Description
1990 Mercedes-Benz (W124) 230CE Sportline Auto Coupe
Just 85K Miles - Full, Colossal and Comprehensive Service History - Pristine Condition
Gleaming 735 Astral Silver - 372 Blue Sportline "Karo" Interior
Very High Factory Specification inc Cruise, Climate, AC, ASD, etc
A Stunning and Special Example with an Interesting History - Thousands Spent
THE CAR
Date of Registration: 5th June 1990 (on UK Diplomatic Plates) 24th Aug 1998 Normal UK Plates
Registration Number: G577 SGN
MOT Expiry:9th June 2026 (No Advisories)
Mileage: 85, 345 Miles
Service History: FSH (23+ Stamps - Main Dealer/ Specialist + Very large box file containing just about every bit of paper you could hope for)
Last Service: 9th June 2025 at 85, 340 Miles
Supplied with: All Original Manuals in Glovebox Pack, unused First aid Kit, Warning Triangle, Tool-Roll, Jack.
Keys: Full Host of Keys
Previous Keepers on V5: 2
HPI Status: 100% Clear
FEATURES
Cruise Control
Drivers Airbag
ABS
ASD (Auto Locking Differential)
ACC Auto Climate Control
Cyclonic "Hepa Filtered" Cabin Air Intake
Optional “Swirl” Air Filter Intake
Steel Sump Guard (Factory Option) - This is quite some item!
Air conditioning (working & converted to R134a)
Electric Windows x 4
Central Locking
Outside Temperature Gauge
Factory (not aftermarket) Anti-Theft System
Electric Windows x 4
Electric Tilt/ Slide Sunroof
Power Steering
Front Armrest
Rear Armrest
Storage Compartment in Centre Console
Storage Compartment Between Rear Seats
Illuminated Vanity Mirrors
Electric/ Heated Mirrors
Load Adjustable Headlamps
Front Fog Lamps
Fire Extinguisher
Continental TR7416UB CD/ RDS/ USB/ Aux/ Bluetooth Head Unit
Alloy Wheels (recently refurbished)
5 x Brand New Continental Ultra Contact Tyres (all same date code)
Genuine MB Blue Ribbed Overmats
Full Sportline host of options as follows....
* Lowered suspension
* Slightly Stiffer Springs
* Uprated Anti Roll Bars
* Quicker Steering
* 7j X 15 15-Hole Forged Alloy Wheels with 205/ 60 Tyres
* Sportline "Karo" Check Interior
* Reinforced Front Seats
* 390mm Leather Rimmed Steering Wheel
* Sportline Logo Leather Gear Knob
FACTORY BUILD (DATA) CARD
General Data
FIN WDB1240432B257189
Model 230 CE
Engine 102982 22 173140
Transmission 722408 02 915851
Order Number 0 0 537 05023
Order Location GREAT BRITAIN
Interior FABRIC - BLUE (372)
Paint 1 ASTRAL SILVER - METALLIC PAINT (735U)
Approx. Build Date 1990-05
Code Description
211 AUTOMATIC LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL (ASD)
240 OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE INDICATOR
281 STEERING WHEEL WITH SPORTS DESIGN (390 MM) AND GEARSHIFT LEVER IN LEATHER TRIM
300 STORAGE BOX IN FRONT TRAY
301 STORAGE BOX IN THE REAR
341 ADDITIONAL BLINKER LAMPS
343 CYCLONE AIR FILTER
362 RHD VEHICLES AS PER EC REGULATIONS (CONTROL CODE)
412 ELECTRIC SLIDING ROOF WITH TILTING DEVICE
420 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 4-GEAR
430 HEADREST IN THE REAR, LEFT AND RIGHT
444 TEMPOMAT (CRUISE CONTROL) AND AIRBAG
461 INSTRUMENT WITH MILES IND. AND ENGLISH LEGEND
481 UNDERSHIELDS
524 PAINTWORK - PRESERVATION
538 AUTOMATIC ANTENNA AND FRONT LOUDSPEAKER - WITHOUT RADIO SET
543 SUN VISOR WITH VANITY MIRROR, ILLUMINATED, LEFT AND RIGHT
551 ANTI-THEFT/ ANTI-BREAK-IN WARNING SYSTEM
563 FRONT SEATS, LEFT AND RIGHT, REINFORCED
570 FOLDING ARMREST, FRONT
588 AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL AND ELECTRIC WINDOW LIFTERS (FRONT AND REAR DOORS)
615 LAMP UNIT, ASYMMETRICAL L. H. TRAFFIC, AND FRONT AND REAR DOOR COURTESY LAMPS
650 SPORTS CHASSIS WITH 15-HOLE LIGHT ALLOY WHEELS
682 FIRE EXTINGUISHER
731 WOOD TRIM, BURRED WALNUT ROOT
950 SPORTLINE
WORK DONE IN PREPARATION
Service 1 at 85, 262 Miles (05/ 11/ 2024) as follows:
Flush engine
Replace engine Oil/ Filter
Replace sump plug & washer
Replace air filter
Brakes stripped, cleaned, rebuilt
Replace brake fluid
Replace spark plugs (Bosch)
MOT vehicle (no advisories)
Service 2 at 85, 340 Miles (10/ 06/ 2025) as follows:
Replace engine Oil/ Filter
Replace sump plug & washer
Set CO Values
MOT Vehicle (no advisories)
Other Work Carried Out:
Replace front shock absorber boots & bump stops
Replace alternator (brand new)
Replace thermostat & seal
Replace NSF brake caliper (new)
Replace both rear brake flexi hoses
Replace camshaft (brand new)
Replace rocker arm assemblies
Replace oil spray bar
Replace all 8 hydraulic tappets (brand new)
Replace rocker cover gasket
Reseal ASD pump
Replace plug lead plastic casing (new Genuine MB)
Replace timing chain tensioner (brand new)
Remove sump, remove big ends shells inspect (OK) and reassemble
Thoroughly clean sump pan
Replace sump gasket (Elring) and refit sump
Set ignition timing to correct value
Replace OVP relay
Diagnose non functioning cruise control, replace amplifier (with later improved unit)
Replace headlamp switch knob (new genuine MB)
Replace headlamp (damaged lens)
Repair headlamp level vacuum levelling
Thoroughly clean replacement headlamp
Replace various dash illumination bulbs
Remove climate control panel, replace all illumination bulbs
Convert radio wiring to ISO plug using correct Audio leads PC2-11-4 adapter (no wires cut!)
Fit Continental TR7416UB Bluetooth CD/ Tuner
Replace windscreen (West Yorkshire Windscreens)
Remove mono wiper assembly, strip, clean, lubricate and rebuild
Paint wiper arm (correct 7129 Galinite grey)
Replace wiper blade (Bosch)
Replace heater blower (brand new)
Rebuild windscreen scuttle with new screws and clips
Replace plenum drain plastic “grate”
Dynax UC coat plenum chamber
Remove and properly refit A-pilar interior trims
Replace rear brake flexi hoses
Replace rear flexi hose clips
Repair leaking power steering pipe
Replace several engine vacuum hoses
Replace battery (Exide)
Fit Cytek quick connect charger lead
Repair glovebox lid “soft action” check strap
Remove and thoroughly clean all road wheels
Clean and paint all wheel bolts
Fit 5 x New Continental Ultra Contact 205/ 60 R15V tyres (all matching 49/ 24 date codes)
Vehicle tracking checked and adjusted
Detail all wheel arches
Wire brush & paint suspension components
Dynas UC coat suspension components
Dynax UC coat sill jacking points
Dynax UC coat underbody fuel/ brake pipes
Detail engine bay
Powder coat steel sump guard
Replace undertray shield mounting hardware
Powder coat air cleaner lid
Replace engine bay warning notices
Remove battery tray and clean area underneath & Dynax UC coat
Powder coat battery tray and refit using new hardware
Replace battery clamp (New MB)
Dynax UC coat battery carrier
Remove wash bottle and replace sealing grommets
Strip/ paint wash bottle bracket, refit using new nuts
Remove/ clean steering box heat shield
Paint steering box
Clean power steering box heatshield and refit
Clean exhaust manifold and paint
Remove spare wheel, clean and paint spare wheel well
Reseal spare wheel well grommet
Paint underside of spare wheel well (7129 Galinite Grey)
Fit new felt pads in spare wheel well
Remove all tools from tool roll and clean
Wash tool roll
Replace boot warning notice label
Replace numerous clips, screws, fasteners etc
Remove clean/ lubricate/ refit HVAC aspirator fan
Replace illumination bulb in left dash vent
Repair retaining clips in left dash vent
Remove courtesy light assembly
Clean aspirator sensor grille
Replace bulbs in seatbelt warning indicator
Secure sunroof switch
Replace number plates & screws
Extensively test drive vehicle
Update/ file extensive service history
Tyres pressures set to Front: 29psi / Rear: 35psi / Spare: 50psi
Wheel bolts torqued to 120nm
All levels checked
Vehicle washed and polished
SUMMARY
Firstly, can I apologise to all who originally enquired about this 230CE and the price I quoted at the time. I’ll hold my hands up and fully admit I got it wrong with this vehicle as I seriously underestimated the amount of work it required to bring it to a standard I’m happy with. As you can see from the list I’ve included above, the preparation of this car has been lengthy and expensive, even verging on ruiness, but I’m glad to report, it’s certainly not been in vein and has made an already beautiful and very interesting car, into a very special one indeed and one which (I think) is one of the best C124’s available
This C124 has had a very interesting life having been specially ordered from Germany via Mercedes Diplomatic & Tourist Services in Piccadilly. There are some very rare and unusual options on this car, many of them seldom, if at all, found on any Mercedes, let alone a W124 Coupe.
The original owner of this 230CE was working as a Spacecraft Analyst for Inmarsat (a British Telecommunications Company) when he ordered it via The Mercedes Diplomatic Service; there’s even a collection of the original sales brochures in the history with notes he’d made whilst deciding on its specification, a spec which I have to say was both exacting and clearly made without much regard to the cost; this car has some of the most expensive options available at the time.
The order was placed and the car was built in Germany and shipped to the UK a few months later, where it was delivered to its new owner. As he was working for the British Government and this was a special order through the Diplomatic services, this 230CE carried UK diplomatic plates throughout his ownership from 1990-1998.
After being sold out of the Diplomatic service in 1998, it was purchased by the second owner, a Saville Row Tailor who stored the car in an underground car park for most of it’s life, but rarely used it. He acquired the vehicle on the 24th August 1998 after a substantial AA Vehicle inspection (report paperwork included in the extensive history). The vehicle had covered 48, 702 miles at that stage. An additional owner was unfortunately added a few years later due to a marriage split; the owner had to register it to his good friend and fellow Tailor, so that his ex-wife couldn’t lay claim to his gorgeous Mercedes!
The last enthusiast owner, who I bought the car from, acquired it back in August 2017 and has since used it only for summer motoring and shows. It’s also been garaged the whole of his 7 year tenure and had very significant expenditure lavished on it during that time.
When I bought this car in August (2024) I drove it 265 home on one of the hottest days of that year. That trip was an absolute joy and one I’ll fondly remember as it reminded me just how good these cars are; the first 200 miles was in air conditioned comfort, cruise control set and just wafting along up the A1, then as the as the sun went down on the later part of the journey, it was all windows down and sunroof open which almost gives the feel of a convertible, but with none of the drawbacks. The Sportline package came into its own in the last few miles on twistier roads; this rare option really does give the C124 a Sportier (and very enjoyable) edge, but without completely compromising the superb ride characteristics.
After all the work I’ve done, I firmly believe this is one of the best, and somewhat unique W124 Coupes on offer. It’s the whole package of immaculate condition, incredible provenance and superb specification. If you're looking for a W124 Coupe, this is the one you've been waiting for. Although I say you should never buy these cars as an investment, it has to be said at the moment that these are better than money in the bank, and I can see examples like this being worth £20K plus in the not too distant future.
Finally, just to say there was an incredible amount of interest in this car, since word got out I had this, however I said at the time I wasn’t going to commit to a sale until the car was fully ready. Now that day has come, in retrospect that turned out to be a very wise decision, given what I’ve had to do it. I’m a realist and don’t expect to be that same level of interest at the increased price, but as I also said I will still have to operate a first come, first served policy to be fair to all who expressed an interest. If it transpires that the car is too expensive and it doesn’t sell, I’ll have to put it into storage and allow the car to grow into its price, as I can’t simply throw away all that hard work and expenditure, it would be like working for nothing.
THE MTSV DIFFERENCE
Unlike some, I don’t just simply go out, buy any old car, give it a good clean, then advertise it for more than the purchase price, disregarding any issues the car may have in the hope the new buyer won’t notice…I just couldn’t do that. The cars I source are carefully selected and I work very hard so that when my cars leave me, I have the satisfaction of knowing they are as good as they possibly can be within the constraints I have. As such I have many repeat customers and new customers that have been recommended via word of mouth…the ultimate accolade for anyone in business.
Any other questions, please feel free to contact me at using the button below or on the details below. I'm a firstly and foremostly a true car enthusiast of many, many years, and a Mercedes Club Member, so it's a pleasure to meet and speak to like-minded people.
Finally, I'm situated in Keighley, West Yorkshire (Postal Code Area BD21) which is approximately 11 miles from Skipton, and 20 miles West of Leeds.
All major debit/ credit cards accepted.
Thanks for reading my advert!
Mark.
