1996 MERCEDES-BENZ (W124) E280 ESTATE

This Mercedes-Benz E280 Estate is a stylish and practical modern classic, which boasts famously robust mechanicals and a great factory specification. Under the bonnet is the 2.8-litre straight-six producing around 190bhp, coupled to a four-speed automatic transmission. The odometer shows 105,568 miles from new.

An original UK-market car first registered in February 1996, this E280 has had just four previous owners over 24 years. It was acquired by the vendor two months ago, who is now diverting his attention to other cars in his collection. The cherished registration ‘C2 FFA’ is included in the sale.

Today, its bodywork and paint are reported to be in generally very good condition. The vendor reports there was previously some minor damage to the front bumper, which was repaired and repainted, and that there are minor stone chips to the front end - visible in the photo gallery. There are also two tiny stone chips on the driver’s door, and some wiper scrapes on the front and rear screens. In general, the Azurite Blue finish looks smooth and even around the panels. The car wears 17-inch AMG ‘mono block’ alloys, which are almost unmarked as can be seen in the photos.

Inside, the grey fabric upholstery is in great shape, with little signs of use considering the age and mileage. The vendor reports some damage to the sill cover trims in the door shuts, and a missing strip under one of the doors. Burr walnut wood veneers add a touch of sophistication to the cabin, with the rare factory-fitted walnut steering wheel, and there is just some slight cracking to the inlay by the gear shift.

In the boot, there is a folding bench seat that turns this E280 into an occasional seven-seater. Furthermore, the ‘roller blind’ luggage cover and guard is still in place. Further factory-fitted equipment includes air-conditioning, electric windows on all four doors, plus a sliding sunroof – which is currently not opening fully. Remote locking and an alarm system have been retrofitted, along with an aftermarket reversing camera. The vendor reports no known electrical faults, and there are no warning lights on the dashboard.

Between early 2018 and mid 2020, covering around 18,000 miles on the road, various maintenance was carried out that included a new suspension self-levelling valve, new wiring loom, ignition coils and spark plugs, track rod ball joints, rear suspension spheres, front brake pads, front brake flexi hoses, and a new radiator. There are invoices on file for these items and other general maintenance for this period totalling some £5,614. Further invoices on file for servicing and maintenance between 2008 and 2017 come to £2,688. The stamped service book and various invoices are visible in the photo gallery.

The most recent MOT test was on 8 June 2020 at 104,178 miles. The tester recorded a few advisories, noting slight perishing of the rear tyres, a minor oil leak, and some corrosion on the offside rear brake pipe. Its tyres are all Pirelli Cinturato items, which are in excellent condition at the front, but which would benefit from replacing at the rear in due course.

Accompanying the car is the original Mercedes-Benz owner’s wallet with handbook, maintenance record, and dealer directory, as well as numerous invoices as described above.

This Mercedes-Benz E280 Estate is a very well-presented example of the legendary W124 series model. Known for their impressive build quality and longevity, this particular car is certainly testament to that, even after 24 years on the road. Its stylish specification makes this a car with a true feelgood factor, while the comfortable cabin, air-conditioning, and smooth straight-six make it a fantastic touring car – not to mention superb value modern classic.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.