1992 Mercedes-Benz 320 TE - 124 Series

This Mercedes-Benz 320 TE automatic was first registered in November 1992 by Langstone Mercedes-Benz in Portsmouth. It was specified with almost every optional extras available - a complete list can be seen in the documents gallery.

Unlike today’s Mercedes, where the model numbers merely give an indication of where they sit in the class line up, the 320 relates to the size of the motor - a 3.2-litre straight-six petrol engine. The T stands for Tourismus or Transport (estate) and the E stands for Einspritzung (fuel injection).

The 320 TE was available for the 1993 & 1994 model years, after which they carried the E-class designation and the suffixes were dropped. The engine developed 220 PS and 310 N.m of torque, which could accelerate the car to 62 mph in around 8 seconds and on to a top speed of approaching 150 mph.

After just over three years and around 35k miles in the south Hampshire area, the Merc moved to north Hampshire when it was acquired by its second owner in March 1996.

Although the W124 estate was popular as a family car, it is understood that this one was mostly used as a second car for local use and for tasks like the weekly shopping. Nonetheless, it was extremely well looked after by main dealers and used regularly but sparingly until failing eyesight necessitated passing it on.

Whilst there are small patches of bubbling starting to appear around some of the wheel arches and panel edges, and there are the inevitable stone chips and other age-related marks and scratches, the exterior of this handsome Mercedes estate is remarkably good, given its 156k mileage.

The Anthracite Grey Metallic paint creates something of a two-tone appearance between the painted metal of the body and the lower trim panels, known as “Sacco planks” after the designer.

With the window trims and external fittings either blackened or body-coloured the chrome brightwork is limited to the front grille and three-pointed star sitting on top. Both present well but the blue paint on the bonnet badge has started to wear and fade.

The 320 TE sits on 15-inch 8-hole light alloy rims - an additional cost option - which have some light scuffing on the rims but otherwise appear in good condition. All are fitted with matching Kumho Solus tyres dating from 2014.

Such was the quality of the upholstery materials used by Mercedes back in the nineties that the interior gives you few clues to the mileage of this car. Yes, there is a tell tale shine on the Mushroom leather on the driver’s seat, around the rim of the leather steering wheel and on the gear selector, but the front and rear passenger seats look in very good condition, with barely any creasing or wear.

The black upper dash is separated from the lighter lower trim by a strip of burred walnut root veneer, which is also continued down the centre console, where the original factory-fit Pioneer stereo is installed. The doors are also trimmed in ruched leather with a wood veneer strip in line with the door controls.

Other interior equipment includes heated memory seats, electric tilt and slide sunroof, cruise control, air con, and TELEAID - TELEmatic Alarm Identification on Demand - an early version of the SOS button that many modern cars have today. As far as we know all these options work as they should, but we daren’t try the emergency button!

The light coloured carpets appear relatively clean and tidy, with no apparent damage and OEM floor mats front and back. Up above, the headlining too looks taut and unmarked.

Under the bonnet, the engine bay looks tidy and honest - by which we mean that it hasn’t been over-detailed to hide any issues but has just been kept clean and well looked after. The bonnet itself is in good order and the hinges and latch appear to be rust free.

For a car of this mileage, you wouldn’t expect the undersides to be pristine, but equally you might not expect it to be this tidy and straight underneath. Yes, there’s a layer of road grime across the undersealed floor, and the suspension and steering components look a little crusty, but there’s nothing untoward here save for a slightly moist diff and a bit of crud on the pipework.

Lift the rear tailgate and you have one of the most versatile boot spaces - and a very clean and tidy one at that. Behind the rear seats is a two-part roller to deploy a vertical luggage net divider or a horizontal load cover. Fold down the rear seats and you’ve effectively got a van. Take out the plastic load space liner, pull up the two panels in the floor and you’ve got two extra seats (for kids admittedly). Given how immaculate they look, we imagine that these rear-facing seats have barely been used.

If that isn’t enough load carrying capacity, there are bars to fit between the rails making a roof rack. Still not enough for all your large family’s luggage? Install the removable hitch from out of the side pod holding the spare wheel and you can tow a trailer or caravan.

The 320 TE has a current MOT valid until October 2023, which it passed with advisories on a corroded or obscured brake pipe and a slight oil leak from the rear axle. The history file contains every single MOT certification from its first in 1996 through to the most recent last October. There are also a handful of garage bills from the last few years for servicing and minor repairs.

The car comes with an original wallet containing the Owner’s Manual, Dealer Directory and Maintenance Booklet, which includes this phenomenal log of inspection, maintenance and service stamps - mostly from Mercedes-Benz main dealers.

(* denotes a service entry)

Nov 1992 - PDI - Langstone Mercedes, Portsmouth Hants

Nov 1992 - 880 miles - Langstone Mercedes, Eastleigh Hants

May 1993 - 6,697* - a/a

Aug 1993 - 11,208 - a/a

Jun 1994 - 18,324* - a/a

Jan 1995 - 23,499 - a/a

Oct 1995 - 30,008* - Pentagon Mercedes, Eastleigh

Jun 1996 - 36,072 - Tony Purslow Mercedes, Hook Hants

May 1997 - 54,671* - a/a

Sep 1997 - 59,925 - a/a

Jan 1998 - 66,410* - a/a

Apr 1998 - 72,131 - a/a

Aug 1998 - 78,367* - a/a

Nov 1998 - 84,091 - a/a

Jul 1999 - 90,298* - a/a

Aug 2000 - 96,497 - a/a

Jun 2001 - 100,550* - a/a

Jul 2002 - 107,391 - a/a

Jul 2003 - 114,480* - a/a

Mar 2004 - 118,884 - a/a

Dec 2005 - 126,127* - Blanks Motor Services, Alton Hants

May 2007 - 132,173 - Mercedes-Benz, Winchester Hants

Aug 2009 - 138,583* - a/a

Dec 2011 - 144,314 - a/a

Oct 2015 - 150,387* - a/a

Sep 2018 - 153,541 - MPC, Basingstoke Hants

Oct 2021 - 155,599* - a/a

Whilst for some buyers a six-figure mileage might feel too high, this is purely a psychological thing - our European neighbours have no issues with larger numbers of kilometres after all. W124 Mercedes regularly went beyond 300,000 miles late last century before private hire drivers even started to think about trading them in. In fact there’s a taxi driver in Norway who is still driving his 1991 W124, over 2 million miles later!

This range-topping, well-equipped 320 TE starts and runs without issue, and is cleaner, tidier and better-driving than many cars we see with a much lower mileage, such is the care and maintenance that has been lavished on it over three decades. But yet we think it will sell for somewhere between just £5,000 and £10,000 - which is absolutely no money for such a cherished car.

What’s more, it’s selling with NO RESERVE, so you’ve every chance of bagging a beautiful Benz with a bargain basement bid!

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.