of £950.

The rare and sought-after Green-Black metallic paint still looks great. It has a few minor blemishes: there’s a scuff on the nearside rear wing, some evidence of rust on one of the door pillars, and a small dent on the bonnet. In general, though, the car’s visual appearance belies its age and its 1990s styling still holds up.

The brightwork and badges are all in excellent condition. The eight-hole alloy wheels are in very good condition, with a few signs of age, and the tyres are all good. One headlight has a slight crack in the lens, and there is a small crack at the bottom of the windscreen on the nearside.   

Inside, it’s clear that this a car that has been very carefully looked after. You’d never guess the car’s age or mileage from looking at the interior. While the front seats have a few signs of wear, the rear seats (and the two rear-facing seats in the load bay) look as though they have hardly been sat on. Factory options include heated front seats, electric front seats, electric steering wheel adjust, illuminated vanity mirrors, driver and passenger air bags & heated door mirrors. The car also has a Blaupunkt audio system.

The carpets are generally clean and unmarked (although there are a couple of small stains on the carpet lining in the load bay), and all four door panels are immaculate. The only small sign of the car’s long life is that the veneer on the centre-console has some cracks. 

The rear load bay has compartments on either side: the nearside one has a sound spare wheel and tyre plus what looks like an original tool-roll. On the other side, there’s a first-aid kit that looks to be still in its original wrapper, and a warning triangle.    

The car starts on first turn of the key and the engine has a healthy note. The auto ‘box works well, the car pulls away well and gear changes are smooth and quiet. 
All the electrics – the windows, seat adjustment, heated seats, electric sunroof and radio – work as they should. 

Under the bonnet, everything looks to be good order and the engine has clearly been subject to the same care and attention as the rest of the car. 
Recently the car has had a full service and new brake pads. 

The car was very highly specified when new, and subsequent owners have clearly cherished it and looked after it. It’s a real time-warp modern classic. With a luxurious and comfortable interior, it provides a beautiful driving experience and with Mercedes’ legendary reliability it should offer the new owner many more miles of enjoyable motoring. 

It has the added advantage of a spacious load-bay and the sought-after 7-seater option, making it a smart and practical alternative to boxy people-carriers.   

   

Notice to bidders