1989 | Mercedes-Benz 230 CE

Highlights:

• 2 owners

• Complete history

• Solid condition

Model history:

In March 1987, Mercedes-Benz once again expanded the model range of the model series. Initially, two coupé models made their debut at the Geneva Motor Show, completing the range as the third body variant. They were closely related to the saloon. However, the floor assembly of the four-door model was modified so that the coupé had a wheelbase that was 8.5 centimetres shorter.

This emphasized the sporty character of the two-door model and made it an independent body variant in terms of design and form. The Coupé wore the wide side planks from the outset, without chrome, before these were introduced on the other body versions, but uniformly in two different shades of gray (light gray to match silver, dark gray to match anthracite; otherwise they were mostly used in contrasting colors, for example black with light gray planks or white with dark gray).

It was only from the first model update (MoPf 1) from September 1989 onwards that the side panels were matched to the respective body color and with chrome trim on all models. The similarities with the saloon were limited to the front end and the rear lights. The safety standard achieved in the saloons of the series was adopted for the coupé models. B-pillars were compensated for by reinforced A-pillars, side sills and doors as well as a particularly high proportion of high-strength sheet steel. The vehicles manufactured without B-pillars had no window frames, so that the side windows could be lowered completely without frames. In addition, the seatbelt remover from the C 126 was adopted due to the lack of mounting options on the non-existent B-pillar.

A new approach was taken with the roof trim: the inner lining of the roof was pulled a little under the rear window, which benefited the safety and comfort of the rear passengers: In the event of danger, neither the sheet metal nor the edge of the windshield was in the head area. And as the roof only sloped downwards far back despite the coupé shape, the rear passengers had more headroom than one would expect from a coupé. The overlapping area was visually concealed by a dark grid on the windshield.

The coupé was available in five variants, the E 200, 220 CE/E 220, 230 CE, 300 CE, 300 CE-24, 320 CE and E 320, as well as the AMG versions (E 36 AMG). The Sportline package was also available.

History and condition:

This Almandine Red Metallic (512U) colored C124 Mercedes 230 CE Coupé was first registered on December 21, 1989. The registration number S-KN suggests that it is a works car. Whatever the assumption, the then 55-year-old Greta was certainly delighted with this luxurious Mercedes Coupé. We can only guess whether it was a Christmas present. Just over a year later, a couple from Berlin bought the car and it was registered to the then 57-year-old Alice at the end of March 1991. After the 2nd owner died, her surviving dependents had the Coupé decommissioned in February 2022. Until then, all services had only been carried out at authorized Mercedes specialist workshops based on mileage and can of course be traced in the service booklet. In June 2022, the current owner bought the car from the garage where it had always been parked for the previous 31 years. In order to be allowed to drive the coupé with its red number (07), he had an expert opinion for the H license plate including a new Tüv carried out. He was amazed at the solid condition of the vehicle and still had all the fluids (oil and brake fluid) and filters replaced as a precaution. As a passionate collector of young and oldtimers, he has “simply too many cars for just one butt”, he hasn't driven the coupé enough and is selling it so that this C124 remains a vehicle and doesn't become a stationary car.

The basic condition is very solid and well maintained. The vehicle starts, shifts, clutches and brakes without any problems. All electrical functions work perfectly, e.g. the seatbelt reminder, electric windows, sunroof, radio, lights, etc..

The leather steering wheel and the leather gear knob of the 5-speed gearbox show a well-kept patina. The fabric seats also show no signs of damage, not even on the bolsters. The rear seat looks as if no one has ever sat there.

If you measure the paint thickness, we are between 98 and 340. When the current owner bought the vehicle in 2022, there were a few small scratches, which are probably due to the age of the last owner. Every garage door gets smaller with age ;o). The hood and the roof are still in the original paint and the sides from front to rear vary in paint thickness from 230 to 340. Considering that the average paint thickness at the time of delivery from the factory was 140, we can assume that it was really only a cosmetic repaint. This means that an accident in the sense of a deformation of the chassis can be ruled out. The color matches to the original paint are very good and you are not looking at a so-called harlequin car with dozens of different shades of red. What's more, it is not yet water-based paint and is therefore more robust.

The Tüv is currently expired, but will be renewed by the owner before handover.

The original jack and spare wheel are present, as are all the original documents such as the owner's manual, service booklet, radio manual, maps and 2 original keys with the leather pouch from the first day.

Market classification and prices:

Depending on the history and mileage, an average 230 Coupé with a good rating will realistically cost between €10,000 and a maximum of €15,000. In the end, of course, it is always an emotional question of what someone is prepared to pay for a car.

Coupés have been attracting more and more enthusiasts in recent years and, as usual with Mercedes, the supply of spare parts is guaranteed without any problems.

Summary:

This coupé appears in very solid and tidy condition and is ready to embark on its next journey with you. The all-weather tires which are currently on the car work technically, but due to their age they could be replaced, as well as the plastic covering of the outer antenna base.

According to the current owner, this coupé is no longer a clear collector's vehicle due to the repainting, but that is of course in the eye of the beholder.