The W124 was the work of a company at the very top of its game. Tasked with succeeding the superb W123 and retaking Mercedes-Benz's place at the top of the executive motoring tree, the crisply Sacco-penned new car had to be good.
And it was. The W124 is widely recognised as one of the best of the firm’s saloons - quite an achievement in itself - and the last of Stuttgart’s ‘engineering-led’ models. These cars were exceptionally well built, which partly explains why this handsome Almandine Red example has withstood the test of time so well.
Much of its condition, though, is surely down to its very sparing use by its first keeper of 33 years. It has covered a mere 51,428 miles from new.
There were many W124 variants but the 230E is arguably the one to have. You get decent power - 130bhp on tap - and reasonable economy such that it works as a daily driver. This one adds a tidy specification too, including a hardwearing fabric cabin, Zebrano wood and steel sliding sunroof. It is highly original - right down to the factory Blaupunkt Cambridge radio cassette - and in very good condition, as the long MOT confirms. Whether you choose to preserve it for weekends or press it into service as a comfy, distinctive daily, this one looks well worth your bid.
The History and Paperwork
First registered 1st September 1989
First registered keeper for 33 years
Only four registered keepers
Current keeper acquired the car last year intending to keep it
Factory handbooks as shown
Stamped service book as shown
MOT history confirms low mileage
2 sets of keys
MOT to 8th July 2025 with 50,572 miles on test
Advisories to note on MOT
Current mileage is 51,428 miles in photographs
The Condition
Handsome original Almandine red metallic (512U) paintwork in good condition
Few signs of age or use across paintwork but some shown in photos
These include light scuffs and edge chips to doors as shown
Bodywork presents well with early pre-facelift finish and straight panels
Some light signs of age to panels as shown in photographs
These include light bubbling to door bases, front wings and above rear bumper
Underside appears in good overall condition with notes on MOT to check
Factory standard car with 15in steel wheels and factory hub caps, both well kept
Fitted with Firestone tyres in 2021 which have covered few miles since and show good tread
Neat exterior detailing includes factory-branded mud flaps
Lights and exterior trim are in good order with clear lenses
There is a small chip to the windscreen as shown but not noted on MOT
Factory fitted with electric steel sliding sunroof in working order
Beige fabric interior in very good condition thanks to hard-wearing finish
Very few signs of age or use to seats, with very light driver’s bolster wear to note
Interior fittings including headlining, carpets, factory over mats and switchgear well kept
Specification includes four electric windows, Zebrano wood and rear folding headrests
Retains factory features such as period Blaupunkt Cambridge radio/cassette
We understand that the electrics and interior functions are all in working order
Boot floor appears to be solid and contains factory steel wheel and tool kit
First ait provided with car from factory
The Mechanics
M102 2,299cc 4cyl fuel injected 130bhp engine
4spd 4G-TRONIC automatic gearbox with Sport mode
Well maintained with no reported running or driving issues
One minor advisory to note on the current MOT
BEFORE YOU BUY
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1989 Mercedes-Benz W124 230E
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