1993 Mercedes-Benz 400E - two-owner, all-original W124 sedan - 275 hp V8 engine

Make:	Mercedes-Benz
Model:	E-Class
SubModel:	W124
Type:	Sedan
Trim:	400E
Year:	1993
Mileage:	69,209
VIN:	WDBEA34E4PB950191
Color:	Smoke Silver
Engine:	4.2 liter M119 V8
Cylinders:	8
Fuel:	Gasoline
Transmission:	Automatic
Drive type:	RWD
Interior color:	Cream Beige
Drive side:	Left-hand drive
Safety:	Anti-Lock Brakes, Driver Airbag, Passenger Airbag
Vehicle Title:	Clear
Item location:	Seattle, Washington, United States

Extras

Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Power Locks, Power Windows, Power Seats
Cassette Player, Leather Seats, Sunroof

Listed by

Private seller

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Description of 1993 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 400E

Highlights
- highly original, two-owner Pacific Northwest car- classic W124 chassis from the peak of Mercedes-Benz engineering- 69,209 miles- 4.2 liter M119 V8 engine- 4-speed automatic transmission- clean WA title (WDBEA34E4PB950191)- Smoke Silver exterior (702)- Cream Beige leather interior (265)
History
Last September, I purchased this 400E from the original owner, who had originally acquired it in May of 1993 from Phil Smart Mercedes in Seattle at a cost of about $61,000.
The car has lived its entire life in the mild Pacific Northwest. Because it was used regularly but sparingly, always serviced on time with cost no object, and garage-kept whenever not in use, it’s one of the best-preserved examples of this classic Benz sedan.
Recent Work
When I took ownership, I had a Benz specialist go through the car and take care of everything that he could find, including:
@ 65,852 miles- new MB battery
@ 65,874 miles- new power steering pump- new thermostat- new shift linkage bushing- new fuses- transmission fluid & filter change- engine oil & filter change
@ 68,382 miles- new wiring harness- new fuel pumps- new coolant temp sensor- new fan relay- engine oil & filter change
In April 2018, I also replaced the original chrome wheels with a set of correct 8-hole alloys that are powder coated in silver and fitted with brand-new Michelin Premier tires (including a 60k tire warranty from Discount TIre).
In total, I’ve spent over $7000 to make this car as close to mechanically perfect as possible (receipts available). That’s in addition to my $7000 purchase cost.
Why spend so much on a 25 year-old car?
Because the W124 generation E-class is, in my opinion, the height of Mercedes-Benz engineering, with a timeless design, vault-like solidity, and driving dynamics that outclass the vast majority of modern cars.
Plus the 400E has the added benefit of being fitted with Benz’s magnificent 32-valve 275 hp M119 V8 engine, which normally saw duty in the S-class and the SL. It’s a motor that can be ferocious if you really step on the throttle but otherwise is just wonderfully smooth and torquey.
Paired with relatively tall gearing (2.24 differential), the engine turns only about 2300 RPMs at 75 MPH, making it sublimely relaxed and quiet on the road, and helping it to return remarkably good fuel economy -- around 22-24 MPGs on the highway.
In short, it’s a special car, especially considering the low miles and originality.
Condition
The car runs and drives as you would expect from a well-maintained example with very low mileage. It starts easily, makes great power, and shifts properly through all gears. The steering and suspension are tight, operating essentially as new.
Inside, the dash, gauges, carpet, seats, and burl wood trim are all in like-new condition, and everything works properly, including the sunroof, all windows, door locks, the AC, the original Becker stereo, even the cruise control.
Flaws
There are a few small cosmetic blemishes to disclose, including the following:
- glass cracked on passenger side mirror- small door ding on right rear fender- light scratch in trunk lid- a few small rock chips- chip in windshield (repaired but still visible)- light wear on driver’s seat bolster
Each of these flaws is detailed in the photos.
I’ve also noticed recently that antenna doesn’t extend fully, though this doesn’t seem to affect the performance of the radio.
In December of 2007, the original owner was involved in a minor accident, with damage to the front left fender, which was repaired to factory specs. I am unable to discern any signs of a repair, and the finish there perfectly matches the rest of of the car.
Reason for Sale
I’m selling now because I rarely drive (I walk to work) and when I do it’s just for fun jaunts through the countryside, so I’ve decided to focus my automotive fanaticism on a sports car instead.
Price
My asking price is fair considering the car’s miles, condition, and originality.While I certainly don’t expect to get my full investment back, I won’t be considering low-balloffers, either.