NO RESERVE - 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 Elegance

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Stunning E-Class in exceptional condition
  • Super-rare panoramic roof option
  • Full leather
  • Low ownership
  • ULEZ Compliant 

THE APPEAL

The fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class debuted in 2002 and was true to the model’s roots – a large, sturdy executive saloon with exceptional ride quality and a hewn-from-granite build. 

Whether as a cossetting saloon or an ultra-useful estate, the W211 was one of the best cars of its era and today the nicest survivors are very much sought-after. This is one of them – a really nice example in an extremely unusual specification. 

The car is presented in immaculate order and comes with what was once at £3,750 option – the Mercedes-Benz twin panoramic roof, for which the uptake in the UK was unsurprisingly quite small. It’s an ultra-rare colour, too – Travertine Beige, a pale gold-ish hue that’s rarely seen in the UK. 

Prior to the vendor, it was in long-term ownership in Lancashire and has been well-maintained.


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THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK

  • Lots of invoices and receipts
  • Three owners from new
  • Last keeper over 10 years
  • UK V5C
  • MOT until February 2023
  • Original build sheet

Supplied new in Preston in early 2003, the E320 has had three previous keepers, the last one of whom has owned it for 11 years. 

During her ownership, the car wore a private registration number and there are piles of invoices relating to the car in the history file, all from the same garage in Lytham St Anne’s. 

As well as the bills, there’s a UK V5C and an MOT valid until next February, along with an original Mercedes-Benz specification sheet documenting all of the options fitted to the car.

Although there is not a service book, per se, there is a range of service invoices at that prove the car has been maintained regardless of cost. These invoices total to just short of £10,871 for it’s life to date The last service being at 80,133 miles which consisted of a full service at a cost of £216.61pence. This car wants and needs for nothing for the new owner.


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THE INTERIOR

  • Twin sunroof panoramic roof
  • Beige leather upholstery
  • Wood-trimmed wheel
  • Spotlessly clean and well-detailed
  • Excellent throughout

Trimmed in immaculate pale beige leather, it’s obvious from the overall condition that this is a genuine low-mileage car. It’s in terrific order, with a cabin that still looks inviting and fresh today. 

Everything works including the dual-zone climate control and electric sun blinds covering the panoramic roof, the front part of which can be opened up for the full alfresco experience. 

There is also a set of original Mercedes-Benz over mats and fold-down rear seats – a useful option. 

Other desirable extras include a self-dimming rear-view mirror, CD changer and part-wood steering wheel, all of which are immaculately presented.

 
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THE EXTERIOR 

  • Rare Travertine Beige
  • Refurbished alloys
  • Excellent external condition

You don’t see many W211s in Travertine Beige, but the colour really suits the car, setting off the elegant lines perfectly and sitting well on its recently refurbished alloy wheels. 

It’s in remarkable condition, with a deep and glossy shine and no major issues – the panels are all perfectly straight, there are no dents and only a few very tiny marks on the exterior suggesting that this is a car that has been lovingly cared for.

 
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THE MECHANICS 

  • 3.2-litre V6
  • Five-speed automatic transmission
  • Genuine mileage
  • Well-maintained
  • Drives well

Under the bonnet you’ll find Mercedes-Benz’s proven and popular 3.2-litre V6, found in all manner of models from the C-Class through to the SL sports car. 

It’s a lively, smooth and responsive unit developing 224bhp, which in this example works in tandem with a five-speed auto transmission.

The vendor reports that it drives faultlessly, and that there are no known faults or defects.

 
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SUMMARY

Good W211s are getting fewer and further between, making this well-loved example a rare beast, especially given the unusual colour and specification. It’s a car that’s not only a worthwhile future investment, but also one that you can use and enjoy every day. You’ll have to look long and hard to find a better one.  

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Vehicle specification
  • Year 2002
  • Make Mercedes
  • Model E320 Elegance Saloon
  • Colour Travertine Beige
  • Odometer 81,054 Miles
  • Engine size 3199
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Location London
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
43 bids
  • BE•••• £4,200 10/07/22
  • Sa•••• £4,100 10/07/22
  • BE•••• £4,000 10/07/22
  • Sa•••• £3,900 10/07/22
  • BE•••• £3,800 10/07/22
  • Sa•••• £3,700 10/07/22
  • BE•••• £3,600 10/07/22
  • Sa•••• £3,500 10/07/22
  • BE•••• £3,400 10/07/22
  • Sa•••• £3,300 10/07/22
Message C&C Auction Team

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