1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 TE

1993 Mercedes-Benz W124 320 TE Estate Auto

In 2024, the automotive industry lost a true titan, Bruno Sacco. The legendary designer served Mercedes-Benz for more than four decades and during that time penned some of the most iconic three-pointed-star designs.

A vote for his most impactful design, surely must go to the W124. Produced from 1984 to 1996 the W124 was made available in numerous body styles, the standard saloon and estate variants as well as coupe and cabriolet options too. The W124s popularity spans continents and generations, beloved by owners from Cologne to Cape Town.

This example is a 1993 320 TE – the TE stands for Touring Einspritzung, for those of us who don’t “Sprechen Deutsch” that translates to fuel-injected estate. Originally, this car was supplied new in Osaka City, Japan, before being imported into the UK in 2012.

Externally, the car is finished in the traditional two-tone fashion of this period of Mercedes. The core body work is finished in Blue Black Metallic, whilst the lower body sections are finished in contrasting Alto Grey. The exterior is in excellent condition, especially when you consider this is a 31 year old car. The wheels are the original 15” 8-hole items, an iconic wheel design and arguably the only correct wheel choice for a 90s Merc. The general condition of the exterior is no doubt helped by some light remedial paint work that covers the bonnet as well as full 1-day exterior detail completed by Universal Classic Cars.

Inside it’s everything you’d expect of a modern-classic Mercedes, the build quality is exemplary. The W124 is often heralded as the last of the “bombproof” mercs, and you can see why. The fit, finish and material choice is excellent. This car was originally specified with black cloth seats, though at some point in its life, an upgraded set of leather seats were added. It’s a welcome improvement, and adds just a touch more class to the cabin.

The seats are in excellent shape, with limited visible wear. The monotone colour scheme is only broken up by the Zebrano wood trim inserts that adorn the dash, centre console and door cards. The instrument cluster remains reading in kilometers per hour, and shows the car has covered just 161,724km. In imperial figures that is just over 100,000 miles.

Under the bonnet, is a 3.2-litre M104 straight-six engine, its rated for 220hp and 310nm of torque. The numbers might not read as high as a modern day hot-hatch, but the silky smooth power delivery leaves you wanting for nothing more. The power is sent to the rear wheels, through a 4-speed automatic transmission. It’s a reliable combination that Mercedes enthusiasts hold in high-regard.

As this car was imported to the UK in 2012, its history file is partly written in Japanese. Thankfully, though, the car retains its original service booklet, owners manual and even audio system handbook. The service records since it’s been in the UK show that it has lived a life of meticulous care and maintenance:

11/2023 - 158,308km - Service & front coil springs - Trevor Gaskell & Son

10/2023 - 157,581km - Replaced water pump & coolant - Trevor Gaskell & Son

11/2021 - 147,668km - HT Leads & Spark plugs - Trevor Gaskell & Son

09/2018 - 134,593km - Replaced throttle cable - Trevor Gaskell & Son

02/2018 - 130,498km - Oil Pressure Switch & Wiper Motor - Trevor Gaskell & Son

09/2017 - 127,596km - Service - Trevor Gaskell & Son

03/2017 - 125,000km - New Stainless Steel Exhaust System - Westgate Tyres

11/2016 - 124,960km - Service & Rocker cover gasket- MB South Lakes

05/2015 - 117,762km - Replaced EGR valve - MB South Lakes

06/2014 - 108,730km - Wheel Speed Sensors, O2 Sensor & MAF Sensor - MB South Lakes

05/2014 - 108,730km - Oil Level Sensor - MB South Lakes

03/2014 - 107,967km - Engine, Transmission & Suspension Service - MB South Lakes

It goes without saying that any W124 is a solid car, built to last. But one thing that can plague them is rust. As a car imported from the salt-free streets of Japan, this needn’t concern you here. The low-milage, rust-free and tastefully upgraded example of one of Bruno Sacco’s most notable designs is an excellent choice for the discerning enthusiast.

Estate, wagon or touring, whatever you chose to call it, this 320TE merges everything brilliant about Mercedes in the 1990s. Comfort, space and classless elegance, all with room space for the dog.