FOR SALE 1993 E420 AMG Japan, Pearl Black/Gray, 81kkm, BaT auction (Statesville, NC)

[Bogeyman]

ADMIN EDIT 1: For sale by flipper/dealer at more than 2x the auction sale price. See post #20. Thread title updated.

ADMIN EDIT 2: Price reduced from $79k to $68k. See post #29. Thread title updated.

ADMIN EDIT 3: For sale again Nov-2025 on BaT, with NO RESERVE. See post #31 below.


1993 E420 AMG Japan, Pearl Black/Gray, 77kkm, Cars&Bids no reserve auction (West New York, NJ)

VIN = WDB1240341C020370

1993 Mercedes-Benz 400E 4.2 AMG Stage III - Extremely Rare JDM W124, V8-Powered, Titled in Delaware

This 1993 Mercedes-Benz 400E 4.2 AMG Stage III is for sale on Cars & Bids! Auction ends January 11 2021.

carsandbids.com

Datacard shows Sportline steering wheel and Sport front seats only. Rear seats are custom:

Mercedes VIN Decoder | Decode Your Mercedes-Benz VIN

Datacard for 1993 Mercedes-Benz 400 E (124.034) - WDB1240341C020370

www.lastvin.com

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1993 Mercedes-Benz 400E 4.2 AMG Stage III​

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NO RESERVE Extremely Rare JDM W124, V8-Powered, Titled in Delaware​

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Doug's Take​

Take a close look at this one, as it's one of the very coolest Mercedes-Benz models we've had on Cars & Bids. This isn't your usual W124 -- it's an AMG model from back before AMG was an in-house tuning arm of Mercedes-Benz. As a result, many upgrades to this car are technically aftermarket, though AMG had its act together even back then, and the revisions are seamless -- and how amazing do those period wheels look? This car is also a Japanese import, which is a big deal; if you want to privately import a car, Japan is the place to do it from, as the Japanese tend to keep their cars in exceptionally nice shape. As a W124 fan, I love this car, and I'm thrilled to offer it with no reserve from a great seller I know personally.​

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Highlights​

THIS... is a 1993 Mercedes-Benz 400E 4.2 AMG Stage III, finished in Black Pearl Metallic with a gray leather interior.​

• This 400E is a Japanese-spec sedan that's titled in Delaware. Imported from Japan by the seller in October 2019, it's equipped with a metric instrument cluster, and its odometer shows about 76,700 kilometers, which represents approximately 47,700 miles.
• This 400E was built by AMG when it operated as an independent tuner that sold a handful of made-to-order cars, rather than as Mercedes-Benz's volume-oriented performance sub-brand. It received a tuned V8 with specific cams, an AMG exhaust system, 17-inch wheels, a lower and firmer suspension system, a full AMG body kit, and AMG gauges, among many other add-ons. It's also equipped with a multi-piece aftermarket sound system.
• Service records are not available, but the seller notes the engine oil and the spark plugs were recently changed, and the headliner and the door pillars were reupholstered.
• Mercedes-Benz introduced the W124 sedan for the 1986 model year as a replacement for the W123. At launch, the range included the gasoline-powered 300E and the diesel-burning 300D. The V8-powered 400E model didn't arrive until 1992. Mercedes-Benz transformed the W124 into the first E-Class for 1994 and production ended after 1995.
• Most historians agree less than 20 units of the AMG-tuned 400E were built exclusively for the Japanese market. Stage I cars received visual and chassis modifications, while Stage II and Stage III variants took performance further with engine upgrades and a specific design.
• Power for this 400E comes from a 4.2-liter V8, which produces 275 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque when left stock. The seller notes the modifications increase its output to approximately 312 horsepower, which is 14 less than a 500E, but a dyno sheet wasn't provided. The engine spins the rear wheels via a 4-speed automatic transmission.

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Modifications​

• This 400E was originally Midnight Blue, but it was repainted in Black Pearl Metallic
• AMG-built 4.2-liter V8 engine [Admin edit: Engine was likely modified by AMG, not built by AMG.]
• AMG exhaust system [Admin edit: Probably muffler only, possibly just square tips added.]
• AMG sport differential
• AMG multi-piece 17-inch wheels
• AMG sport suspension
• AMG body kit
• Sportline steering wheel [Admin edit: Sportline wheel was factory equipment, but replaced with a wood version.]
• AMG gauges (including 300-kph speedometer)
• AMG shift knob
• AMG sticker on the front ashtray
• McIntosh MX5000 head unit
• McIntosh multi-piece sound system

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Known Flaws​

• Front fog lights missing [Admin edit: Requires C36 fog lights to match E500 headlights.]
• Some chips on the front end
• Some rust on lug nuts
• The head unit needs to be repaired or replaced
• Admin edit: AMG Gen2 tow hook cover missing and is NLA

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Recent Service History​

Service records are not available, but the seller states he recently changed the engine oil and the spark plugs. He adds that the headliner and the door pillars were reupholstered, too.​

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Other Items Included in Sale​

• 4 sets of keys
• Wheel locks
• AMG booklet pouch
• Factory tool kit
• Factory first-aid kit

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Ownership History​

The seller imported this 400E from Japan in 2019, and he has put about 310 miles on it.​

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[gsxr]

Neat car. Bummer about the color change. Random observations:

• 500E headlights, Japan-spec (LHT, wrong for USA)
• Missing tow hook cover is NLA
• Missing C36 fog lights are $1150 USD for a pair (MSRP)
• Rear seat may be custom, as it's Sportline pattern leather, but not Sportline seating (3 seats/belts)
• Speedo faceplate has ASR window, car does not have ASR. Seems odd AMG Japan would have done this.
• Fuse box modification is not sealed / weatherproof
• Additional wires routed above each headlight, and in front of CAN box. Extra grounds? Weird.
• Zero decals on the upper radiator support

 

[JAB12]

A few points:

.- I believe the seller of this car is a member of the forum. @inboundmotorsports ?? By the background on some of the photos I can infer it is the same seller from the Japan imported W124 E60 that sold on RM a few months ago. Underperformed I believe.

Anyway additional $0.02 for current seller or for end buyer:
.- Front lower bumper lip is missing micro AMG emblem in the center. I may or may not have these for sale.
.- I have an OEM (@jhodg5ck's place currently for re-gearing) an OEM non ASR AMG instrument cluster that I mistakenly bought for my car which I would be happy to sell it to the new owner of this car or to the seller in case he wants to make this right. I have it for sale elsewhere in the parts for sale section of the forum as well.
.-I also may or may not have the OEM C36 fog lights brand new that could entertain selling for Euro 5000.00.

.- This car would benefit from its original AMG production letter. The how to obtain on this one was also noted elsewhere on the forum by me. I think I also commented to this seller on the matter once for the prior car he sold on RM, the 124 E60.

Also is this front grille what these W124s came with?

 

[gerryvz]

Also is this front grille what these W124s came with?

No. No W124 ever came with an avantgarde-style grill. This style was used on some W140 models (600). Completely an aftermarket install on a W124.

 

[gsxr]

Also is this front grille what these W124s came with?

The grille is S600 style, a common modification / upgrade for 124's. Could be either modified OE, or aftermarket (can't tell from the pics). Easy to change back if the new owner prefers stock.

BTW, the seller just added a photo of the AMG decal with power ratings:

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230kw = 308hp = 313ps
425Nm = 313 lb-ft​

Impressive power from a 4.2L engine. I'd love to know what AMG did to obtain those numbers from small displacement.

 

[JAB12]

@gsxr thank you, yes, as does my car and I prefer the S grille look. I just noticed the auction is no reserve on cars and bids? That is a head scratcher based on results from RM under same circumstances. Car looks interesting but that is as far as I can go.. Don not know enough about them to further comment.

 

[gerryvz]

Funny ... I used the aftermarket "S" grill for probably 16-17 years, and just went "back" to the "original" style grill when I did my refirb this summer. My "S" grill needs refinishing, but is serviceable if anyone wants a used one.

 

[kegmankipp]

I could use a decent S grill. Mine is falling apart and the two new ones I bought were awful quality.

 

[kegmankipp]

I really like this AMG and think it has a lot of potential after those front speakers are pulled. Fingers crossed on bidding

 

[gsxr]

kegman, if you buy it, we'll need to chat about figuring out what AMG did under the hood!

 

[a777fan]

Seriously on that audio install. Wtf were they thinking?!

Nothing could ever sound good enough to make up for that visual monstrosity right in your field of view!

That said, I am equally interested in knowing more about the powertrain ‘tweaks’!

 

[gsxr]

Dyno run video added.

244rwhp / 261rwtq translates into roughly 298hp / 318tq at the crank, using 18% drivetrain loss. Strange that there is no WOT enrichment, that is leaving some power on the table. With WOT enrichment it should hit the claimed power rating by AMG (308hp). That's a strong 4.2L engine, it would be nice to know what AMG did inside!

 

[gsxr]

WOW, the force was strong with this one. 036 money!!

$36,750 + 4.5% fee = $38,400 plus transport. $40k+ if the buyer isn't local.

 

[kegmankipp]

Yeah lol I didn’t go there

 

[gsxr]

@kegmankipp , here's your second chance! It's for sale on eBay now... dunno if it was a short honeymoon, or if the original buyer was a dealer/flipper. New seller is a dealer (MotoExotica). It's on their website with "call for price"...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/234151436128 <-- Auction ended Aug-31, 2021. Reserve not met, high bid $22k.

Inventory MotoeXotica Classic Cars Fenton, MO (636) 600-4600

Inventory MotoeXotica Classic Cars Fenton, MO (636) 600-4600

www.motoexotica.com

 

[Jlaa]

I wonder what's up with these two (ground?) wires on the slam panel-----



Also, what are these black cover things on the torpedo fuses? Or are these some other kind of fuse "conversion"???

 

[kegmankipp]

@kegmankipp , here's your second chance! It's for sale on eBay now... dunno if it was a short honeymoon, or if the original buyer was a dealer/flipper. New seller is a dealer (MotoExotica). It's on their website with "call for price"...

1993 Mercedes-Benz 400-Series 400 E | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 1993 Mercedes-Benz 400-Series 400 E at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

Inventory MotoeXotica Classic Cars Fenton, MO (636) 600-4600

Inventory MotoeXotica Classic Cars Fenton, MO (636) 600-4600

www.motoexotica.com

Lol, I tried 6 months ago. With all the work I’ve done on mine lately and the additions of Recaro Classics and new AMG Japan steering wheel and shift knob all I’m waiting for is you to sell me that 6.0L M119 and then she’s going in for paint!

 

[a777fan]

I wonder what's up with these two (ground?) wires on the slam panel-----

View attachment 137080

Also, what are these black cover things on the torpedo fuses? Or are these some other kind of fuse "conversion"???

View attachment 137081

Nothing is grosser than that transparent colored wire that stereo installers use.

And yea...what with those fuse 'covers'?

 

[gsxr]

I wonder what's up with these two (ground?) wires on the slam panel-----

It was a common modification in Japan to add lots of extra ground wires all over the engine and chassis. I don't know what they claimed it was helping.

Also, what are these black cover things on the torpedo fuses? Or are these some other kind of fuse "conversion"???

My guess is those are circuit breakers replacing the fuses?

 

[gsxr]

Price now listed at $79k. Recent eBay listing stopped at $22k.

Inventory MotoeXotica Classic Cars Fenton, MO (636) 600-4600

Inventory MotoeXotica Classic Cars Fenton, MO (636) 600-4600

www.motoexotica.com

 

[gsxr]

It was also on Sothebys with a $60k-$70k target in early August, and didn't sell. No bumper lights, no tow hook cover, ASR window covered with tape (car does not have ASR), McIntosh deck knob missing... wth? For $80k it needs a repaint in the original color and all of the problems fixed.

1993 Mercedes-Benz 400 E 4.2 AMG Stage III | Open Roads, August | RM Sotheby's

1993 Mercedes-Benz 400 E 4.2 AMG Stage III for sale at RM Sotheby's Open Roads, August

rmsothebys.com

 

[Bogeyman]

Ebay listing finished at $35.9K - RNM

 

[500AMM]

Also, what are these black cover things on the torpedo fuses? Or are these some other kind of fuse "conversion"???

My guess is those are circuit breakers replacing the fuses?

Isn't that stackable blade fuse holders connected to the stock fuse clamps? Probably Wirthco which claims they are waterproof, which I hardly believe, but splashproof...mmnnnyay...

I would rather use the type shown in the last image, which IS splashproof! They appear to be a bit larger and the fuse box may not have space enough for all needed. It's a nice idea, but a custom cover has to be made, driving around with an open fuse box is not what I would do.

 

[036]

They are joking, right....?

 

[500AMM]

Arkady, you definitively need a set of thos speakers - ladies will go crazy!!

.

 

[ace10]

Now featured on Barn Finds

Japanese Market Only: AMG 1993 Mercedes-Benz 400E S3

When most enthusiasts think of Japanese market vehicles, they almost automatically refer to the right-hand drive kei cars and trucks, or low-mileage sports cars bearing names like "Skyline" and "Fairlady." The somewhat hidden market that exists in Japan actually also includes a robust European...

barnfinds.com

 

[gsxr]

Now featured on Barn Finds

LOL. The author didn't do much research. As if this could be picked up for anywhere in the 20's when the flipper paid nearly $40k for it.

"...It would seem foolish not to at least attempt to buy it given the current high bid of $21,000 is pretty light for such a desirable (and rare) specimen. "

 

[Bogeyman]

Another Ebay RNM at $23K

 

[gsxr]

Price reduced to $68k / OBO:

1993 Mercedes-Benz 400-Series 400 E | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 1993 Mercedes-Benz 400-Series 400 E at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[Bogeyman]

And yet another Ebay RNM @ $35K.
But it's only been a little over a year so there's still time...

 

[dasboshi]

Back on BaT with no reserve

Japanese-Market 1993 Mercedes-Benz 400E AMG 4.2

Bid for the chance to own a Japanese-Market 1993 Mercedes-Benz 400E AMG 4.2 at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #218,743.

bringatrailer.com

 

[duuder]

Spacers front and back would really make this look good!

 

[gsxr]

More pics.