Description

Model History

Based on the C124 two door coupe, the W124 E Class Cabriolet made its debut 7 years after the release of the W124 sedan by which it was based. The W124 was the first ‘E-Class’ cabriolet model in Mercedes’ lineup since the W111/112 generation. To make a convertible version of the C124 hardtop coupe, over 1,000 components were redesigned, strengthened, or thickened to convert it into a convertible body style – drawing from Mercedes’s experience developing the more upscale SL-Class Convertible (R129). Changes included thicker A/B pillars, a compartment added to the rear to accommodate the soft top roof as well as serve as a cross-brace for the chassis, and diagonal struts installed at the front/rear to increase torsional rigidity to name a few. Additional changes included vibration dampers to provide better ride quality, as well as a newly developed roll-bar system to protect occupants in rollover incidents (which could be manually extended to serve as rear head restraints if desired.) Engines available for the W124 Cabriolet included a range of 2.0L four and 3.0L six-cylinder engines. Initial transmission offerings were a 4-Speed automatic/manual, with a 5-Speed option for either added as part of a mid-life refresh. The E-Class Cabriolet nameplate was discontinued after the end of the W124’s production run in 1997 – where all two-door coupe and cabriolet models based on the E-Class chassis were renamed to the CLK-Class nameplate. Today, this generation has gained somewhat of a status as a collectable asset – thanks to its modern safety/engineering features and robust build quality the W124 chassis is known for. The W124 cabriolet is even more sought after – largely due to the small numbers it originally sold under compared to its more popular sedan and hardtop coupe counterparts.

History File

Featured here is a 1993 Mercedes Benz 320CE Cabriolet (A124), finished in two-tone Arctic White & Grey with a Black interior. This car was originally imported and sold as new as a Hong Kong market car. The current keeper has owned this car for the past eight years – first acquiring it in 2015 and has added roughly 60,000 km to the total mileage on this car.

All of the up-to-date service invoices have been kept on record as a demonstration this car was serviced regularly and attentively taken care of throughout the years and can be provided on request. Under the current keeper, they have replaced the engine mount bushings as well as both front & rear suspension units. The folding roof has been refurbished with new canvas material and all of the hydraulic components of the roof mechanism have been replaced. All of the leather seats as well have been refurbished with new genuine leather material to keep the inside period correct. The current keeper also reports this car has received a full body respray, using paint that matches the original two-tone White & Grey colour code, and the rear bumper has been replaced with a fresh unit. This car has had five previous owners, has a current mileage of 112,012 km and the current road licence is valid until 6th October, 2023.

Please note that this car is being sold at NO RESERVE starting from HKD20,000 – meaning it will be sold with the highest bid at the end of its auction period.

Exterior

Visual inspection found the two-tone White & Grey exterior to be in excellent condition – thanks to the full exterior respray it received as part of its regular upkeep. Both front and rear bumpers as well as the side portions are in great condition with no signs of previous damage. The front chrome grille is fully intact on all of its portions. Both side doors, the bonnet and rear boot lid open and close normally – we found no severe corrosion spots on any of their hinges or latches. All of the primary lights – the front headlights, rear tail lights and side markers illuminate normally. All of the exterior badges – from the Mercedes Benz logos to the 320CE rear emblem have been preserved and none are missing any of their trim pieces. Both side door handles and door mirrors do not display any visible wear. All four AMG Monoblock wheels are in excellent condition thanks to their full refurbishment – none of which display any surface scratches. The canvas folding roof holds up fine and shows no sagging or tears in any sections of its material – thanks to the replacement of all the parts in the roof mechanism, the current keeper also reports it folds down and up fine at the press of its respective interior button.

Interior and Trim

Step inside this German cabriolet and a classic 90s-era Mercedes interior welcomes the occupants. All of the Black leather seats are in excellent condition – remaining firm and supportive of both front and rear seat occupants and thanks to their refurbishment using genuine period-correct Mercedes leather, are free of any major tears or creases. The dashboard and dark interior wood trim have all been preserved well – none of them show any surface wear or scratches. The leather Mercedes Benz steering wheel is fully intact and in excellent condition. The gear shift lever and transmission panel are also in excellent shape. Both side door panels show no visible wear in their leather padding; the door sills and scuff plates are also free of any surface scratches. All of the interior electrics – from the air conditioning to the cabin lights, power windows and Pioneer head unit function as they should without any issues to report of. The instrument cluster does show some oxidation in its inside casing, but this does not affect the normal operation of any of the instrument dials and instruments themselves to relay information to the driver- a refurbishment can restore its original appearance.

Engine and Running Gear 

Upon startup, the 3.2L straight-six engine starts up with a smooth and sedate exhaust note from the rear. The engine bay does show some visible wear and age from overtime being a classic car, but none of these aesthetic imperfections (namely on the engine cover and bonnet insulation) affects the regular operation of the engine itself – it is in excellent working condition thanks to the care and upkeep it as routinely received and can benefit from some TLC to restore its original appearance to match. The 4-Speed automatic transmission engages all of its gears without any issues and up/downshifts smoothly. The steering is direct and has plenty of feedback, offering the perfect balance of both a composed yet responsive ride. There are no faults with the automatic gearbox as it upshifts and downshifts smoothly – the manual modes can be engaged without any issues as well. The brakes are responsive with plenty of life in all of them – the ABS function kicks in instantly when full braking power is demanded by the brake pedal.

The W124 platform has gained appreciation overtime as a modern classic and desirable Youngtimer classic from Mercedes’ 90s era – with the A124 Cabriolet adding the benefit of open-top motoring for four, such as this 320CE Cabriolet now available at the Car Farm – at NO RESERVE starting from HKD20,000!

Buyer’s Premium:

5% of Winning Bid

(Minimum – HKD8,000.00)

(Maximum – HKD50,000.00)