FS: 1990 300CE AMG 3.4L Widebody, Pearl Black/Black/Creamish, 32kkm, BaT (North East, PA)

[gsxr]

No affiliation. Some interesting discussion in the peanut gallery. And some interesting items on the car, like the headliner condition, and odd appearance/location of the front spring pads. The car originally had cloth black interior, which AMG mostly replaced with an odd-colored leather, that doesn't quite appear to cream-beige. More of a putty color?


VIN = WDB1240511B338637

Datacard: https://www.lastvin.com/vin/Yz6Xk2RavmrE1xjL9
Note attached to bottom of datacard reads: "THE ENGINE NUMBER OF THIS VEHICLE IS ALSO STORED FOR THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES: WDB1240311B620403 PLEASE CHECK THE ENGINE NUMBER ON THE VEHICLE AND IF NECESSARY CORRECT !!!"

1990 Mercedes-Benz 300CE-24 AMG 3.4 Widebody

Bid for the chance to own a 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300CE-24 AMG 3.4 Widebody at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #48,661.

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1990 Mercedes-Benz 300CE-24 AMG 3.4 Widebody​

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This 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300CE-24 is a European-market example that it said to have modified by AMG in Germany before being sold new in Japan and was imported to the US by a Philadelphia dealer before being purchased by the seller in 2016. Power is from AMG-tuned 3.4-liter M104 inline-six paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. The car is finished in metallic black over widened bodywork and also features staggered three-piece wheels, heated and power-adjustable Recaro CSE seats, an AMG steering wheel, sport suspension, and an AMG exhaust system. This 300CE shows 32k kilometers (~20k miles) and is offered with owner’s and service manuals, AMG literature, a tool kit, and a Pennsylvania title in the seller’s name.​

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AMG-specific bodywork includes widened front and rear fenders, color-keyed lower body cladding, a front spoiler, and a ducktail rear spoiler. The body is finished in Blue-Black Metallic (199) with a body-colored grille from which the hood ornament has been removed. The mirrors, door handles, and moldings are also finished to match the body.​

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Additional exterior details include a power sunroof, fog lights housed in the front valance, European-specification headlights with washers, and fender markers. Three-piece 17” AMG wheels combine body-colored centers with polished lips and are mounted with BFGoodrich g-Force Sport Comp-2 tires measuring 235/45 up front and 275/40 at the rear. The right rear wheel seal was replaced in 2017.​

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The cabin is upholstered in beige leather and features heated Recaro Idealsitz CSE front seats with 16-way electrical adjustment and three-position memory. Charcoal carpeting and ribbed mats line the floors, while burl wood accents the console, glovebox, dash, and door panels. The air conditioning system received wiring repairs and the left window motor was replaced in 2017.​

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White AMG instrumentation includes a 300-km/h speedometer and a tachometer with a 7k-rpm redline. The six-digit odometer shows 32k kilometers (~20k miles), approximately 2k of which have been added by the seller. AMG add-ons also include a matching four-spoke steering wheel and a wooden shift knob. A period Blaupunkt cassette deck is situated in the center stack.​

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The M104 DOHC inline-six was modified by AMG with a larger bore and a longer stroke for a displacement increase to 3.4 liters. The valvetrain was also fitted with AMG camshafts, contributing to claimed output of 268 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 243 lb-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm. The air filter housing is topped by an AMG-branded lid. The oil cooler line seals at the filter housing were replaced and new breather tubes installed in 2017.​

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Power is sent to the rear wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential. The AMG 3.4 package added a sport exhaust system with dual polished outlets as well as stiffened and lowered sport suspension.​

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AMG decals on the upper radiator support identify the 3.4-liter, 24-valve engine and list the claimed power output in addition to the recommended spark plug type. Additional AMG stickers are found in the trunk and the inside of the fuel filler door.​

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Included in the sale are a tool roll, owner’s manuals, a period AMG brochure, a service manual for the W124 AMG 3.4 model, a list of factory equipment, and invoices from the 2017 service.​

 

[kegmankipp]

The outside looks great but the inside leaves a lot to be desired. No way this wide body with that putty colored leather hits the $151k mark that the one on MB Market recently sold for.

 

[gsxr]

I am really curious what it will bid up to. I'm kinda expecting RNM. It's definitely an amazing car, but it would be better after spending time at Blue Ridge getting sorted. For example, check out the cold start video. And for a six-figure car, spending <$1k for new RHT Hellas would have been nice. @JAB12 might want to see some actual AMG documentation / pedigree confirmation as well. I haven't seen any, unless I missed it.

BTW, is it just me, or is the seller doing a lot of cheerleading in the comments?

 

[JAB12]

@gsxr No AMG docs present in the auction listing. A sever case of DDD is, however. If the Kms on this car are true then the owner did a very poor job of preserving it as the interior looks unkept. tires are DOT 2015. This think would have a six figure bill at Blue Ridge in no time. Don't think it passes the 1 foot test so maybe the same owner that paid $260K plus for the 'fake' AMG wide body on BAT last year can pick this one up as well.

 

[2phast]

... @JAB12 might want to see some actual AMG documentation / pedigree confirmation as well. I haven't seen any, unless I missed it.

What is shown is actual AMG literature of the 1992 300E 3.4L. This is the showroom literature that Mercedes had to give to customers when they came into the dealership. I have one of them and one from the first collaboration, the 190E 3.2L

 

[dionphaneuf]

Five speed transmission listed in auction description...seems wrong?

 

[2phast]

Five speed transmission listed in auction description...seems wrong?

Five speed auto would not of been available in 1990 (was available in 1996), but sellers VIN break down does indicate code 425, which is listed as a five speed auto. So the seller might be making an assumption that the vehicle has a five speed.

 

[JAB12]

What is shown is actual AMG literature of the 1992 300E 3.4L. This is the showroom literature that Mercedes had to give to customers when they came into the dealership. I have one of them and one from the first collaboration, the 190E 3.2L

Would be more credible to have the AMG conversion letter aside from the MB dealer marketing material. The recent AMG narrow body that sold locally at Curated had everything from the owner's letter from AMG to every single original AMG invoice for the conversion work done back in 1988/89. That car traded for $320K with 26k miles and showed 10x nicer than this one. Same color combo. The current one on BAT needs an extended vacation at Blue Ridge... just my $0.02 as I appreciate these cars for what they are and what they represent in automotive history but not sure I have the stomach to dish out $$$$$ to get one, then more $$$$$$ to make it right.

 

[gsxr]

It's a 5-speed auto, but the older mechanical 722.5 trans... this was offered ROW, but not in North America. This is basically a 722.3 with an overdrive 5th gear added. This trans was offered in USA only on the early R129 300SL, I believe? Or possibly the early W140 300SEL. It wasn't strong enough to survive behind a V8 engine.

The widebody for sale definitely does not have the fully-electronic 722.6 five-speed 5G-Tronic / NAG-1, which did appear as of 1996. That's a completely different gearbox, used through the mid/late 2000's. In the undercarriage photos you can see the trans pan.

 

[ccrelan]

Totally useless driving video. Kept waiting for the guy to give it the beans and nothing...

 

[2phast]

It's a 5-speed auto, but the older mechanical 722.5 trans... this was offered ROW, but not in North America. This is basically a 722.3 with an overdrive 5th gear added. This trans was offered in USA only on the early R129 300SL, I believe? Or possibly the early W140 300SEL. It wasn't strong enough to survive behind a V8 engine.

The widebody for sale definitely does not have the fully-electronic 722.6 five-speed 5G-Tronic / NAG-1, which did appear as of 1996. That's a completely different gearbox, used through the mid/late 2000's. In the undercarriage photos you can see the trans pan.

Oops, forgot about that transmission, my bad.

 

[gsxr]

Totally useless driving video. Kept waiting for the guy to give it the beans and nothing...

LOL. Pretty much any car for sale, I'd like to see a full-throttle video of the cluster at least into 3rd gear. If there are serious transmission issues, that may appear at the shift points; and if the engine is drastically low on power this would also show in the video.

I'm not sure why people are afraid to do this, except perhaps for the clueless owners/buyers who think that full throttle is somehow not good for the car. In reality, the opposite is true. Frequent WOT is a good thing, not a bad thing.

 

[mercepor]

very nice car
interesting rewrap of the steering wheel: it has dots on the sides (instead of lines) and the AMG letters are in relief (instead of being concave)

 

[tanger]

Ballpark estimate on what it would take to make this "right"? And what does the braintrust here think a reasonable "all-in" value for this car is?

Want to keep myself from doing something too stupid because I really really really like this car

 

[JAB12]

My finger in the wind estimate is $40- $50K. But I’ll let others here comment. I am probably the least knowledgeable pre merger AMG person in here...

 

[Duh_Vinci]

It's a 5-speed auto, but the older mechanical 722.5 trans... this was offered ROW, but not in North America. This is basically a 722.3 with an overdrive 5th gear added. This trans was offered in USA only on the early R129 300SL, I believe? Or possibly the early W140 300SEL. It wasn't strong enough to survive behind a V8 engine.

Can't speak for the early M104 fitted R129, but 94-95 definitely use these 722.5 (my old 95 SL320 has it)... From what I understand, if fitted with external cooler, and frequent fluid changes, these do hold up to M104 ok. I'm guessing with Redline high temp ATF even better chance for it to last?

EDIT, certainly can't understand, when looking to sell a rare automobile, and not for a little money, why not to spend extra $400-500 to re-do the headliner for a proper appeal? Eye sore on this one for sure!

 

[AMG5PT4]

The car doesn't have any original AMG Germany paperwork and has an odd bi-color interior, but it has all the earmarks of a legit AMG. It would not be a stretch if the car was spec'd out with the putty colored interior by the original owner - AMG would do anything the customer wanted. The engine block is stamped, has AMG suspension, body kit, flares, 3-piece wheels (two of which show cracks in the lug holes), extensive AMG mods to the interior (dash wood, Recaro seats, steering wheel, cluster, extensive leather work), Sebring exhaust that all look correct. The paint appears very nice. The lack of AMG docs and any history is what would hold back the price. But, it looks very legit to me. Just too much correct AMG work to be a clone. I've seen many W126 and W124 AMG cars and this one looks the part.

Three things I would do immediately are correct Euro headlights, a new alcantara headliner and replace the cluster housing - worst case of DDD I've seen. And have an extensive service done - all fluids, suspension check, brake check, engine check at a high end shop like Blue Ridge.

The Seller isn't doing himself any favors - complete lack of knowledge about key AMG items - heck he should pay me a commission for all my prodding! He also is way too eager to score a windfall and his side line cheering is a little thick. But he has a nice car. If I were a serious bidder, I would have made a trip to PA to see it.

 

[JAB12]

@AMG5PT4 Plus 1 here on your assertions. $50k post purchase would be a healthy start to recover this one to its showroom glory.

 

[gsxr]

Ballpark estimate on what it would take to make this "right"? And what does the braintrust here think a reasonable "all-in" value for this car is?

Want to keep myself from doing something too stupid because I really really really like this car

It depends on your definition of "making it right". To restore to better than factory condition, absolutely concours, could be as much as JAB12 mentions - assuming it's done by a a shop that knows what they are doing, like Blue Ridge MB. If you just want it sorted out so it looks good and drives properly, maybe half that much. Or less, if DIY'd.

Some items are a simple, easy fix. Like the headlights, or cluster housing swap. The headliner is mostly labor and paying a pro shop to recover it. If there are cracks on any wheel centers, that will be spendy, as uncracked originals are worth their weight in rhodium. The missing strut accordion dust boot & worn stop buffer is low cost of parts but several hours labor. All the little stuff adds up. There will be more, as we're basing the guesses on what's visible in the photos.

Still, it's a super cool car, and would be worth the investment if you want one of the handful of AMG-built widebodys!

 

[JAB12]

On a car like this you have to go into it eyes wide open. The post purchase expense will come on its own. Getting the right instrument cluster is a $3K proposition no matter how you slice it. If you go the replication part then save your dials, rebuild them and replace the housing for a third of the cost. It is things like this that starts adding up.

 

[gsxr]

I think the instruments (actual gauges) in this car are fine, and original, or at least I don't see anything to indicate otherwise. The DDD only affects the plastic housing, which is shared with all other 124's, and would be easy to source from another car.

Now, if trying to source original/genuine AMG gauges, that's an entirely different story. Not only would that cost a small fortune, it's a lot of effort to weed out all the fakes & replicas.

 

[JAB12]

Was this a Japan car with the infamous EXH TEMP sensor light on the cluster?

 

[gsxr]

Was this a Japan car with the infamous EXH TEMP sensor light on the cluster?

Yup:

"This 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300CE-24 is a European-market example that it said to have modified by AMG in Germany before being sold new in Japan and was imported to the US by a Philadelphia dealer before being purchased by the seller in 2016. "

LHT headlights too. Easy to fix, along with removing the stupid EXT TEMP indicator and wiring/sensor in the exhaust. Unless all that crap needs to remain to keep it "original"...

 

[gsxr]

Those 2 bidders want this car BAD! The third bidder dropped out at $122k, but it's currently over $200k... with bids moving in $7-$12k increments.

INSANE!



Sold for $215k plus the $5k max fee, $220k all in (plus enclosed transport). @jhodg5ck , hopefully the new owner has it sent directly to you.

 

[kegmankipp]

$215k sold

 

[JAB12]

$220K out the door.

 

[Harv]

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The new owner is a bit of a Mercedes collector and has money to burn.

 

[gsxr]

The best vintage and classic cars for sale online | Bring a Trailer

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The new owner is a bit of a Mercedes collector and has money to burn.

You aren't kidding. Over $1M on BaHaT alone in the past 12 months. Ideal demographic for Blue Ridge.

:

 

[JAB12]

I wonder if @jhodg5ck can slide half my bill over to Mr. Maxus....? you know, since we are burning Benjamins and all....