MERC

Mercedes
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

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 Editorial U p f r o n t

Editorial comment and the latest from the Mercedes Enthusiast team ALSO
BLE
MERC
Issue 236 AVAILA
Mercedes
MERCEDES ENTHUSIAST

on iPad,
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

TRADER
FOR BUYING
& SELLING
E N T H U S I A S T
Aug/Sep 2022
TRENDSETTERS
WHY THE FIRST CLK COUPE AND
CABRIOLET DESERVE ANOTHER LOOK
Road car powerplants Android,
❙

Amazon
CLK320
❙

CLK55 AMG DESIGNO

have undergone the

❙

Newsstand
300CE-24

DROPTOP
HEAVEN
TOP 6 RESTORED!
AMG ONE same process as F1 and Pocket
Mags!
MERCEDES 190E 2.3-16
FOR £25,000 COSWORTH HYPERCAR WITH F1 TECH

CRAIG PUSEY

engines to improve their

£5.20
BUYER’S GUIDE – E400 V6 US$12.50

Executive Editor
Kyle Molyneux
Art Director
overall efficiency
David ‘Spike’ McCormack
Designers

W
Sarah-Jane Mortimer and Claire Trent hy does Mercedes-Benz bother with Formula 1? Until very recently,
Retoucher the manufacturer asserted brutal dominance in the sport’s turbo
Linda Duong hybrid era, but so what? Beyond boosting the brand, is there any other
European Editor reason Mercedes – including AMG – is involved in F1? In essence,
Ian Kuah
Formula 1 is the most intensive automotive development laboratory in the world. It
Publishing Director
Paul Cosgrove +44 (0)20 8639 4401 allows manufacturers such as Mercedes to test radical solutions to the ‘problems’
Advertisement Sales Executive posed by the latest F1 engines, which have been downsized, turbocharged and
Jacob Hayes +44 (0)20 8639 4416 hybridised to increase their overall efficiency. Road car powerplants have undergone
Sales & Marketing Manager the same process, and that’s where the importance of F1 lies. Merc has migrated tech
Richard Cosgrove +44 (0)20 8639 4403
developed by AMG’s High Performance Powertrains division in Brixworth, UK to
Contributing writers and photographers
Guy Baker, Dan Bevis, Adrian Brannan, its road-going products, meaning more powerful cars that also use less energy. Clever
Piotr R Frankowski, Barry Hayden, Ian inventions include electrically-driven turbos
Kuah, Blakley Leonard, Wilhelm
that spool in an instant, and high density
Lutjeharms, Richard Mason, Peet Mocke,
Jordan Molyneux, Terry Oborne, Craig lithium-ion batteries linked to super
Pusey, Eric Richardson, David Sutherland efficient energy recovery systems.
and William Terrington
With its F1-derived V6 hybrid system, the
Mercedes Enthusiast is published by
new AMG One (pictured left) takes this
Sundial Magazines Ltd, Sundial House, process to hitherto unreached heights. We
17 Wickham Road, Beckenham, Kent, should celebrate its existence, and also
BR3 5JS, UK.
TEL +44 (0)20 8639 4400 FAX 020 8639 4411 remember the bigger picture – technology
EMAIL info@mercedesenthusiast.co.uk developed for racing has the potential to
WEB www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk benefit road users, eventually.
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Who’s been doing what in this month’s Mercedes Enthusiast...
Newstrade Seymour Distribution, Richard Mason Wilhelm
2 East Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PT, UK. “Have we discovered the Lutjeharms
TEL +44 (0)20 7429 4000 only Opal Braun CLK55 “The combination of a
Repro Design & Printing Solutions Ltd, AMG Cabriolet designo in grand touring
Unit 45C, Joseph Wilson Industrial Estate, the world?” asks Richard convertible on a perfect
Whitstable, Kent CT5 3PS. Mason. “I’d be over the piece of coastal tarmac
Printing Walstead Roche Ltd, Walstead Roche moon if I met someone is one of motoring’s
Factory, Victoria Business Park, Roche, with an identical car,” ultimate nirvanas,” says
St Austell PL26 8LX. says its owner. This month’s cover story (pages contributor Wilhelm Lutjeharms, who had the
Copyright Sundial Magazines Ltd 2022. All rights 26 to 32) recalls the first-generation CLK Coupe pleasure of taking a 124-series 300CE-24
reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden and Cabriolet which arrived in the late 1990s. With Cabriolet along one of South Africa’s most
without the permission of the publishers. ISSN help from a delicious looking CLK55 and similarly picturesque roads to rediscover the allure of this
1474-7030 Sundial Magazines Ltd. Registered in
England no. 4134490.
stunning CLK320 Coupe in Quartz Blue, we submit modern classic Mercedes-Benz. Read the full
the case that these 208-series Mercedes can be story and drink in Peet Mocke’s fantastic images
Conditions for advertising All advertisements highly rewarding ownership prospects. from page 34.
are accepted subject to the publisher’s conditions
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Magazines Ltd, Sundial House, 17 Wickham Road, Follow Mercedes Enthusiast on
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42 20

Cover story

26

34 68

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| August/September 2022 www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk
 ContentsUU p f r o n t

6 Contents
August/September 2022
UPFRONT
6 News Round-up of the hottest Mercedes topics
8 Star Shot Gullwings on the prowl in Mille Miglia 2022
10 Past Master When Estate meets SUV and MPV
12 Star Talk Why the M120 V12 is one of the greatest engines
14 Merc Man Falling under the spell of the 124-series Coupe
16 Letters Readers have their say on a range of subjects
NE E
MISV
18 Social Club 600s, B-Classes, SLS AMGs – they’re all here!
R
S AN
IS
See pSUE! F E AT U R E S
9
subs 0 and 20 Racer at heart Mercedes-AMG had to overcome serious
c
TOD ribe
technical challenges to bring its One hypercar to the road
AY! COVER 26 Four-eyed surprise Remembering the 208-series CLK and
STORY speaking to owners of 320 and 55 AMG models
34 Coastal cruiser Taking in the pictureseque South African
coastline with help from a rare 300CE-24 Cabriolet
42 No limits Behind the wheel of Brabus’ extreme Crawler
off-roader and the tuner’s modified S580 limousine
48 Second life Following the sale of a much-loved 190E 2.3-16
in his youth, Jaz Duley bought and restored another
56 Boxing clever We put AMG’s E63 S Estate head-to-head
with the E53 straight-six hybrid and see what’s what
62 Braking bad The rise and fall of Mercedes-Benz’s
groundbreaking Sensotronic Brake Control system

48 66 Big Moment – 1971: R107 SL launch Mercedes remolds

its best-selling roadster to attract a whole new audience
68 Cream of the crop We go in search of hot Benz deals to
suit a variety of tastes armed with a £25,000 budget

56 THE BACK END

74
79
Mercedes Buyer Deals, tips, top three steals and more
NEXT MONTH
80 Buyer’s Guide E400 Coupe and Cabriolet (207-series)
86 Running Reports Latest updates on the Merc fleet
91 Merc Trader Find your next three-pointed star here
98 From the archives W123 from 1977 London to Sydney rally

10 18

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|5
  Dashboard
design shared with
the latest C-Class.
U p f r o n t News

The latest Mercedes launches, news and motorsport

News
New GLC
Second-generation SUV goes all-in on hybrid technology to boost performance and efficiency

T
he all new GLC has meanwhile, sits on the options list
arrived! The SUV Petrol-electric and (full UK specifications including
diesel-electric models
shares its platform revealed at launch. trim lines were not confirmed at
with the W206 C-Class the time of writing), as does rear
and will come with four- axle steering promising to deliver
cylinder hybrid and plug-in even greater agility and stability.
hybrid power. As you’d expect, there are a host
Two of the petrol variants of driver assistance systems, the
available at launch are the GLC200 most interesting of which is a new
4Matic and the GLC300 4Matic, ‘transparent bonnet’ feature, which
both featuring the same mild entails the central dashboard
hybrid four-cylinder engine tuned display of the MBUX infotainment
to 201 and 254bhp respectively. system showing a virtual view
The diesel fuelled GLC220d under the front of the vehicle when
4Matic returns up to 54.3mpg it’s in off-road mode and fitted with
(WLTP combined) despite having 4Matic is even more impressive, GLC has a 600-litre boot (up 50 360-degree cameras.
194bhp. All three models however, its 330bhp diesel-electric litres on the old one) and boasts Available to order shortly, prices
mentioned above feature a 48V system delivering 565mpg with upgraded sound insulation for of the new GLC are expected to
integrated starter-generator 13g/km CO2 emissions, plus an improved refinement. start at around £50,000. AMG
providing a 23bhp boost, too. electric range of 73 miles. Revised four-link front and versions are also in the works,
However, it’s the plug-in multi-link rear suspension should including a replacement for the
hybrids that offer maximum Added refinement deliver more capability off-road GLC63 with a two-litre, four-pot
efficiency. Petrol variants are the The new GLC’s even smoother while boosting on-road prowess. turbocharged hybrid engine
GLC300e 4Matic and GLC400e styling helps achieve a drag Airmatic air suspension, shared with the upcoming C63.
4Matic, which feature the same coefficient of just 0.29Cd, which is
four-cylinder engine linked to a 0.02 lower than its predecessor
battery and electric motor for and boosts overall
system outputs of 309bhp and efficiency. Slightly
376bhp respectively. Equipped longer, lower and
with a 31.2kW battery, both wider than
models have an electric range of 75 before, the
miles with fuel economy rated at new
471mpg and CO2 emissions as
low as 14g/km. The GLC300de

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| August/September 2022 www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk
 News
in brief

DAVID SUTHERLAND
World record!
RM Sotheby’s has sold one of two itself were invited to take part in
 CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW
Tickets are now available for the
Classic Motor Show at
existing W196 300SLR Uhlenhaut the auction. Conditions of sale are Birmingham’s NEC arena. Running
Coupes on behalf of Mercedes-Benz that the car will remain available from November 11 to 13, event
Museum in Stuttgart. for public display on special organisers promise a vast array
Chassis number 0008/55 – the occasions, and that it will not be of classic cars, plus a well-
second Uhlenhaut Coupe – sold for sold to a third party. stocked auto jumble, trade
€135m (around £116m) and is now The proceeds of the sale will stands and motoring clubs.
the most expensive car in the world, establish the Mercedes Benz Fund,
dwarfing the £52m record set by a which will support university and
1963 Ferrari 250 GTO in 2018. The school scholarships containing
300SLR also enters the top 10 most Environmental Science and
valuable items ever sold at auction. decarbonisation projects. Exact
 RENNTECH BLACK SERIES
Less than 10 bidders with the details are yet to be confirmed.
RennTech has created a
means to care for the car to the The other Uhlenhaut Coupe
1,051bhp/831lb ft torque GT Black
same standard as Mercedes-Benz remains at the M-B Museum.
Series. Equipped with the tuner’s
R3 performance package, the
car’s M178 V8 biturbo packs stage

AMG Vision
Concept based on 'AMG.
EA' platform set for use 2 turbos, stainless steel
in production cars. downpipes, 200-cell catalysts,
upgraded air filters, and fettled
ECUs and TCUs. The R3 package’s
Mercedes star-inspired headlight signatures, short
price is $41,440 (£33,700).
overhangs, glowing red exhaust-like outlets at the rear, and
a new, illuminated Panamericana grille. These are just some
of the striking features on the AMG Vision concept.
Inspired by monolithic sculptures, Alubeam silver paint
extends to the side windows, with joint and shut lines
minimised, while Petronas markings and aerodynamically  THE FINAL FLING
optimised 22-inch wheels are a nod to Mercedes’ strong F1 AMG’s new E63 S Final Edition
presence. Based on a dedicated ‘AMG.EA’ platform, this serves as the last hurrah for the
concept houses high performance batteries linked to axial V8-powered 213-series E-Class
flux motors from Yasa, now a wholly owned subsidiary of before production ends. Available
Mercedes-Benz. These motors are lighter, while offering in Saloon and Estate forms, the
substantially more power. 999 units will boast matte
“With this study, we are now offering a first glimpse of how we are transferring the AMG DNA into the graphite grey paint, 20-inch
all-electric future, starting in 2025,” said Philipp Schiemer, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. wheels in gloss black, pearl grey/
black leather, and yellow detailing.

The plan
Mercedes-Benz has shared its plans for the future of its range,
 MERCEDES RECALL
Nearly a million Mercedes cars
are being recalled worldwide.
Affecting ML, GL and R-Class
models produced from 2004 to
including a host of advanced new platforms designed with battery 2015, an excessively corroded
power in mind. With a renewed focus on luxury and exclusivity, brake booster is to blame. Hard
‘Entry Luxury’ will be the starting point for the line-up, consisting braking could advance
of four model variants positioned higher than current entry level deterioration, with complete
models. Next year’s brand new E-Class will lead the way for the ‘Core Luxury’ segment alongside the C-Class, failure of the service brake an
new electric models using the EQE’s ‘EVA2’ platform and then ‘MB.EA’ architecture also joining the segment. extreme scenario.
However, it’s the ‘Top-End Luxury’ segment where the manufacturer expects the most growth: a 60 per cent
increase in sales by 2026, in fact. This covers all AMG and Maybach vehicles, the higher tier EQ cars such as the
EQS saloon and SUV, plus S-Class, SL-Class, G-Class and GLS models, and also limited edition and ‘exclusive
collaboration vehicles’.
During the reveal of this range reshaping, Mercedes also confirmed a new programme of ultra-exclusive
Maybach cars under a ‘Mythos Series’ banner.

www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk August/September 2022

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U p f r o n t Star Shot

300SL Gullwings entered by

Mercedes-Benz and a pack of
competitors head from Milano
Marittima to Rome during the
second leg of Mille Miglia 2022.
Taking place in mid-June, this was
the 40th edition of the re-
enactment of the historic race.

IMAGE: CRAIG PUSEY/MERCEDES-BENZ GROUP AG

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 St a r
S h ot

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U p f r o n t Pa s t M a s t e r – 2 51- s e r i e s R- C l a s s

Recalling trailblazing Mercedes-Benz cars of yesteryear

Even the two

rearmost seats
could have a
third A/C
system

R-Class
There had been plenty warning comprising air suspension and an
of its arrival, firstly in the form of adaptive damping system. UK
the Vision GST concept car models were six- or seven-seaters,
Mercedes-Benz brought along to but five-seat models and also
the North American International rear-wheel drive were offered
Debuting in 2005 and refreshed in 2010, the Auto Show in Detroit in 2002. elsewhere. Despite the wide model
Two more prototypes followed: range, most customers opted for
251-series R-Class is an often misunderstood The Vision GST 2 was on display the longer ‘V251’ chassis and the
Mercedes-Benz, which truly excelled when it at the same event two years later, V6 diesel, its torquey delivery the
came to comfort and practicality and the Vision R followed in best bet to haul the near 2.2-tonne
September 2004 at the vehicle. The petrol 251s were little
WORDS DAVID SUTHERLAND IMAGES MERCEDES-BENZ GROUP AG International Motor Show in Paris. more than a token gesture in
We don’t know how many of Britain – but of course not so in

T
he R-Class, one of carrier. In Europe, it didn’t look the 251-series R-Class Mercedes the US where gasoline still ruled.
Mercedes’ niche-filling set to spark a new craze, not least hoped to sell in Europe, but the
models launched in because it was a big car, about the extensive initial line-up suggested Quirks of the range
the mid-2000s, lacked same length as an S-Class. But it might have been a lot: two Behind the wheel, the R-Class
identity, was impossible to Mercedes-Benz knew exactly who wheelbases, three engines and most commonly purchased
categorise and by Stuttgart would buy it: Americans, hence its three trim levels. The R350 used pleases, but does have limitations.
standards was not a big seller. assembly at the Mercedes-Benz the M272 3.5-litre V6, the R500 The V6 diesel is refined and
But given its broad skill set, plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama the M113 five-litre V8 and the economical out of town, and with
downright usefulness and alongside the M-Class and R320 CDI the OM642 three-litre easy controls, such as the neat,
perhaps even Mercedes’ nerve GL-Class. To emphasise its V6 turbodiesel, all units mated to column-mounted Direct Select
in building it in the first place, stateside ambitions, the R-Class the 7G-Tronic seven-speed gear selector, the R-Class offers
we have no hesitation in Grand Sport Tourer, to use its full automatic gearbox and 4Matic the relaxing, light-touch driving
inducting it into our Past original title, went on sale in the four-wheel drive transmission. common to all premium Mercedes
Master hall of fame. US in September 2005, but The V6s used conventional, model families. But buyers
It was unveiled in March 2005, European deliveries did not steel-sprung suspension, while the couldn’t expect lively
a mix of estate, SUV and people commence until early 2006. R500 had the Airmatic package performance, or any kind of driver

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| August/September 2022 www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk
  R63 AMG with
503bhp V8 built
from 2006 to 2007.

No rear seat
passengers in any
other car at the
time could have been
so comprehensively
pampered. In the highest
spec models they had their own
music and video system, plus air
conditioning independent of the
front cabin which, due to over a
dozen sensors and an auxiliary fan,
was guaranteed to hold the
temperature selected. Even the
two rearmost seats – which of
course had armrests and
cupholders – could have a third
A/C system.
Switchgear shared Need space, not seats, for all
with the M-Class that leisure equipment? No
and GL-Class SUVs.
problem, both rows of rear seats
folded flat to become a 2.2-metre
 Children of the  Seating for up  Boot of LWB
Alabama factory in to seven made the model swallowed
bay, access to it made all the easier
North America. R very practical. over 2,400 litres! by the Easy Pack tailgate that
could be opened and closed with
an optional remote.

End of the road

By the facelift of 2010, the UK
range had been reduced to two
seven-seat diesels, the R300 CDI
BlueEfficiency (2WD) and R350
CDI L 4Matic with lightly
updated bodies including restyled
headlamps. Mercedes-Benz had
invented a number of new market
niches the years prior to the
R-Class, but this super estate idea
didn’t catch on – in a big way,
anyway – so in 2013 it was canned
with no successor lined up,
perhaps one exercise in lateral
thinking too many.
Asking someone to visualise an
R-Class might provoke a blank
expression. But for those who
have found themselves interested
in what nearly a decade after
discontinuation is a pretty obscure
Mercedes, the used car market
holds a more than adequate
choice, and mostly at low prices
too. If you’re feeling brave, you’ll
involvement – unless they signed pick up a leggy example for under
up for the 6.2-litre, M156-engined £3,000 (but be wary if “air
R63 AMG 4Matic with 503bhp suspension may need attention”
that joined the range after a year. appears in the description), and
But without doubt the prices range up to £18,000 for a
outstanding virtue of the R-Class late, 2013 car with a mileage that
is its magnificent interior, which doesn’t scare. The euro and dollar
made it the roomiest passenger car equivalents in mainland Europe
Mercedes had ever built. Over 60 and the US get you much the
per cent of the vehicle’s overall Reshaped headlamps same.
length was available for occupants, mark out the facelifted Want to be the hero of the
R-Classes of 2010.
the car maker said. school run? Then get searching.

www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk August/September 2022

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 U p f r o n t S t a r Ta l k

Insight from a Mercedes-Benz tuning industry veteran

Nothing else like it

Powering everything from luxury limousines to racing cars and
modern supercars, Ian Kuah hails Mercedes-Benz’s M120 V12
as one of the greatest naturally-aspirated engines ever created

M
y first experience of the in the FIA GT Championship. The 25 road cars the M120 was off to the races.
Mercedes-Benz M120 V12 came built as homologation specials featured a With much more room to spare around the
during the W140 S-Class launch 6.9-litre, 604bhp M297 motor (a derivative of engine, AMG set about turning the big
in the South of France in early the M120) and were delivered in 1999, the same Mercedes V12 into a road-legal race motor. It
1991. The first iteration of this 5,987cc, year Horacio Pagani unveiled his Zonda C12 at bored and stroked the V12 to 7,291cc using a
DOHC, 48-valve V12 boasted the full-fat the Geneva motor show; the GTR racers ran a steel billet crankshaft, forged pistons and
402bhp and 428lb ft of twist. Silent and silky longer rods, then fitted a bespoke long intake
smooth when you were just cantering along,
the 600SE/L exuded a ‘waftability’ factor
In the late 1990s, AMG crossover single-throttle-per-cylinder system
and a long tube header exhaust system. With
hitherto the province of Rolls-Royce, but
turned into a veritable torque monster when
and Brabus agreed that much bigger lungs, gas-flowed cylinder heads,
high-left cams and reduced exhaust back-
you dropped the hammer.
Bury the throttle into the pile carpet and the
7.3 litres was the pressure, the result was as much as 661bhp for
the Zonda Tricolore of 2010.
big S-Class picks up its skirts and thrusts itself
towards the horizon in a most un-limousine
M120’s maximum – but The engineers did not stop there and further
development netted 750bhp for the Zonda 760
like manner, accompanied by a subdued but times have moved on of 2012, and an astonishing 789bhp for the
palpably visceral V12 growl 2017 limited edition Zonda HP
from up front. Ian’s first taste of M120 Barchetta. Bear in mind these
Over the years, I have driven V12 power occurred are naturally-aspirated motors
during the W140 launch.
S600s, SL600s and a couple of that meet all the EU emissions
E-Class models powered by regulations of the time!
tuned versions of the M120

B
from AMG, Brabus and ack in the late 1990s,
RennTech. All featured AMG and Brabus
displacements of between 7.0 to agreed that 7.3 litres
7.3 litres, and all boasted output was the absolute maximum
levels around 550bhp, which stretch for the M120. But
was ballpark for the most times have moved on and
powerful major league Ferraris Hartmut Feyhl at RennTech
and Lamborghinis of the era. has now managed to extend
swept capacity to 7.6 litres for

T
he M120 was also the a client’s 140-series S600 L
engine that helped project car. Early dyno runs
Brabus clinch its indicate 615hp (607bhp) and
various Guinness World a staggering 955Nm (704lb ft)
Records top speed numbers of torque, the latter an
for Fastest Production unprecedented amount of twist
Saloon (E V12), Fastest for a naturally-aspirated
Production Estate (E V12 road-going motor. Taking
Estate) and so on. However, driveline losses into account,
there was a limit to what could this puts 500hp down at the
IMAGES IAN KUAH & MERCEDES-BENZ GROUP AG

be done for output as long as driven wheels, or 100hp more

the engine had to fit under the than the factory six-litre engine
bonnet of a road-going, makes at the flywheel!
front-engined Mercedes  AMG and Pagani created a version with 789bhp.  60-degree V12 in the 1997 CLK racer had 592bhp. This is why I consider
production car. This essentially Mercedes’ M120 V12 one of
meant that the factory intake plenums had to six-litre ‘GT112’ V12 with 592bhp. Mercedes- the greatest and most tuneable naturally-
stay, which restricted the amount of air the Benz offered Horacio the M120 V12 in a deal aspirated engines ever made. What other V12
engine could inhale. set up by his fellow Argentinian friend and engine can boast powering one of the best
None of that applies to a mid-engined race mentor, the late Juan Manuel Fangio, five-time flagship luxury saloons ever, a successful FIA
car or supercar, however, and in 1997 the Formula 1 World Champion and former GT Championship racer, and one of the world’s
CLK-GTR broke cover as the Mercedes entrant Mercedes works driver. The gloves were off and most charismatic supercars?

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 U p f r o n t Merc Man

The expert on all things Mercedes gives us his latest views...

My first Benz
Following a series of inspiring drives in 124-series Coupes, it was
only a matter of time before David Sutherland purchased his own
example, which just so happened to be his first Mercedes-Benz

E
verybody remembers their first behind the wheel, touch and feel everything with lots of extras including heated,
car, no matter how long ago that about that magnificently solid 1980s Stuttgart orthopaedic seats and climate control. It was
was. In my case, it was in the cabin, and see that discreet but oh so symbolic local, at a now long-gone Mercedes specialist in
summer of 1974 when I spotted a Mercedes-Benz star at the end of the bonnet Kew, West London and priced at £7,000. That
wine-coloured Triumph Vitesse in a large – whenever I wanted. I needed to go on was over budget, but a week later it was £6,000.
field of neglected looking cars at the back journeys during which I’d savour every relaxed, Sometimes with cars, I see one and decide it
of a dealer, which in time I would come to well damped and quiet mile, rather than trying has my name on it well before my name actually
realise had left them there because they to get to the destination as quickly as possible. goes on the V5C ownership document, and so it
were unwanted, unshiftable trade-ins. But Looking around at what was available was was with this one. After a week or so, I decided
I had left school a few months before and had encouraging, as at that point C124s, whether to go and look at it and found myself test driving
saved up enough at a job on a building site to four- or six-cylinder, were cheap. The best ones it. It seemed much smoother than others I’d
hand over the £150 asked for it. Car mad and were at the established Mercedes specialists I tried. More time passed before I decided to
with a full UK licence acquired a year earlier, it knew from writing about their cars, and these show up and offer £5,000. To my surprise, the
was my dream car. The dream didn’t last and it’s were priced up to £10,000, and occasionally trader not only accepted but agreed to fix a few
still too painful to talk about. things and throw in a genuinely
If no car can leave quite as This 1994 E320 Coupe in good, one-year used car warranty.
Malachite Green was
deep an impression – good, or David’s first Mercedes.

C
bad – as the first one, I’ve ollecting and driving
discovered another that came off in my E320 Coupe
close: my first Mercedes-Benz, was as memorable as
a 124-series E320 Coupe. I picking up my Triumph
bought it quite recently… no Vitesse 32 years before
wait a minute, it was 16 years that. A teenager owning a
ago. How the time flies! six-cylinder car in the 1970s was
quite flash even if it was well

I
’ve got lots of photos past its best and, aged 50, I felt
of it because it was an equivalent sense of pride
featured in this with the E320. I own a
magazine’s Running Mercedes-Benz – I’ve arrived!
Reports. I purchased it as an Unlike the Triumph, my first
everyday car, then 18 months Mercedes did not turn out a
later got an A-Class and retired disappointment. I remember
the C124 to ‘weekend modern driving it home from the garage
classic status’ before selling the long way, loving the super
after three years to pay a larger sweet M104 quietly humming
than anticipated tax bill. under the bonnet, continually
By late summer 2006 I’d hit  Sutherland looking happy with his bargain Benz.  Leather and wood trim – not bad for five grand! looking around the interior at
50 years of age and, although by the gorgeous seat leather and
then had owned a fair and varied selection of more if they were especially good and with low wood trim and, whenever I could, catching our
cars, scratching a good few itches in the process, mileage. My budget was half that, but still reflection in shop windows.
I’d never had a Merc. I’d admired them, driving enough for a decent example, and allowed me Three years later I was still doing this, and
loads of new, press fleet Benzes, and also classics to practise what I’d preached in print so often: following the reluctant sale missed it for a long
for Mercedes Enthusiast features, but never don’t buy the cheapest, as it could turn out to time. I recently tracked it on the government
actually written the cheque to make one mine. be the most expensive. MOT history website and saw its last MOT
Writing for the magazine meant I was driving I saw a fair few, from as low as an E220 for was seven years ago – I really do hope my first
IMAGES DAVID SUTHERLAND

124s quite regularly, but that wasn’t enough. I £1,500, but the first one that properly excited Mercedes is in someone’s garage getting first
longed to own one, to know that I could slip was a 1994 E320 Coupe in Malachite Green, class treatment.

To my surprise, the trader not only accepted my offer but agreed

to fix a few things and throw in a one-year warranty
14
| August/September 2022 www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk
 U p f r o n t Letters

Got something to say about motoring, your Mercedes or Mercedes Enthusiast magazine? Here’s your chance…

Keeping the promise

Letters
Star I must admit a certain level  John Appleby is keen on lower car prices.
letter of scepticism when faced with
photographs of the sleek but well as the classics, compared with
slightly awkward looking EQXX today’s values is stark.
concept car. However, having read the With people re-prioritising their
April/May 2022 issue’s excellent feature expenditure in the face of
on all the technology behind the car, uncertainty, this may affect car
I have a firmer grasp on why Mercedes values if it hasn’t started already.
made such a big fuss about its reveal. But perhaps it would be a good
I understand that some of its battery thing to see classic car prices
technology is still in development and return to more sensible levels?
not yet ready for the mass market, but And who knows, a whole new
you can’t argue with the fact the EQXX made good on its promise to travel over 620 miles on a single group of buyers like myself will
charge once Mercedes-Benz got it onto European roads. Although I am still yet to be convinced by fully come to the fore?
electric cars and jump ship from my 50mpg-plus, 2014 E-Class diesel (blame the UK’s inadequate John Appleby, Greater London
recharging infrastructure for that), electric ranges like the XX’s become ever more appealing.
Russ Murray, Exeter Tipping point
We have some good news – in late June, the EQXX broke its own range record, travelling 1,202km (746.9 I think it was Mercedes
miles) from Stuttgart to Silverstone in the UK without needing to plug into the mains! The car visited the Enthusiast contributor David
Mercedes F1 team and AMG’s HPP division in Brixworth, both of which helped to develop it. Sutherland who wrote that the
cheapest car you can own is
usually the one on your driveway.
had to write to you immediately. Broadly speaking, I think that’s
That AMG One with the F1 V6 true and was reminded of this
engine is so impressive! We statement recently whilst
watched it go up the Goodwood considering purchasing a new
Hill and were stood right by it as Mercedes to replace my S320 CDI
it went into Track mode, which from the 221-series (I think that’s
lowered its ride height, opened the correct terminology?).
 A yellow R170 SLK appealed to John Nelson.  Some W204 Cs are having rear axle issues.
slats on the wheelarches and made I have now owned the car for
A tempting proposition closer look and maybe a test drive, the rear spoiler pop up. I have eight years and have now spent so
Just down the road from me is I’ll end up buying it! never seen anything like it. After much in general maintenance –
an independent car dealer selling John Nelson, Derbyshire that, it sounded twice as loud and nothing out of the ordinary apart
all types of makes. On the seemed to go even faster. from a new suspension pump; I
forecourt is a bright yellow, Here to serve Chai Dowden, via email have always followed your advice
first-generation SLK – not unlike Thank you for bringing the rear of changing the gearbox oil come
the Merc Spotter car in your axle corrosion issue on 204-series Market demand service time and I do think my
April/May 2022 issue, although it C-Classes to my attention. I have We are living in uncertain times car’s 7G transmission does shift
does present in slightly better my car booked in with my nearest and this magazine often provides particularly smoothly given its age
condition. The Kompressor Mercedes-Benz dealer for a check welcome relief from the news. But – that I’m not sure I can justify
badges on the wings suggest it’s a over. If something is found, I will I do have a point to make about parting with it. Maybe I’ll hand it
supercharged model and, although keep you updated with progress. classic car values that may offend to my daughter when I’m gone
I don’t know anything else about Bill Moore, Cheshire some owners, although it will and she can enjoy it. Or sell it,
the car, the fact it’s being offered probably match what others are more likely!
for under £4,000 makes it pretty Seeing is believing thinking or, rather, hoping for! Charlie Walker,
tempting. I’m just worried that I’ve just returned from the The way in which classic car Northamptonshire
once I go down there and have a Goodwood Festival of Speed and values rocketed during the last 15
years or so kept people like myself
WRITE TO FACEBOOK (who have dreamed of owning
GET IN The Editor, Mercedes Enthusiast,
Sundial Magazines, Sundial House,
MercedesEnthusiast
INSTAGRAM something special from times gone
TOUCH 17 Wickham Road, Beckenham, Mercedesenthusiastmag by) at arm’s length from achieving
WRITE Kent, BR3 5JS
FAX
TWITTER
MercEnthusiast
that ambition. Look through
TODAY! 020 8639 4411 magazines from even 10 years ago
EMAIL and the difference in prices for
info@mercedesenthusiast.co.uk
what you call ‘modern classics’, as  Charlie Walker’s S320 CDI could be a keeper.

16
| August/September 2022 www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk
 Cheshire Classic Benz
ttt

TALKING
The Finest Examples of Mercedes-Benz
Cars from the 1960s to the 1990s

POINT

This month’s Talking Point... 280SL Roadster 1975P - LHD - £29,950

Topaz Brown, brown soft top, Mushroom MB Tex interior, rare manual gearbox, manual
The Mercedes-AMG One – a sensational windows, rear seats, original Becker Monza radio/cassette player, original 14” alloy wheels,
feat of engineering, or just another all tools and manuals, FSH, only two owners from the same family, 71,000 miles.
This totally original early R107 SL in the incredibly rare colour of Topaz Brown with
pointless hypercar? Mushroom MB Tex interior looks almost as good now as when it emerged from the
Mercedes factory in 1975. It is in fabulous condition throughout, and looks delightfully
'retro' in this colour scheme. It is a true timewarp vehicle and it drives superbly. Being LHD
“In order to give an insightful opinion, I would have to drive it first. and built 'as designed' it does drive that bit better than any RHD example. It has spent
most of its life in Germany, but is now UK registered, however the original speedometer
Any chance of this happening?” Steve Mundy and LHD lights are still with the car, so it can easily be put back to European specification.
“Love the design.” Christian Wimmer
“In part, it’s a test bed. Lots of the stuff on everyday cars was once
only available on expensive, top of the range cars. ” David Price
“The first four letters say it all: ‘hype’.” Mike Robey
“It sounds great with everything dialled up to 11.” Denise Williams

Take part in Talking Point every month on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
See the bottom of page 16 for our respective websites!

Merc Spotter
280SE 3.5 Coupe 1970H - LHD - £94,950
Silver Grey metallic, blue leather interior, walnut wood, black steering wheel, 4-speed
column change auto, manual windows, electric sunroof, original Becker Europa radio,
original 14” steel wheels.
Delivered new to France and having lived all its life there with three owners until we
brought it to the UK in 2018, this gorgeous coupe was latterly part of the collection of a
wealthy Parisian businessman. It has been our own car since then, and we have enjoyed it
hugely, but it now has to make way for other arrivals. Unlike most Mercedes of this era it is
a very well preserved original car, except for a repaint around ten years ago. It has been
well maintained throughout its life and shows just a light patina as befits its age. It was the
subject of a six page feature in the Autumn 2018 issue of Classic Mercedes Magazine.

Our cars are carefully selected as the best of their type and
“Recently, I was browsing a selection of old images on my computer are sold with our own warranty after a mechanical check by
and found this picture of a heavily modified R107 SL,” begins Martin Mercedes trained technicians in our own workshop
Johnson. “I took this photo at Techno Classica in Essen, Germany Viewings by Appointment
around five years ago and know very little about the radical bodykit.
15 minutes from Manchester Airport. 1hr 41min from Euston by train
I’m not sure about the bonnet scoop, but quite like the arches! Maybe tel: 07980 241177 or 01625 260913 email: info@ccbenz.co.uk
readers of Mercedes Enthusiast can shed some light on this car?” See www.ccbenz.co.uk for full descriptions and more photos
Seen an interesting Mercedes or caught one in an unusual situation? Send a picture
to info@mercedesenthusiast.co.uk (subject ‘Merc Spotter’) or by post to We also offer secure covered car storage at our
Mercedes Enthusiast, 17 Wickham Road, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 5JS. premises near Manchester Airport. Call or email to enquire.

www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk August/September 2022

| 17
 U p f ro n t Social Club

Social Club
Mercedes-Benz related highlights from the world of social media

Rajinder Bharath
@rajinder_bharath
When even the artwork has to remove its glasses for a better look.
Pictured is a 2001 R129 SL320 Edition finished in designo Mystic Blue.

Gerwyn Davie
s
@gez13vw
Had a nice few ho
urs out with @jame
This Canyon Beige, scantswimx and hi
1.8 diesel is equip s B-Class.
Lift struts, and 20 ped with Air Lift 3P
-inch alloy wheels suspension with Air
from the GLK-Class
range.

HK-Engineering
@engineeringhk
We had the pleasure to we
lcome the MB SLS AMG
Jason Cheung meeting on our company
grounds. This extraordinar
@jason_cheung13 futuristic looking Mercedes y and
-Benz SLS AMG (internal
@estebangtz serving out some donuts at @fosgoodwood designation C197) is a gra
n turismo coupe with hinged
Mercedes F1 test driver Esteban Gutiérrez burns rubber in his W10 With the GT Final Edition pre doors.
sented in November 2013,
Mercedes-AMG racer at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. production of the Mercedes
SLS AMG ended in June 201
4.

Follow Mercedes Enthusiast on MercedesEnthusiast mercedesenthusiastmag MercEnthusiast

18
| August/September 2022 www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk
 The SL SHOP
@The SLShop
How’s your lawn loo
Cars king? @homewood
John P Mohan Classic their rooms. Gutted
you missed our Cotsw
bath guests loving
the view from
@johnpmohanclassiccars our tour of the Bord olds Tour? Fear not,
first and rather wet Irish ers this September. you can join us for
The W100 600 making its
ertparkcarshow.
appearance at the @herb

Gooding & Company Prestige Car Service

@GoodingandCompany @mercedes_workshop_horndean
We’re honoured to present the William M. cars that are sure to quickly turn heads. This M104 engine suffered an oil leak
Wonder Collection at our world-renowned Pebble Cars in this special auction include a 1955 from the front cover seal, and I’ve lost count
Beach Auctions this August. The late Mr Wonder, Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, 1972 AAR Gurney of the amount I’ve done. To get it leak-free is
who was a legendary and well-respected name Eagle Indy Car and 1999 Ferrari 333 SP. certainly tricky and fiddly. While I was there,
in the world of American privateer racing, Image credit: Copyright and Courtesy of Gooding I fitted a new oil seal on the end of the cam,
collected a number of significant competition & Company. Images by Josh Hway distributor cap and rotor arm.

Edward Hall Classic

Mercedes
@edwardjshall Jakub Brzycki
1996 CL600 with just 39, @benzers_CLK
000 miles from new. Lot
recent maintenance. Thr s of Evening rides, brilliant vibes.
ee owners. Not many of in Quiraing on the Isle of Skye, some
V12 coupes around. Availab these monster Jakub Brzycki’s CLK55 AMG Cabriolet pictured
le now. fan married his wife, no less.
30m from where the long-time Mercedes-Benz
www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk August/September 2022
| 19
Mercedes-AMG One

Racer
at
heart
The mouth-
watering technical
details of the
production-ready
Mercedes-AMG
One have been
released. Just how
close is it to
Hamilton’s ride?
WORDS SHANE O’ DONOGHUE
IMAGES MERCEDES-BENZ GROUP AG

20
| August/September 2022 www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk
The engine started life
in the back of the 2016
Mercedes F1 W07
Hybrid racer

www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk August/September 2022

| 21
 Minimalist
two-seat cabin,
F1-style wheel.

T
he phrase “F1 car for the road” has been The F1 car’s 15,000rpm limit was never going to make it
overused through the years and often through to a road car, sadly. We’re told that it’s actually rarely
refers to a stripped-back and spindly used by the drivers as the engine’s output tails off above about
looking vehicle that is palpably barely 12,000rpm anyway, but it’s there to allow an over-rev margin.
road-legal. Mercedes-AMG went a different The road car’s engine still manages 11,000rpm, despite using
route for the One, adopting a hypercar commercially available fuel, while keeping within emissions and
appearance, while asking its development noise limits.
team and engineers “how much of our F1 To that end, the AMG One features four preheated metal
car can we bring to the road?” Five years catalytic converters, two ceramic catalytic converters and two
after the car was first unveiled, we now petrol particulate filters, along with a titanium silencer. Despite
have the definitive answer to that question, and it’s an all that, early tests revealed that the car was way too loud for the
astounding creation. public road. A good deal of the noise came from the spur gears
Central to the One’s link with Formula 1 is its engine. Or that drive the four camshafts from the crankshaft, so the
rather, its hybrid powertrain, as the 1.6-litre V6 is only one part geartrain was redeveloped, and much work was carried out on an
of the equation and responsible for only just over half of the acoustic enclosure for the engine, too.
maximum power output. AMG quotes a peak of 1,048bhp when
the engine and all four (yes, four) electric motors are working A mountain to climb
together flat out. And it won’t quote a maximum torque figure, A little-known factoid is that Formula 1 engines use lead in their
as it’s apparently too complicated. big-end bearings, but it’s a toxic material that is banned from
That engine started life in the back of the 2016 Mercedes F1 road car use, so the Mercedes engineers had to rethink this part
W07 Hybrid racer, one of the most successful Formula 1 cars of the engine for the One. Another potential challenge arose
ever. Its stats include 19 wins from 21 races at the hands of Lewis when it came to the possibility of high revs with low load. In
Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, so to say the engine has heritage is other words, someone revving the engine high when the gearbox
an understatement. But surely the new One’s powertrain isn’t was in neutral. In F1, the drivers are coached not to do this, as it
actually very similar and the link is a marketing one? quickly leads to connecting rod failure. The sport’s rules on
It would seem not. The F1 hybrid system was developed by giving the driver as much control as possible means it’s not
Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains in allowed to use the engine management software to prevent such
Northamptonshire and a separate group was established to
redevelop the engine for road car use. The intention from the
start was to bring as much of the racer’s engine to production
as possible. Emissions and sound regulations were some of the
biggest challenges the team faced, not to mention building in a
little more longevity. And, though the road car is hardly
inexpensive, there were elements of the racer’s engine that were
deemed prohibitively costly.
One such example is the sophisticated, finger follower valve
gear. In fact, in the process of redesigning and simplifying this
 Michelin Pilot
Sport Cup2 R tyres
system, the AMG One team came up with a lighter design that
unique to the One. was then adopted by the race team.

22
| August/September 2022 www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk
 Mercedes-AMG One

The AMG One team

came up with a
lighter design that
was then adopted by
the F1 race team

a situation, but that was easy to overcome for the AMG One, as  Project One through the turbine is relatively weak. Conversely, in generator
prototype testing
there are no such roadblocks. at Millbrook, UK.
mode, it can use excess exhaust gas flow to feed energy back into
One of the few other changes to the engine comes in the form the car’s 8.4kWh lithium-ion battery pack. That’s no ordinary
of the fuel injection system and strategy. Where the F1 car is battery, either, as it uses the same fast energy draw, high-power
optimised for wide open throttle driving, the road car must be density concept pioneered in the racer – something also found in
docile enough to drive at low speeds, tickling along in traffic if the Mercedes-AMG GT63 S E Performance.
needs be without any issue. That prompted a change in the The last of the four electric motors is referred to as the
hardware. F1 rules allow for a single injector per cylinder and MGU-K (Motor Generator Unit Kinetic). It’s a 120kW
that injector must spray into the combustion chamber (it’s (161bhp) unit that spins to 50,000rpm. It directly drives the
called direct injection). The AMG One has that, but it also has engine’s crankshaft via spur gears. In fact, this same unit is used
an inlet port injector for each cylinder. This, in conjunction with for the front wheel motors. Hopefully you agree that the details
unique injection strategies for the direct injector, allows for a of this engine are more fascinating than the headline figures. But
wider range of operating conditions. they do enable straight-line numbers that include 0-62mph in
So where do the four electric motors come in? The first two 2.9 seconds, 0-124mph in 7 seconds, and 0-186mph in just 15.6
are easy, as they each turn a front wheel, making the One seconds.
all-wheel drive, or front-wheel drive in electric mode. There’s
even a modest battery pack to allow just over 11 miles of silent, Carbon dream
emissions-free driving. Which seems laughable when you look at As in Formula 1, however, a winning car is not made by a
the thing. The final two motors are closely integrated with the powerful engine alone, and the rest of the Mercedes-AMG One
engine itself and are almost identical to what was used in the F1 package promises to be up to F1 engine billing, too. The body
car. The first is called the MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit and monocoque chassis are made from carbon fibre, for
Heat) and it sits on the shaft of the turbocharger between the example, while the engine and its special seven-speed gearbox
compressor and exhaust-driven turbine.  1,695kg kerb are load-bearing parts of the structure as well. The suspension
weight, 2,720mm
Not that you’d recognise the turbocharger as one at a glance, wheelbase. is straight out of the motorsport playbook too, with transverse,
as the compressor and turbine wheels are much further apart adjustable push-rod spring struts, though as it’s a road car, it gets
 Track mode
than usual. When acting as a motor, the MGU-H can turn the lowers ride and adaptive damping. Nonetheless, the ride height can be dropped
turbocharger to create boost, even when the exhaust gas flow raises spoiler. dramatically – 37mm at the front and 30mm at the rear –

www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk August/September 2022

| 23
Mercedes-AMG One AIR INLET ICE
EXHAUST SYSTEM
CHARGE AIR COOLER

POWER ELECTRONICS
DC/DC CONVERTER AND STRUCTURAL AMT
depending on the driving BATTERY MANAGEMENT GEARBOX
SYSTEM
mode.
Remarkably, the exterior LI-ION HV BATTERY
design of the One hasn’t been
radically altered from the 2017
concept vehicle, characterised
perhaps by the vertical fin that
runs down its spine, alluding to
the shape of the airbox in an F1
car. Apparently, it is functional,
aiding high-speed stability and V6 HYBRID POWER UNIT
GEARBOXES
helping to clean up the air flow
ELECTRIC
to the rear. Look closer and MOTORS MGU-K ELECTRIC MOTOR
you’ll see that the design is MGU-H ELECTRIC TURBOCHARGER
very much led by the POWER ELECTRONICS
aerodynamic requirements of POWER ELECTRONICS MGU-K
the car, but Mercedes has also
POWER ELECTRONICS MGU-H
managed to integrate the active
aerodynamics in such a way as
to create an astoundingly power from the engine and motors. That should keep things
technical and impactful shape. interesting for the driver, no matter what their level of experience.
Like in a single-seater, the driver sits with their feet higher
Active aerodynamics than their hips, and there’s even a bespoke F1-like steering
The louvres over the front wheels open or close, for example, while wheel – though some of its labelling will be familiar to drivers of
the front diffuser shape can be altered on the fly and the intricate regular Mercedes cars. The main seat bases are integrated with
rear wing’s profile and size also adapts to requirements. The the chassis, but there’s a small amount of adjustment in the
operation of the various elements works under three modes – backrest, supplemented by a movable steering wheel and pedal
Highway, Track and Race DRS (Drag Reduction System), the latter box. Though the cabin design is quite minimal, there’s all the
designed for maximum speed. Mercedes claims that there is  The One has an expected equipment and technology on board as standard.
electric range of
downforce produced from as little as 30mph in some cases – just over 11 miles. We can only hope that some of the 275 buyers of this £2.5
presumably when the driver chooses the track-only ‘Strat 2’ setting, million hypercar intend to use it to its fullest capability, as
 0 to 124mph in
inspired by an F1 car’s qualifying mode. In the AMG One, this 7sec; 0 to 186mph nobody else will have the chance to experience F1 technology
firms up the suspension, lowers the car and provides maximum in 15.6sec – wow! on the road to the same degree.

The body and

monocoque
chassis are
made from
carbon fibre

Technical data – Powertrain

B ORE X STROKE 80.0x53.03mm D ISPLACEMENT 1,599cc M AX SYSTEM OUTPUT 1,048bhp E NGINE REV LIMIT 11,000rpm M AX ENGINE OUTPUT 566bhp@9,000rpm
SPECIFIC OUTPUT , ENGINE 354bhp per litre MGU-K (ELECTRIC MOTOR ON CRANKSHAFT ) 161bhp MGU-FL/MGU-FR (FRONT AXLE ELECTRIC MOTORS ) 2x161bhp = 322bhp
MGU-H (ELECTRIC MOTOR OF TURBOCHARGER) 120bhp M AX TURBO BOOST PRESSURE 3.5bar

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| August/September 2022 www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk
 Cover
story

Four-eyed
The first-generation CLK was a more mainstream take on the two-door coupe
and cabriolet theme than its 124-series predecessor, and found great success
among younger buyers. We look back on these cars 25 years after the 208-series
burst onto the scene at the North American International Auto Show in 1997
WORDS RICHARD MASON IMAGES CRAIG PUSEY & MERCEDES-BENZ GROUP AG

“The first CLK joined

a new generation of
Mercedes hunting for
greater market
share”

26
| August/September 2022 www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk
 25 years of the 208-series CLK

L
aunched to the world in January 1997, the first CLK joined a new generation “The concept car – designed by Michael Fink
of Mercedes hunting for greater market share. The new A-Class had shown – kept the seat belt butlers and pillarless C124
that Stuttgart was willing to move way out of its comfort zone to stifle BMW’s features, although a line of lights was also
efforts, with Munich’s push for success spearheaded by the 3-Series, which planned to run along the door sills. Very odd,”
appealed to a younger, image-conscious buyer. Red comments. “Intriguingly, the roof was to
The 208-series CLK was a smash hit and becoming the Formula 1 Safety Car may be an all-glass affair, at least in the early
be its crowning achievement. Providing insight into the CLK’s development is sketches. The 1993 Geneva motor show saw
Red Mackinnon, CLK Model Register Captain of the UK’s Mercedes-Benz Club. the concept coupe, based on Fink’s design, take
“Mercedes wanted to liven up some of its more pride of place on the Mercedes-Benz stand.
conservative models in the range. By producing a “What’s really interesting is that it borrowed
more modern-looking coupe of slightly smaller the five-litre M119 V8 engine from the E500,”
dimensions than the ‘C124’ Coupe, the Red reveals. “This was because the M112 V6,
manufacturer hoped to attract buyers in their late which was eventually married up with this car,
20s and early 30s who hadn’t considered a was still in development. The then Sultan of
Mercedes before.” Of course, a Cabriolet version Brunei saw the show car and bought it on the
of the CLK was also in the pipeline. spot, causing Mercedes to hurriedly send the
“The ‘C208’ CLK was based on the concept back to the factory to be completed as
202-series C-Class chassis with some E-Class a useable car.
fittings, although the seats, lights, body panels
and interior are unique to the CLK,” Red
continues. “It’s hard to believe, but a group of
young designers were challenged to come up
M eanwhile, always with a convertible in
mind, Fink took an early CLK Coupe to
Karmann down the road from Bremen,
with a replacement for the Jaguar E-Type, which chopped off the roof and
obviously ignoring the XJS. From the designs strengthened the body,” Red continues.
put forward, including one from Brit Steve “Together, they came up with a hood design
Mattin, it was a concept from the youngest that was in harmony with the car’s lines. This
designer there – American-born Michael Fink ‘A208’ Cabriolet version launched in March
– that was selected. 1998 in Geneva.
“Having met Michael, he told me that he was “Although the CLK was officially released in
heavily influenced by the side-on aspect of the 1997, a few cars rolled off the line in late 1996.
Porsche 911 and the Ford Capri. When looking By this time, the CLK had gained B-pillars for
at the profile of the C208 CLK, especially the added strength and lost the seat belt butlers,”
rear window shape, the similarity is clear,” Red Red confirms. “Engine sizes were 200, 230
confirms.  Over 340,000 208-series CLKs were manufactured by M-B. Kompressor, and the flagship 320 with

www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk August/September 2022

| 27
 “There was a
waiting list as long
as your arm”

Mercedes’ first V6 engine. Customers could diesel option for the CLK – that came later joining the gadgets, and indicators moving to
choose from two trim levels – Elegance or with the 209-series. Mercedes-Benz obviously the door mirrors, amongst other things,” Red
Sport,” Red continues. “The Sport featured got it right with its first CLK because from adds. The UK also got a new range topper in
blue glass and faux carbon fibre interior trim, launch date there was a waiting list as long as the form of the CLK430 V8, which was swiftly
and some really different colours that had never your arm, and the Cabriolet only added to the knocked off its perch by the 342bhp CLK55
been seen before on a Mercedes-Benz vehicle. queue. At the time, I believe they were the AMG in 1999/2000. Unsurprisingly, the
Sport-specification cars also came with stiffer fastest selling coupe and convertible on the CLK55 AMG became the Formula 1 Safety
suspension. market. Car. Red continues, “If you couldn’t afford
“At the facelift in 1999, the Sport trim name “The 1999 facelift saw a trip computer a CLK55, it was possible to buy an AMG
was changed to Avantgarde and the colours bodykit for your CLK, adding about £3,000,
toned down a little. Bird’s eye maple wood trim Show car’s glass roof which was still a lot of money then.”
also became available. In 2000, exclusive was dropped for
production models.
designo options were offered, giving customers
a choice of special liveries and interior trim
options which, if you bought the lot, cost
C 208 Coupe production ceased in May
2002 with 233,367 cars built – that figure
65 per cent higher what the C124 achieved.
another £10,000,” Red suggests. “These rare The A208 Cabriolet was made until March
cars are now sought-after by serious collectors. 2003, its production total of 115,161 some
“The 230 Kompressor is no slouch and three and a half times greater than that of the
achieved slightly better fuel economy than the 124-series Cabriolet.
320, although the four-cylinder could not “Interestingly, the very first CLK55 AMG
compete with the silky smoothness of the V6,” Cabriolets in the UK were only available
Red says. “Remember, at this time there was no through special dealer order,” Red recalls.
“They would be manufactured as a 430 and
Concept sketch of the then shipped from Bremen to Affalterbach to
CLK Coupe, drawn by be turned into a CLK55 AMG. This is
Michael Fink in 1993.
evidenced by the VIN number starting with the
prefix ‘430’. Towards the end of production,
the car was made entirely in Affalterbach.
“For mere mortals who couldn’t afford the
£70,000 for a CLK55 there were Final Edition
models of the 230 Kompressor and 320,” Red
continues. “These had Alcantara roof lining,
leather and Alcantara seats, different trim, Final
Edition badges and special wheels. In Europe,
these were badged ‘Master Edition’.” The CLK
nameplate also graced motorsport with cars
winning many races in DTM, and even FIA GT

28
| August/September 2022 www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk
 25 years of the 208-series CLK

Championships thanks to the CLK-GTR and most major parts still available, they should be Kerry remembers. “I was looking to replace my
CLK-LM. easy to maintain. Choose your CLK wisely and SLK with something bigger. A C208 seemed
So, 25 years after launch, how does Red view you will be rewarded with many miles of fun ideal and had the advantage of being cheaper
the 208-series CLK’s prospects as a classic? It driving,” Red concludes. than a C209. I was hoping it would also have
is prone to corrosion, after all. “Rust may be the potential to be a classic.
apparent, as with any car, but some have lasted Ownership
well. Obviously, maintenance, use and storage
play a big part in keeping corrosion at bay.
Typically, the rear wheelarches are vulnerable,
Two Mercedes-Benz Club members who have
followed Red’s advice are Kerry Dickson,
owner of a striking CLK320 Coupe, and LP
O n driving Ray’s CLK320 Coupe, I
thought, ‘What a lovely car’. Ray had
fitted a lot of new suspension parts, so the
and around the bootlid lock. The front who has treated himself to a rare CLK55 AMG ride and feel was like new, plus the A/C was
wheelarches are normally OK, but they suffer Cabriolet with designo extras. repaired. If Ray hadn’t done the repairs, the
from stone chips as does the bonnet which if Kerry was lucky to buy his car from fellow car would probably have been scrapped. My
left untreated will lead to corrosion. It really Mercedes-Benz Club member Ray Oliver, who Quartz Blue CLK is a comfortable cruiser with
winds me up when I see the 208 CLK had a Coupe and a Cabriolet for sale – the power to nip by people. It’s had five or six
singled out as a rust bucket when both 320s. “This was 2018 and Ray owners, which isn’t surprising as it’s an early
the W210 E-Class, the W220 came highly recommended,” model from 1998.”
S-Class and R170 SLK were
all suffering the same
issues,” Red affirms.
“Oddly enough, the
very early CLKs have
stood up better to the
elements than later
ones, but they’re hard
to find now. There was
no galvanizing of the
body panels on the
208-series CLKs – this
didn’t happen until mid/late
2004 on the 209-series CLKs. 208s
in good condition are fetching stronger
prices, especially the Cabriolets
and the AMGs. People see  Kerry Dickson
them as a fun, practical and owns this very
clean CLK320.
distinctive four-seat coupe or
 Pre-facelift
cabriolet, which will not cost interior with
the earth to buy or run. With perforated hide.

www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk August/September 2022

| 29
A fine selection of Botany Business Park
Mercedes-Benz cars always Whaley Bridge
available from up to High Peak
50 classic cars in stock Derbyshire
Viewing by appointment only SK23 7DQ

1971 Mercedes 600 W100 1972 Mercedes 300 SEL 3.5 LHD.
Grosser. Very rare RHD example moss green with beige leather
with matching numbers. On of 273 trim, Aircon, air suspension,
RHD examples built out of a total of sunroof, Mexican hat alloys and
2677 W100s. Finished in dark Olive full leather, subject of a £100K
Green (MB 292) with Cognac leather. restoration to showroom
Magnificent service history with low condition, one of the finest
ownership and serious investment available ...............................£49,950
over the years. Please see our website
for more details................. £119,950

1988 Mercedes 560SL Sports. LHD. Signal red with beige leather trim, 1966 Mercedes 230S fin-tail Auto. RHD, white with blue trim, stunning rust 1986 Mercedes 300SL R107 RHD. Arctic white with black leather trim.
Hard and soft tops, air con, cruise, OTG, and full electric pack. Sold by free example, sold by us twice in 30 years .......................................................... £POA Alloys, rear seat, black soft-top, 75,000 miles with full documented history,
us to its last two owners, and three owners from new. Full and detailed magnificent original example .............................................................. £34,950
Mercedes history. Lovely original example and very very Rare .....£24,950

1994 Mercedes SL500. RHD, Azurite blue with Champagne leather trim, 1983 Mercedes 380 SL Sports. White with beige leather trim, and blue 1995 Mercedes 320SL AMG W129. Azurite blue with beige leather full
8 Hole alloys, Aircond, Cruise, blue power hood, and hardtop. ASR, sport top. Car supplied new to English film star who owned the car for factory AMG Kit and AMG Alloys, mega specification includes Aircond
102,000 miles with FMBSH, 19 stamps in the service book, all tools, 30 years. Stunning original rust free example. With impeccable full leather, ASR, ASD, criuse, electric everything hard and soft tops
spare keys etc, magnificent and original car ................................ £18,950 provenance........................................................................................ £29,950 and blue power Hood, 122000 miles with FSH.............................. £15,950
LD
SO

1998 Mercedes SL500 R129. Black with full grey leather, black power hood 1989 Mercedes 300SL R107. RHD, silver with blue leather and clock trim, 1985 Mercedes 280SL R107. Pageant red with full grey leather Hard and
and black hard top. 5speed Auto, AMG Alloys, rear seat, Aircond, Criuse, plus flat face alloys, blue hood, full electric pack, 93,000 miles with FSH, sold by us soft tops, Mexican hat alloys, This magnificent time warp example has
excellent factory spec Last owner 13 years, always serviced by the main dealer, twice in 20 years, stunning original car ............................................................£34,950 covered 24000 miles from new with full documented history, Old MOTs
this magnificent car has covered 94000 genuine miles with FMBSH and has just etc etc....unique and in original mint condition ............................ £39,950
been serviced, stunning immaculate example ............................................. £18,950

1992 Mercedes 300SL Sports (W129). Alpine white with full tan leather. 1992 Mercedes 300SL W129. Signal red with beige leather, 8-hole alloys, 1992 Mercedes 500SL R129. Bornite with full grey leather, Hard & Soft
Flat face alloys, full electric pack, power hood, hard-top, CD, plus very hard top, black power hood, good factory period spec. 73,000 miles tops, black power hood, 8 hole alloys, Massive factory specification, Last
good spec. 71,000 miles with Mercedes-Benz history. This car is in mint with full Mercedes history, all books, tools, and original documentation. owner 20 years, 51000 miles with exemplary full service history...one of
original condition and must not be compared with the normal auction A superb and original example ........................................................ £16,950 the finest in existence....................................................................... £24,950
house offerings ................................................................................. £16,950

Tel: 01663 733209 www.classiccarshop.co.uk Mob: 07767 617507

 25 years of the 208-series CLK

“My CLK is a comfortable

cruiser with the power to
nip by people”

 320’s M112 V6
displaces 3.2L and
makes 215bhp.

 16-inch alloy
wheels of luxury
Elegance spec.

Within a month of ownership, Kerry made CLK55 AMG Cabriolet with designo options. “Subsequently, four Mercedes dealers took
a bold decision. “Whilst parked at Shoreham “I have never seen another car exactly the same turns trying to sell it. It was bad timing because
Airport someone accidentally scratched it. I as mine,” LP begins. “When I was looking for a the new 209-series CLK had been launched and
tried polishing out the damage and did a fair new car, this model wasn’t on my radar. Yet nobody wanted a 208,” LP recalls. “Eventually,
job, but then I decided the car deserved better. when I spotted it, there was a curiosity factor 16 months later in March 2003, Mercedes-Benz
After receiving quotes from several body and it stuck in my mind. Weeks later, of Reading sold it to a lady who kept it
shops, I commissioned new front wings, minor the car was still for sale and for six years. The next owner kept
rust repairs and a respray. I also had the wheels eventually I bought it. it three years and then I bought
refurbished. The £2,987 it cost has been “I was mystified though it in 2012. The seller needed
rewarded with lots of compliments. Now, with by its 2003 registration room for child seats for his
112,000 miles on the clock, only the interior since documents showed it grandchildren, so it looked
requires some work.” was built in December a genuine sale. The car had
Kerry has been lucky with the mechanicals. 2001,” LP continues. around 70,000 miles on
“The only issue I’ve experienced was a loose “Taking the CLK to the clock.”
electrical connection causing a misfire. A cheap Mercedes-Benz
fix at £10. I’ve had the differential oils seals Beaconsfield for a service,
replaced and that was £374. Otherwise, a service one member of staff
and new MAF sensor plus engine coolant recognised it by its unusual
temperature sensor cost £580. Then another colour. Apparently, the car
£400 to repair some underbody rust plus had been ordered in 2001 by
Waxoyl to protect the whole of the underside.” a country and western singer,  LP’s CLK55 was
ordered new by a
or singer of some sort. On mystery singer.
Finders keepers delivery, he never paid the
 Magnificent
Whilst Kerry’s coupe may be rare, another balance, no doubt losing his M113 V8 in the
Club member called LP has possibly a unique hefty deposit. AMG with 342bhp.

www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk August/September 2022

| 31
25 years of the 208-series CLK

“People often ask me

what colour it is,
guessing that it’s copper
or burnt orange”
During his 10 years of ownership, LP has
had many conversations about the paintwork.
“Stopping for petrol, people often ask me what  CLK55 also
colour it is, guessing that it’s copper or burnt boasts leather
upholstery.
orange. In fact, it’s Opal Braun, paint code is 486.
 Curled maple
Other designo extras include curled maple wood wood trim and
trim, leather upholstery and a half wood steering five-speed auto.
wheel, but no decals unlike later cars. I visited the
seller twice before buying it, as I knew it was Common rust issues have not blighted LP’s
special. I carried out a lot of research on the car, love affair with the CLK. “Apart from a few
but really it’s invisible. It’s a custom-built CLK. stone chips, I’ve not had any problems. The car
is serviced by a main dealer and technicians have

I love the combination of the appearance with

the lazy, smooth, burbling V8 power – but not
the fuel consumption,” LP laughs. “Due to its
said what a good car it is.” LP reports that the
light beige leather is easy to keep clean, given its
light use. “Really, I clean the CLK more than I
exclusivity, I don’t drive it much – about 8,000 drive it,” he says. “I’d be over the moon if I met
miles in 10 years. Every time I drive it though, I someone with an identical car.”
simply bask in that visual and audio appeal. I love
the dramatic contrasts of the interior, black  Thank you to CLK owners Kerry Dickson and LP,
carpets, dark wood and pale leather.” and to Red Mackinnon for his model insight

Just the facts

Mercedes-Benz CLK320 Coupe (C208) Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG Cabriolet (A208)
E NGINE M112 3,199cc V6 P OWER 215bhp@5,700rpm E NGINE M113 5,439cc V8 POWER 342bhp@5,500rpm
TORQUE 227lb ft@3,000-4,800rpm T RANSMISSION 5-speed auto, RWD TORQUE 376lb ft@3,000-4,300rpm TRANSMISSION 5-speed auto, RWD
W EIGHT 1,495kg 0-62 MPH 7.4sec WEIGHT 1,755kg 0-62 MPH 6.2sec
TOP SPEED 149mph FUEL CONSUMPTION 28.0mpg TOP SPEED 155mph F UEL CONSUMPTION 24.1mpg
CO2 EMISSIONS N/a Y EARS PRODUCED 1997-1999 CO2 EMISSIONS 297g/km YEARS PRODUCED 1999-2002

All figures from Mercedes-Benz; fuel consumption according to NEDC Combined; figures for a 1998 CLK320 Coupe and 2001-built CLK55 AMG Cabriolet as pictured; top speed of CLK55 electronically limited

32
| August/September 2022 www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk
 Kingdom Specialist Cars

CLK500 £16,985
C209. 2007. 86k miles.
FMBSH. Superb.

500SE £23,000 450SLC £40,000 500E £POA

W126. 1990. 67k miles. Cosmetic C107. 1979. 73k miles. W124. 1991. 80k miles. Iconic car
restoration 2021. Comprehensive S/history. Comprehensive restoration in 2017.

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C55 AMG £15,750 Modern Mercedes and C63 AMG £35,950
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High specification. Immaculate throughout. Highest spec. Superb example.

Located in Hampshire near to J5 M3 and only thirty minutes from

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Mercedes-Benz cars originating from the 1960s through to the mid-2000s.

www.kingdomspecialistcars.com
07577 575770 | info@kingdomspecialistcars.com

August/September 2022 33
Road trip – 300CE-24 Cabriolet

This car was imported to

South Africa for the German
ambassador who resided in
the country’s capital

34
| August/September 2022 www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk
 Coastal
C R U I S E R
The pre-facelift 124-series Cabriolet is a relatively rare
model. In South Africa, a local collector offered us the
keys to his top-condition 300CE-24 for a sunset drive on
one of the most picturesque roads on the continent
WORDS WILHELM LUTJEHARMS IMAGES PEET MOCKE

www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk August/September 2022

| 35
Road trip – 300CE-24 Cabriolet

I t is hard to believe there was

a time when a four-seater
Mercedes-Benz cabriolet
was not available. But that
was the case throughout
the 1970s and 80s. At the
Frankfurt show in 1991
things changed for the better when the
124-series 300CE-24 Cabriolet debuted.
However, buyers had to be patient, as the car
only went into series production six months
after it was unveiled. This is understandable as
Mercedes-Benz had to put it through its usual
 Eight-hole,
rigorous development test procedures to be 15-inch alloys and
sure of its dynamism and safety. Continental tyres.
Based in the Winelands town of Stellenbosch
 Wilhelm was
in South Africa, the owner of this 300CE-24 in his element
Cabriolet has a number of Mercedes in his driving the cabrio.

36
| August/September 2022 www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk
 collection. However, I quickly
sense that this ‘A124’ (the ‘A’
denoting a 124-series
convertible) is one of his
favourites – for various reasons.
There is no
better way to B ack in the 90s, this
particular car was imported
to South Africa for the German
end a weekend ambassador who resided in the
country’s capital, then named Pretoria.
than with a That also explains why it is a left-hand drive car
in a right-hand drive market. When the
 Blue-black
paint for the
upper bodywork.

sunset drive on ambassador moved back to Germany, the car

was sold and the new owner gave it to his son reminded of how solidly these cars were made.
a pristine piece who lived outside Cape Town.
It was stored in a garage under blankets for
There are no squeaks or rattles in the cabin, and
overall the car feels remarkably fresh. Even
of tarmac years and was rarely driven. It then found its
way into the possession of a Mercedes-Benz
over speed bumps the suspension works
perfectly and the car feels sturdy. The fact that
specialist. He took it upon himself to this Benz is fitted with plump 205/60 tyres on
recommission the car as it needed some work 15-inch wheels helps with bump absorption.
following so little use. The current owner saw
the car when the specialist attended club
meetings and he always reminded the specialist
that if he ever wanted to sell the car to please
T his road is one of the best and prettiest
driving roads on the continent, snaking
along the rugged coastline of South Africa’s
keep him in mind. The rest is history. False Bay. On the opposite side of the bay you
The W124 Saloon is one of the earliest have the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town.
Mercedes-Benz models with the square design Incidentally, this road also formed part of the
theme we associate with earlier models. Even route that was used during the international
so, the relatively angled lines of this blue-black launch of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
exterior colour make it stand out. It is back in 2004.
unmistakably a Mercedes-Benz. Behind the wheel there are a few elements
There is no better way to end a weekend than that immediately remind you of the fact that
with a sunset drive on a pristine piece of this is a 124-based Mercedes. This includes the
tarmac. The R44 runs through the Winelands view over the bonnet, the near-square, compact
to and then along the coast. The road is side mirrors, and then several aspects of the
perfectly tarred and that undoubtedly helps cabin itself.
with the smooth nature that the A124 portrays. Luxury items include heated seats and to the
Initially in the passenger seat and then left of the gearlever there is the familiar shift
behind the wheel, I’m first and foremost button offering Economy and Standard

www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk August/September 2022

| 37
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38 August/September 2022
 Road trip – 300CE-24 Cabriolet

There are no
squeaks or
rattles in the
cabin, and
overall the car
feels remarkably
fresh
 The plush
rear seats look
completely new.

legs. Here I notice how the car will easily cruise

at an indicated 100mph. Press the throttle pedal
past its stop and you activate the kickdown
function. From a relaxed 2,500 or 3,000rpm,
the engine jumps around 1,000rpm and the car
accelerates in a relatively linear fashion,
accommodated by a throaty roar from the
double exhaust pipes. Better still, I’m treated to
a more intense six-cylinder symphony when
the engine’s sound rebounds off the jagged
rock faces lining our route.
With revs rising to 5,000rpm, the engine still
has another 2,000rpm left, but as maximum
power is delivered at 6,400rpm there is little
need to push the engine way beyond six grand.
modes. I don’t see the point of driving this before the sun sets) we experience the best the It is in the middle of the rev range, however,
car in any setting other than Standard, though. A124 has to offer. There is the option to raise that I find the straight-six most rewarding, with
the windows and put the wind deflector in a good level of torque and plenty of shove left

A s I settle behind the wheel and close

the door, the quaint little arm
behind my left shoulder hands me the
place, but on a perfect afternoon like this one,
some wind entering the cabin is welcomed.
And anyway, to my eye the deflector does the
in reserve should you want to accelerate.
Through the corners, the Mercedes largely
keeps body roll in check, although it will begin
seat belt so it falls easily to hand. With the 124’s handsome lines no favours. to wallow if you get rough with it. Certainly,
roof and windows permanently down for the There are long stretches of open road where this 124 performs best when the driver is
entire afternoon (except for a single shot the 300CE-24 is only too happy to stretch its relaxed behind the wheel and in no great rush
to reach their destination, the cabrio far happier
sweeping through beautiful scenery than
scorching the edges of its Continental tyres.
Development
What it took to turn the 124-series Coupe into a stunning convertible
Based on the 300CE Coupe, several reinforcements were made to the chassis of the 124-series
E ven at higher speeds, I can still have
a decent conversation with my
passenger without shouting as we make
Cabriolet. These included support structures in the A-pillars, windscreen frame, footwells, B-pillar our way past Pringle Bay and Hangklip,
bases and rear transmission tunnel area, as well as behind the instrument panel. The latter was and through Betty’s Bay. These towns are
also fixed to the transmission tunnel. Below the car there are diagonal braces on the frame floor mostly populated during the holiday periods
that limit body flex. For rollover safety, there are two pop-up bars that will instantly rise behind and they are wonderfully quiet out of season.
the rear seats in an accident. The next stop before we turn around is
These measures may not sound too extensive, but in total around 1,000 new parts had to be Kleinmond where we head to the small launch
designed and developed for the 124 Cabriolet. Some 130kg of sheet metal was used to make up for pad in the harbour. A number of people pay
the lack of the 28kg metal roof. Furthermore, four vibration absorbers were fitted to bring attention to the 124 convertible, as it is not a
vibration levels more in line with those of the Coupe. These added an additional 26kg. car you see often. If it was the saloon, it’s likely
With total production of this pre-facelift 300CE-24 Cabriolet touching 6,343 units, by all no one would have noticed it.
accounts cars like the one featured here are delightfully rare: 1992 saw 4,469 units built, followed As we make our way back, the owner and I
in 1993 by 1,856. The first 18 pre-production cars were made in 1990/1991. discuss this 300CE-24 in detail, which he’s
owned since November 2015. “I’ve done

www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk August/September 2022

| 39
Road trip – 300CE-24 Cabriolet

Of the few cars I own,

this will be the absolute
last car I’ll sell
regular trips with the car, usually around
150- to 200-mile return journeys to towns in
the Boland or Overberg. Of the few cars I
own, this will be the absolute last car I’ll sell.
There are a number of reasons for this.
Firstly, it is a really affordable car to
maintain. You don’t necessarily need a  Straight-six
does its best work
specialist to work on the car. There are at the top end.
hundreds of thousands of 124s made, so
 That’s a model
parts are easy to source. Secondly, it drives badge you don’t
like a modern car without all the modern see every day.
technology. Moreover, it’s also fairly
practical. receive a correcting layer of paint. Other As the sun begins dipping behind the
than that, the car is near perfect. As the horizon, we raise the fabric roof of the A124,

I t is also a solid and safe car,” he

continues. “On the open road, it
really is an exceptionally comfortable
owner says, the car has thankfully never been
mistreated but it has been used, with minor
stone chips visible if you look closer. That
complete with its glass rear window. We’ve
been having so much fun driving al fresco,
it suddenly dawns on me that this is the first
grand tourer. Finally, if you want to drive matters little as the car has been maintained time I’ve seen the roof locked in position. It
fast you can, although that is not the most properly, and the 100,000 miles on the odo is pleasing enough to the eye and certainly
important feature of the car for me.” shows that it has also been used regularly of high quality, but only in bad weather
The owner points out a couple of aspects throughout its life. Meanwhile, still present would I consider deploying it were I this
of the interior that are not standard, as well with this 300CE-24 is the service book, car’s owner. For the rest of the time, it
as the grille and bumper which need to owner’s manual and the original warranty. would be roof down all the way!

Just the facts

Mercedes-Benz 300CE-24 Cabriolet (A124)
E NGINE M104 2,960cc 6-cyl P OWER 217bhp@6,400rpm TORQUE 195lb ft@4,600rpm TRANSMISSION 4-speed auto, RWD
WEIGHT 1,710kg 0-62 MPH 8.8sec TOP SPEED 143mph F UEL CONSUMPTION 19.2mpg YEARS PRODUCED 1992-1993
All figures from Mercedes-Benz; fuel consumption according to EEC urban

40
| August/September 2022 www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk
No limits
Mercedes Enthusiast is invited
to test the latest machines
from tuner Brabus, including
the Crawler, a near-900bhp
dune buggy dripping with
intent and attitude, and the
S-Class-based 600 limousine
WORDS IAN KUAH
IMAGES IAN KUAH & BRABUS

42
| August/September 2022 www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk
 Brabus Crawler & S600

T
he Crawler is a limited edition, no-holds- was also clear that while we are a ‘manufacturer’ according to the
barred off-roader showcasing Brabus’ German transport authorities, it was important that we build a
design and engineering ability. “There was uniquely Brabus vehicle,” Jörn explained. A one-off or very low
no clear ‘Eureka!’ moment that gave birth volume car does not have to be street legal. Many wealthy
to the Crawler,” Brabus’ Technical Director, customers are willing to accept this, with the Ferrari FXX and
Jörn Gander explained. “The idea came out Porsche 935 prime examples of super exclusive track-only cars
of an exercise that my team had embarked offered to ‘VIP clients.’
upon to expand their knowledge of chassis “A segment where you can charge a lot of money and not have
development. As the best way to do this is to design and build to worry about the expense of all the
a working prototype, a discussion took place that set out the
initial parameters.”
road legal niceties makes for a very
interesting business case,” said Jörn.
“The Crawler
It was decided from day one that, as this exercise was about the
chassis and frame, the team would keep complex stuff like active
“But there are too many supercars out
there already, and as we are a sporting
is a significant
systems, electronics and NVH out of the equation.
“As for the type of
luxury specialist rather than a
motorsport company, the idea of a
495kg lighter
vehicle we would be
developing, it
track day car is as far from our core
business as you can get.” than a G63”

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| 43
  Monoblock HD
rims, 40x13.5R20
off-road tyres.

 Special set
up with 530mm of
ground clearance.

“The thrust from the Brabus 900

motor scrambles your brain”

 V8 with new
turbochargers and
enlarged capacity.
 Brabus Crawler & S600

On the other hand, Brabus is the world’s

number one tuner of the Mercedes G-Class, so
it made perfect sense to take the concept of an
ultimate off-road vehicle and develop this to
the Nth degree. Further bolstering this is the
fact that many of the company’s good
customers for extreme G63 conversions are
based in countries with deserts, and the pieces
of the puzzle started to drop into place. Brabus
is not just the world’s largest Mercedes tuner,
the company is also the world’s largest tuner
per se, and has state-of-the-art facilities
including 3D printing and carbon fibre
manufacturing departments.
The Crawler is built around a bespoke
tubular steel chassis optimised for strength and
weight using CAD and FEM modelling, and
carried out in conjunction with a specialist
partner in Germany. While it shares its
wheelbase dimensions, engine, drivetrain,
gearbox and differentials with the 2,560kg G63
AMG, the completely different chassis and body make a very  Seats finished ECUs were omitted since comfort features like electric seats,
in Silvertex fabric;
significant difference to the weight equation. With a full tank of GPS off-road nav.
electric windows and so on are redundant here.
fuel and all liquids, the Crawler is a significant 495kg lighter
despite the portal axle conversion adding 20kg per wheel.  No doors or Getting inside
windows on this
The moulding for the Crawler’s prepreg carbon fibre body is extreme Brabus. There is a technique to climbing inside the Crawler. Neatly
the largest Brabus has ever made in-house. In aesthetic terms, it placed side steps bring the prominent roll cage within reach, and
is a classic example of form following function, and the you must use this as your personal ‘monkey bar’ to swing
‘G-Class’ look of the nose cone and bonnet was an integral part yourself up and into the cockpit. With controls like the ignition
of the design, linking the Crawler to other exclusive Brabus and start button dispersed across the unfamiliar cabin, you need
G-Class-based vehicles. to pause for a moment to take it all in. Once you light it up and
the familiar instrument panel of the current G63 appears in front
Pushing the envelope of you, things approach to some semblance of normality.
The solid front and rear axles come from the Brabus XLP Pressing the starter delivers a V8 roar that shades a regular
conversion for the G-Class, which means they are substantially G63’s. The two big side exhausts seem to have a direct line to the
modified for extra load and strength along with the addition of voice of God, and those headsets hanging off the rollbars are
portal gearing and new wheel hubs. The gearbox ratios are stock meant for communication with other occupants that would
and the portal gearing is used to compensate for the massive otherwise be impossible thanks to the engine bellow and rush of
wheels and tyres that give the vehicle its superior ground turbulent air on the move.
clearance. This also means that the signal received by the factory In a vehicle of this stature, the Brabus 900 motor’s thrust
ESP system is correct. scrambles your brain. With a lot less weight to pull than a
Power comes from the proven Brabus Rocket motor as used standard G63 motor, the straight-line performance is totally
in the company’s GT Rocket 900. The only physical changes are mind-blowing, with 62mph arriving in just 3.4 seconds. Vmax is
to the oil sump and differential casing, the former being further limited to 100mph, but that’s enough without a windscreen. My
forwards to suit the chassis. The standard AMG biturbo V8 experience of enthusiastically driving the Crawler down a
motor family displaces 3,982cc from a bore and stroke of runway is best described as visceral, spiritually
83x92mm. Brabus increases this to 83.75x100mm for a swept energising and absurd, all at the same time.
displacement of 4,407cc. The turbochargers are modified Barely 12 hours after the wraps came off
with larger compressor wheels in modified housings. the Crawler at the previous evening’s
The turbine wheel geometry is altered for greater event, Brabus had names against all 15
efficiency, but as they are not any larger, their production slots, the 100,000
housings and the intake manifolds remain deposits chipping away at the
untouched. 749,000 (£650,000) total asking
With remapped engine and gearbox ECUs, price. However, as Brabus’
the bigger capacity motor makes a headline engineers can only put together
888bhp (900ps) at 6,200rpm, with the 992lb ft five of these super cool, hand-
of torque electronically limited to 774lb ft to made off-roaders per year, the
preserve the gearbox. The Brabus engineers very wealthy people at the back of
reduced complication as much as possible so this short queue will have to learn
while the gearbox ECU is standard AMG, many that patience is a virtue.

S600 reviewed overleaf

Just the facts
Brabus Crawler
ENGINE M177 4,407cc V8 biturbo POWER 888bhp@6,200rpm TORQUE 774lb ft@2,900rpm TRANSMISSION 9-speed auto, 4WD WEIGHT 2,065kg 0-62MPH 3.4sec TOP SPEED 100mph YEARS PRODUCED 2022-on
All figures from Brabus; torque and top speed are electronically limited

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| 45
 Brabus Crawler & S600

“The S600’s enhanced thrust adds

to its autobahn-crushing ability”

Brabus
S600
And now for something a little
more conventional – Brabus’
take on Mercedes’ four-litre V8
biturbo-engined S580 model
WORDS & IMAGES IAN KUAH

T
here is no denying that the larger
wheels and extensive bodykit,
including carbon fibre spoiler and
black chrome, give the Brabus S600 L
immense presence. The 22-inch
Brabus Monoblock Z alloys, shod
with 265/30R22 (front) and 305/25R22 (rear)
Continental SportContact 6 tyres provide new-
found balance to the LWB S-Class’s proportions,
and don’t affect ride quality thanks to their
one-piece and ultra-light, forged construction. Icing on the  Brabus module As this output level is beyond the air flow headroom of the
drops static ride
cake is a 30mm static ride height drop courtesy of a Brabus height by 30mm.
factory turbochargers, Brabus fits a pair of its own turbochargers
suspension module. with larger 52mm diameter turbine wheel with improved blade
Brabus offers ‘S550’ and ‘S600’ engine upgrades for Mercedes’  Upswept geometry in a modified scroll housing. The compressor wheel
display of the
S580 model, which boost the power and torque of the four-litre, standard cabin. and bearing system that support the turbine shaft are also
twin-turbo V8. The simpler of the two conversions, the Brabus uprated for higher performance. Two Brabus PowerXtra
PowerXtra B40-550 uses a ‘plug and play’ additional ECU additional control units are required for this conversion, and
supplied with a bespoke wiring harness that fits between the come with bespoke plug and play wiring harnesses.
engine and the factory ECU, and optimises the fuelling, ignition The S600’s enhanced yet still refined thrust adds to the luxury
and boost maps. limo’s autobahn-crushing ability, and is perfectly matched to the
Our long-wheelbase S600-badged test car featured the more greater poise through bends. Equally impressive, the S-Class’s
potent PowerXtra B40S-600 upgrade for its four-litre V8 secondary ride remains unsullied by the larger wheels and tyres
biturbo engine, yielding 592bhp (600ps) at 5,700rpm, thanks to their relatively low weight.
underpinned by 590lb ft of torque from 2,500 to 4,500rpm. The Brabus S600 L proves once again that while the world’s
Seriously rapid for a 2.3-tonne limo, the 4.1-second sprint to largest Mercedes tuner might be a master of big, powerful engines
62mph shows the effectiveness of the 4Matic system in in small cars that can turn rubber into noise and smoke, Brabus
providing traction off the line. can just as expertly tailor a velvet glove around a mailed fist.

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| August/September 2022 www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk
Second life A nut-and-bolt restoration
of this 190E 2.3-16 has
allowed Jaz Duley to
rekindle his treasured
Jaz Duley with
son Jay and his
restored Cosworth.
memories of youth
WORDS DAN BEVIS IMAGES ADRIAN BRANNAN

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 190E 2.3-16 restoration

For my 21st
birthday,
I treated
myself to a
2.3-16

www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk August/September
www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk June/July 2022
| 49
M
ost of us have a car in our past that we As formative motoring experiences go, that’s a real doozy. Of  Jaz's first
regret selling. Sometimes it’s a first all the affordable used saloons on the market back at the turn of love, the 190 he
sold to a friend.
car, or a lost love, or a home-grown the millennium (say, the Sierra Sapphire, the Cavalier, the 405),
build. It might be something that was the 190E really was something special, and in 2.3-16 form it was
affordable at the time, sold for supremely attractive.
buttons and has now become a The model’s racing aspirations stemmed from the
valuable classic. Most true car development of the two-litre M102 engine, which was identified
enthusiasts worth their salt have a tale like this. But hey, you as being a very happy recipient of a stretching out to 2.3-litres;
can’t keep ’em all, can you? Cosworth was approached to develop a four-valve head, with the
For Jaz Duley, the car in question was a Mercedes-Benz 190E aim of producing a reliable 182bhp (175bhp from September
2.3-16. “For my 21st birthday in the year 2000, I treated myself 1985) from the strengthened 2.3-16 four-pot. As well as the new
to a 2.3-16,” he recalls. “At that time, it was very rare for a lad of head, Cosworth provided the sublime exhaust manifold and
my age to be driving around in a vehicle like this! If I remember Mahle pistons, although impressively this was as far as the
rightly, I paid £3,000 and it had covered 100,000 miles. I went development needed to go – the M102 was deemed strong
and fetched it from Derby from a trader who had taken it in as a enough for the 40 per cent power increase, with even the stock
part-ex and advertised it in the local newspaper. As soon as I saw rods remaining.
it, I knew straight away that I would be bringing the car home,

W
no matter what! I took it for a test drive and it just put a smile on hile all of this engine evolution was happening, so
my face. Next thing I knew I was buying it. the base 190E was uprated to cope with the
“The car was totally standard, and the only thing I added was a increased forces: spring rates were increased and
set of 17-inch alloy wheels,” Jaz confirms. “I enjoyed driving it ride height lowered, thicker anti-roll bars fitted, steering rack  Compomotive
TH1882 18-inch
for four years until sadly I had to sell the car so I could open the quickened, and an aero GRP bodykit developed to alloy wheels.
next chapter of my life – getting married in 2004. I sold the complement the saloon’s already impressive drag coefficient.
 2.3-litre
2.3-16 to a good friend of mine, and told him that I would come With a strong, five-speed Getrag gearbox and an LSD, it made screamer now
back for it one day.” for a beguiling package as a road car and an exciting base for back to its best.

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| August/September 2022 www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk
 190E 2.3-16 restoration

competition. With this car rubbing shoulders with the M3 and

the Sapphire Cosworth, the sporting executive market was
certainly vibrant in the late 1980s and early 90s.
Of course, by the mid 2000s this was all just a wistful memory
for Jaz. Having acquired a BMW 740iL for family duties, he was
happy wafting around and generally getting on with life.
However, the spectre of
that 190E was niggling
away, just occasionally, Cosworth was
a little prodding at the
base of his brain, until
approached to
by 2015 the yearning develop a four-
became too insistent to
ignore. The path was
valve head, with the
clear: he had to exorcise aim of producing a
that particular demon
and get the 2.3-16 back reliable 182bhp
in his life.
“I contacted my friend, who told me he had sold the vehicle
on – I was gutted,” Jaz laments. “So I took it upon myself to
track down the 190E, which I successfully managed to do. It was
in a very sorry state, but I offered to buy the car back – however
the new owner refused my offer, so that was that. I began
searching on eBay instead, and Auto Trader, papers and forums,
to see if I could find myself a 2.3-16. Luckily enough, I found

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| 51
52 August/September 2022
 190E 2.3-16 restoration

I realised my
brother was right
– it was a total
scrapper Five-speed dog leg
manual gearbox;
leather-wrapped helm.

190, making my way down to

Cambridge. At first glance the car
looked OK, but when I looked around
it, I realised my brother was right – it
was a total scrapper. However, having
the experience and knowledge to carry
out the repairs, I could see through all
its problems. It had only covered 87,000
miles and had an outstanding history
file – so in the end I paid £3,500 and
took the car away. I couldn’t wait to
start the restoration project.”
one on eBay in Cambridge – it was on sale for £4,200
buy-it-now, however it was on bid. I started the process of Let the fun begin
bidding, but there were three other bidders and, unfortunately, And start Jaz did, right away, stripping
I lost the sale. the Mercedes all the way down to a
“I was very disappointed. I emailed the seller and told him that bare shell with all panels and doors
if the winning bidder for any reason changed his mind, I would removed. The engine and gearbox
take the car,” Jaz continues. “And guess what – he contacted me came out, and careful inspection of
and said, ‘The car’s yours if you want it’. I jumped up in joy and  In-car phone the chassis revealed that it had rather a lot of rot throughout.
said yes without even viewing the car!” tech has come a But Jaz wasn’t fazed by this – he was laser-focused on the end
long way since...
result and knew just what he had to achieve to get the car across
 A little over

I
t was a highly emotionally charged situation, but had Jaz the finish line.
87,000 miles on
finally found the car to rekindle his memories of youth? the odometer. Wasting no time, he cut the complete rear outer quarters along
Well, yes and no. “The next morning, I sent my brother to with the inner wheelarches on both sides, replacing them with
Cambridge to put down the deposit,” he explains. “When he saw fresh steel along with the jacking points. He had to do some
the car, he called me and said, ‘Are you sure you want this? It’s in fabrication around the rear window due to further corrosion,
a right state, the car is scrap’. Without even thinking, I said ‘yes, and the same went for the engine bay and bumper brackets; he
put the deposit on’ so it was secured. ended up replacing all four doors as well as the wings, bonnet
“The very first weekend I got off work, I arranged to collect the and bootlid. When his brother had described the shell as

LASTING
MEMORIES
Jaz took over 800
photos of the
work in progress
and keeps them
in a slick album.
He's since added
pictures of
moments when he
and his family are
enjoying the 190E
together.

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| 53
190E 2.3-16 restoration

 Jazz upgraded
the Recaro seats
to full leather.

 Gauges for
battery and oil
temp, plus timer.

prepped, I began bolting everything back on, replacing

anything that was needed and refurbishing most of the
original parts. I can confirm that this is a true nut-and-bolt
restoration!”

N
o stone was left unturned here, with everything
being comprehensively overhauled, from the brakes
No stone was left and suspension to the transmission, engine,
unturned here – you name electrics, interior, steering, exhaust system – you name it,
Jaz perfected it. After five long years and countless thousands
it, Jaz perfected it spent, the results are here before you – and it really does look
remarkable, doesn’t it? The only deviations from stock
‘scrap’, he wasn’t far wrong – but Jaz wasn’t about to be specification are those sublime, 18-inch Compomotive
defeated by something as trivial as that. TH1882 alloys with 225/35 tyres, and the fact that the factory
“All the panels I used were second-hand genuine parts half-leather interior has been upgraded to full black leather
without any damage, apart from the inner wheelarches that Recaro splendour.
were new,” he explains. “Once I was happy with all the repairs “I am so happy with the outcome and the way the car
on the body, the car received a complete respray inside and looks,” Jaz beams, rightly proud of his stellar efforts. “When
out with all panels removed. The paint was done at my I’m in this car, it brings back memories as if I were 21 all over
workplace, however the complete build and prep was done by again. What a joy to drive!” And with that baseline of
myself in the garden – I kept photographic evidence of it all youthful memories to build on, we can be sure he’ll be making
and took over 800 pictures of the build. Once the body was many more happy memories this time around.

Just the facts

Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 (W201)
ENGINE M102 2,299cc 4-cyl POWER 175bhp@5,800rpm T ORQUE 170lb ft@4,750rpm TRANSMISSION 5-speed manual, RWD WEIGHT 1,260kg 0-62 MPH 8.2sec
TOP SPEED 140mph FUEL CONSUMPTION 23.3mpg YEARS PRODUCED 1984-1988
All figures from Mercedes-Benz for a 1987 car as pictured; fuel consumption according to EEC urban

With thanks
Jaz Duley: “Thanks to my wife for allowing me to carry out the 190's restoration while she held the fort! Thanks also to my parents for supporting me and allowing
me to use their garden as a scrapyard, The Trade Centre for letting me use its facilities including the bodyshop to carry out paintwork, Leon Evans (bodyshop group
manager), Lee Gorton (head of quality and vehicle repair), Mark Arnold (bodyshop supervisor), Ian Watts (painter), Andy Paskin (paintless dent removal), and
finally Jason Ward – my friend who helped me on the very last stage to rub the primer down to meet my deadline for paint.”

54
| August/September 2022 www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk
 HELPING YOU TO BE SEEN
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August/September 2022 55
 Boxing T
he ‘43’ badged AMG models of 2016 allowed
drivers who couldn’t quite afford to step
through the front door at Affalterbach, to
sneak in through a window, perch on a ledge
and take in great whiffs of performance
goodness seeping from the back rooms. These

clever
turbocharged six-cylinders – the C43, GLC43, E43 and so on
– allowed keen operators to experience AMG suspension,
braking and exhaust theatrics without needing to feed a V8.
Before the 43s arrived, UK buyers unable to muster the funds
for full-fat AMGs were pegged at ‘350’ and ‘400’ V6, or ‘500’ V8
petrols from Mercedes’ catalogue. It’s no wonder AMG moved

V8 biturbo takes on advanced to plug this enormous price and performance void, much to the
benefit of Mercedes devotees who didn’t really want to venture

straight-six hybrid, as we put elsewhere for their go-faster kicks, and also those peeping over
the fence from seats of Audis and BMWs.
AMG’s E63 S head-to-head with The AMG 43 cars were not welcomed by all, however.
Diehard fans of the Affalterbach-based tuner accused it of yet
its practical E53 stablemate more brand dilution following the launch of trim lines such as
‘Engineered by AMG’ and ‘AMG Sport’. As exciting as these
WORDS KYLE MOLYNEUX IMAGES MERCEDES-BENZ GROUP AG cars sounded (who couldn’t love the idea of reviving AMG’s ‘43’

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| August/September 2022 www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk
 AMG Estates – E63 S vs E53

badge?) – These cars opened a new

I also had my chapter for AMG and they
reservations. have continued to evolve. In
But then I mid 2020, the E53 4Matic+
spent a good replaced the E43 and became the
week with a C43 new stepping-stone between the
Coupe which, mainstreamers and fire breathing E63
through its supple ride S; interestingly, there is no longer
quality, saucy induction a ‘base spec’ E63. We recently had the
note, involving handling and chance to compare Estate
sticky four-wheel drive system versions of the E53 and E63 S (both
lowered my guard like a crisis negotiator in Night Edition Premium Plus specs), to It’s no wonder
turned club doorman, convincing me there was see what advances have been made to the AMG-
something to the formula after all. And it was still very, very fast. lite package and how it stacks up against the V8. AMG moved
In fact, I thought the C43 was better in its execution than the Findings were interesting, to say the least…
non-S specification C63 model, whose leash felt artificially to plug the
shortened to distance it from the top banger and was less AMG E63 S
enjoyable to drive as a result. I also appreciated the C43’s The E63 S may mirror the E53’s dimensions to the enormous
standard-fit 4WD, which still fired 69 per cent of grunt to the millimetre, but its snarling face is even more
rear wheels and probably made the C43 as fast as a rear-wheel pronounced. The E53’s front side intakes are price and
drive C63 S in the right conditions. blanked off, but the E63’s serve real purpose,
performance
void with cars
like the E53

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| 57
 The E63 S may mirror the E53’s dimensions to the millimetre,
but its snarling face is even more pronounced

 Which  E63 S gets an  Even bigger

tailpipe design additional Drift brakes on the
do you prefer? mode. full-fat E63 S.

 Carbon part funnelling air to additional radiators and the brakes. Both cars E53 Premium model gets aluminium trim with a carbon-effect
of Night Edition
Premium Plus.
ride on 20-inch AMG wheels, but the E53 wraps them in grain). It would take a good eye and sensitive hand to notice the
Yokohama Advan Sport rubber while the E63 is fitted with even E53’s dashboard upholstery is man-made Artico leather rather
higher performing Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres that are slightly than real nappa leather, as seen on the E63. Both wagons also
lower profile at the rear. feature 64-colour ambient lighting, a 590W Burmester surround
Both cars have deep side sills and a rear diffuser-style bumper sound system, and 640- to 1,820-litre boots.
insert, but the E53’s pair of twin-pipes are oval-shaped and the
E63’s are trapezoidal. There are neat rear spoilers on each car Push to start
too, which tidy air flowing off the roof. There’s no doubt about These E-Classes split like atoms when you hit the engine
it, though – painted the same colour rather than designo starters, however. Whereas the E53’s straight-six wakens with a
hyacinth red and Obsidian Black, many would find it hard to tell sporting and fine-tuned whoop of revs, the V8 in the E63 S
these AMG E-Classes apart. That’s a good thing for E53 owners, whumps and crackles before settling with a deeper timbre. Prod
but what about those drivers who’ve paid £104,150 OTR – an their respective throttles with exhaust flaps open and the E53
extra 30 grand – for the E63 S? I’m not sure… snaps out a wicked and nasally howl, while the E63’s bellow
This feeling of similarity extends to the cabins, which both penetrates deeper into your chest and the drum beat on overrun
feature two 12.3-inch dashboard displays linked to MBUX is delivered with more venom.
infotainment, some lovely AMG sports seats, a thick-rimmed But which car to drive first? Maybe it’s the red paintwork,
AMG steering wheel with enlarged paddleshifters, and carbon or the thought of experiencing a 604bhp/627lb ft torque V8
fibre trim to ramp up the sporting ambience further still (the biturbo engine on dry roads, but I choose the E63. Settled into

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| August/September 2022 www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk
 AMG Estates – E63 S vs E53

 E53’s 19-inch  We’re big fans  4WD and

AMG rims and of the hazelnut AMG Ride Control+
strong brakes. brown leather. on the E53 too.

a low and fantastically central driving position,

I begin processing the overwhelming number
of driving modes, which adjust everything from
suspension stiffness and throttle response to
exhaust volume and gearbox behaviour.
I start in the Dynamic Select’s overarching
Comfort mode to check if the E63 can still do
relaxed – and yes, it can. The multi-chamber air
suspension is tight and yet compliant enough
to nurse a new-born. Even the full-bore AMG
exhaust system quietens to a distant and rather
delicious woofle, while throttle response is soft
enough for super-smooth getaways that will no
doubt boost fuel economy.
That’s all marvellous for an estate that will
push 200mph without a speed limiter, but what
if you crank up the settings? Suddenly, the
steering feels meatier, the engine and its
twin-scroll turbos more alive, and the
suspension allows more messages to make their
way from road surface to posterior while
continuing to filter the harshest of
communications.
Now the E63 S feels ready to cope with its
own firepower. All the slack has been removed
from the system and it’s time to unleash the
afterburners. Deploying launch control at a standing start, effectively, sometimes it feels as though you’re pushing your
62mph arrives just over three seconds later and I swear the V8 luck on B-roads when exercising AMG’s M177 engine. The
is only just getting started. Even with Merc’s 4Matic+ system steering offers more feel than your average E-Class’s, but
controlling the action, the nine-speed AMG multi-clutch feedback remains fleeting. I do love its well-measured directness,
transmission deals a short shift to second gear to help traction though. The electro-mechanical system is alert without feeling
off the line, and then all hell is let loose. The E63 S has been nervous or edgy – very much a positive attribute as you tackle
clocked at just over seven seconds to 100mph and that’s entirely British back roads in this 2.1-tonne cannonball.
believable. Thank goodness for such an immense braking system, which
To my ears, the pre-facelift model was even louder at full chat in standard form comprises 390x36mm front discs clamped by
(blame the latest European noise regs for that), but this thing six-piston calipers up front, and 360x26mm discs grabbed by
still sounds like dynamite. Such is the powertrain and floating single-piston calipers at the rear. If you’re venturing on
suspension’s refinement, you don’t need to hang onto that track, the optional AMG Carbon Ceramic brake system with
chunky helm for dear life with throttle pinned, but almost every even larger discs should be just the ticket. A controlled
muscle in your body screams for blood anyway, as that four-litre environment is also the best place to try the E63’s Drift mode,
V8 hits its stride from 2,500rpm and pummels time and space to which effectively locks the 4Matic+ system in rear-wheel drive.
reach its 7,000rpm redline.
The thing is though, at 2m wide and 5m long the E63 is not AMG E53
exactly a small car. Even with an electronically managed Finally, the time has come to drive the E53 mild-hybrid and I’m
limited-slip differential on the rear axle distributing thrust more rather excited about it. Behind that chrome grille lies a

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| 59
AMG Estates – E63 S vs E53

three-litre straight-six with turbocharger and electric to 62mph than an early, 211-series E63 wagon. A car with
compressor developing 429bhp/383lb ft torque, with assistance AMG’s legendary 6.2-litre V8, no less.
from an EQ Boost starter-alternator (ISG) throwing in an extra Those expecting to feel a great kick of performance when the
21bhp/184lb ft torque for a brief time. Linked to a 48V electrical EQ Boost system comes into play will be disappointed by the
system including battery pack, this clever powertrain is way it discreetly goes about business. Although that doesn’t
orchestrated by a nine-speed AMG ‘Torque Converter mean it’s a pointless addition. Coupled with that electric
Transmission’ (TCT) that doesn’t have the wet start-up clutch supercharger, they reduce turbo lag to the point of non-
of the E63’s harder core MCT unit. existence, sharing all their goodness before the big turbo spools
The E53 is 50kg lighter than its V8 counterpart and I’d be and making the E53 feel particularly lively in its response to
lying if I could tell, as it feels very much like the E63: utterly your right foot.
composed at legal road speeds (and beyond – so I’m told, The EQ Boost electric motor also brings fuel-saving and
officer), goes where you point it, responds best to smooth emissions-slashing hybrid functions, such as aiding the engine’s
inputs, generates a bit of tyre drone at higher start/stop function, recuperating energy during
speeds. The in-line six-cylinder doesn’t have the braking, and offering a gliding mode that kills the
V8’s active engine mounts and I don’t think it The six-cylinder’s engine for short periods of time when travelling
needs them, as overall control is so impressive downhill, for example. The E63’s V8 can shut
anyway. The front brake discs are slightly smaller delivery is so down four cylinders to save juice – a system
than the E63’s at 370x36mm and grabbed by notably used in the SLK55’s M152 engine – but it
four- rather than six-piston calipers, but they’re remarkably silken, can’t match the E53 for sheer technological
still very good with a nice and progressive feel sophistication.
through the pedal. it’s very easy to
Pootling along and basking in the hazelnut Decision time
brown cabin, a long stretch of back road begs for underestimate how Rolling to a stop and gathering my thoughts, I’m
faster progress. Flicking the Dynamic Select faced with the choice of having too much power,
setting to Sport+ mode, immediately the gearbox fast you’re travelling or just enough power to distance my pride and joy
delivers a lower gear, the revs rise, the engine emits from torque-monster oil burners. There’s also a 30
a constant yowl and I floor the accelerator. grand saving to consider.
AMG-lite? If this is an AMG-lite experience then So good is the AMG suspension and four-wheel
where do I sign? drive on these E-Classes, you need to be going extremely fast to
The three-litre M256’s delivery is so remarkably silken, it’s fluster them even slightly. Not exactly point-and-shoot
very easy to underestimate how fast you’re travelling. There’s a machines, they are nonetheless most comfortable with a
real sweet spot between 5,000 and 6,000rpm when peak power (relatively) slow in, fast out approach to bends.
arrives, before the 6,500rpm redline calls time. The E53’s TCT Once I’d become accustomed to the E63’s rocket-like sound
gearbox doesn’t react quite as quickly to paddleshift inputs as and acceleration, it was actually the E53 I enjoyed driving more.
the E63’s MCT, but it’s still an enjoyable unit to use in tandem It made the V8 biturbo feel slightly old hat and will still reach
with a vocal and punchy powerplant. Pluck a paddle and the 100mph from standing in around 10 seconds. Of course, there
straight-six sings in whole-hearted fashion. Yes, the E53 is not are always those drivers who always want more and that’s why
supercar fast like the E63 S, but it’s still what you’d call a serious the E63 S exists. But me? I’d take the E53 and revel in its
car. In fact, its high-tech powertrain makes it 0.1 seconds faster under-bonnet complexity with extra cash in my pocket.

Just the facts

Mercedes-AMG E53 4Matic+ Estate (S213) Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4Matic+ Estate (S213)
ENGINE M256 2,999cc 6-cyl turbocharged/supercharged + electric motor ENGINE M177 3,982cc V8 biturbo
POWER 429bhp@5,500-6,100rpm TORQUE 383lb ft@1,800-5,800rpm POWER 604bhp@5,750-6,500rpm TORQUE 627lb ft@2,500-4,500rpm
TRANSMISSION 9-speed auto, 4WD WEIGHT 2,025kg 0-62MPH 4.5sec TOP SPEED 155mph TRANSMISSION 9-speed auto, 4WD WEIGHT 2,075kg 0-62MPH 3.5sec TOP SPEED 180mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION 29.4-29.7mpg CO2 EMISSIONS 212-218g/km YEARS PRODUCED 2020-on FUEL CONSUMPTION 22.8mpg CO2 EMISSIONS 282g/km YEARS PRODUCED 2020-on
All figures from Mercedes-Benz; fuel consumption according to WLTP

60
| August/September 2022 www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk
Young or Old
our history unfolds.
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Your Mercedes-Benz may have changed over the years, but
our commitment to our members will always remain the same.

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Mercedes-Benz owners and enthusiasts get from their cars.

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and activities, including:

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Membership costs £41 per year if you pay by direct debit, with
0345 6032660 DRQHR΍eMRLQLQJIHH9LVLWRXUVLWHIRUIXUWKHULQIRUPDWLRQ
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30 Scotgate, Stamford, PE9 2YQ www.mercedes-benz-club.co.uk/signup
B R A K I N G
Mercedes’ Sensotronic Brake Control was set to revolutionise braking technology in
B A D
cars, but things didn’t quite work out that way. Piotr R Frankowski explains what
went wrong with the early 2000s system
WORDS PIOTR R FRANKOWSKI IMAGES MERCEDES-BENZ GROUP AG

T
here was a time when car engineers seemed an avoidance manoeuvre possible while braking (something
fascinated with two acronyms – ‘EHB’ (electro- many drivers still do not understand).
hydraulic brake) and ‘EMB’ (electro-mechanical Once ESP was established as a foundation for brake-based
intervention, which happened without any conscious action on
brake). Those abbreviations stood for systems set
the part of the driver, the engineers wanted more. The then-
to revolutionise the automotive industry in a way current ABS systems were unable to cope with increased
more spectacular than the change brought about demand for services, for example with automatic brake
by mobile phones for telecommunications. But they didn’t. application in stop-and-go traffic, and with more sophisticated
stability control algorithms.
Mercedes-Benz became the early adopter of EHB technology
in the early 2000s, and suffered. Here is the story. One step forward...
All braking systems on the first vehicles were mechanical – a human limb An additional bonus: the installation of an electro-hydraulic
applied force to a lever or pedal, and a purely mechanical apparatus transmitted (and later an electro-mechanical) braking system simplified the
that force to an object which would be brought in contact with a wheel or a drum. architecture of a car plus it made components and assembly
Later, all car braking systems became hydraulic which improved efficiency, cheaper. In an electro-mechanical system, electric actuators
reliability and safety. After that came the anti-lock braking system, which made press brake pads against a disc, and they are connected to a

62
| August/September 2022 www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk
 Sensotronic Brake Control

brake-by-wire system only with, well, wires. This in theory is the

simplest solution, however it lacks a fail-safe element; should it
fail, all that would be left would be a prayer. This idea lives on in
electric parking brakes which are touted as a beneficial
innovation, but in fact are used for three reasons: production
cost, maintenance cost and space saving.
An EHB system, as conceived by industry leaders, did not
completely do away with hydraulics, but removed a mechanical
connection between the driver’s foot and the actual brake pads
pressing on a disc. The proprietary SBC system at Mercedes was
just like that, its ‘Sensotronic Brake Control’ moniker
notwithstanding. The brake pedal operated a so-called ‘pedal feel
simulator’ which was just a little cylinder, filled with brake fluid,
with a piston moving inside – very much like a simplified master
cylinder. This device was supposed to help drivers operate the
brakes basically without knowing that they were somewhat
different. It also served as a non-assisted emergency brake,
acting on the front wheels; a bit puny in relation to the
performance of the cars in which it was used, but a failure of the
main control unit was considered impossible.

Enhanced features
In every situation, the electro-hydraulic SBC system would
decide for the driver what braking force should be applied to each
wheel and when, with ABS and ESP operation much swifter and
more precise. There was no longer any need for a vacuum brake
booster, nor for a brake proportioning valve serving the rear axle:
all their functions were taken over by the highly capable control/
pump unit. Additional automatic functions were also possible,
for instance the periodic cleansing of brake discs while driving in
the rain by repeated slight pressure of the pads. This would dry
the rotors and remove a greasy salt film in winter.
A number of convenience functions were made available
including anti-stall launch assist, a soft stop function (necessary
because it was virtually impossible for the driver to control the

The brake
pedal
operated a
so-called
‘pedal feel
simulator’

 Parts of the
SBC system for
211-series Es.

www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk August/September 2022

| 63
 system with pedal pressure to achieve a smooth stop) and a  How SBC failure and being left only with the very limited emergency
function which would help to control the car in stop-and-go traffic. worked on the hydraulic front brake actuation (using the brake pressure
R230 SL Roadster.
As then current press releases gushed, there was a hugely tangible simulator). Braking performance under these circumstance was
advantage which everyone could experience. “The usual vibration of poor. SBC pumps which provided all hydraulic pressure in
the brake pedal when ABS sets in does not occur which, Mercedes normal operation were found to fail after a certain number of
engineers have found, is not only a comfort feature of the new ‘cycles’, and also electrical problems could cause the pump to
system but also offers measurable safety benefits.” cease working.
Another problem was caused by faulty pump pistons
System error manufactured with substandard tolerances. People did not really
The system was installed in 211-series E-Classes, in the C219 understand how SBC operated (and many Mercedes-Benz
CLS and the R230 SL, as well as in the Maybach 57/62 and the owners still don’t), but they were becoming apprehensive and
SLR McLaren. In theory, the SBC system was a showcase for this was affecting the sales of core models. The company had to
engineering genius and was going to lead Mercedes-Benz to a act and began a massive recall, which was followed by another
great future with huge savings. In practice… it was not as recall. In total, over 1.3 million cars were included. In order to
 SBC units on
reliable as expected. Maybachs were
avoid further expensive recalls, Stuttgart extended the warranty
The crisis began with reports of customers experiencing SBC not replaced. on the SBC pump.

64
| August/September 2022 www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk
 Sensotronic Brake Control

How much to fix?

“Millions!” Well, not quite. But Olly Stoner of
independent Mercedes specialist, Prestige Car
Service in Hampshire has a point. Using an early
211-series E-Class as an example, a new SBC unit/
pump costs £2,405 (plus VAT) from Mercedes-
Benz, while a refurbed system from the
manufacturer is £1,923 (plus VAT). Fitting takes
around 1.8 hours with a brake bleed, and Olly also
suggests checking the brake pipes and hoses
and changing them if corroded/perished.
“When SBC fails, it’s not necessarily the end of
the world, and the system is more reliable than
people think,” Olly reckons, adding that his own
E-Class’s SBC passed 330,000 brake applications
(this milestone the point at which SBC is known
to give up the ghost) without failing.
When systems do fail, drivers will see a
In 2006, Mercedes quietly  Mercedes
issued a huge ‘Service brake visit workshop’ message coloured
recall for SBC. either in red (signifying SBC/pump failure) or
relaunched the E-Class and the white (system still operational but on the way
out). As an aside, Prestige Car Service offers a
CLS with conventional hydraulic  Lessons
way to reset this message.

braking systems were learned from

the SBC launch.

Putting it right
In 2006, Mercedes quietly relaunched the E-Class and CLS with
conventional hydraulic braking systems, and soon after the SL.
The systems installed on the SLR and on the Maybachs were left
alone, as re-engineering those small-volume models was
obviously cost-prohibitive. It must be noted that those
particular solutions also differed from the one in the E, CLS and
SL, and had much more redundancy built in. At the time of the
changeover back to conventional brakes, Bosch ABS ECUs/
pumps were already capable of the same additional functions
which had been named as the main benefits of the SBC system,
thus nullifying any advantage that electro-hydraulic brakes may
have had. The cost advantage disappeared with the necessity for
the massive recall and for re-engineering several models.
I distinctly remember arriving at the launch of the updated
R230 SL in Mallorca and leafing through the thick press release:
the abandonment of the SBC was mentioned in an oblique way
in one single sentence. Mercedes-Benz learned from the fiasco
and later always proceeded more cautiously when a major piece
of completely new technology was introduced.

www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk August/September 2022

| 65
Big Moment – 1971: R107 SL launch

1971: R107 SL
A titan of the modern classic era, the R107 SL was a new kind of Mercedes roadster that bundled
incredible levels of safety and refinement with V8 power, and remains capable of carrying
occupants from England to France and beyond at the drop of a hat
WORDS DAVID SUTHERLAND IMAGES MERCEDES-BENZ GROUP AG

R
ight from the outset, the SL was aimed  Fabric and and Cabriolet in late 1969, a sophisticated overhead-camshaft
primarily at the wealthy North hardtops for the design featuring early digital management. It was this engine
new Mercedes SL.
American market. The 300SL Gullwing that helped the R107 assume an entirely different character to
was unveiled in New York in 1954, as was the  Big bumpers of the model it replaced.
North American-
‘baby’ 190SL, the bulk of both models delivered spec roadsters. It was bigger and grander than the petite Pagoda, a
in the US while the succeeding 300SL Roadster of 1957 found boulevard cruiser instead of a sports car, and Mercedes
the same customers, as did the W113 Pagoda seven years later. strategists had perfectly anticipated what Americans wanted.
The formula would be unchanged for the next SL, the 1971 It stayed in production for 18 years, almost three times the
R107, but with one fundamental difference: the cylinder count. normal SL lifespan, Mercedes deciding to leave it be while the
Previous SLs had used six-cylinder engines (apart from the orders poured in and rival car makers, especially those in
190SL, which was four-pot), partly because European car taxes Detroit, failed to offer anything that could remotely pass as a
in some countries stifled a ‘big cube’ engine culture there, but by credible alternative.
the second half of the 1960s the absence of a V8 in the Stuttgart

A
armoury was beginning to look like a disadvantage. Stateside total of 237,287 were built
buyers loved the prestige and quality of the Mercedes-Benz – the last cars all but
marque, but where was the V8 motor that all the identical on the outside to
‘domestics’ came with? the early models – leaving it by
Mercedes did of course have the 6.3-litre M100 used far the most numerous SL
in the 600 limousine and W109 300SEL 6.3, but the generation to date. And this
solution for volume production was the M116 for a roadster launched at a
3.5-litre V8 first seen in the W111 280SE 3.5 Coupe time when, due to US safety

66
| August/September 2022 www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk
  When it came
to practicality, the
R107 SL excelled.

 New cars at
the Sindelfingen
customer centre.

 R107 less
supercar, more
open top GT.

legislators, the very future of fully open

cars looked in doubt.
“It was bigger and grander than the petite Pagoda,
Safety innovation was in fact seen a boulevard cruiser instead of a sports car”
throughout the R107, making the safety
features on the Pagoda seem almost token gestures. For But those cruises would be unhurried, all the more so as the
example, the fuel tank was moved from below the boot floor to 1970s progressed, due to falling output from the US spec
a considerably less vulnerable position over the rear axle, and 4.5-litre V8 as ever tougher emissions regulations were met. By
there were far fewer sharp switches and other protrusions on the 1974, 450SLs sold in California had dropped to 178bhp, a state
fascia. The A-pillars had deflectors to channel away rain and aid of tune extended to all other US states in 1975, while the very
driver visibility, and large tail light lenses with a ribbed surface last Stateside 450s, in 1980, mustered a mere 158bhp.
enhanced lighting brightness. For this diminished V8 model, matters were reset in spring
Planned as a V8-only model, European-spec cars used the 1980 when the 450SL became the 500SL, gaining a version of the
M117 3.5-litre producing 197bhp and 211lb ft torque and were all-alloy, five-litre V8 that had been developed for the World
badged 350SL, while US cars (also called the 350SL for the first Rally Championship 450SLC 5.0 and subsequent 500SLC. In
year) ran with the M116 4.5-litre version of the same V8, a unit the SL, this produced 242bhp/289lb ft torque, and matters were
so emasculated with pollution filtering that it made just 192bhp. also improved by the fitment of a four-speed automatic gearbox.
A rude reminder that gasoline might not always be cheap or

B
freely available came with the 1973 Middle East war, forcing y the end of production in August 1989, the R107
Mercedes-Benz for the first time to be seen to be energy sported three great engines: the three-litre, straight-six
conscious. Its reaction was to install the recently introduced M103 (300SL), and five- and 5.5-litre M117 (500SL,
2.7-litre M110 six-cylinder engine into the R107, badging it the 560SL). Logically, Mercedes should have replaced the model
280SL and creating a nominal ‘economy’ model. series years earlier rather than waiting until the only other
But the majority of R107s were V8s, and throughout the volume-made passenger cars that had been around longer were
1970s the 450SL was the clear favourite, the perfect tool for a relics from a past motoring era, the Mini and Citroën 2CV, by
sun-soaked highway cruise. It wasn’t an American car, but was which time its engineering was dated. But that didn’t take into
part of the American dream, especially as deft product account the R107’s unassailable spirit: as speculators hoovered
placement fixed the R107 in the minds of TV viewers, most up the last new cars available (some of which would remain
notably in the original series of Dallas, broadcast from 1978, and unregistered for decades), this SL looked as elegant, fresh and
in Hart to Hart the following year. charismatic as on the day it was revealed in April 1971.

 SL withstands
-25C in Mercedes’
cold chamber.

 Early cabin
with thin helm
devoid of airbag.

www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk August/September 2022

| 67
Cream of the crop
In the latest instalment of our buying-focused series, we reveal
our top six used Mercedes for a budget of up to £25,000
WORDS GUY BAKER IMAGES DEALERS

A s you’ve
probably heard,
UK used car prices
Classic Heroes' car
was built just before
the last facelift.

are at an all-time
high at the moment.
But these inflated
values are only
temporary and will
fall rapidly once
current new car
BU YING
supply issues have Your
full se R129 SL m TIPS
been addressed, r u
with e vice histor st possess
lectric y and
me a plu a
so please don’t be co
deflec ded factor mory seat sh spec
persuaded to pay Convertible to yh
and o r. Scour th ardtop and colour
nly ev e car
s, a
a win
over the odds for a SL500 (R129) with a er for
low n consider c any signs
umbe h
d
of rus
out r e r is h ed t
of
second-hand Meaty performance and plentiful supply make the misbe for failed previous o examples
havin v w
R129 SL500 a popular modern classic choice. Yours g elec ibration da ners. Look
Mercedes this year. boot, trics, mper
w s,
should boast a high specification comp perished s ater leaks
onent uspen in the
Fortunately, there Launched in 1989, the R129 SL boasted a completely new
and d
s, blo
w s ion
design with a host of new features and enhanced chassis amag n fuel pum
are still plenty of ed ho
ods.
ps
bracing to reduce scuttle shake. With styling that somehow
sensibly priced, used looks more modern now that it did a few years ago, the
Mercedes out there SL500 delivers impressive V8 performance and always feels
comfortable and sure-footed.
waiting for new The original 500SL came with Mercedes’ 326bhp M119
owners, and we’ve V8 and this motor was retained for R129’s first facelift (in
highlighted five very 1993) when the model was rebadged ‘SL500’; in 1998 the
M119 V8 was replaced by a more efficient M113 unit.
different models There are plenty of good R129 SL500s around, with our  Azurite Blue paintwork and modest 16-inch alloy wheels.
which can all be budget buying an immaculate 1997 example with a full
bought for £25,000 service history record and just three owners – like this
£24,000 Azurite Blue Mercedes Benz SL500 for sale at
or less. Classic Heroes in Sussex (www.classicheroes.co.uk). A
five-speed auto with cream/beige leather and a high spec, it
had covered 121,000 miles and boasted the 326bhp M119
engine complete with an early form of variable valve timing.

 Under the bonnet is Mercedes' fabulous M119 V8 engine.

Just the facts
500SL/SL500 (R129)
E NGINE M119 4,973cc V8
POWER/ TORQUE 316-322bhp/332-347lb ft
TRANSMISSION 4-speed auto, RWD
0-62 MPH 6.3sec
TOP SPEED 155mph
YEARS PRODUCED 1989-1998
£25,000 BUYS YOU : 1997 SL500 with 110,000 miles  The interior has aged very well despite its light colouring.

68
| August/September 2022 www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk
 Market values – £25,000 Mercedes buys

With
BU YIN
are tw a Mercede G TIPS
Milan Brown 450SE from
1979 offered for £16,995 o ov e s
with 71,000 miles. buye rridin of this ag
expire rs must be g issues th e, there
d rub m at wo
aspec ber co ost alert uld-b
t mpon for – e
and s s, you sho e n t s .
rust a
teerin uld w A s id e nd
g par a
and w
or ts, plu tch for wo from thos
saggin n door and s wor rn sus e
gh windo n fuel and pension
trim, eadliners w sea
ls. N
b r a ke
line
wo an
Howe rn leather d seats, cr ot forgettin s
ver, th and p a c ke d g
ro b u s e 450 erish woo
t - ref SE’s mech ed carpet ded
urb anic ing.
600,0 ished engin als are ve
00 mil e s can la ry
es or st
m o re .

Saloon
450SE (W116)
Arguably one of Mercedes’ most attractive saloon
designs, the W116 in 450SE guise is a dream to drive
Mercedes’ classic 450SE, produced between 1972 and 1980,
not only looks fantastic but is also a real treat to drive
thanks to its V8 engine. Impeccably built and seriously
spacious, every journey in a well-fettled 450SE is a real
delight with impressive road holding, handling and ride
comfort - courtesy of a state-of-the-art suspension system.
The first S-Class was not the most luxuriously specced
saloon in standard form, but Mercedes offered plenty of
options to keep its wealthy customers happy.
The great news is that our 25 grand budget easily puts
you behind the wheel of a perfectly restored 1979 example,  This W116 S-Class underwent a full bodywork restoration around six years ago – no wonder it shines!
like this V-reg 450SE for sale at Classic Connection in
Hampshire (www.classicconnection.co.uk) for £16,995.
Finished in a stunning colour combination of Milan Brown
metallic with a tan check MB-Tex interior, this car had
covered just 71,000 miles and came with a comprehensive
restoration photobook.

Just the facts

450SE (W116)
E NGINE M117 4,520cc V8
P OWER/ TORQUE 222bhp/271lb ft
TRANSMISSION 3-speed automatic, RWD
0-62 MPH 9.3sec
TOP SPEED 131mph
MB-Tex and check fabric
YEARS PRODUCED 1972-1980 in tan shade complement
the exterior perfectly.
£25,000 BUYS YOU : 1979 450SE with 71,000 miles

www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk August/September 2022

| 69
 Coupe
CL500 (C215)
Look and feel a million dollars in Mercedes’ palatial
215-series V8 Coupe. Just make sure you go through these
cars with a fine-toothed comb
Mercedes’ range-topping C215 CL has an air of elegance and
exclusivity that little else can match. And the best-selling model
– the CL500 – is a classic in waiting. Fortunately, you don’t have
to be super rich to buy one, with our £25,000 budget sufficient
for a one- or two-owner, concours CL500 from 2006 with less
than 40,000 miles on the clock. And frankly, this is a steal for a
four-seater coupe that’s better appointed than the honeymoon
suite at the Ritz and comes with Active Body Control
suspension to help keep the car level even in the fastest of
corners.
Although £25,000 buys a mint condition CL500 with a
seven-speed auto from late in production, these don’t come up
for sale very often, so unless you’re prepared to wait for months
then you are better off bagging an earlier five-speed auto instead.
And they are much cheaper too – with something like this
immaculate Chalcedony Blue metallic, 37,000-mile, three-owner
example yours for just £10,975 at Silverwood
Cars Limited in Tyne and Wear
 Twin exhausts
(www.silverwoodcars.co.uk). B and parking
UYIN
Your
servic CL500 mus TIPS
G sensors included.
Just the facts e hist
o
t com
e with  A lovely ice
Other ry and fu
includ key things no signs o ll
blue tint to the
CL500 (C215) leaks
, il
e poo
r ly
t o wa
t c h
f rust
.
factory paintwork.
s
E NGINE M113 4,966cc V8 knock luminated hifting gea out for
s or c engin r b oxe
see th re e wa r s
POWER/ TORQUE 302bhp/339lb ft e emis aks from t ning li , oil
to be sions he su ghts,
spens a
TRANSMISSION 5-speed automatic, RWD sur print ion. A nd
workin e that the out from t s
0-62 MPH 6.5sec g. Any ex h a u he las k to
st cat t
TOP SPEED 155mph hinge wiring
da alysts MOT
d doo
r harn mage insid are
YEARS PRODUCED 1999-2006 ex p e n ess e the
sive t es can be  You don't need
£25,000 BUYS YOU : 2006 CL500 with o fix.
big bucks to get
40,000 miles yourself in here.

BU
Inspe YING T
and c ct the 124’s IPS
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bullet rs. But the d the botto e brake
p ro o f E 22 m o
possib , with ver 0’s engine f the
le if p y is
roper high milea
ly ma g
intain es
ed.

This blue-black metallic

wonder was priced at
under 12 big ones.

70
| August/September 2022 www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk
 Market values – £25,000 Mercedes buys

SUV
ML63 AMG (W164)
Once the most powerful naturally-aspirated SUV in the
world, the ML63 AMG is still an impressive beast
High performance SUVs are all the rage now of course, but
back in 2006 when Mercedes launched its ML63 AMG at the
North American International Auto Show they were still
something of a novelty. Some 16 years later, its thundering V8
performance means this 503bhp SUV is still one of the
quickest ways to get from A to B – with the benchmark
0-62mph dash taking just five seconds. And being a
top AMG model, the ML63 also vaunts a lavish spec.
Facelifted 2008 to 2011 models have new headlights,
BUYI
You m NG TIP
redesigned front and rear bumpers,
a larger front grille and a restyled interior. p ro s p e
ct
ust in
sp S
Our £25,000 budget would stetch to a 2010 of pot ive ML63 A ect any
under e n tial is M G for
b s an
ML63 AMG with around 60,000 miles. But these failed ody off-ro ues, which umber
steer ad da includ
rarely come to market. Pre-facelifted examples cams in g m a ge e
haft a pumps, wo , worn sho
are much better value, with something like this misbe djust rn cam c ks ,
ers s
60,000-mile, 2007 example at Specialists Cars radiat having ge , broken h hafts and
ors arb ead
in Manchester (www.specialistscars.co.uk) histo . A full M-B oxes and c bolts,
ry is a or spe r a c ke
recall m ust ciali d
going for just £16,999. With a full service s on t , and there st service
history and 19-inch alloy wheels, it looked t h e re h eW wer
levan 164 – make e three
pretty much perfect. t wor s u re
k ha
carrie s bee
d out. n
Just the facts
 Early ML63
still has serious
ML63 AMG (W164) road presence.
ENGINE 6,208cc V8
 Four pipes
POWER/ TORQUE 503bhp/465lb ft out back hint at
the V8 up front.
TRANSMISSION 7-speed auto, 4WD
0-62 MPH 5.0sec
TOP SPEED 155 mph
Y EARS PRODUCED 2006-2011
£25,000 BUYS YOU: 2010 ML63 AMG  The ML's cabin
feels solid and is
with 60,000 miles very practical.

Wagon
E220 Estate (S124)
Mercedes’ do-it-all modern classic wagon offers epic build quality, celebrated reliability Just the facts
and various features that modern car drivers will appreciate
A practical modern classic if ever there was one, 124-series Estates are highly durable even with E220 Estate (S124)
what was pretty advanced automotive technology at the time. Available in five- or optional E NGINE M102 1,998cc 4-cyl
seven-seat configurations, our budget buys the best possible, facelifted seven-seater from towards P OWER/TORQUE 148bhp/155lb ft
the end of the car’s 1993 to 1996 production run. All 124-series Estates, including the E220,
TRANSMISSION 4-speed auto, RWD
feature sophisticated rear suspension with self-levelling – perfect for transporting heavy loads.
0-62 MPH 11.6sec
Our £25,000 would theoretically buy a concours condition, 1996 E220 Estate with every
TOP SPEED 120mph
conceivable factory option – and still leave you with change. But cars like this hardly ever appear
for sale, so a rust-free Japanese import model could be your next best option, something like this YEARS PRODUCED 1993-1996
seven-seat, blue-black metallic example from 1994 at Specialist Cars (www.specialistcars.net) in £25,000 BUYS YOU: 1996 E220 Estate
Yorkshire. With 83,000 miles, it was up for a mere £11,995.
with 25,000 miles

 Unusual rear
spoiler; eight-hole
alloy wheels.

 This 1993 E220

was imported
from Japan.

 Right-hand
drive and air
conditioning.

www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk August/September 2022

| 71
Market values – £25,000 Mercedes buys

BU YING
The S T
AMG a IPS
LK55
one o ppear
The SLK55 is a treat for mode f Mer
r cedes s to b
check n vehicles, ’ most reli e
the senses with the
metal roof up or down. accor but th able
c ov e r ding t e
s– o o w n ke y a r e a s
brake which can ers ar to
p s
can b ads and d ometimes e the cam
e ex p iscs t leak -
t h ro u ens hat an
gh its ive to repla wear rapid d the
item c p a ces, a c e . Put t ly and
a re f u nd tes h e ge
a
chang lly. With 1 t every ele rbox
6 spa
e, the
major rk plu ctrical
g
expen services a s to
sive. re

Future classic
SLK55 AMG (R171)
Small but perfectly formed, the SLK55 AMG is a
guaranteed future classic thanks to its sharp looks
and even sharper performance
Mercedes’ glamourous R171 SLK55 AMG is a little monster.
Capable of fierce acceleration yet wonderfully composed when
it needs to be, the SLK55 is also lavishly equipped. You can buy
a mint 2008 example with just 45,000 miles for £25,000.
The Roadster’s 355bhp M113 V8 pulls hard from 2,000rpm
and claims 376lb ft of torque, with impressive acceleration in
every gear. The 0-62mph sprint takes just 4.9 seconds and
under heavy throttle the SLK55 AMG’s melodious exhaust
sets your spine tingling. Manufactured from 2005 to 2011, with
a gentle facelift in 2008, the factory spec includes almost  Iridium Silver metallic paint suits the second-generation SLK, which is ageing very nicely indeed.
everything in Mercedes’ options cupboard at the time.
You could buy a pristine 2008 car for £25,000, but as with
our previous contender, pre-facelifted examples are better
value. A low-mileage 2005 SLK55 AMG like this Iridium
Silver example advertised for £19,990 at Snippers Gate in
Tyne and Wear (www.snippersgate.co.uk) looked just as good
and drives pretty much as well as later cars. With a full service
history record and a mere 37,000 miles on the clock, it packs
an all-embracing specification too.

Just the facts

SLK55 AMG (R171)
ENGINE M113 5,439cc V8
P OWER/ TORQUE 355bhp/376lb ft
TRANSMISSION 7-speed auto, RWD
0-62 MPH 4.9sec
T OP SPEED 155mph
YEARS PRODUCED 2012-2015
£25,000 BUYS YOU : 2008 SLK55 AMG with 45,000 miles  This car's spec included Comand sat nav, Airscarf neck heating and electric seats with memory.

72
| August/September 2022 www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk
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August/September 2022 73
Mercedes Buyer > The market under the microscope

Quick appreciation
With UK buyers tightening their purse strings, now could be a great time to bag an AMG bargain,
as our UK market expert reveals
WORDS GUY BAKER IMAGES VELVIS CARS, TEWIN CAR SALES & RICHARD HARRIS CARS

C32 AMG at Velvis Cars

was offered for £11,995
with 65,000 miles.

here was a time when owning the latest service in May 2022 included new

T a Mercedes that carried the

ultimate AMG badge was a
lifetime goal – and buying one
cost a pretty packet. But a proliferation of
spark plugs and a replacement water pump. If
you can find a C32 AMG in anything like this
condition, it may very well appreciate over the
next five years.
AMG-badged models released over the last The C32 AMG isn’t the only great-value
decade, combined with the increasing Mercedes-AMG saloon around at the moment
importance of fuel efficiency, and a so-called though, with the later W204 C63 AMG also a
‘cost of living crisis’, have led to falling values prime candidate for bargain hunters. This silver,
on many older models – and the potential to  2004 CL55 with 76,000 miles had a sticker price of £15,995. 2008 saloon at Tewin Car Sales (www.tewincars.
unearth some serious AMG bargains. co.uk) in Hertfordshire, for instance, could be
However, they remain high performance yours for just £16,995 – and it came with just
driving machines, so owning an older AMG will 70,300 miles and a full service history record.
inevitably come with elevated ownerships costs. There are others like it around too, but make
But if you’re not intending to cover a large sure yours packs a plush spec like this one for
annual mileage, or have access to a more maximum future resale value – a Harman
cost-efficient daily driver then treating yourself Kardon Logic 7 Surround Sound System,
to a slightly older AMG Mercedes won’t 18-inch AMG alloys, an electric glass sunroof,
necessarily break the bank. And if you can AMG nappa leather, heated seats and
afford a model that’s only a few years away from Speedtronic cruise control are all essential items.
claiming classic status then it could prove a For similar money you could, however, pick
sound longer-term investment. up an even more exclusive model, the C215
If you’re looking for the very best bargains  C63 is a fan favourite; Tewin’s example yours for £16,995. CL55 AMG Kompressor. A rare sight
of this age then it’s wise to steer clear of AMG nowadays – there may be less than 100
roadsters – as these can retain greater value – metallic, 2004 example for sale at Velvis Cars examples on UK roads – this particular blue,
and seek out saloons or coupes instead. (www.velviscars.co.uk) in Essex. Advertised for 76,800-mile, 2004 car had just three former
Sticking to AMGs with less than 85,000 miles £11,995, it had covered just 65,000 miles and keepers, came with full Mercedes-Benz history
or so will help to keep the car’s future value as had been owned for nine years by the last of its and was advertised for £15,995 at Richard
high as possible, and may also mean you have to four owners. Harris Cars (www.richardharriscars.com) in
spend less on maintenance over the next few Merseyside. Fast and palatially equipped, a
years. And although these criteria will limit Supercharged low-mileage CL55 like this would make a great
your pool of potential purchases, there are still There are only around 200 C32 AMGs left on investment, and one that you can continue to
plenty of AMGs out there that fit the bill. UK roads, with this mint four-door packing a enjoy on a regular basis.
The rare W203 C32 AMG Saloon is a perfect history file containing related paperwork, old
example – especially if you can find one in as MOTs and receipts and the original handbooks.  Looking for a droptop? Then check out our top
good condition as this stunning Brilliant Silver A full Mercedes-Benz service record shows that three £15,000 Mercedes roadsters on page 76!

74
| August/September 2022 www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk
 THE
BAC K
END

Forecourt find Top tips

Used Car
500SEC (C126) Warranties
Grand and imposing, Mercedes’
126-series 500SEC is built to last, and The pros and cons
last. And if you can find a great example,
such as this rust-free, 1989, four-speed If you buy a used Mercedes
automatic equipped car we spotted at from a franchised dealership it
should come with a warranty, but
Slades Garage in Buckinghamshire, then
level of cover can depend on the
you have done well. car in question. So make sure
Advertised for £25,950, the striking  Kept in a climate-
you check what is covered and
controlled garage for
two-door coupe had covered a lowly the last 22 years. what’s excluded.
80,000 miles and came with blue metallic Although Mercedes-Benz
paintwork, contrasting grey leather  Grey leather and Approved Used warranties cover
upholstery, power steering, anti-lock wood trim; four-speed
automatic gearbox. mechanical and electrical
brakes, electric windows, electric component failure, interior trim
mirrors, cruise control, air conditioning,  Ignore the 560 and some bodywork issues, wear
heated electric seats, an electric sunroof badge – this is a 1989 and tear problems are excluded.
500SEC model.
and self-levelling rear suspension. If a non-insured component
The last owner rebadged it as a damages any other parts they
aren’t covered.
range-topping 560SEC, but it comes with
its original 500SEC badge, a full service All warranty policies have an
history, the original manuals, service excess, in addition to your
monthly or annual premiums.
book, a folder full of old MOTs and service
And this can sometimes be
receipts. The car has been stored in a
sizeable – so it may not be worth
climate-controlled garage for the last 22 claiming for smaller problems.
years, apparently.
Approved Used Cars are
Dealer information: Slades Garage nearly always more expensive
Tel: 01494 812115 than equivalent vehicles on sale
Web: www.slades-garage.co.uk elsewhere, and you can buy an
independent used car warranty
instead – so compare the costs
of both options before you buy.

Auction spotlight Balance the cost of any

warranty against the likely risk.
A warranty for a low-value but
A round-up of recent prices paid for average- reliable Mercedes model may not
be worth it, but it could be a
condition Mercedes in auctions across the UK great idea for an expensive, but
less reliable model.
● CLK220 CDI Coupe Avantgarde ● GLA180 AMG Line Limited Edition ● GLE250d 4Matic AMG Night Check the small print
2.1-litre, diesel, auto, 2006/56 plate, 1.6-litre, petrol, auto, 2019/19 plate, Edition Premium 2.1-litre, diesel, auto, carefully for exclusions. Most
123,000 miles, £2,550 20,000 miles, £23,100 2018/18 plate, 58,000 miles, £28,900 policies specify when the car
● CLS320 CDI ● A200 AMG Line Premium Plus ● E220d Estate AMG Line must be serviced and include
3.0-litre, diesel, auto, 2007/57 plate, 1.3-litre, petrol, auto, 2019/68 plate, 2.0-litre, diesel, auto, 2019/19-plate, maximum claim limits for
103,000 miles, £5,250 21,000 miles, £23,800 33,000 miles, £30,200 different types of problems.
● SL500 Roadster ● AMG SLC43 Roadster ● GLC220d 4Matic Coupe AMG Line Many policies exclude things
5.5-litre, petrol, auto, 2006/56 plate, 3.0-litre, petrol, auto, 2017/17 plate, Premium 2.1-litre, diesel, auto, 2018/18 like diagnostic fees, and some
105,000 miles, £8,000 38,000 miles, £24,700 plate, 25,000 miles, £30,300 also exclude problems that
● B180 Sport ● AMG SLK55 Roadster ● AMG C43 4Matic Cabriolet regularly affect older Mercedes
1.6-litre, petrol, auto, 2016/66 plate, 5.5-litre, petrol, auto, 2015/65 plate, Premium Plus 3.0-litre, petrol, auto, – like lighting, interior trim,
tyres, electrical items, exhausts
31,000 miles, £14,400 37,000 miles, £25,700 2018/18-plate, 19,000 miles, £32,600
and suspension issues.
● CLA180 Coupe AMG Sport ● C300d Coupe AMG Line Premium ● S500 L AMG Line
1.6-litre, petrol, manual, 2017/67 plate, 2.0-litre, diesel, auto, 2019/19 plate, 3.0-litre petrol, auto, 2018/18 plate,
17,000 miles, £20,600 13,000 miles, £28,200 11,000 miles, £46,000

And remember...
Always arrive early at car auctions, if in person then pick up the sale catalogue and examine
the vehicles in the line-up before the bidding starts. In addition to the hammer price, you’ll
have to pay a small buyer’s fee. You’ll need to provide a deposit of at least £500 (in cash or by
Maestro or Visa Delta debit card) but the balance of the purchase price and the buyer’s fee
can be paid by banker’s draft, cash, cheque, telegraphic transfers, credit or debit card.
Find your nearest auction house check out www.british-car-auctions.co.uk or
www.nama-uk.com

www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk August/September 2022

| 75
Mercedes Buyer > The market under the microscope
TOP THREE

£15,000 roadsters
Some manufacturers would have you believe that the British passion for door to an array of options with a three-pointed star emblem on the
droptops has waned over the last couple of years, but demand remains nose. For this issue of Mercedes Enthusiast, we’ve scoured the classified
high for roadsters in the used market – and Mercedes-Benz has produced to highlight three of the current best buys for those looking to spend this
some of the finest contenders. Perhaps surprisingly, many of these kind of money on Stuttgart’s finest. Offerings range from a modern
convertibles are also very affordable, with a £15,000 budget opening the classic SL to five-year old SLC with turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

OUR
P IC K

SL500 (R129) SLK350 (R171) SLC200 (R172)

If it’s prestige you’re after then it has to be a Fancy something a bit more sporty? Then our From the start of 2016, Mercedes rebranded the
Mercedes SL, with a well-maintained, 130,000- budget bags a swift-footed, 2010 SLK350 with SLK as an SLC, which wasn’t a universally popular
mile SL500 from 1995 within budget. Specialists around 30,000 miles. With a 5.4-second 0-62mph decision. As a result, you can now pick up some of
are the best place to look, with a few coming up time and 18-inch alloy wheels, it’s guaranteed to the earliest, 181bhp SLC200 AMG Line models for
for sale every month. Your SL500 should possess impress – and that M272 V6 engine sounds as little as £15,000. Admittedly, they’re likely to
a mint leather interior, the detachable factory fantastic. Facelifted in 2008, these later SLK350s have around 80,000 miles on the clock, but as
hardtop, a wind deflector, electric memory seats, benefit from more power (301bhp), a higher long as the SLC200 you’re looking at claims a
climate control, full Mercedes-Benz/specialist redline, throttle blips from the 7G-Tronic auto’s pristine service record and no obvious faults then
service history, no sign of rust and a long MOT. downshifts, and slightly improved fuel economy there should be little to worry about. With lively
Cherished examples usually come with a and emissions. Most have had relatively few performance, an automatic car’s top speed is
complete history file. owners and been maintained to a high standard. 147mph, but you can still return a handy 47.9mpg.

Latest products and accessories

Pioneer VREC-130RS dash cam Genuine Mercedes-Benz
Pioneer has released a new high performance, entry level clothing – Mens polo shirt
VREC-130RS full HD dash camera – a front-facing entry level If you’re looking for a summer polo shirt either
model that offers a generous level of camera for yourself, or as a gift, then this stylish White
features in a small package. These include a and Energy Blue polo shirt from Mercedes-Benz
wide 132-degree recording angle, a two-inch could be the ideal choice. Breathable and
colour IPS LCD screen, full HD recording, plus moisture regulating, thanks to Coolmax
three different recording modes: ‘Normal’ EcoMade, it comes with single-rib cuffs, a
(continuous), ‘Event’ and ‘Photo’, as well as tri-coloured neck band and is available in slim
still image capture. Installation is simple, with fit sizes S to XXL.
a swivel cradle and cigarette lighter power Available through all
cable included, and the retail price is £69.99. Full details and Mercedes-Benz
a list of stockists can be found at www.pioneer-car.eu. dealerships, the
recommend retail
price is £110.
EBC brake discs for A45
EBC Racing’s acclaimed two-piece, fully floating
brake discs are now available for AMG’s A45, GLA45
and CLA45 models. Ideal for fast road and track use,
they are usually a simple bolt-on upgrade and allow
the outer cast-iron friction ring to expand freely with
temperature, totally eliminating disc warping. Discs
are grooved to allow the pad to vent, with race-
derived, G3500-grade, high-carbon cast iron is used
for the friction rings and aluminium bells that are
hard anodised for longevity. Check out www.
ebcbrakes.com for more information.

76
| August/September 2022 www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk
 THE
BAC K
END

In Focus CLA220 diesel Coupe (C117)

The 2013 to 2018 CLA220 CDI/CLA220d Coupe looks expensive but may be more affordable than you’d think.
There are over 250 used examples offered for sale in the UK, priced from £12,500. The most popular colours
are black and white (making up 48% of the total), and a facelift occurred in 2016
60-second buying guide hesitation should set alarm
CLA diesel looks great,
Follow our top tips to quickly sort the good bells ringing. And although goes well and sips fuel
examples from the bad the official combined fuel at a miserly rate.
consumption is an
Walk around have reported glitches. And impressive up to 70mpg,
You’ll garner plenty of listen out for any strange most owners report
admiring looks as long as noises from the electric achieving around 55mpg
your CLA’s bodywork and seats or sunroof. For on longer journeys.
wheels are in tip-top maximum residual value
condition. Check for kerbed your CLA should have Check the
alloys, rusty brake discs, Comand Online sat nav, paperwork
bonnet stone chips, heated front seats, and Ideally, your CLA220d
scuffed mirrors, 18-inch AMG alloys. If it has should have had no more
misbehaving parking the AMG Exclusive or Night than two or three owners
sensors and any sign of packages then even better. and must come with a
paint peeling around the Start it up spotless service history,
rear wheelarches. Yours The CLA220d’s 2,143cc with no missing services. A
should come with the four-cylinder turbodiesel few examples do possess a
optional panoramic sliding engine produces a strong full M-B service record, but
sunroof. 258lb ft of torque at just a Mercedes specialist
1,400rpm, plus 168bhp history after three years is
Get inside (175bhp at the facelift), fine – however you must
Test every electrical item so overtaking in all gears check that all M-B recalls
carefully – a few owners should feel easy – any have been addressed.

GAZ custom build suspension

Top Mercs
kits Knowing the Mercedes-Benz marketplace means you can make the best buying
Suspension manufacturer GAZ produces decisions, but that requires up-to-date market information. This is why we
products for many Mercedes, but if you can’t generate fresh Mercedes market data every couple of months, to give you
find one for your vehicle, or you require – the Mercedes enthusiast - the best chance of your dream car
something more specialised, then GAZ can
create bespoke suspension kits to your own The top 10 best- What’s in a colour? Miles
specifications. Adjustable ride height, damper The colour of your Mercedes could
rates and lowered, uprated, suspension
selling used ahead
affect its desirability to future
springs can all be specified, and these now Mercedes buyers and its residual value. So,
Low-mileage Mercedes
In order of used examples often possess better
feature a new GAZ black zinc protective finish, what are the top five colours on the
advertised for sale; percentage residuals, whilst
as well as the white GAZ logo. All custom units used Mercedes market?
of total used Mercedes market high-mileage Mercedes
are individually tested before leaving the 1 Black (28.3%) can offer better value
1 C-Class (23.6%)
factory and are covered by a two-year 2 Silver (20.4%)
warranty. For further 2 A-Class (18.7%)
3 White (16.1%) Less than 50,000
details visit 3 E-Class (14.7%)
4 Grey (17.0%) miles 60.0%
www.gazshocks.com 4 GLC-Class (6.5%)
5 Blue (10.4%)
5 GLA-Class (5.5%) Between 50,000
6 GLE-/M-Class (5.5%) and 80,000 miles
7 CLA-Class (4.6%) 21.5%
8 SLK-/SLC-Class (3.9%)
9 B-Class (2.9%)
More than 80,000
10 S-Class (1.9%)
miles 18.5%

Fuel watch
How are used Mercedes powered?

Diesel Petrol Hybrid Full electric

57.1% 38.6% 3.60% 0.70%

www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk August/September 2022

| 77
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 NEXTISSUE

40 YEARS OF THE W201 190

The most significant models and UK launch remembered

PLUS
RENNTECH S76 R
V12-powered 600SEL makes over 600bhp!

G-Wagen on the Dakar ✦ Mercedes’ electric future

AND MUCH, MUCH MORE!

October/November 2022 issue

ON SALE September 16th
Contents are subject to change
www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk August/September 2022
| 79
Buyer’s Guide > 207-series E400

The E400 proved

that a V8 was no
longer essential
for muscular
performance

Top two-doors
With handsome looks, a fantastically responsive V6 twin-turbo engine and robust build quality,
the 207-series E400 Coupe and Cabriolet make great used buys
WORDS DAVID SUTHERLAND IMAGES CRAIG PUSEY & MERCEDES-BENZ GROUP AG

or most of the Mercedes slipped a gem of a petrol wings. Nonetheless, Mercedes expensive two-door from

F production life of
the 207-series
E-Class Coupe and
Cabriolet, 2009 to 2016, diesel was
207-series into the mix when the
twin-turbo E400 was introduced,
immediately neutralising the
argument that the V6 diesel was a
shifted enough units in two years
to leave a good choice for used car
buyers, and these cars are now in a
reasonably affordable £15,000 to
Stuttgart, but a rebirth of the
‘proper’ E-Class Coupe, which
had not existed since the mid-
1990s when the much-loved
king. The price list for this sleek, superior all-round drive to this £25,000 price window. But of 124-series Coupe/Cabriolet gave
pillarless two-door began with the 3.0-litre and then (from September course, forced induction brings way to two generations of CLKs.
oil burning models, 2.1-litre 2014) 3.5-litre petrol-engined added complications, so how do These models did not command
four-cylinder and three-litre V6 model. With 328bhp and 354lb ft the E400 Coupe and Cabriolet, the same respect as the 124, most
which were the main sellers, with torque, but still close on 40mpg on many of which will be heading to a notably due to their lesser build
the two petrol models tacked on the combined cycle, it proved that six-figure mileage, rate as a second quality.
the end almost as a token gesture a V8 was no longer essential for hand prospect? The 207 rectified matters with
and not expected to attract much muscular performance. its bigger presence, superior
attention. The 207-series E400, first in Design and engineering comfort and refinement and more
But in 2013/2014, before AMG Sport guise before adopting To see where the hard and soft top solid feel, placing it in a different
‘Dieselgate’ consumed the the then new AMG Line title, was 207s fit into the Mercedes family, league to the preceding 209-series
European car industry and forced a a short-lived car because by then we need to look back to 2009 CLK. Mercedes’ hard-to-resist
radical rethink on the promotion the next generation of E-Class when the model first appeared. finance deals also helped make the
of diesel-engined models, Coupe and Cabriolet was in the This wasn’t merely another two-door E-Class a common sight

80
| August/September 2022 www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk
 THE
Spot BAC K

fo r s t e d
END

PRIVA
ale
TE S
0 ELLER
E40
2014, O
bsidian Coupe
Just the facts
three o Black, b Mercedes-Benz E400 Coupe/
wne lack
Readin rs, 63,700 milleather, Cabriolet (C/A207)
g, £16, e
495 s, E NGINE M276 3,498cc V6 biturbo
P OWER 328bhp@5,250-6,000rpm
TORQUE 354lb ft@1,200-4,000rpm
TRANSMISSION 7-speed auto, RWD
WEIGHT 1,735/1,845kg
0-62MPH 5.2/5.3sec
TOP SPEED 155mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION 40.9/39.2mpg
CO2 EMISSIONS 161/168g/km
Y EARS PRODUCED 2014-2016
All figures from Mercedes-Benz; fuel
consumption according to NEDC combined; top
speeds electronically limited; pre-September
2014 cars have a 2,996cc V6 with identical
power and torque

replacing the safe but slightly

leaden feel of predecessors, and
the equal of any BMW.
All this you would enjoy in an
early 207-series, but what the E400
brings is the perfect engine for a
middleweight Mercedes. The
M276 revs sweetly and quietly,
and, unlike the old M272, has lots
of usable torque – the full 354lb ft
is available from just 1,200rpm,
barely more than tickover.

What you’ll pay

Despite not being a big seller,
there are enough E400s out there
for a decent enough choice, Auto
on the road given the £30,000 to engaged at over 25mph and and a Harman Kardon Logic 7 Trader, for example, showing 20
£48,000 list price span. automatically closed at speeds surround sound system. That high for sale when we checked. You’ll
In the 207’s early years, the below 10mph, while the roof spec left just a few cost options, find a 2014 Coupe for £15,000, but
six-cylinder petrol option was the could be opened or closed in 20 such metallic paint, a reversing it will have a six-figure mileage or
E350 CGI BlueEfficiency with its seconds at up to 25mph. At that camera, panoramic sunroof, a close to it; add £1,500 and mileage
normally aspirated M272 3.5-litre point, two trims were available, Driving Assistance Package can drop to 60,000 miles.
engine, rated at 288bhp/269lb ft, the SE on 17-inch wheels and (Active Blind Spot Assist, Active On independent used car dealer
this later becoming the E350 AMG Sport with twin-spoke 18s Lane Keeping, Distronic and forecourts, £20,000 gets a well
BlueEfficiency, while the flagship and a number of AMG more), and Airscarf for the Cabrio. maintained Coupe with as few as
was the E500, its 5.4-litre V8 enhancements including a 20,000 miles. With so few miles,
producing 382bhp/391lb ft; it bodykit, twin tailpipes and nappa Driving the E400 it is more likely to have been
would evolve into the leather trimmed steering wheel There will be some who feel that privately rather than company
turbocharged E500 BlueEfficiency. with a flat bottom. the 207-series E-Class is too low owned, increasing its chances of
The V6 and V8 cars had a What was effectively the last of slung for a Mercedes pillarless having been cosseted.
7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic the line 207-series, the E400 with coupe, and prefer the higher up Judging by asking prices, there’s
gearbox as standard. The Cabriolet its M276 biturbo engine, was on seating position of the 124 more demand for the Cabriolet
models, with the same the price list for the 2014 model ancestor; you can’t, for example, than for the Coupe, the differential
powertrains, appeared in 2010. season, at £46,000, the other petrol drape an arm over the top of the more than the £3,700 when new in
A mid-term facelift was applied offering the two-litre E200. The door because it’s too high in 2015. Al fresco motoring in an
in early summer 2013, bringing E400 retained the seven-speed relation to the seat. But otherwise E400 is going to cost you at least
with it the customary mix of visual autobox, never receiving the the 207s delight in every way. £22,000. That said, droptops at
and technical changes. Gone were nine-speeder that some other They’re among the generation this money are likely to have a
the two-piece headlamps, replaced E-Class models got. of Mercedes appearing in the late lower mileage, some having been
by a single lens unit containing The sole trim level was AMG 2000s that felt better made and weekend car indulgences.
partial LED lights, while a revised Line which included 18- or more expensive inside than what The E400 is still to be seen at
bumper had a more pronounced 19-inch wheels, uprated braking had gone before. The front seats franchised Mercedes-Benz dealers,
V-shape and sat below a new grille. with perforated calipers, Agility are comfortable and supportive, and you may have to pay more for
At the rear, the lights and bumper Control Sports suspension and and rear seat accommodation is the Mercedes-Benz warranty,
were new. LED Intelligent Light System, good in both versions. By those which no used car dealer can hope
On the Cabriolet, the Aircap while inside you saw leather AMG years, Mercedes really had sorted to better. Around £23,000 is
wind deflector now automatically sports seats, AMG steering wheel handling, with a beautiful poise probably the lowest you’ll see.

www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk August/September 2022

| 81
Buyer’s Guide > 207-series E400

E400 Coupe/Cabrio Inside and out

Powertrain
● On the early versions of the M276 engine, the timing chain tensioners could
make a rattling noise. This is most likely to occur in the five or so seconds from a
cold start. Mercedes-Benz recommends fitting a new timing chain tensioner, and
has opened a case on the matter, therefore a good Mercedes specialist will be able
to access the details.
● The most common gearbox issue is the electronic speed plates failing, causing
‘limp home’ mode to kick in. Effectively, the transmission becomes stuck in gear,
unable to shift up or down. This can be a costly fix, however Mercedes-Benz does
provide an exchange service for reconditioned units.
● Check the service history for gearbox servicing. Online you’ll see varying advice
about when this should be carried out, but do it at 40,000 miles to be safe.

Specialist overview
Sam Bates of SPR Autos in
Greater Manchester
“Overall, the M276 engine
seems pretty good. There
aren’t many of the E400
around, but those I have dealt
with have just required
routine servicing. However, I
would recommend using E5
high octane fuel. Why? This
is a high performance,
direct-injection engine so
give it the best stuff!”
mercedescarservicing.co.uk

SPR’s website has info on a

variety of maintenance Turbocharged V6 has
topics, and the company has plenty of grunt and is
not too bad on fuel.
also posted YouTube videos
on common repair jobs.

Suspension, steering pads and discs, as the quality is very high and equipped with a conventional hydraulic pump
and braking system the cost not appreciably more than from other, and not usually troublesome. Anything other
● On the move, listen carefully for any knocks independent sources. than rock-steady steering could suggest
and bangs. The front suspension is a multi-link ● The 207-series E-Class’s steering pre-dates out-of-true wheel alignment – uneven tyre wear
arrangement and features various ball joints, modern electric systems, the power-assistance another symptom of this problem.
which can wear out. It’s a good idea to check the
car’s MOT history for any ‘advisories’ on the
suspension, as you may be picking up the bill for
them next time around. Other than this, the coil
springs can break randomly, as they do on many
modern cars.
● Looking through the wheels, check the
condition of the brake discs, substantial wear
indicated by a visible lip at the outer edge. Test
the brakes from a reasonable speed, and also
feel for any vibration through the brake pedal
and steering wheel; this is likely to be present
when the discs are warped. Again, MOT E400 has adjustable
advisories can offer useful clues about condition. dampers with Sport
and Comfort settings.
● It makes sense to use official Mercedes brake

82
| August/September 2022 www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk
 THE
BAC K
END
Spot
fo r s t e d
US ale
E ED CAR
400 DEALE
2015, P C R
olar Wh abriole
previo ite, bro t
us o wn
£22,95 wner, 39,35 leather, one
0, Hert 0
fordsh miles,
ire
High quality, folding
fabric roof on the
Cabriolet model.

Bodywork and wheels

● Its body panels are galvanised, so if there’s any operate the hood with the car running, ensuring the
rust on a 207-series it must be due to poorly repaired pump is getting full power, because if the car has
crash damage. Even any stone chippings collected on stood unused for a while the battery could be low.
the leading edge of the bodywork should not have ● Most, if not all Mercedes wheels of this era suffer
turned into rust at this stage in the car’s life. corrosion around the centre caps. But wheels can be
£20,000 gets a ● On the Cabriolet, operate the hood with the engine refurbished for around £100 per wheel so if they’re in
at idle, drive the car, and check hood operation again bad condition it can make sense to build this into your
well maintained to ensure all the sensors are working. Do this without purchase price expectation. Also assess tyre condition
Coupe with switching the engine off, to avoid resetting the (and if they match), and whether the tyres are a good,
ignition cycle in case there is a fault, because turning premium brand. If so, this is usually a good sign the
20,000 miles off the ignition could reset any fault codes. Always owner liked to put quality parts on the car.

Interior and electrics

● The 207-series doesn’t suffer many problems in this
respect, but try all the on-board equipment: electric
seats, Comand unit, satellite navigation, mirrors and so
on. Are both keys present? A new spare is £300 plus
coding from Mercedes and some inconvenience as the
relevant security procedures are carried out.
● Check that all the dashboard warning lights – engine
management light, SRS, ABS, ESP – come on, and go out
once the engine has started.
● Electronic systems might need a software update from
time to time. A Mercedes-Benz main dealer may or may
not do this free of charge, and is more likely to if the car
has Mercedes-Benz service history. The 207-series’s
service history is not the traditional printed form, but on
the Mercedes-Benz database.

Red detailing of AMG

Sport Plus spec; cabin
feels well put together.

www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk August/September 2022

| 83
 THE
BAC K
Buyer’s Guide > 207-series E400 Spot
END

fo r s t e d
OFFICI ale
E400 Coupe/Cabrio Inside and out AL ME
E4 RC
2016, S 00 Cou S DEALER
EDE
panora e le n it e pe
mic su Grey, black
nroof, leathe
Merced 3 r,
es-Ben 8,600 miles,
Tonbrid z of
ge

Typical basic servicing costs

(A/B services including VAT)
MODEL OIL SERVICE MAJOR SERVICE
E400 Coupe/Cabriolet £170 £290
Quotes from SPR Autos

Non routine servicing costs

★ Carry out gearbox oil service £235

Verdict
Often, a car made towards the end of its production run is the best of all, given the
★ Fit new engine timing chain tensioner £265

★ Replace auto electronic plate with exchange unit £1,140

numerous improvements made over the years. This is certainly the case with the
★ Replace front brake discs and brake pads £345
E400 Coupe/Cabriolet: a great engine, the reliability you need from a high
performance modern car, and a driving experience that can’t be faulted. In fact, we ★ Supply and code new ignition fob £400
reckon the Cabriolet must be the best four-seat drophead there is at the money. And
on money, a £15,000 to £25,000 price span makes it affordable. But of course, to ★ Replace front suspension lower ball joints £335
enjoy its virtues to the full, you need to have what you’re buying properly checked
out, as complex cars with problems should always be avoided. ★ 4x premium brand tyres (235/35R19, 255/30R19) £650

What you’ll pay

£15,000-£16,000 2014 E400 Coupe, likely to be an
ex-fleet car with over 100,000 miles on the clock

£16,000-£20,000 2014/2015 E400 Coupes with

mileages from 50,000 upwards

£20,000-£22,000 The lowest price for an E400

Cabriolet, and 20,000- to 30,000-mile E400 Coupes

£23,000-£25,000 This is the price bracket for the

few E400s offered by official Mercedes-Benz dealers

Best ever cabriolet… probably

Before the 207-series E-Class Cabriolet was launched in 2010, it seemed great idea. Being Mercedes, the 207-series didn’t just have any old hood.
possible that the traditional canvas soft top was set to become history as The multi-layered roof was acoustically designed to damp sound
far as Mercedes-Benz was concerned. The SLK and SL used the efficiently to the point that’s there’s hardly any noise penalty compared
amazingly well engineered folding roof that made them two cars in one: to the saloon, and the aerodynamics – always tricky with a hood – were
coupe and roadster. impressive at 0.28Cd when closed and 0.32 when open. The 207-series
But the 207-series soft top proved that not to be Stuttgart’s thinking, Cabriolet also saw the debut of Aircap, a device that raised from the top
as keeping the wind and rain out was a traditional looking soft hood. of the front screen to reduce wind buffeting. All these factors made the
The new SL’s use of the same configuration underlines that it’s still a 207-series E-Class a drophead without compromise.

84
| August/September 2022 www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk
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August/September 2022 85
Running Report > E63 AMG Estate & E55 AMG

Active duty FACTSHEET

CARS 2007 E63 AMG Estate/2001 E55 AMG
OWNER Blakley Leonard
The E63 V8 wagon is pressed into service for The Amelia event in LOCATION Virginia, USA
PURCHASED July 2021/January 2021
Florida, and the E55 is booked in for exhaust work UPDATES SINCE LAST REPORT E63 proves as versatile as
ever during a big drive; E55’s boot has stopped opening
WORDS & IMAGES BLAKLEY LEONARD

The E63 never

missed a beat
from start to
finish

he E63 AMG wagon has While at Amelia, I threw on MB me to realise all of them, and if you’ve

T
 A near 20-hour round
trip in the E63, which continued to be the Market logos and it served as the ever been on the fence about getting
performed admirably.
ultimate road trip support vehicle transporting our gear one, you won’t be disappointed.
warrior for me. I and supplies from the condo to the
recently attended The Amelia in Florida field. The number of other enthusiasts From top to tips
as The MB Market (my company) was a who recognised it was not your typical I’ve still been driving the W210 E55
main sponsor for the event. I shipped Mercedes wagon were not hard to spot, daily to the office and warehouse. As I
two of my other cars down to be on as I was given thumbs up on every trip mentioned last time, the previous owner
display at The MB Market tent, which around the island. installed an aftermarket exhaust which I
included the 1990 Mercedes-Benz The E63 never missed a beat from admit sounds menacing paired to the
560SEC AMG Widebody and 1990 start to finish, and after an 18-hour AMG-tuned, 5.4-litre eight-cylinder.
Mercedes-Benz 500SL 6.0 AMG. While round trip I can confidently say that the Unfortunately, the exhaust tips are also
I would’ve loved to road trip down in car is truly built for the highway. The part of that and appear slightly smaller
either of those cars, putting the miles on ability to go from 70mph into triple than the factory AMG tips. So for that,
them just wouldn’t feel quite right digits in the blink of an eye is something I’ve scheduled a visit to my mechanic to
despite what others might say. Besides, I take for granted until I’m in another, get the AMG tips welded onto the
we needed a cool support vehicle and less capable car. And to do it with no current set up. I imagine there will be
the S211 seemed fit for the job. fuss, a third row of seats and extended some sort of fabrication work involved
 Complete with shouty The drive from my home in Virginia roof just makes it all the better. There but that’s well worth the change.
exhaust, Blakley’s E55
always garners attention. to Amelia Island took roughly nine are more than a few reasons why AMG It’s all about the details for me and
hours one way, but I enjoyed every wagons are highly sought after and once I notice something on one of my
 500SL 6.0 AMG and
560SEC AMG Widebody on
minute. In the E63, power is plentiful retain premium values today. Taking cars that isn’t quite right, there’s no
display at The Amelia. and always on tap. mine on an 18-hour round trip helped question that it must be addressed.
Besides, the trunk stopped opening as
well and if that’s not inconvenient I
don’t know what is. And yes, I tried the
key. Ironically, I just put the factory
muffler and tip in the trunk right before
it stopped opening. Now I get a friendly
thud in the trunk as a reminder from
time to time when taking a turn. With
any luck, I will be able to open my trunk
by the next issue. Got to love an old
Mercedes…

86
| August/September 2022 www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk
 THE
BAC K
Running Report > GLC220d END

Highs and lows FACTSHEET

CARS 2017 GLC220d AMG Line
OWNER David Sutherland
MOT and service time dramas for David Sutherland’s compact SUV, LOCATION Surrey, UK
PURCHASED September 2017
which has cost him rather a lot of money lately… UPDATES SINCE LAST REPORT Bills are now mounting up,
WORDS & IMAGES DAVID SUTHERLAND with expensive suspension and brake work needed,
while the stop-start works only intermittently

Fixing the ball

joint meant
replacing
the whole
suspension
arm

t what point does a car starting with the forthcoming service. pads needed renewing, which at nearly

A
 Specialist Edward
cease being new and Out of its four-year Mercedes-Benz Hall came to the GLC’s 40,000 miles was reasonable. But on
rescue at MOT time.
become, well, not new? Agility finance, I felt safe waving closer inspection it became clear that all
Our September 2017 goodbye to the high labour rates of four discs were on the way out, and that
GLC220d had run out of factory franchised dealers and going to Klasse fitting pads alone would not only leave
warranty after three years, but into year of Fulham, the Mercedes independent us with squeaking brakes but would be a
four was still looking fresh and with I’d been using for older Mercs since the false economy, as the discs would need
low mileage, and as I look after my cars mid-2000s. replacing soon anyway. So our joint
and also enforce a strict behavioural account was battered for another £800.
code on passengers (kids eating in the Having a ball There was more financial pain when the
back – forget it), I still considered it A ‘B1’ service was required, essentially Mercedes first got scratched in an
new. Flying through its second MOT a minor service plus brake fluid, and underground car park, and a few
reaffirmed that feeling. proprietor Steve Shali’s price was easier months later was hit by a truck and
If I may digress on the MOT. I was on the plastic than the local M-B dealer. needed both driver’s side doors
on a photoshoot at classic Mercedes However, he mentioned that the GLC replacing, an accident our insurer
specialist Edward Hall near Aylesbury had worn out its front lower ball joints; seemed to think was our fault because
when in late afternoon the conversation that didn’t concern me until he told me we had to pay the £500 excess.
turned to MOTs, at which point I that fixing the ball joint meant buying However, we’re keeping our veteran,
realised that the GLC’s was up that the whole suspension arm – nearly £600  Yokohama Advan 42,000-mile SUV. In one year’s time, it
Sport tyres continue
very day. This sent me into a panic, a pair, thank you very much. This to impress David. will no longer be liable for the ‘luxury’
because my wife would be driving into bumped up the bill to nearly £1,300. £335 road tax supplement, dropping
 Worn front ball
London the next day, and I believe the Soon after we had digested that, a joints meant new arms
back from nearly £600 to under £200.
expired MOT might well have been warning light flashed up that the brake costing £600 a pair. Small mercies!
picked up by a camera and a fine duly
despatched. However, at 4.45pm
workshop manager James Sanders got
me the last slot at the local MOT garage
and saved my day – so many thanks,
James!
But into year five, it was no longer
possible to keep up the pretence of
eternal youth, and for a simple and
painful reason: the fine looking, black
GLC was starting to cost money,

www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk August/September 2022

| 87
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restoring these cars to customer requirements with
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of our services. Please remember we also cater for
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and that we are agents for Penrite oils. for Smart car repairs and servicing
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August/September 2022 89
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MERC TRADER
FOR BUYING & SELLING

E320 1995, 121,000 miles, 500SEL 1986, 62,352 miles, E300 TD Estate 1999, 234,000 221-series S300 2011, 40,000
saloon, Sportline chassis, with very good condition, runs and miles, automatic, one owner miles, limousine saloon, petrol
original owners pack, MOT, drives, not being used, rust from new, silver/grey leather, V6, auto, Tanzanite Blue
good condition, wonderful on underside of bonnet, light seven seats, ESR, towbar, metallic/brown leather, B and
car, £POA. Tel: 07733 218261. rust to bottom of doors, small used daily, now need garage gearbox service at 36,000
Romsey [EFW4] hole in rear windscreen frame, space, £1,100 ONO. Tel: 07836 miles, imported from Singapore
£5,000. Tel: 07979 611071. 232969. Worcester [EFW9] last year, excellent condition,
Reading [EFW6] full spec on request, £9,850
ONO. Tel: 07950 825710. Tyne
and Wear [EFW14]

E240 Avantgarde 2002, 118,000

miles, two owners, silver, recent CLK230 Kompressor
MOT, new shock absorbers, Avantgarde 2002, Tiptronic,
serviced regularly, smooth runner, silver, only two owners in 20
glass tinted roof and sunroof, years, FSH, Merc specialist last
personalised numberplate, R171 SLK200 Kompressor 10 years, MOT March 2023, no C240 Elegance 34,000
£2,950 ONO. Tel: 07970 128889. 2008, 66,997 miles, long advisories, AMG alloys, two- miles, 2.6-litre V6 auto, very
Maidenhead [EFW2] MOT, metallic dark blue with tone leather, potential classic, low mileage, owned by a
ivory leather interior, last sensible price, £1,490. Tel: Mercedes enthusiast for 16
service less than 12 months 07710 198665. Halifax [EFW16] years, garaged and SORN
ago, part service history (last for last 12 years, recent
nine years), car based in mid MOT and service, FSH,
Wales, viewing recommended, usual Elegance refinements
£4,900 ONO. Tel: 01686 including full leather, parking
651284. Welshpool [EFW7] sensors, memory seats,
£POA. Tel: 07463 993934.
CLK Cabriolet 2008, 140,000 Buckinghamshire [EFW15]
miles, three-litre V6, in stunning CLK320 Avantgarde 114,000
condition, electric heated miles, convertible, five-speed
leather, full Mercedes history, auto, FSH, MOT until April 2023,
looks like new, garaged and drives beautifully, roof works
well cared for, drives smooth perfectly, great condition inside
and quiet, upgraded Bluetooth and out, £2,200. Tel: 07563
and Apple CarPlay, new MOT 670417. Southampton [EFW10]
and service, £3,995. Tel: 07456
163794. Kent [EFW5] W115 320.4, 33,000 miles,
absolutely original concours C180 SE 2003, 56,000 miles,
award winning car recently classic auto, two owners, service
TO SUBSCRIBE approved by SL Shop, grey blue/ history, drives well, nice clean
TELEPHONE blue Tex, manual, Blaupunkt
radio, original service book,
example with electric windows,
cruise, alloys, electric mirror,
+44 (0)1371 extensive history, spare unused, air con, long MOT, bargain for
853633 £24,500. Tel: 07818 420620. A180 £26,500. Tel: 07927 low mile car, £2,495. Tel: 07961
Goodwood [EFW8] 809373. UK [EFW11] 808069. Wimbledon [EFW18]

August/September 2022 91
MERC TRADER

E220 1995, 96,000 miles, E280 Avantgarde 2007, 85,000 280SL 1983, 138,000 miles, E-Class Cabriolet Sportline
auto, convertible, two owners, miles, genuine D5 Brabus Forest Green bodywork, 1993, I have owned the car for
all original booklets and conversion, selling due to no parchment interior, MOT May 10 years, in storage for past
stamped service book (8 garage now, every extra you 2023, hard and soft tops, three, FSH with plenty of bills,
stamps), low mileage and would expect, recent MOT and history, super bodywork, £POA. Tel: 07565 006735.
been cared for, drives very all new tyres 295 on rear 20- recovered seats, beautiful Cambridge [DEW6]
well and great condition too, inch barbs refurbed alloys, well chrome, steering overhauled,
heated beige seats, centre looked after mostly in storage new brakes/calipers as needed,
walnut storage box, latest and summer outings, any beautiful looking car and drives
Bluetooth stereo, airbags, trial welcome or text for more great, ready to be used, enjoyed
electric mirror and remote pictures, £POA. Tel: 07949 and loved, £19,995. Tel: 07932
central locking alarm, great 620118. Grimsby [EFW22] 666491. West Midlands [EFW25]
value for a future classic with
low miles, £9,995. Tel: 07961
808069. Wimbledon [EFW17] 230E 1990, 21,338 miles, fully
undersealed, new condition,
original tires, toolkit, first
aid kit, concours apart from
stereo, one UK owner, three
previous in Jersey, Champagne
350SL 1980, 95,000 miles, 123-series 230CE 1985, metallic, unmarked wood and
automatic, owned for the 134,000 miles, MOT, drives cloth, lifetime garaged, service,
last 28 years, Thistle Green, well, lots of history, good tyres, MOT on sale, stamped history,
new soft top and original stainless steel exhaust, needs £14,995. Tel: 07824 476564.
hardtop, well maintained both work, £3,900 ONO. Tel: 07836 Thornton-Cleveleys [DEW1]
S124 300TE 1990, 95,000 mechanically and bodywork, 769915. Surrey [EFW26]
miles, three owners, Astral stainless steel exhaust, drives
Silver with blue leather beautifully, £19,500. Tel: 01977
and walnut trim, extensive 515575. Leeds [EFW24]
mechanical and bodywork
restoration since 2017,
massive history file, stunning
condition inside and out, fitted
with period three-spoke Brabus
monoblock 17-inch alloys,
£10,495. Tel: 07970 275792. W140 S280 1998, five-speed
Chichester [EFW19] automatic, fantastic condition, E55 AMG 2004, 28,500 miles
C270 CDI Elegance SE in Brilliant Silver with black from new, paperwork to prove,
Saloon, automatic/Tiptronic, leather interior and walnut trim, FSH, dry-stored from new,
showroom condition, Brilliant FSH 3x M-B main dealer, 2x owned by wealthy Japanese
Silver, unmarked Pacific M-B specialists, 2x other, three businessman, driven only 250
Blue interior, one driver from owners, kept off road in heated miles in six months, factory
new, 52 Reg, 34,900 miles, garage over winter, £14,950. Tel: carbon fibre spoiler and rear
no short runs of less than 07887 777147. Lincoln [EFW27] splitter, £POA. Tel: 07825
30 miles, garaged from 374132. Falmouth [DEW3]
SL500 1998, 44,600 miles, new, fitted with a heated/
black, grey leather, light wood, dehumidifier, usual MB
electric heated memory seats, refinements: electric seats,
xenon lights, panoramic cruise, heated mirrors
hardtop, SH, MOT Nov 2022, etc., serviced and MOT’d
£34,500. Tel: 01692 630441. exclusively by Mercedes
Norfolk [EFW21] main dealer from new, full
records, original handbook/
B200 Turbo 2008, black, documents, full set of 220 CDI Elegance 2003, 34,000 AMG S63 2013, last of 221-series,
damaged driver’s door, driver’s keys, exceptionally well miles, MOT June 2023, FSH, outstanding, 40,000 miles, special
seat needs attention, great cared for, £5,250. Email: in very good condition, £3,750 Java tan interior, fully serviced,
car, £800. Tel: 07970 306477. Bazhylda1.11@outlook.com. ONO. Tel: 07707 509448. long MOT, £42,500. Tel: 01483
Farnham [EF] Buckinghamshire [CM36W6] Aberdeen [EFW28] 282830. Surrey [DEW25]

92 August/September
PRIVATE ADVERTS ARE FREE! ● TRADE ADVERTISERS CALL +44(0)20 8639 4416

220E 1994, reg M988AG0, 260E 1991, straight-six 2.6, E270 CDI Estate 2005, 7-seater, S55 AMG 2001, 87,000 miles,
convertible, silver with black legendary Mercedes engineering, green, 205,000 miles, passed showroom condition, MBSH, 3
soft top, heated front seats, air MOT until November, bodywork last 3 MOTs, had 3 injector previous owners, rare Titanite
conditioning £8,500 ONO. Tel: needs attention, arches mainly, back brake pipes replaced, last Red with Saffron Nappa leather,
01268 725128. Basildon [DEW12] roadworthy UK example, recent owner of 4 years has original fully loaded with every extra
service including both fuel pumps, invoices of regular repairs and including rare Distronic adaptive
needs a good home, £3,500 offers servicing, good solid reliable cruise control, unbelievable
considered. Tel: 07521 227883. Merc, £2,500. Tel: 07592 history file, no expense spared, I
Nottingham [DEW21] 176617 Bolton [DEW32] believe to be the best example in
the UK, £11,995 ONO. Tel: 07572
056231 West Yorkshire [DEW35]

190E modern classic and one

of the last over-engineered
Mercedes, 70,301 miles,
manual transmission, 1.8L, very
original, minor paint chips, very E280 CDI Estate 2006, seven-
good history and paperwork, seater, diesel, automatic, 500 SL 1991, appreciating
£7000. Tel: 07976 968723. Cubanite Silver, grey leather, classic with 106,000 miles, CLK 320 CDi AMG Sport 2006,
Albury [DEW11] 108,000 miles, excellent in excellent condition, had only 114,000 miles, grand tourer,
condition, lots of service major overhaul 2 years ago serviced above and beyond by
history, long MOT, £3,250. Tel: by Mercedes specialist, drives specialists, very good condition for
01483 282830. Surrey [DEW26] excellently with many new parts, year, only selling due to being able
new MOT etc, rust free example to cycle to work now, good home
ready to use every day, £12,000 sought, park sensors, leather, auto,
ONO. Tel: 07710 552677 rare dual Tiptronic, privacy glass,
Weston-Super-Mare [DEW33] memory seat, 6x CD changer, MoT
320CE 1993, black, available Mar 2023, wheels refurbed, just
with FSH (Automerc in recent had service, great economy, great
years) in SE10 (London) available, E280 Elegance, 57 plate, torque and power, £4,299. Tel:
drove 10,000 miles on European 7Gtronic automatic, Airmatic 07792 887729 Stockport [DEW36]
ventures in year before lockdown suspension, Parktronic, split
(including down to Greece and rear folding seats, hands free,
back), but it has been serviced Indium Grey metallic, interior
annually since, I bought K59MMM seats Palma Grey cloth, burr 280SL 1995, convertible (R129)
in May 2012 from CCB, £POA. Tel: walnut wood, very low mileage automatic with hard top/soft
07711 761232. Greenwich [DEW10] 14,000, serviced at same main top, finished in silver with
dealer since new, pristine grey leather interior, grey over
condition, £8,495. Tel: 07751 mats, roll over safety bar, wind
560818 Hertfordshire [DEW30] deflector, cd/stereo, air con, SL500 R129 1992, rare LHD, 83,000
electric windows, alloy wheels, miles, one UK owner registered,
good tyres, service history, fully loaded including electric
69,500 miles, MOT to Nov windows, mirrors, seats, steering
‘22, boot spoiler, rear parking column, heated seats, cruise
sensors, new spare tyre, tool kit, control, black leather, Lorinser
new hard top roof lining, in very alloys, hard top roof, excellent
C36 AMG 1996, 170,000 miles, 230CE, low owners, about good condition, part exchange throughout, £16,950. Tel: 07703
great condition, head gasket 64,000 miles, registered Dec ’89, possible, £11,995. Tel: 07831 176137 Sunderland [DEW38]
and wiring loom replaced, Koni spec includes leather, sunroof 511781 West Sussex [DEW34]
adjustable suspension, new and air con, for sale due to lack
discs, lots done, have owned of use, recent maintenance C240 1998/V reg in original TO SUBSCRIBE
the car for 12 years, has a includes head gasket, full condition regularly serviced,
couple of items which need service, gearbox service, discs/ 80,000 miles from new with MOTs
TELEPHONE
sorting mainly fan and air pads, 4 tyres, radiator, gearbox and all bills, in fair condition, new +44 (0)1371
con, reluctant sale but space pipes, fuel filter and more, tyres, alloys, starts first time every
needed, £8,250. Tel: 07976 excellent, £POA. Tel: 07809 time, sensible offers accepted. 853633
923091. Cardiff [DEW20] 200005 Caterham [DEW31] Tel: 07504 729127. Croydon [DE]

August/September 2022 93
MERC TRADER

CLK V6 320 CDi 2005, silver, C55 AMG 2005, saloon, 56,632 CLK320 Avantgarde Auto, W111 220SEb Coupe 1961,
149,000 miles, one owner from miles, only 105 of these beautiful full service history with LHD, manual floor change,
new, full Mercedes service beasts registered on the road loads of paperwork, just steel sliding sunroof, arrived
history (last service 01/22), (DVLA Q2 2021), probably one of had service with my local in the UK from the States as
MOT until 08/22, Distronic, the best of them. Recent MOT Mercedes specialist, good a very solid rust free example,
Keyless Go, sun roof, leather and service by Mercedes-Benz condition inside and out, owned by me from 2017
heated seats, Command Sat Brooklands, FMBSH, immaculate drives absolutely beautifully, having since undergone a
Nav etc. personalised number inside and outside – 5.5 litres roof works perfectly and hood comprehensive restoration
plate (J55CLK) included in of pure AMG muscle, normally in good condition, just been including total bodywork and
price although will sell either aspirated engine, gone up in weatherproofed, old school repaint (DB906 grey Blue
separately, £3,499. Tel: 07885 value every year I’ve owned it. Mercedes which I purchased metallic), retrimmed in leather
156001 Essex [DEW39] Insured by Adrian Flux Classic on the advice of my local (1088 Bright Red), new veneer,
Car Insurers with agreed value of Mercedes specialist, the headlining in correct cloth,
£15,000. Comes with four brand 3.2 with the five-speed auto mechanical overhaul with many
new tyres, tracker, uprated Tarox is a fantastic combination new genuine and refurbished
discs, pads and braided hoses, of reliability and simplicity. parts, displayed at M-B World
new Mercedes battery, 18-inch Becoming rare now, Mercedes Brooklands for many months
alloy wheels, climate control, enthusiast owned, get ready for and now stored in a Carcoon,
electric windows (front/rear), ESP the summer with this fantastic stunning and never used since
and ABS, in-car entertainment car, no time wasters please, completion, £48,950. Tel: 07976
(radio/CD autochanger), heated POA. Tel: 07563 670417. 254804. Hampshire [CDW18]
electric mirrors with memory, Southampton [CDW10]
E320 CDI Elegance 2001, metallic paint metallic, electric
94,943 miles, 3.2-litre diesel, front seats electric with memory
five-speed automatic Tiptronic, and heating seats, leather
two previous owners, MOT upholstery, £14,000. Tel: 07415
expired October 2018, not 936750. West Molesey [CDW6]
driven since, silver, black
leather interior, £2,000. Tel:
07778 405300. St Neots [CDW5] C280 Sport Rare, immaculate
condition throughout, C280
Sport is becoming very rare
and this is a great investment E220 Coupe 1995, Azurite Blue,
example, no rust whatsoever, cream leather, 116,000 miles, MOT
top spec, fully loaded with and tax, 17-inch monoblocks,
black leather interior, cruise remote alarm, service book with
control, auto, sport mode, front 11 stamps, present owner five
W126 300SE 1988, immaculate, and rear electric windows, years, looks and drives very
white with blue velour interior, etc., £2,750 OVNO. Tel: 07399 nicely, £5,000. Tel: 07752 532516.
174,000 miles with a great 715276. London [CDW7] Chichester [CDW14]
history portfolio, recent A180 Sport 2016, automatic, 66
mechanic overhaul including plate, half leather interior, three
major service, brakes, seals and new tyres, just had new brakes
all works as required, long MOT, and discs, been fully serviced,
no expense spared, low owners 51,000 on the clock, recorded in
and HPI clear, drives like a 2018 as Cat S, runs and drives
dream, only £5,450. Tel: 07870 really well, airbag light keeps
963662. Leicester [CDW3] coming on but have no time
to take it in. POA. Tel: 07806 C43 AMG Bought the car C280 Sport 1997, auto, rare,
E320 2002, AMG spec, FSH, 771571. Tamworth [CDW4] in 2001 at three years old fantastic condition, full service
177,000 miles, white leather with about 15,000 miles on history mainly Mercedes and
interior walnut dashboard, alloys, the clock, current mileage my local Mercedes specialist,
AMG extras, sale due to lack of TO SUBSCRIBE approximately 121,000, totally up-together car,
use as working from home, 11 maintained by J Haynes who Mercedes enthusiast owned,
months MOT, private plate not TELEPHONE will support any enquiries, nothing needs doing to it, new
included, suit Mercedes devotee, please call for more details, Avon tyres all round, extremely
£2,350 ONO. Tel: 07523 195247. +44 (0)1371 853633 £6,000 OVNO. Tel: 07762 rare V6 Sport, POA. Tel: 07563
Porthcawl [DE] 776244. Worthing [CDW9] 670417. Southampton [CDW11]

94 August/September
PRIVATE ADVERTS ARE FREE! ● TRADE ADVERTISERS CALL +44(0)20 8639 4416

CLK270 CDI 2005, auto, 05 reg, S320 CDI 2005, showroom ML500 Special Edition 2005, 300SE 1965, automatic, RHD,
excellent condition internally condition, fully loaded, £9,000 104,000 miles, fully loaded, grey in two-tone maroon and white
and externally, recent service of factory options, rear DVD leather, very good condition, no top with a beautiful beige
and four new tyres, 10 months player, Keyless-Go, wood/leather rust, LHD, U.S import, 10 months interior and wooden dashboard
MOT with previous advisories steering wheel and gearshift, MOT, UK Reg, full Mercedes to compliment the ride, car
rectified, 150,000 miles, drives M-B Bluetooth mobile phone service history, has spent all life starts and runs, air suspension
excellent with good MPG, photos ready, 18-inch alloys, xenon in garage in Arizona, please call in running condition, minimal
on request, £2,995. Tel: 07904 headlights, M-B floor mats, Steven for more information, rust, car can be shipped to the
207460. Stockport [CDW23] unmarked light grey leather, M-B POA. Tel: 07775 942389. UK, £85,000 ONO. Tel: +65 8118
service history, 122,000 miles, Hampton Court [BCW4] 4948. Singapore [EFW3]
£4,995 ONO. Tel: 07879 433521.
Saffron Walden [BCW1]

300SL-24 1989, convertible, 230SL 1964, 144,000 miles,

68,000 miles, current owner dark Bordeaux (573), Crema
last 20 years, red, tan leather Tex, all necessary restoration
interior, black convertible top, work during my 12 years
C200 2011, saloon, 150,000 red hardtop, garage stored, ownership noting Build Card,
miles, good order for year but selling as not used for past £74,000. Tel: (00) 353 872 401
slightly tatty, all usual Merc 260E 1991, auto, Pearl Blue, year, POA. Tel: 07977 425546. 819. Dublin [EFW12]
features – air con, leather 12 months MOT, three owners, Dawlish [BCW3]
interior, electric seats etc. showroom condition, FSH,
Everything works, four good factory fitted sunroof, blue leather
tyres, MOT until August 2022, seats, loads of history and extras,
average 45mpg, FSH, sale due to 71,130 miles, £7,450 ONO. Tel:
downsizing to smaller car for a 01529 421712. Sleaford [CDW35]
learner, £1,750 for quick sale. Tel:
07753 677974. Leiston [CDW20] E320 CDI Auto, black, beige W202 C36 AMG 1996, 310,000
leather, light interior, electric km, green black/black
heated seats, full electrics, W123 230 14,810 miles, car interior, in excellent condition,
sunroof etc., FSH, always in outstanding condition, any completely original and
garaged, two keys, registration questions please call, £22,000. unmolested, LHD, fully stamped
LS56 KUV, as new, 79,000 miles, Tel: 07415 129117. MB service book plus loads of
no offers, £9,995. Tel: 0208 505 Wallington [BCW1 history from day one, this rust
4678. Woodford Green [CD] free car looks and performs

SL320 1994, 83,000 miles, 350SL 1980, auto, owner

INTERNATIONAL as a C36 should, on UK plates
kept at my home in the Algarve,
excellent engine and automatic for the last 28 years, Thistle MERCEDES £POA. Tel: +351 289 489 662.
transmission, clean grey leather Green, 95,000 miles, new soft Portugal [EFW13]
interior, good soft top and hardtop, top and original hardtop, well
nice alloy wheels and good tyres, maintained both mechanically
wind deflector, new battery, recent and bodywork, stainless steel
new brake discs fitted, new spark exhaust, drives beautifully,
plugs, oil change, drives very £19,500. Tel: 01977 515575.
nice, POA. Tel: 07895 954531. Yorkshire [CD]
Hertfordshire [CDW24]
600SEL V12, 1992, 408bhp,
silver, blue leather, excellent 560SL 1989, 96,500 miles, 190C 1964, four-door saloon,
TO SUBSCRIBE condition, 87,000 miles, extensive PS, PB, electric windows and 1,897cc four-cylinder engine
history, very rare, only 63 left door locks, 2 USB ports, new with 79bhp/113lb ft torque,
TELEPHONE in UK, enthusiast, collectors or soft top, hardtop, very good four-speed manual gearbox,
investment car, ask for Gary, condition, all new carpeting, 0-62mph in 15.9 seconds,
+44 (0)1371 853633 £16,000, Tel: 07815 530652. $30,000. Tel: +1 1714 299 9264. £POA. Tel: 00201222300041.
Buntingford [CD] California [EFW1] Egypt [DEW4]

August/September 95
MERC TRADER
PARTS, MISC &
ACCESSORIES

170V 1937, one of the first W212 E-Class SE parts 2013

Mercedes ever sold new in – 2014, facelift model, two
Portugal, LHD, original 1700cc headlights, original Mercedes OEM,
gasoline engine, MOT until 2030, will fit from March 2013 and 2014
historic interest certificate, runs models, includes control units
and drives like new, needs nothing, SLK230 rear left side light fitted, £1,290. Tel: 02866 341988. four Mercedes Bundt wheels
a very rare car in this condition panel and centre console lid Enniskillen [EFW11] 4x14-inch, in perfect chrome,
with this originality, a true jewel, Fits 1996 to 2000 models, £60 14x6.5J, unused, stored since
£POA. Tel: 00351916269080. for light panel, £20 for lid – £70 2007, the invoice shows wheels
Portugal [DEW29] for both plus postage from were purchased in 2007 from a
Ireland. Tel: (089) 400 1255. Mercedes specialist for $796,
Dublin [EFW20] this equates to $1,100 in 2022
(£840), the wheels are sold
as a set and not separately,
£420. Tel: 07703 986781.
London TW1 [DEW14]
AMG hardback book Dealer
280 SL Pagoda 1968, white, supplied, dated 2004, 14
leather cognac, automatic models, great photos, specs,
NO. PLATES
transmission, completely unmarked pages, as new,
maintained service booklet, Original W220 S-Class wheels £12.50. Tel: 07399 359072.
invoices and service booklet 16-inch Carmenta alloys front Canterbury [DEW2]
are available, the condition and rear, wheels/rims in good
grade is 2, £POA. Tel: +49 7152 condition, tyres not suitable
90163-0. Germany [DEW28] for road use, all four wheels J55 CLK Personal plate, dateless
for £200. Tel: 01254 824277. and a great numberplate for CLK
Lancashire [EFW23] enthusiasts, particularly the CLK
55 AMG, available on retention,
£1,750 ONO. Tel: 07885 156001.
Essex [EF]

R107 SL & C107 SLC front wing

W201 190E 2.3-16 1983, unique, rubber/chrome moulding
unit number 10 built, driven Original Mercedes part, not 300JB Personal plate,
by two grand prix drivers – E-Class facelift grille Centre cheaper aftermarket copies purchased from DVLA auction
John Watson (in the Race of for E-Class facelift model 2013 that do not look right, in good on retention, offers over
Champions, won by Ayrton to 2016, star logo not included condition £50 ONO. Tel: 07818 £10,000 invited. Tel: 0208 707
Senna) and Manfred Winkelhock £100. Tel: 02866 341988. 222574. Milngavie [DEW8] 4781. Feltham [DE]
(the first owner after Mercedes Enniskillen [EFW13]
Germany). This is one of 20 RoC
cars and only four are known to
still exist (Lauda, Senna, Schurti
and Watson), POA. Tel: +34699 2HWH Personal plate, dateless,
249085. Barcelona [CDW22] lowest digit available, on
retention, all serious offers
invited, £20,000. Tel: 07583
W212 E-Class facelift engine 613521. Tamworth. [DEW27]
undertray Sump protector,
facelift E-Class models 2013 to
2016, £130. Tel: 02866 341988.
Enniskillen [EFW14] R107 SL & C107 SLC chrome
280SL 1983, only 101,093 miles, eyebrows For above headlights, BCL45S Personal plate, great
Mercedes maintenance book, original Mercedes part, not numberplate for enthusiasts
many photos and documents
TO SUBSCRIBE cheaper aftermarket copies available and owners of the ‘B’
on demand, beautiful car, right- TELEPHONE which do not look right, in good Class, on a certificate, £25,000.
hand drive, POA. Tel: 06071 +44 (0)1371 853633 condition £75 ONO. Tel: 07818 Email: jb52543@gmail.com.
42044. Lyon, France [BCW12] 222574. Milngavie [DEW9] Ilford [DE]

96 August/September
PRIVATE ADVERTS ARE FREE! ● TRADE ADVERTISERS CALL +44(0)20 8639 4416
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SLK32 AMG 2002

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, 94,000 miles,
full service histo E320 Coupe 1994
ry, V6, superb , blue/black
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wheel refurb, interior, sunroof, er interior, excellent m
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Rainsport tyres

your photograph, email your advertisement to

good condition fully loaded, 45,0
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recent new disc excellent engi full service histo 123-series 230T
s/pads, ne and gearbox, ry, £13,750. E 1985, seven
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full MOT, Alpin recent new part Sussex metallic, this n
e hi- , iPod

classifieds@sundialmagazines.co.uk or place your

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for more info loom, tyres, with many extra
and pictures, exhaust, susp and in superb s
£10,000. Tel: ension, £3,250 condition, curr
07539 935573. ONO. Tel: 0785 recorded mile ent
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Southport speci cation,
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a detailed cloth interior, Bath [JKW
history, £7,250. 43]

wording required, please provide your full name

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47] garaged for the
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1 661436.
Glasgow
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R129 280SL 1994
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G500 2002, fact trim, 58,322 genu
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condition, well 2002, 47,000 in com pletely original,
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Trade advertisers should call example of this nished in rare , exceptional

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October 2017
103

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August/September 97
 THE
BAC K
From the archives > London to Sydney 280E END

280E rally car

Nearly 20,000 miles of competition across some of the planet’s toughest terrain
calls for a serious feat of engineering – step forward the W123
WORDS & IMAGES ERIC RICHARDSON

hen the 1977 London to Sydney Rally set off

W
 Tony Fowkes (right) and to fix it properly. Andrew Cowan [who won
co-driver Peter O’Gorman
from Covent Garden on August 14, it was billed with their W123 rally car.
the 1977 rally in another 280E] once said to me,
as a rally that “will cover three continents, ‘Always try and start a marathon rally at the
30,000 kilometres, 30 check points in 30 days speed you intend to finish,’” Tony recalls.
and carries a prize fund of A$30,000. And it will be the
longest car rally in history”. After 45 days, Tony and Peter arrived
To better understand what was involved in this event, I’m at Mercedes- at the finish outside the Sydney
Benz World in Surrey to meet the crew of Tony Fowkes and co-driver Opera House, having lost their lead during
Peter O’Gorman, who hustled the very W123 280E seen here to second the extremely tough and tiring Australian leg of
place overall in the 1977 event. “It did get tiring, incredibly so, being a the rally to 280E team mates Andrew Cowan,
two-man crew,” Tony begins. “I remember one point in Australia when The only Colin Makin and Mike Broad, the benefits of a
we stopped to change a puncture and Peter was already undoing the problems three-man crew on an endurance event finally
wheelnuts. I then started jacking up the left-hand rear wheel, which was showing through. Still, a Mercedes-Benz 1-2
mad as the puncture was on the other side!” we had was a fantastic, historic result.
Inside the car, there is not a great deal of difference from a standard were “We parked the cars and walked up those
W123. The decision to retain regular seats was based on the belief that a famous steps to the Sydney Opera House,
comfortable driver is a less fatigued driver. Pointing to a large water
self- where everyone was being congratulated for
container, Peter explains, “That was filled up in Greece and it lasted us inflicted finishing, and I remember that feeling
through to India. We didn’t want to rely on unknown water as, being a distinctly,” says Tony. “You just felt relaxed,
two-man crew, if one of us fell sick then we’d be out of the event.” happy, but by Christ you knew you’d just taken
 Beyond the safety cage,
Externally, the Mercedes saloon looks impressively purposeful with you’ll find an interior that
part in one of the hardest motor rallies that had
the sand ladders replacing the bumpers. Underneath the car, the rear is remarkably standard. ever been put on.”
trailing arms show the steel strap modifications made to prevent excess
travel of the arm, while floor modifications allow the twin exhaust pipes
to sit in a protective recess away from rocks. The engine bay looks
remarkably normal aside from the cross brace. With the front suspension
travel again limited by steel straps, the upper mount for the strap sits
within the inner wing above the spring’s locating point.
“The only problems we had were self-inflicted,” Tony remembers with
a laugh. “Towards the end of the rally in Australia, we were going
through a wooded section downhill and I misjudged a bend, went a little
bit wide and caught a bollard, pushing the right-hand wheel back and
bending the lower steering arm – totally my fault. Fortunately, we had
some wire cable in the boot, so we tied that around a tree onto the
suspension arm and reversed back to more or less pull it forward, so we
could still get to the next major service point where Mercedes was able

98
| August/September 2022 www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk
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