1996 Mercedes-Benz E220 Cabriolet (W124)
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Highlights
• Extensive history
• Low owners
• Very good soft-top
• Well-equipped and comfy cruiser
• Will come with a new MOT upon sale
• Will come with a new MOT upon sale
The Appeal
The W124-series, produced by Mercedes-Benz throughout the 1980s and ’90s, represents a real golden age for the brand: cars that were engineered to be refined, smooth, cosseting and luxurious, with a frisson of sporting intent to back up the elegance of the design.
Fusing crisp styling with robust mechanicals and sublimely appointed interiors, these cars tick a whole lot of boxes both for collectors of modern classics, and people who are after a dependable daily driver that’s got a little more class and panache than the everyday modern alternatives.
And the best part of all is that, while values of SL cabrios have been consistently strong for as long as any of us can remember, the A124 (that is, the cabriolet variant of the W124) is remarkably well priced alongside its siblings.
With a multi-link rear axle and extremely low drag coefficient, these were cars crafted by world-class engineers and clothed in stylish bodies; technological marvels that also happened to be very easy on the eye.
And the cabriolet was a masterpiece of packaging – appearing relatively compact and alluringly sporty from the outside, it still retained impressively saloon-like interior space along with, naturally, all the toys you’d expect.
An everyday-usable drop-top with nineties style in spades and thoroughly dependable mechanicals.
Fusing crisp styling with robust mechanicals and sublimely appointed interiors, these cars tick a whole lot of boxes both for collectors of modern classics, and people who are after a dependable daily driver that’s got a little more class and panache than the everyday modern alternatives.
And the best part of all is that, while values of SL cabrios have been consistently strong for as long as any of us can remember, the A124 (that is, the cabriolet variant of the W124) is remarkably well priced alongside its siblings.
With a multi-link rear axle and extremely low drag coefficient, these were cars crafted by world-class engineers and clothed in stylish bodies; technological marvels that also happened to be very easy on the eye.
And the cabriolet was a masterpiece of packaging – appearing relatively compact and alluringly sporty from the outside, it still retained impressively saloon-like interior space along with, naturally, all the toys you’d expect.
An everyday-usable drop-top with nineties style in spades and thoroughly dependable mechanicals.
The History and Paperwork
• Correct V5 present, showing just 3 former keepers
• Original service book (stamped up to 84k)
• Lots of old MOTs
• 2021 – receipt for new rear shock absorber
• 2021 – receipt for window regulator
• 2020 – receipt for prop shaft couplings and supports, front suspension overhaul and engine mounts - £2,115
• 2017 – receipt for front shock absorbers, drive belt, subframe bushes and ARB bushes - £1,931
• Lots of other receipts for maintenance and work carried out
The Interior
• Electric leather seats
• Pioneer head unit
• Good wood trim with no sun damage
This E220’s cabin is in pleasingly tidy condition throughout, with everything being factory standard aside from an aftermarket Pioneer head unit.
The seats are all in good condition with just a gentle patina – the fronts have no tears, discolouration or undue wear, and they tilt forward properly to allow access to the back.
The rear seats are in lovely condition, the carpets are good throughout, and it’s worth noting that the front seats’ electric adjustments are all working correctly via the door-mounted switches.
The dash is in good order with no marks, and all of the correct switchgear and instrumentation in place.
The wood trim is attractive with none of the usual lacquer peel, and the slide-back storage cubby in the centre console is working correctly (as is seldom the case with W124s). There is a little age-related wear to the rim of the steering wheel.
Inside the boot it’s all nice and tidy, with the correct spare wheel under the floor along with the first aid kit and tool roll.
The Exterior
• Beautiful colour that really sparkles in the sunshine
• Very good soft-top roof
• All-original spec
The paintwork is in good order throughout, with very few blemishes beyond a bumper scuff on one front corner and the odd stone chip.
The light lenses and window glass are all free from chips, and the electric windows work correctly front and rear. The electric roof raises and lowers just as it should, and the roof itself is in very good condition with no holes, tears or creases, and a complete and tidy lining inside.
The original eight-hole alloy wheels are fitted; they could perhaps benefit from a refurb and they’re wearing budget tyres, but that’s all very easy to remedy. Likewise the driver’s door has dropped slightly, but should be simple to realign.
On the whole, with the roof either up or down, this is a supremely attractive machine, and it certainly garners a lot of admiring glances.
The Mechanicals
• Smooth and willing engine
• Slick auto ’box
• Comfortable ride
The mechanicals of Mercedes of this type and era are notoriously robust, and that certainly seems to be the case here.
The engine starts willingly, idles evenly, and pulls well through the revs, with the auto ’box shifting cleanly.
On our test drive the car behaved impeccably, driving just as it should with no warning lights on the dash, no unexpected behaviour or untoward noises, it simply acts like a Mercedes: smooth and relaxing.
The car rides very well indeed, the brakes are strong, the power steering is effective, it’s a thoroughly pleasing machine to drive.
Summary
If you’re looking for a late-nineties wafter that’s strong and dependable, this E220 makes a pretty strong case for itself.
These smartly designed and intelligently engineered drop-tops represent truly remarkable value these days; inherently sturdy and robust, the quality mechanicals are backed up by an entertaining and reassuring drive.
It’s a particularly handsome machine too, isn’t it? The proportions are spot-on, it looks effortlessly stylish, and there’s all the space you could wish for inside – it’s part luxury cruiser, part GT.
And there’s a reason why W124s are so highly regarded among enthusiasts – they are, quite simply, extremely good cars.
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Vehicle specification
- Year 1996
- Make Mercedes
- Model E220 Cabriolet (W124)
- Colour Green
- Odometer 119,651 Miles
- Engine size 2199
Auction Details
- Seller Type Trade
- Location London
- Country United Kingdom
12
bids
from 9
bidders
- du•••• £7,600 01/06/22
- ke•••• £7,500 01/06/22
- so•••• £7,400 31/05/22
- Si•••• £7,000 31/05/22
- so•••• £6,000 30/05/22
- Fa•••• £5,100 28/05/22
- da•••• £4,990 27/05/22
- Fa•••• £3,300 27/05/22
- da•••• £3,200 27/05/22
- TI•••• £2,100 26/05/22
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