1989 Mercedes-Benz 260E

The example for sale is a 1989 registered on the 1st of June with just two former keepers, one of which was the vendor’s grandfather who owned the car since the early 90s. This model is the 260E, meaning it’s powered by a 2.6 litre naturally aspirated straight six petrol with fuel injection. It produces 165bhp along with 162 lb ft of torque. Power is fed to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic gearbox. There aren’t many of these available, so if you’re on the market for this model, you may want to act quick

The car has a long MOT, and its recent history makes for positive reading. The last MOT has just advisories for slight play in the nearside rear wheel bearing and nearside front inner track rod. The car comes with low mileage having covered almost 66,000 miles. It’s finished in ‘Diamond Blue’ with a navy-blue interior for a striking finish.

The current owner has had the car for two years after taking it off his grandfather’s hands because he gave up driving. The vendor has enjoyed the time with the car, describing it as the more ‘modern feeling’ car out of the classics he has owned, and the only one that can be using for transporting his family around.

Speaking of family, the current owner states many happy family trips in the car throughout the time it was own by his grandfather. Although he has enjoyed the car, he is parting ways with it as the ULEZ is extending to his area.

As mentioned in the previous section, this example is finished in ‘Diamond Blue’ with contrasting black plastic bumpers and trim, which is in good condition, although the wipers for the headlights could do with refreshing. The headlights themselves are in great condition, free of cracks, fading or tarnishing. The rear lights are also in fine form, as is the glassware.

The iconic ‘gullideckel’ alloys are not fitted to the car; instead, it’s wearing a set of 15” BBS alloys, which decent condition, but the next owner may want to rejuvenate them. It is worth noting that the offside front is missing the centre caps. The tyres appear to have a good amount of tread on them, leaving the next owner one less thing to do.

The body itself looks to be straight and true, free of dents or any serious damage. There are some small areas of corrosion – see the top of the windscreen. Having said that, the current owner has been working hard to address the common areas of rust for the W124, such as the front wings. Those eagle-eyed amongst you may have spotted that the front grille looks a bit different – the vendor blacked out the horizontal slats for a stealthier look.

The inside features a somewhat bold blue theme that may not be to everyone’s tastes. The vendor believes this colour scheme is a rare one for the car and we think it adds extra character to the car. The vendor states all the electrics work, and there is an aftermarket Pioneer stereo to bring a mod con to the classic interior.

The car features a working sunroof, as well as the optional folding headrests which the vendor says, are also working. The cabin is showing some age-related wear, such as a tear on the driver’s seat and cracking in the centre console, but this is all cosmetic. The steering wheel is in good condition and whilst it has the correct level of patina, it’s not excessively worn or damaged – the same goes for the gearknob.

Interior features include the aftermarket stereo, climate control, front and rear electric windows, folding rear headrest, an armrest both in the front and the rear, and electrically adjustable door mirrors. The seats do feature some staining, as does the headlining, but a decent valet should be able to cure that.

The Mercedes 260E is known for having weak spots when it comes to rust, and this example is no exception. The current owner has combated this by replacing the front wings, as well as the rear floor panels. The engine should run like a dream as the vendor had it rebuilt during his ownership due to running issues. The head gasket was replaced before that, in 2019, but he was not happy with the repair.

In the two years the vendor has owned the car he has carried out extensive work, replacing plenty of components to ensure the car will continue for another 30 or so years – or even longer! The front and rear brake pads and discs have been replaced along with the calipers as well. The suspension has also been overhauled, with new springs, shocks and bushes. New sills were also fitted to help with corrosion.

This 260E has covered almost 66,000 miles, which is respectable bearing in mind it’s over 30 years old. It’s had just three owners, with two of those owners coming from the same family and the car having spent around 30 years with them. The car does come with documentation and invoices, but not with original booklets/manuals, although the original tool kit is present and correct – albeit with corrosion.

The car comes with two sets of keys; one to unlock the car, the other for the ignition. As documented above, the vendor has carried out a lot of work on this car to ensure it keeps on going, which is a promising sign for the next owner. The vendor states that although it may not be the most pristine example cosmetically, it’s mechanically sound and thanks to the plethora of mechanical work undertaken. On top of that, it was given an oil and filter change in July of this year.

There aren’t too many 260Es available on the market, and whilst this example isn’t pristine, it’s a solid, honest example. This example is ready to be used as a daily driver if desired – much like its current use – or if a sympathetic restoration is wanted, this car will make for a great base.

This is thanks to plenty of work being carried out by its current owner, a long MOT, and a recent service. The engine has also been rebuilt less than 3,000 miles ago meaning the car is running as it should and starts on the button every time. The estimate for this car is £5,000-£7,000, with the vendor saying that mechanically and structurally that is a good price.

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