1989 Mercedes 300CE Coupe Red W/ Tan, stunning, Low mileage, RARE!!
Vehicle Description
Up for sale is my 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300CE coupe, finished in Signal Red paint over Palomino leather interior with approx. 108,000 miles. The odometer stopped working just a month or 2 after my purchase around January 2024. It stopped at around 98K, I drove it about 10K miles in the last 18 months as I have several other cars in my collection.
This car was sold new by Don Rasmussen Mercedes-Benz in Portland, Oregon to a man who kept it at his home in Boise, Idaho for its first 25 years, where it was serviced faithfully at Lyle Pearson Mercedes-Benz of Boise every 3,000 miles. He passed away in 2013 and I believe the car stayed in the family as it was still serviced there until it was sold to a man sight-unseen to his home in Southern California, only to discover the car's lower roofline and ride height were too low for his 6'4" frame. It was then sold to the previous owner I purchased the car from 2 years ago. He flew out there and took it on a 2,000 mile test drive back to his home in east Texas, and it performed flawlessly. His best tank of fuel averaged 29.5MPG with the cruise control on 75 and the air conditioning running.
Subsequent care included a full tune-up using Bosch distributor cap, rotor and ignition coil; new NGK spark plugs and wire set; and oil change using a Mahle filter and Mobil 1 full synthetic oil (other fluids were inspected and deemed to be in good condition).
Replaced battery and battery tray with OEM part
Replaced driver-side upper weatherstrip with OEM part
Replaced hood pad with OEM part
Replaced differential speed sensor O-ring and wiper blade with OEM parts, headlamp wiper blades are aftermarket
Repainted lower front valance to restore appearance. Work was done locally in Texas by two different shops with German car specialists.
Besides this service, the complete service history is available not only on Carfax but by contacting any MB dealership. The car still has the original maintenance booklet which shows all services prior to Carfax; It has been kept up to date with the appropriate information. A few major items were serviced by an independent shop at 81,000 miles, the entire cooling system was overhauled (Radiator, thermostat, cap, water pump, hoses and coolant) as well as the serpentine belt.
Since my purchase I have added the AMG wheels and tires, emblems, floor mats, lowered the suspension with the correct springs, changed the oil with Mobil 1 regularly along with minor other maintenance items. I have all the receipts.
THE EXTERIOR:
The body is finished in MB paint code 568A Signal Red single-stage paint and is original. The lower body cladding (often referred to as Sacco Slats after MB's main designer, Bruno Sacco) and front and rear valance are all in code 3526 Pirate Red (yes it's a real color name, as confirmed with the MB Classic Center in Long Beach, California when the valance was painted). The front valance couldn't be touched up easily, so it has been repainted and is the original part. The body shop which did the work stated that all of the body panels are original with VIN decals still in place and no evidence of removal or repairs, which backs up the Carfax showing no accidents. The bumper caps have a few minor nicks. The underside of the car shows very well, although it has not been detailed, so prospective buyers can see its condition. The car appears to have been garage-kept and not been driven on roads in the winter, judging from the overall cleanliness and lack of rust, as well as condition of the paint and no sign of sun damage to the interior. Likewise, the engine bay has not been detailed, showing just how well cared-for this car has been, I’ve only had to dust it. Four mechanics who have looked at the car have commented that it’s the cleanest and driest one they have come across.
THE INTERIOR:
The interior is finished in leather with four-place seating. The color code is 274, which is usually known as Palomino; the color has also been referred to by Mercedes in different markets as Light Brown, Java, Date or Saffron. The leather shows virtually no signs of aging, just a few character lines on the driver seat bolster. Both front seats are power-operated, including the head restraints; the driver’s seat has two-position memory which includes the telescoping steering wheel. Every feature inside the car works, even the seat belt presenters which hand the belt to you. The climate control system functions correctly in all settings, and still uses the original R12 Freon refrigerant; it stayed comfortable even with the few trips I have taken in the Florida heat (with outside temperatures around 100F). All of the gauges and warning lights work as expected. All four power windows work, as does the power tilt-and-slide sunroof. The vacuum door locks work from all three key openings (both doors and the trunk) and the vacuum seat back locks stay in place. The cruise control keeps a steady speed. Even the original Becker BE780 Grand Prix cassette deck still plays, great for those 80's throwback jams. The antenna was replaced with another Hirschmann unit by the last owner.
MORE ABOUT THE CAR:
The 124 series Mercedes is considered a relatively easy car for the home mechanic to work on, and parts are readily available for all but the most unusual pieces. This car is my 9th Mercedes-Benz and fourth 124 series I've owned (300E and two 300Ce’s). This car is certainly a head-turner and in the best condition of any of the other Mercedes I've owned. It runs perfect and is a fantastic highway cruiser, definitely made for the Autobahn.
I've done my best to describe the car, what I've learned about it, and what I've put into taking care of its immediate needs. Thankfully this car was built prior to the use of biodegradable insulation on the wiring harnesses; all Mercedes cars from 1991 to 1996 can have that problem, which requires the time-consuming and expensive replacement of the harnesses.
The car passed an emissions inspection in California when it was there and a safety inspection in Texas from the previous owner, so I'm confident there will be no problem for the new owner to have those inspections done, should they be needed.
Car also comes with an Escort Passport radar detector installed above the rearview mirror. Full-size spare tire, complete MB tool kit and jack in trunk in mint condition, 2 factory first aid kits. Complete owner's portfolio (owner's manual, maintenance booklet, etc.) in glove compartment. Original 300-Class sales brochure, technical specifications booklet, price card, and paint and upholstery booklet included, factory brochure featuring this exact same color car. Three keys (two master, one valet) provided. $200 custom fitted Coverking outdoor car cover with mirror pockets. Also included is a weather strip duplicate in case it is ever needed.
Asking price is $16,900 or best offer - I based the asking price between Hagerty #2 and #3 ranking, as they are the current insurer of the vehicle; I also factored in its extensive service history and recent work completed. If I wasn’t planning a move to Europe I would never be selling this car. I bought it to keep forever. Sadly, I cannot take it with me. I can’t tell you the compliments this car gets, truly amazing, the stance is so perfect. Feel free to ask for any additional pics, videos, etc. Title is clean and in my hands. Text or call (678) 230-7439 for any questions. Fly in and drive it home anywhere in the US.
