OWNER Graham1982 (1987 300TE - AMG?)

[Graham1982]

I have ended up with this Mercedes Benz 300te

The guy I got the car from has told me it was a genuine 300 te amg but I have no paperwork to confirm

I have attached photos of the car (she’s in a sorry state now)

Can anyone confirm if this is an amg car as there is very limited information available online but I came across this forum and from the posts I have read there are a lot of people who know there information

Thank you

 

[Graham1982]

If anyone can maybe help my number is 07540193325 many thanks

 

[gsxr]

There are a lot of bolt-on AMG parts that could have been installed by a dealership or owner. The only items which appear really AMG-ish are the second intake hose to the air cleaner, steering wheel, and the AMG logo on the speedometer. These could have been added by a dealer/owner. Guess you could check the engine for different bore/stroke vs stock, which would indicate a real AMG build. Also look for a limited-slip differential, which would be another indicator that it may be a real AMG build. @2phast - any other items to check? Or do you see anything I missed?

Datacard:

Mercedes VIN Decoder | Decode Your Mercedes-Benz VIN

Datacard for 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 TE (124.090) - WDB1240902F035270

www.lastvin.com

I'd want to verify if the car really was built by AMG. If not, that is strictly a parts car. You'd need Fuzz Townshend / @JC220 / CarSOS to ever resurrect it and excise the cancers.

BTW, welcome to the forum!

 

[Graham1982]

Thanks for the reply,it sounds like I’m in the right place for the information I need. How would I go about finding out the bore/stroke? What value would you put on the car if it’s an original amg? I know it needs restoration. I have hpi’d the car and it comes back as a 3.2 and a few other 300te’s I have found all come back as 3ltr,that’s what was leading me to believe it’s a genuine car

 

[gerryvz]

If that is a UK car, you may want to check with Stratton to see if they have any record of it, given that they were the exclusive AMG factory agent in the UK (other than MB dealers bolting on specific AMG parts).

Our @2phast can probably also assist, as he is a pre-merger AMG expert. He may follow up with you privately, or here, with his observations. Also @AMG5PT4 is also a pre-merger AMG expert.

My own cursory observation from your photos is that the car is more than just bolt-on AMG parts. It looks authentic AMG to me at first blush, which means that Stratton would likely have record of it (whomever has their records now). Ron Stratton died in January of this year, aged 78, unfortunately. He was something of a legend in UK motoring, particularly during the 1980s and 1990s.

 

[Graham1982]

If that is a UK car, you may want to check with Stratton to see if they have any record of it, given that they were the exclusive AMG seller in the UK (other than dealers bolting on specific AMG parts).

Our @2phast can probably also assist, as he is a pre-merger AMG expert. He may follow up with you privately, or here, with his observations. Also @AMG5PT4 is also a pre-merger AMG expert.

Thanks very much

 

[gsxr]

Thanks for the reply,it sounds like I’m in the right place for the information I need. How would I go about finding out the bore/stroke?

Measure bore / stroke with the cylinder head removed. Given the condition of the body, the engine is going to need the head pulled for a refurb, the M103 eats valve guides.

What value would you put on the car if it’s an original amg?

No idea on value, sorry.

I know it needs restoration.

This doesn't need restoration, which implies it's in nice shape and you want it nicer. This needs resurrection from the dead. The amount of rust and corrosion visible in the few photos is astonishing. If that much is visible outside, you will be in for some unpleasant surprises when you dig into it further. I wasn't kidding about contacting CarSOS...

I have hpi’d the car and it comes back as a 3.2 and a few other 300te’s I have found all come back as 3ltr,that’s what was leading me to believe it’s a genuine car

What is "HPI'd"? If the engine is 3.2L displacement then it's very likely authentic.

 

[Graham1982]

What is HPId? If the engine is 3.2L displacement then its very likely authentic.

Hpi is a check you can do through the dvla to check for previous damage etc and also brings up engine size and stuff

The floor etc is surprisingly good,the drivers door had a door skin fitted years ago and I’m guessing wasn’t sealed properly. Boot floor,bulkhead etc are good. Bonnet was an aftermarket item fitted to the car and is terrible,sills are also pretty good but will need replacing,it actually looks a lot worse than it is