FOR SALE 1989 300CE AMG 6.0 Widebody M117/9, Anthracite Grey/Black, 57kkm, Gooding & Co.

[WDB748372]

VIN = WDB1240501A833114 -> AMG124.22416026
Datacard: Mercedes VIN Decoder | Decode Your Mercedes-Benz VIN

1989 Mercedes-Benz AMG 300 CE 6.0 'Hammer'

View the 1989 Mercedes-Benz AMG 300 CE 6.0 'Hammer' at Gooding Christie’s's Amelia Island Auctions 2025. Contact us for more information.

www.goodingco.com

(Estimate: $1,500,000 – $2,000,000)​

​

The 300 CE 6.0 ‘Hammer’ Coupe, one of approximately 25 built by AMG, is the only known example equipped with the 6.0-liter DOHC V-8 engine and five-speed manual Getrag gearbox. Originally finished in Anthracite Grey Metallic (DB 172) over black leather, the highly optioned E-Class Coupe was shipped directly to the AMG workshop in Affalterbach, where it received an AMG exhaust system, wide-body kit, and three-piece ‘Aero III’ wheels. Inside, the cabin was fitted with heavily bolstered Recaro bucket seats and a small-diameter AMG-branded MOMO steering wheel. The Coupe remained in Italy until 2014, and since 2015, has had just two private owners. Recently treated to an extensive concours-level detailing process under current ownership, this low-mileage Hammer Coupe presents extremely well, displaying just 57,423 km at the time of cataloguing. This Hammer is also accompanied with copies of the original Automobile Club d’Italia registration records and Italian-language owner’s manual and maintenance booklet, as well as AMG Italia, Becker, and Michelin brochures.​

The AMG Conversion Confirmation states:

The AMG 300CE (coupe) received extensive modifications at AMG in Affalterbach and is one of the W124 vehicles crowned with the nickname "The Hammer". Next to the AMG widebody kit, the coupe was fitted with an AMG suspension kit, AMG exhaust system and AMG wheels (AMG 3-piece disk wheels). In the interior Recaro Seats (Buffalo Leather), an AMG speedometer (320 km/h), AMG wood finish and an AMG steering wheel were installed. The vehicle received in 1989 a conversion from automatic transmission to a 5-speed manual transmission at AMG in Affalterbach. The vehicle was fitted with a replacement M117/9 engine at AMG in Affalterbach (26.10.1992). ​

I always thought the M117/9 was a Japan thing but looks like Germany did it as well. Also interesting to note AMG Classic considers this as a "Hammer" which I generally thought was exclusive to the M117 with the 4V AMG heads.

 

[weide1]

Nice find. It first popped up in 2014. C124 Hammer | W124 AMG & Tuner Cars

 

[gsxr]

I always thought the M117/9 was a Japan thing but looks like Germany did it as well.

I generally thought it was AMG Japan but never knew for sure. @jhodg5ck would know.

Also interesting to note AMG Classic considers this as a "Hammer" which I generally thought was exclusive to the M117 with the 4V AMG heads.

Yeah, uh, AMG is wrong. Only M117 DOHC in a 124 are technically "Hammers".

Of interest here is that an unspecified engine was installed in 1988, and the current M119 is a "replacement" engine installed in 1992. I would like to know what the original 1988 engine was... could have been an original Hammer engine. What happened to it? If this was originally a Hammer, can you still call it that after receiving a totally different engine? Enquiring minds, etc.

The M119 did not yet exist in 1988. The current engine is an M119 with, I think, M117 timing cover and single-distributor ignition instead of the M119 dual-distributor ignition. Odd setup, to downgrade the M119.960 like this.

$2M... wow.

 

[weide1]

Of interest here is that an unspecified engine was installed in 1988, and the current M119 is a "replacement" engine installed in 1992. I would like to know what the original 1988 engine was... could have been an original Hammer engine. What happened to it?

My thoughts. And behold, it's a 117.963 xxx. This was replaced by 117.965 in summer 1985. That is, if i looked it up right.

 

[gsxr]

The M117.960 engine mentioned in the AMG document shows as a 5.0L engine, as does 117.963... which is strange.

Maybe the original 1988 build was a 5.0L M117? And the 1992 M119 upgrade was 6.0L?

 

[Rouven036]

Thus car was sold by Leitner a few years ago. And for the expected sales price would become around a 10-banger investment!

As a hammer I would consider all amg v8 converted cars which had still the reinforcements of the chassis supports to the rear su frame. The cars could have depending on built date or later developed issues (refer below) either the 117 quad cam or 117/9

The car had the same engine transformation as the green Hammer pre Facelift station wagon which we discussed here before - the car which is personally known by my as I es working on it a couple of times during my apprenticeship when it was with the original owner.

Storry goes, the car had the M117 Hammer quad cam engine.
As these were not the most reliable units a few cars had been upgraded to the next development when the engine had issues.
The next development was the M119. 960 tall deck cis motor.
The tall deck 960 is dimensionally identical to the 117 block with the major difference being the 4 instead of 5 headbolts.
So they took a 6.0 960 in amg and swapped out the 117 quad cam unit as it is more or less a direct swap.
Now the distributor.... Amg casted an own timing case cover which is basically M117 but with head mating surfaces of the 119.
That's why the then so called 117/9 (which is actually much more a 119/7) has the v belt drive, central distributor and hydraulic pump mounting bosses.
Under the 960 distributor covers you will find on the left bank the 117 style steering pump and on the right bank the alternator. Both on amg specifically cast mounting brackets bolted to the heads.
How I know? I have seen and worked on these engines in real life.
As well I just made a mated a 960 valve cover to my 117 to have a full serpentine belt setup on my 123 sleeper.

The M119 is much more simple to maintain and repair, parts are off the shelf...
In the Brief time a couple of 117/9 cars were made, even 126 es and a couple of 124s.

I find this car amazing, maybe the most outstanding hammers of all time with the manual transmission. The offered saloon is not short of that but without the drama the wide body coupe delivers.

 

[Rouven036]

The M117.960 engine mentioned in the AMG document shows as a 5.0L engine, as does 117.963... which is strange.

Maybe the original 1988 build was a 5.0L M117? And the 1992 M119 upgrade was 6.0L?

View attachment 207531

The text reads not as 117960 but as 117.(/)9 60(6L) then serial number 0009 9th engine made.

 

[gsxr]

Now the distributor.... Amg casted an own timing case cover which is basically M117 but with head mating surfaces of the 119.

That's why the then so called 117/9 (which is actually much more a 119/7) has the v belt drive, central distributor and hydraulic pump mounting bosses.

Great info! I always wondered about the timing cover.

Under the 960 distributor covers you will find on the left bank the 117 style steering pump and on the right bank the alternator. Both on amg specifically cast mounting brackets bolted to the heads.

How much know? I have such engine in real life, as well just made a made a modification of a 960 valve cover to my 117 to have a full serpentine belt setup on my 123 sleeper.

Do you know why the older (1980's) chassis didn't just have the accessories converted to serpentine belt drive and dual-distributor ignition, rather than go to the somewhat extreme measure of fabricating a custom timing cover?

 

[Rouven036]

I would belive there are two influencing factors:
1. When the quad cam 117 came up, the v belt design was just the one available for the base engine.
2. The complexity of the electronics is much simpler in the CIS-E 117 so keep all that and carry it onto the 119. Ignition baselines will likely fit as same bores, central plug, compression too...
Mostly could keep the existing power supplies etc pp.

 

[weide1]

I found this on my computer. I got it from the owner, when it still was in Italy, early 2014.
Since it is 117.963, i remember this e-mail from Hartmut a few years ago.

If the green Hammer Wagon had a M117.963 6.0-4V too - i couldn't find any confirmation though - then these conversions are not the best engines apparently. Since both are replaced within years by M117/9 and M119.960.

@WDB748372, how did you find the original VIN? Just being curious. Since i don't see it mentioned anywhere.

 

[WDB748372]

@WDB748372, how did you find the original VIN? Just being curious. Since i don't see it mentioned anywhere.

I searched the production number "8165761" on the 124.050 chassis in the EPC database. It's not always there for some reason so couldn't find it on the other one. It might require some extra effort to look at more info like the paint/interior and some of the SA codes on the stamp.

 

[weide1]

Thank you for explaining.

I found this on my computer. Confirming original VIN.

 

[weide1]

I found this too, in my (sometimes rather messy) archive. I suppose it's an Italian car registration document.
Reading 28/09/1994 at the bottom. And i read M117.9631201 at the top left.
But i found The AMG Conversion Confirmation stating this: "The vehicle was fitted with a replacement M117/9 engine at AMG in Affalterbach (26.10.1992)".

It shows AD756KF in the Italian document at the top right. Corresponding with this image.
I know who this person is, but have blurred it due to privacy. No, it's not me.

 

[036]

Was this car ever in Moscow or is it a different one?

 

[weide1]

I've asked Leitner. Maybe he knows.

Edit: Yes, same car. Leitner sold it in 2015 to a Russian. He bought it back in 2023, and directly sold it to an American.
Maybe the same one that auctioned The Mallet last year? And apparently the one that also auctions the Milan Hammer.

Yes, these are exciting times. Since Amelia not only auctions fine AMGs, but also some nice Porsches. Understatement.
Like the 1989 RUF CTR and the (imho way more desirable) 1997 RUF CTR2. Holy mama.

 

[jhodg5ck]

I've asked Leitner. Maybe he knows.

Edit: Yes, same car. Leitner sold it in 2015 to a Russian. He bought it back in 2023, and directly sold it to an American.
Maybe the same one that auctioned The Mallet last year? And apparently the one that also auctions the Milan Hammer.

Yes, these are exciting times. Since Amelia not only auctions fine AMGs, but also some nice Porsches. Understatement.
Like the 1989 RUF CTR and the (imho way more desirable) 1997 RUF CTR2. Holy mama.

Different people. Mallet owner sold the 5 speed sedan to the fellow currently selling these two Hammers.

 

[alibo70]

Thus car was sold by Leitner a few years ago. And for the expected sales price would become around a 10-banger investment!

As a hammer I would consider all amg v8 converted cars which had still the reinforcements of the chassis supports to the rear su frame. The cars could have depending on built date or later developed issues (refer below) either the 117 quad cam or 117/9

The car had the same engine transformation as the green Hammer pre Facelift station wagon which we discussed here before - the car which is personally known by my as I es working on it a couple of times during my apprenticeship when it was with the original owner.

Storry goes, the car had the M117 Hammer quad cam engine.
As these were not the most reliable units a few cars had been upgraded to the next development when the engine had issues.
The next development was the M119. 960 tall deck cis motor.
The tall deck 960 is dimensionally identical to the 117 block with the major difference being the 4 instead of 5 headbolts.
So they took a 6.0 960 in amg and swapped out the 117 quad cam unit as it is more or less a direct swap.
Now the distributor.... Amg casted an own timing case cover which is basically M117 but with head mating surfaces of the 119.
That's why the then so called 117/9 (which is actually much more a 119/7) has the v belt drive, central distributor and hydraulic pump mounting bosses.
Under the 960 distributor covers you will find on the left bank the 117 style steering pump and on the right bank the alternator. Both on amg specifically cast mounting brackets bolted to the heads.
How I know? I have seen and worked on these engines in real life.
As well I just made a mated a 960 valve cover to my 117 to have a full serpentine belt setup on my 123 sleeper.

The M119 is much more simple to maintain and repair, parts are off the shelf...
In the Brief time a couple of 117/9 cars were made, even 126 es and a couple of 124s.

I find this car amazing, maybe the most outstanding hammers of all time with the manual transmission. The offered saloon is not short of that but without the drama the wide body coupe delivers.

Was the intake also unique to the 117/9 setup?

 

[Rouven036]

No, it's base 119.960. Port matched only.
It might have carried a amg specific object number due to the porting but base cast is 119.960.

 

[alibo70]

No, it's base 119.960. Port matched only.
It might have carried a amg specific object number due to the porting but base cast is 119.960.

In theory the missing link to recreating this setup is getting hands on the timing cover to copy the cast etc?

 

[Rouven036]

YES. the timing cover and ancillary drive components.
EZL is specific, would need to check if.960 EZL runs without the more complex CIS-E 3 controller. 117 (2V) ezl is not suitable in factory configuration due to changes in timing based on plug location and combustion chamber/engine version dependent compression changes.

 

[195910]

A stunning car! No doubt a 7-Digit example.

 

[gsxr]

In theory the missing link to recreating this setup is getting hands on the timing cover to copy the cast etc?

Yes, but: Why? Back in the early 90's it was likely easier and more cost effective (read: cheaper) to fabricate a custom timing cover and retain all the V-belt accessories and legacy ECU's.

Today, it would make more sense - IMO - to fully convert to M119 serpentine-belt accessories, with either original 119.960 electronics (ECU/EZL), or go full-bore with .98x engine, coil-on-plug ignition, with aftermarket ECU. Those options did not exist when AMG built the hybrid M119/7 engine. (I have a hard time with the "M117/9" nomenclature when almost nothing on that engine is M117. Ditto for calling anything M119 powered a "Hammer" even if AMG built it. In that case all our 034/036's are "Hammers". Or at least the E60.)

 

[195910]

Yes, but: Why? Back in the early 90's it was likely easier and more cost effective (read: cheaper) to fabricate a custom timing cover and retain all the V-belt accessories and legacy ECU's.

Today, it would make more sense - IMO - to fully convert to M119 serpentine-belt accessories, with either original 119.960 electronics (ECU/EZL), or go full-bore with .98x engine, coil-on-plug ignition, with aftermarket ECU. Those options did not exist when AMG built the hybrid M119/7 engine. (I have a hard time with the "M117/9" nomenclature when almost nothing on that engine is M117. Ditto for calling anything M119 powered a "Hammer" even if AMG built it. In that case all our 034/036's are "Hammers". Or at least the E60.)

I too wonder about this M117/9. Since the M119 is just better in every way, why use a M117 block with M119 heads?

The E60 AMG is not a Hammer...they didn't use hammers to reshape the engine fire wall

 

[weide1]

I too wonder about this M117/9. Since the M119 is just better in every way, why use a M117 block with M119 heads?

Maybe because AMG had too many M117 4V in stock. These were not to be sold anymore, if not adjusted to more modern technology.

I think this might go for the 1993 Isdera Commendatore's optional 6,9 V12 too. These were not sold, so the CLK GTR got them a few years later. In a contemporary version ofcourse.
More or less same for the Zonda. AMG had built too many 7,1 and 7,3. Horacio bought them for a bargain.

 

[gsxr]

AFAIK the M119 heads don't bolt up to the M117 block. It was my understanding that the "M117/9" was an M119.960 block+heads, with different (custom, or modified) timing cover and different ignition system. Related threads:

M119 heads may not fit M117 block:

https://www.benzworld.org/threads/do-late-m119-heads-fit-m117-or-only-early-m119.1486210/

M117 front cover mostly bolts up to M119.960 block:

M117/M119 fiddling.

www.benzworld.org

 

[Rouven036]

That's what I described guys. 119 heads never have been and never will be fitted to the M117 block. The 117/9 is a 119.96 with a "117 like timing cover" except the head mating area of the timing cover which is adapted to 119.
The head bolts are 4 (119 aligned longitudal ) vs 5 (117 aligned centrical) also head bolt length etc... Hence the specialty of the 117 quad cam heads with bolts in the intake and exhaust ports.

However the external dimensions and majority of mounting points on both block have been kept identical.

Below two photos, easy to spot the difference. One is a 117 6L quad cam, the other 6L 119 with 4 vs 5 headbolts. The 4 head bolts is consistent on all 119 engines as well as 117/9 as it is actually by block and heads a 119.960.
There is no way to modify a 117 block in any way as there are the water ports under the closed deck plate where the head bolts would be. Also 119 head bolts protrudes deeper into the block than 117 which are no stretch bolts compared to 119.
I just finished the below pictured 117 quad cam engine last week. What a diva but amazing characteristics.

 

[Rouven036]

Here one more in reverse. Maybe I should call my W123 engine 119/7ML as its a 119.96 timing cover on the 117. Exactly opposite what was wanted in the 117/9.

Namely to get rid of:
Distributor mounting boss
Hydraulik pump mounting boss

Get tandempumpe and
Serpentine belt

 

[hAMGurger]

@admins
Small suggestion here for housekeeping....

Can we please excise the fascinating M117/9 technical talk from this thread and create a new thread for it all?

This knowledge is very important and I feel cleaving it off from this thread would help keep both discussions (the AMG coupe) and (M117/9 engine tech) relevant and more easily searchable/digestible....

Anyways, this car was for Raul's son Ivan, who would have been just 20 years old at the time he took delivery (!!!!). I believe he kept it until 2013 or 2014.

Here's a 1992 photo of Ivan getting into a W124, but I've no clue if its one of the normal Ferruzzi/Gardini fleet cars or his father's Hammer.

FOTOA3

Powered by MomaPIX digital asset management software

www.fotoa3.it

 

[H20ham]

Man (not woman) ual Hammer​

Not a 500, but…

1989 Mercedes-Benz AMG 300 CE 6.0 'Hammer'

View the 1989 Mercedes-Benz AMG 300 CE 6.0 'Hammer' at Gooding Christie’s's Amelia Island Auctions 2025. Contact us for more information.

www.goodingco.com

 

[FD.]

- How about slapping a ridiculous estimate of 1.5 million – you never know, some random sucker might just bite because it is 'pre-merger manual'?

...and at the end of the day:

600k for Coupe

1989 Mercedes-Benz AMG 300 CE 6.0 'Hammer'

View the 1989 Mercedes-Benz AMG 300 CE 6.0 'Hammer' at Gooding Christie’s's Amelia Island Auctions 2025. Contact us for more information.

www.goodingco.com

680k for Limo ( WDB1240301A341733 / AMG124.17216011 )

1988 Mercedes-Benz AMG 300 E 6.0 'Hammer'

View the 1988 Mercedes-Benz AMG 300 E 6.0 'Hammer' at Gooding Christie’s's Amelia Island Auctions 2025. Contact us for more information.

www.goodingco.com

 

[gsxr]

Are those hammer (small "h") prices with or without vig / fees?

Was reserve met on both?

Edit: I am not seeing "Sold" on either listing / lot, but I don't have a login. Maybe the pages aren't updated yet.

 

[195910]

Possible World record with the RUF CTR Yellow Bird ($5.5M) and CTR2 ($2.4M). Making RUF at the forefront of the tuned classic cars.

With exception to the 2 hammer (small H), most of the other cars did well. Even the 3.4 TE sold for $115k plus commission.

 

[FD.]

Possible World record with the RUF CTR Yellow Bird ($5.5M) and CTR2 ($2.4M). Making RUF at the forefront of the tuned classic cars.

With exception to the 2 hammer (small H), most of the other cars did well. Even the 3.4 TE sold for $115k plus commission.

W202-C43 predictably missed the overly optimistic estimate as well.

 

[FD.]

Are those hammer (small "h") prices with or without vig / fees?

Was reserve met on both?

As I understand:
plus fees
'SOLD' on the website means they were sold

 

[FD.]

Possible World record with the RUF CTR Yellow Bird ($5.5M) and CTR2 ($2.4M). Making RUF at the forefront of the tuned classic cars.

Buying a classic car by RUF makes you a full-fledged member of the RUF family. (In the same way as with Pagani family).


Buying a Hammer... will only confirm that the career-driven managers at AMG couldn't care less about you or your car.

 

[quantumorbit]

 

[Harv]

Missing your estimates by a million dollars sure is some planning.

 

[195910]

Possible World record with the RUF CTR Yellow Bird ($5.5M) and CTR2 ($2.4M). Making RUF at the forefront of the tuned classic cars.

With exception to the 2 hammer (small H), most of the other cars did well. Even the 3.4 TE sold for $115k plus commission.

$6,055,000 including the commission For the yellow bird. $2,645,000 for the CTR2.... Impressive.

C43 AMG did fine, $50K for a standard 1999 C43 with 111Kkm is above market value in Germany.

Was it something with the 2 hammers that discouraged bidders? manual conversion?
hammers definitely lack the tech support in comparison to the 124.036

 

[Harv]

Was it something with the 2 hammers that discouraged bidders? manual conversion?
hammers definitely lack the tech support in comparison to the 124.036

Trees don't grow to the moon.

Everyone was "Hammer" crazy for a bit, but they aren't million dollar cars.

 

[maw1124]

Trees don't grow to the moon.

Everyone was "Hammer" crazy for a bit, but they aren't million dollar cars.

Not even close ... trees to the moon or million dollar Hammers.

maw

 

[FD.]

Everyone was "Hammer" crazy for a bit, but they aren't million dollar cars.

Perfect summary of the 'pre-merger Florida price pumping'!!!

 

[alibo70]

Completely wrong venue to sell the cars, price estimates off and being manuals didn't help them IMO. The Patina widebody was nice to see. There seems to be a real fear on the 4 cam engines. The only action they see is loading up on trailers from show to show.

 

[TimL]

I believe MKB in Germany is offering a replica of these heads based on the original design which was created by Erhard Melcher back then. He founded MKB so they have all the info needed to offer such a replica

 

[gsxr]

I believe MKB in Germany is offering a replica of these heads based on the original design which was created by Erhard Melcher back then. He founded MKB so they have all the info needed to offer such a replica

Now THAT is interesting info! @jhodg5ck - you aware of this? I wonder if Melcher could improve / enhance the original design to overcome some of the weak points.

 

[TimL]

@gsxr, I don’t have facebook but I came across this info when I was doing a bit of research on MKB the other day.

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=938561028277184&id=100063698875020

 

[TimL]

The man himself and his M117 cylinder head, as well as some archetypical German footwear

 

[maw1124]

But I love Melcher's engineering purity, in contrast to Aufrecht's market making leanings. It takes both obviously, but I'm no marketer and left to my own devices will move away from that self promotional personality type.

maw

 

[FD.]

So M120 7.5-7.6 by RENNtech,
M117 by MKB...
...The golden age has arrived for Mercedes Youngtimer ultra-rich enthusiasts.


p.s.
At Retro Classics Stuttgart 2025, MKB had a small stand featuring a ‘Rote Sau’ 300 SEL 6.8 AMG replica, offered for sale at 350k euros.
Strangely, they didn’t mention anything about exciting project opportunities based on the M117 / M119 / M120 engines. And I didn’t have enough time to ask them about it.

 

[benzgarden]

A very confusing event, hard to register to bid with short preview windows.

So the seller lost around $500k on the coupe and around $300k on the sedan?

 

[hAMGurger]

In auctions, you never want to offer what is essentially the same car, at the same time, and certainly not in the same sale. This was, rather frankly, an expected result for me as the two cars were competing with each other. I have no clue why Gooding, or the consignor would have done this. IMHO, the two Gardini Hammers are not different enough to warrant inclusion in same sale. BUT, I think they are special enough to warrant additional marketing and narrative storytelling about their specs, and certainly their original owners. Just my two cents for the lovely 500eboard community...