1988 Mercedes-Benz

300CE Coupe

6 Cylinder 3.0 Liter

Automatic

WDBEA50D3JA805018

Gasoline

Hello, I have loved my 300CE for many years. As my 5th car, I rarely drive it and would like to transfer ownership to someone who will appreciate it as much as I do. It is beautiful, has been meticulously maintained, and can be driven cross country today. General Information: o As the second owner I have enjoyed the car for 12 years. o Total and true mileage is 149k (avg 6,700 per year). As mentioned above, I have 5 cars (300CE, BMW MCoupe, Volvo 240, Triumph Tr4, Toyota Pickup) and my wife has an ML 500, so none get much use per year. o Beware of lower mileage cars because these have mechanical speedometers that are simple to replace. I bought an entire instrument cluster last month on eBay with only 49k miles on the speedometer and could have swapped the entire assembly with mine. I used it only to replace the LED outside temperature gauge, which is now fuctional. o This is a Florida car. The first owner in Ft. Lauderdale leased it through a NJ leasing company and bought it from them (see Car History Report). o If you do not need this car as a daily driver, it is eligible for collector car insurance for much lower rates than standard liability/collision. o The 300 coupes were built upon the E class platform. The CLKs that followed were made on the lesser C platform (more on build quality below). o The coupes are limited production cars. They cost about twice as much as the sedans. This car listed for $56k in 1988. o The 88 and 89 coupes were built with premium materials and straightforward construction. From those years onward, Mercedes cut corners to save on production costs (see interior photos) o The 88 and 89 engines are less complicated, and less expensive to maintain (two valves per cylinder) than the 91-92 300CE coupes. o The engine is powerful and economical (22 mpg average). o I enjoy maintaining the car myself and know that the work is done right. Replacements have been done by a certified MB technician. o All parts are MB original or OEM. o All books and records are included. o Light gold exterior with beige interior are the best colors for this car. Appearance: The reasons the car looks like new after 22 years are: The car is either garaged or parked out of the sun. For example, if I take it to the office, I move the car to keep it in the shade as the sun changes position during the day. There are no dings on the side panels. I park the car away from other cars regardless how inconvenient it may be to walk further to my desination. There is no rust anywhere. The car is washed by hand by me. It does not go through car washes. The paint is maintained with premium polishing and waxing products by me (see photos of the reflections on the surfaces). There is a minor scrape in the plastic cladding (right rear, see photo) The front seats have aged (see photo). I have always kept sheepskin covers on them (cool in summer and warm in winter) New windshield last year because it was pitted (not from an accident) New steering wheel leather. I took the wheel off to do the job right. You can use valet parking shamelessly because the car is simply gorgeous and the design is timeless. Function: The reasons the car drives like new after 149k miles are: Engine oil is changed every 3,000 miles with Castrol 20-50 in summer and 10-40 in winter. The oil filter is OEM Mann (4 filters that are included). The automatic air conditioning system cools quickly and effectively. The AC system was replaced about 5 years ago, including the evaporator, all of the under-dash pneumatic, directional control valves, and the electronic control panel. The floating caliper front brakes and rear brakes have recent rotors and pads. The brake fluid is flushed periodically. The cap/rotor/wires have been replaced. The power steering fluid and filter have been replaced. The automatic transmission fluid has periodically been replaced (including torque converter flush) All belts and hoses have been replaced. Long life coolant has been replaced periodically. New Mercedes factory battery was installed last year. Enhancements: The reasons why this car is a better value than others on the market are: The suspension has been completely replaced with a genuine and rare Mercedes Sportline system (shocks, bushings, springs, sway bars, mounts etc.). The car handles super well without being harsh or too low. Any other 300 series for the US market without Sportline has a very soft suspension and handles poorly. New ZR rated, premium tires (see photo – the “nubs” have not yet worn off). AVON Tech M tires: Front 205/50/16, Rear 225/50/16 Updated MB 16” alloys (95’ E class - wider and taller than originals). Original 300 CE wheels have been repainted before being stored and are included in the sale. New Bosch European headlamps (glass, not plastic – look at any 300 series and you will find brittle and yellow lamps). European lamps are rare and expensive. New European clear side lights European Zebrano wood shifter Viper remote control alarm, one touch up/down, remote start system (see photo for professional installation of all electronics in passenger footwell). The original Mercedes pneumatic self locking system remains in place and is fully functional. Alpine XM/FM/CD radio MB Quart speakers throughout. Alpine 6 CD changer (in trunk) Alpine amplifier (in trunk) Summary: I you keep this car in the condition that it is now, you will have an appreciating classic to be enjoyed for many years at very little upfront cost.