Highlights
- Purchased from the first owner by the seller's grandfather
- Regularly maintained despite long-term storage
- Passed MOT first time in June 2025
The Appeal
Hailing from an era when Mercedes-Benz undoubtedly built the greatest executive saloons in the world, the W124 was yet another success story in a long line of excellent cars.
This 1990 230 E carries a touching family history, having been purchased from its first owner by the current seller's grandfather, who maintained it for over twenty years. After his passing, the car was carefully stored in a garage and regularly checked to maintain its working condition. Having recently passed its MOT, the first time it has been tested in some years, this 230E is ready to meet its next custodian.
The vendor says:
"Purchased from its first owner by my grandfather, who used it happily for over twenty years, taking meticulous care of it. After his death, it was stored in his garage & checked every few weeks to keep it working. We've made a real effort to preserve it and it's paid off, passing its 2025 MOT first time. We've freshly valeted the car for convenience and it looks very new. Honestly, this is a wonderful car that I have many happy memories of. I'd love for it to go to someone who will take care of it.
"In three words? Powerful, reliable, classic. The engine is distinctive and bassy, giving it a sense of power. Its doors and bodywork are all firm, sturdy, strong and well-made. Finally, the aesthetic of the vehicle is classic Mercedes, the kind of thing you'd see in a noir detective film (so long as it was filmed in the 90s), which gives it a sense of understated gravitas. All this to say, it's a strong, reliable car, and I think it looks great too!
This 1990 230 E carries a touching family history, having been purchased from its first owner by the current seller's grandfather, who maintained it for over twenty years. After his passing, the car was carefully stored in a garage and regularly checked to maintain its working condition. Having recently passed its MOT, the first time it has been tested in some years, this 230E is ready to meet its next custodian.
The vendor says:
"Purchased from its first owner by my grandfather, who used it happily for over twenty years, taking meticulous care of it. After his death, it was stored in his garage & checked every few weeks to keep it working. We've made a real effort to preserve it and it's paid off, passing its 2025 MOT first time. We've freshly valeted the car for convenience and it looks very new. Honestly, this is a wonderful car that I have many happy memories of. I'd love for it to go to someone who will take care of it.
"In three words? Powerful, reliable, classic. The engine is distinctive and bassy, giving it a sense of power. Its doors and bodywork are all firm, sturdy, strong and well-made. Finally, the aesthetic of the vehicle is classic Mercedes, the kind of thing you'd see in a noir detective film (so long as it was filmed in the 90s), which gives it a sense of understated gravitas. All this to say, it's a strong, reliable car, and I think it looks great too!
This is the car my grandad would use to drive me to the beach, or to London; he really loved this Mercedes. I'm hoping to pass it on to someone who will take care of it, and let it take care of them in turn."
History and Paperwork
- UK market RHD car first registered on 4th January 1990
- Purchased from first owner by current seller's grandfather who used it for over twenty years
- Regularly checked to maintain working condition
- MOT valid until 4 June 2026 with a few advisories to note
- 112,923 miles indicated
The Condition
- Freshly valeted
- Presents well overall with some wear and minor damage upon close inspection
- The vendor notes two small points with paint scuffs or small marks
- The body looks straight and solid overall with well-fitting doors
- No notable body/underside corrosion identified during recent MOT
- Retro radio cover fitted
- Exceedingly smart upholstery and Zebrano woodwork
The Mechanics
- 2.3-litre M102 four-cylinder petrol engine
- Four-speed auto transmission
- Runs well considering its age, the vendor tells us
- Original-looking and clean engine compartment
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