This 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300E 4Matic comes finished in Arctic White (147) over Gray Leather (268) and shows California registration from new with just 111k miles shown on the odometer. Power is provided by a 3.0-liter inline-six engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission driving all four wheels. Equipment includes power adjustable front seats, a power tilt/slide sunroof, a power adjustable steering column, automatic climate control and cruise control. Recent maintenance includes a new cylinder head, new vacuum lines, refreshed coolant system, new plugs and wires, and new front CV boots. This 300E 4Matic is now offered for sale by the current owner in San Diego, California with a spare set of refinished OEM wheels, a clean Carfax report and a clean California title.
The exterior is finished in Arctic White (147) and features a power tilt/slide sunroof, headlamps wiper washers, a heated rear window and an outside temperature sensor. The seller notes evidence of a previous respray that is believed to have been carried out by the prior owner. The exterior shows no signs of body damage or rust. Photos showing damage to the front grille have been included by the seller and are viewable in the photo gallery.
The chrome-finished 15” Gullideckel wheels wear a set of Primewell PS830 tires measuring 195/65 on all four corners with 2021 date codes. While the wheels shown on the car show signs of pitting, the seller has included a full set of refinished wheels with the sale. The 4Matic all-wheel drive system selectively splits power between the front and rear axles. The current owner has replaced the front CV boots along with all four shocks.
The cabin is upholstered in Gray Leather (268) and features Zebrano wood trim lining the center console, dashboard and door panels. The wood trim shows minor signs of cracking with no signs of discoloration. Both front seats are power adjustable with two-position memory. Interior equipment includes automatic climate control, cruise control, a power adjustable steering column and the original Becker Mexico Grand Prix radio. Photos showing minor imperfections in the leather have been included by the seller.
The leather-wrapped steering wheel fronts a 160-mph speedometer along with a 7k-rpm tachometer, an analog clock and gauges for fuel level, coolant temperature and oil pressure. The six-digit odometer currently reads 111k miles.
This E-Class sedan is powered by a 3.0-liter M103 inline-six which produces 177 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. Recent maintenance under current ownership includes a new head and resurfaced deck, new vacuum lines, a new coolant system, a new rotor, cap, distributor, plugs and wires. Parts receipts have been included by the seller in the photo gallery below.
The Carfax report shows California registration throughout the car’s life with linear mileage updates and no accidents or damage reports. Now showing 111k miles, this 300E 4Matic is offered for sale by the current owner in San Diego, California with a spare set of refinished OEM wheels, clean Carfax report and a clean California title.
A startup and idle video has been provided by the seller below.
For the first time in 1986, Mercedes-Benz offered an all-wheel drive system, badged as “4Matic” in their then two year old mid-size sedan. A rear-wheel drive based system, this 4Matic all-wheel drive would send power to the front axles based on input from steering angle and the three ABS channels. This system allowed Mercedes-Benz customers to drive their cars anywhere with the confidence that all four wheels are capable of applying traction to the ground. Now on its fourth generation, 4Matic can be found on most models including many models from AMG. This W124 is an excellent example of where everything started and coupled with extensive recent maintenance and full California history, should make for a reliable and clean example for its lucky new owner.
Open Transit:
Enclosed Transit:
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20 Comments
@MBZW202, I'll check with the website team tomorrow and see what i can do.
@MBZW202, I have a high mileage 2006 e350 4matic that probably isnt a candidate for auction, but has good bones. Hit the contact seller button.
MBZW202...it did fall through. No reply from winner. Reached out to the next high bidder and its going to the east coast. Too bad, it would have been nice to kept it local, but the 4matic may be of more use out there. Thanks for checking in.
If the deal falls through I would possibly be interested. I’m located in the San Diego area. @kevinbriem.
Yes, but no real conversation. Keep my email handy.
I assume your buyer reached out…
Strange…
@Smyth , you may be in luck. No word from the buyer.
I may have missed a big opportunity, as I am local to the car as well. No shipping costs!
@gsxr, thats good info, being somewhat unfamiliar with the early 4matics as well. Secondly, all your comments on the varios platforms are informative and respected. Cheers
@Smyth, the first 4MATIC models were known for issues with the transfer case. I don't know details, never owned one, and forget what I've read about them in the past. From memory, once repaired they can be pretty reliable. Google for details. This particular low-mile car sold for below market value IMO - congrats, @Ref4Lyfe! All I can guess is the bumper/cladding color mismatch didn't help, and it has no options (i.e., no heated seats, etc). This is a lot of (AWD!) car for $4500. If it were local to me, I'd have been awfully tempted...
@Smyth...im still scratching my head. I saw an 89 non 4matic with higher mileage go for 7k. If i didnt need the room, there would be no way I'd let go for what i did. Like I said, deal of the century.
For the uninformed, why did this go so low? Is there something a layman wouldn’t know? Like, is a 4matic not desirable? The minor imperfections?
Ok friends, the reserve is lifted. Someone is getting the deal of the century here.
$4,250 bid placed by @Ref4Lyfe
@124guy, I was surprised when I first saw it. Never had seen a 4matic 124 until then. As you mentioned., it would serve someone well who sees inclement weather. With the heavy rain here last month, it felt solid as a rock on the freeway.
Pretty rare to see these as 4matics today! Perfect for those who can't make do with a RWD only.
$4,000 bid placed by @Bankrep40
$3,750 bid placed by @darobinson01
$3,500 bid placed by @Salish
@MBZW202, water pump was on the list when doing the head. Couldn't get the inverted pulley off without the belt attached, so i passed in essence of time. Factory pump comes with the car. Flex discs were inspected and deemed worthy. Factory replacement front disc comes with car. New front rotors and pads. New rear pads come with car. Fluid was flushed. Transmission filter and exchange were both performed. Frankly, i could have skipped the front axle boots because they are a PITA, but as mentioned, my intention was to drive the car. Other than some cosmetic flaws, I would be hard pressed to think of anything on the mechanical side that needs attention.
$3,250 bid placed by @Kobe1203
Few questions @kevinbriem Any record of the following : - Has the water pump been replaced? - Flex disc front / rear? - Transmission Service ? - Brake fluid exchange?
$3,000 bid placed by @Familyman12345
$2,400 bid placed by @Bankrep40
Thanks for checking out my wonderful example of the timeless and indestructible W124. It didnt come to me with much in regards to maintenance records. I did some digging and it appears to have been mostly owned by an Apple executive up in San Jose. It was subsequently relocated to Southern California with two tltle changes. The most recent owner decided to part ways with it after getting a quote on a head gasket and front axle boots. My original intent was to make this my daily driver. With that in mind, it seemed wise to replace numerous parts while the top end was removed. Most items weren't miles related, but more due to age. All obvious seals, hoses and gaskets were refreshed. Many parts were fine, but as a pilot, preventive maintenance coexists with peace of mind. Possible future service might be the fuel filter, pump and accumulator. A replacement accumulator is included. Also, the car came with a non-op aftermarket radio. I purchased a refurbished Becker unit but procrastinated in getting it hooked up. Some quick compression numbers of before and after the replacing the cylinder head... Prior: 171,169, 157, 157, 165, 155 After: 181, 178, 175, 176, 178, 180 So needless to say, the engine is rock solid and the transmission shifts factory smooth. Aside from from the few flaws as mentioned and seen in the photos, the car is in superior condition. My only real complaint is the pitting on the inside of chrome rims. I bought relatively new anodized as a replacement and can come with the car if desired. It would be nice to see this go somewhere where the 4matic would be of practical use. Bid with confidence and I'll answer questions as best I can. Cheers.
$1,875 bid placed by @MBLover1973
Beautiful W124 with 4Matic! I hope that the future owner corrects those mispainted bumpers.
$250 bid placed by @Wdkull