This 1988 Mercedes-Benz 260E shows initial title and registration in Florida with later registration in Iowa from 1994 through 2021. Finished in Diamond Blue Metallic (355) over Blue MB-Tex (172), power is provided by a naturally aspirated 2.6-liter inline-6 paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. Features include a power sliding and tilting sunroof, front and rear power windows, automatic climate control with air conditioning, and cruise control. The selling dealer has added less than 100 miles since acquiring the car and has had a comprehensive fluid flush and filter change in preparation of the sale. This example is now offered by the selling dealer in West Chester, Ohio with 54k miles on the odometer, comprehensive and complete service records, an OEM car cover, factory literature, an original window sticker, two keys, a clean Carfax report, and a clean Ohio title.
The body is finished in Diamond Blue Metallic (355) with charcoal-colored bumper covers, side trim, and rear view mirrors. The exterior features US-spec lighting, headlamp wipers, fog lights, and a power antenna. The recent Carfax report shows no accidents or other damage. The front bumper shows a scuff on the right corner. Detailed photos are included in the gallery showing individual body panels and glass.
Factory painted 15″ Gullideckel wheels wear Michelin Defender tires measuring 195/65 all around. Braking is provided by disc brakes on all four corners. A full size spare is located beneath the trunk floor along with the original tool kit.
The cabin is trimmed in Blue MB-Tex (172) across the dashboard, door cards, seats, armrests, and rear deck. Zebrano wood trim accents the center console and dashboard. Factory amenities include power-adjustable seats with driver-side memory, automatic climate control, power front and rear windows, an electric sunroof with tilt function, cruise control, and an OEM Becker Grand Prix head unit. The original first aid kit is included in the intended storage compartment behind the rear seats and can be seen in the gallery.
The black steering wheel houses a driver’s airbag and frames a 160mph speedometer, 7k rpm tachometer with an analog inset clock, and auxiliary gauges for fuel level, oil pressure, coolant temperature, and vacuum-actuated instant economy. The six-digit odometer shows only 54k miles.
The 2.6-liter SOHC M103 inline-6 was rated at 164 horsepower and 168 lb-ft of torque when new and is paired to a 722.4 automatic four-speed transmission. In preparation for the sale the selling dealer had all the fluids flushed, filters changed, and seals checked. In addition to recent services, comprehensive and complete records are included and can be seen in the gallery below.
The accompanying Carfax lists no accidents or other damage along with registration in Florida, Iowa, and Ohio. This example is now offered with 54k miles on the odometer, comprehensive and complete service records, an OEM car cover, factory literature, an original window sticker, two keys, a clean Carfax report, and a clean Ohio title.
A walk around and cold start video showing interior functions have been added to the listing below.
While these early W124’s may seem like bargain Benzes, they were nothing short of luxurious status symbols in their own time. As seen on the original window sticker included with this example, we see MSRP for this example was just over $40k USD in 1987. To put that in perspective, current exchange calculations show that to be $98k in today’s money. The 260E’s are few and far between today as the more prominent 300E dominates the majority of W124 sale listings. We love seeing such a well-preserved and original example with records, literature, and the window sticker doing more than just surviving.
Open Transit:
Enclosed Transit:
The winning bidder will receive an email with the quote and option to proceed with shipping.
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16 Comments
Nice result on a lovely car. Envious.
$10,000 bid placed by @Billdovell
$9,750 bid placed by @Merc2000
$9,500 bid placed by @Billdovell
$9,250 bid placed by @Merc2000
$9,000 bid placed by @pzoot
$8,750 bid placed by @Merc2000
$8,500 bid placed by @pzoot
$8,250 bid placed by @Merc2000
$8,000 bid placed by @tailgatejeff
$7,750 bid placed by @Merc2000
$7,500 bid placed by @pzoot
$7,250 bid placed by @Merc2000
@charlie997 Hello Charlie! Thank you for your interest. I have not metered the car, though all visual inspections and comprehensive records prove that it is the original paint. I looked through the pictures to try and see the slight discoloration you are speaking of and could not necessarily point it out. I do not see a difference in color when looking at the car in person. Unfortunately because of the weather I do not have the ability to go and meter it for you. But it is a gorgeous example of W124 and drives like a dream. If you know these vehicles, this one is a well kept example of an extremely enjoyable and dependable ride for hundreds of thousands of miles to come.
@Twitch13 I appreciate your interest. Unfortunately due to the inclement weather we have had the past few days, It does not seem possible to view it in person before the auction ends here shortly. I will tell you the car is absolutely gorgeous and does not need anything to be driven and enjoyed. If it does not reach reserve, feel free to reach out and you are more than welcome to come view it when it is a bit warmer and safe driving conditions. Thanks!
$7,000 bid placed by @tailgatejeff
This is such a nice car. I really wish I had room for it (I don't). I've been watching it all week. Built by MB when engineering and intelligent ergonomics were THE most important things in MB cars- the pre-bling era, so to speak. I remember when 124 cars were considered the best medium size sedans you could buy. And this one is a jewel. I have no place to put it, which is good for everyone else, but sad for me.
The W124 series cars may be the last of the great cars by Mercedes. They are tank like and, given decent maintenance, will last forever. We have a 1988 260E we bought from the estate of the original owner in 2017. It had 251,000 miles (and about 253,000 now); we have the Mercedes Benz mileage badge and certificate. We repainted it due to delamination of the clear cost (from 30 years of Florida sun). The car is perfect and draws admiring stares whenever we take it out. The new owner of the 260E will be very pleased and happy with the car.
$6,750 bid placed by @Merc2000
$6,500 bid placed by @pzoot
$6,250 bid placed by @Merc2000
$6,000 bid placed by @LGR1947
$5,750 bid placed by @Merc2000
Seller, beautiful car, and although I read your prior comments about the paint being original, just wondering if you guys have metered it? Maybe it’s my aging eyes, but I’m hung up on the driver’s side front door, it looks to be a slightly lighter, paler tone of blue? Also, is that a ding I’m seeing in pic 30 just above where the doors meet? Either way it’s a beauty, thanks much in advance.
$5,500 bid placed by @Kianbenz
$5,250 bid placed by @Michaelmando
$5,000 bid placed by @MooF
$4,750 bid placed by @Michaelmando
$4,500 bid placed by @jmvfrva
$4,250 bid placed by @Michaelmando
$4,000 bid placed by @jmvfrva
Greetings, Would like to view the car in person. Is this possible and if so, what dates/times. Thanks David
Sheesh, the walk-around video almost triggered a vertigo episode…. ;)
Seems very clean underneath, to me, especially for a car which has lived in the snowy (and salty!) Midwest.
Underbody photos have been added to the gallery along with two videos.
Hello all! Thank you for your interest! Underside pics will be uploaded shortly. Car has original paint , has absolutely no paintwork anywhere. No rust anywhere, car is extremely clean and has ALOT of service records from inception. Any questions feel free to reach out. Thank you !
Was the car ever painted?
No underside pictures? Really?
$3,250 bid placed by @Michaelmando
$3,000 bid placed by @MooF
Hi Seller- For a car that lived in Iowa and Ohio it would be important to see some underbody pictures.
$2,600 bid placed by @cdwatnsu
Gorgeous, somewhat rare version of this model. GLWTA!
This thing is beautiful!