1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 Series

The 1989 Mercedes-Benz mid-size lineup included the 300E Sedan priced at $44,850, the 300TE station wagon at $48,210, and the 300SE sedan at $45,400. The Mercedes-Benz 300CE Coupe, priced at $53,800 in 1989, was announced at the Geneva Motor Show of 1987. It had a lower roofline and a more steeply raked windscreen, along with pillarless side treatment. While the wheelbase of the 300E and TE rested on a 110.2-inch platform, the 300CE was slightly shorter at 106.9 inches, all the while being able to accommodate four adults with individual rear seats. Novel touches included the automatic arm that offered front passengers the seat belts, a feature that distinguished it from its four-door cousins.

The 300CED was the flagship of the W124 range and was powered by a six-cylinder engine with Bosch fuel injection, double overhead camshafts, a 9.2:1 compression ratio, and delivered 177 horsepower at 5,700 RPM. The engine was backed by a four-speed automatic transmission. A power-recirculating ball system handled the steering, and four-wheel disc brakes provided the stopping power.

The 300SEL sedan was the long-wheelbase version resting on a 121.1-inch wheelbase platform that it shared with the 420SEL and 450SEL. Its base price of $55,100, over $10,000 above the 300E Sedan. Passenger airbags were added to the list of options, and a new leather upholstery was standard equipment.

The five-speed manual gearbox was no longer offered.

AMG Upgrades
AMG was an Affalterbach-based company known for tuning Mercedes-Benz automobiles to higher specifications. Mercedes-Benz eventually acquired AMG and brought their services in-house. Many of AMG's engineers were ex-Mercedes employees, who intimately understood the Mercedes-Benz automobile and its engineering. Unbridled by restrictions from executives and accountants, AMG offered clients a vast range of options and upgrades, from trunk spoilers and steering wheels to a fully engineered car, complete with an AMG chassis number.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2020