About the 300TE
The 300TE is a station wagon in Mercedes-Benz midsize range. This would later become known as the E-Class. The 300TE is part of the 124 series, produced from 1985-1996. While Mercedes-Benz had been producing the mid size range since before the war, the station wagon was introduced in 1978 as part of the 123 series. The S124 station wagons were the second generation wagons and built upon the very successful S123.
Mercedes-Benz Australia never seemed to be able to make their mind up if they wanted to offer the four cylinder or six cylinder wagon in this market. They sort of oscillated between both at various times, with short overlaps selling both models. 1990 was such a year, where you could have the 230TE for $96,200 or the 300TE for $133,966. To put that eye watering price into perspective, the 2007 E350 Wagon that my wife owns was actually cheaper 17 years later at $132,500. That would be equivalent to $205,030 adjusted for inflation to 2007, or $296,847 in 2022 dollars.
Needless to say, these wagons never sold in massive numbers, but were status symbols in rich suburbs, in much the same way something like a Porsche Cayenne is now. The S124 wagons are rapidly gaining in popularity as a classic, as is the W124 in general. It is considered by many the last of the engineering first midsize Mercedes.
The 124 series had two facelifts during its production run, one in 1989 and the second in 1993. The first facelift added the sacco panels to the lower part of the car, painted in a complementary tone to the body work of the car. It also added more wood to the dash and door trims. There were other minor improvements at the same time. The second facelift was more substantial, changing the front end to bring the cars into line with the W140, and introducing a whole range of new engines. These engines had computer controlled fuel injection which made them more powerful and efficient. The downside of them was the engine wiring was biodegradable. 30 years in a hot engine bay caused them to prematurely biodegrade causing major repairs.
About this car
This 1990 Mercedes 300TE was produced in August 1990. It wouldn’t get an Australian compliance plate and be sold until January 1991. It is finished in 888 Beryll Metallic paint with a 175 Cream MB-Tex interior. I really like the colour combination, but it can’t have been too popular as this colour is rarely seen in Australia. The options fitted (see below) are pretty standard for an Australian delivered 1990 300TE wagon.
The early ownership history is quite interesting. It was delivered to Mercedes-Benz Australia in Milperra by MB Sydney. They only kept the car six months, before it was sold again by MB-Sydney as a used car with warranty to Sulo MGB Pty Ltd in Frenches Forest, a suburb in Northern Sydney. They would keep it about three and a half years, before it was again sold by MB Sydney as a used car with warranty (now with almost 75,000km) to a David A Livingstone, in Wharoonga, another suburb in Northern Sydney. Mr Livingstone would keep the car for more than twelve years. During all this time, the car wore the NSW plate RQV-984.
Apparently it was commonplace for Mercedes-Benz Australia to assign these cars to employees for a short term such as this. It was a perk for the employee and also helped inflate the sales figures. Given the price of the 300TE, it was likely some kind of manager.
There is a small gap of about 3.5 years in the service history after that. Some time in that period the car made its way up to Queensland and would find another long term owner. It was purchased in May of 2011 with 294,000 on the clock. The car would remain with that owner for 11.5 years and reach 372,00km. It then came back down to Sydney again to a new owner who planned to keep it long term. He spent quite a lot on repairs such as a full transmission rebuild, new dash wood and more. Sadly for him, moving away from Sydney meant the car had to be sold, which is where I come in. I’ve been able to talk extensively to the last two owners of the car about the service history which has been great.
I had been thinking of selling my 300SE for a while. Three W126s is almost too much of a good thing, and the car just wasn’t seeing the same use as it did before. It’s the car I primarily use to take my kids to various weekend activities. Now they are a bit older, I thought a wagon would be more practical. This one with the towbar would also allow for a bike rack and other accessories like that. And after six years I just felt like a change.
I was specifically after a W124 300TE wagon, preferably one from after the first facelift. This 1990 Mercedes 300TE wagon really fit the bill with its overall good condition, extensive service history and interesting colour scheme really fit the bill. I didn’t really want a 230TE, and it had to be old enough (30 years) to go on club rego. In any case, I wasn’t as keen on a car with the biodegradable wiring harness, if I could find one, as the E280 was only sold for about 18 months, and I wasn’t interested in a 220.
Option codes
| Option Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 233 | Foglamp wiring for F/CH/AUS/S/N |
| 240 | Outside temperature indicator |
| 280 | Leather steering wheel & gear shift knob |
| 340 | Additional 3rd stop lamp |
| 412 | Electronic sliding roof with tilting device |
| 420 | Automatic Transmission (Floor Shift) |
| 440 | Tempomat (Cruise Control) |
| 524 | Paintwork preservation |
| 547 | Double roller blind & Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors |
| 570 | Folding armrest, front |
| 586 | Behr air conditioner and electric windows |
| 598 | Heat insulating glass for side and rear windows, heated rear window |
| 615 | 611: Courtesy lamps, front and rear doors 613: Lamp unit, Asymmetrical, LH Traffic |
| 625 | Version for Australia |
| 640 | 15-Hole light alloy rims |
| 677 | Tropical battery |
| 722 | Baggage rack, integrated |
| 625 | Version for Australia |
| 801 | 1991 Model year |
| 844 | Folding seat bench in loading compartment |
What’s next
There are some small jobs to improve the wagon, such as some cracked plastic trim, the operation of the vents and flaps in the A/C system and so on that could be improved.
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