Hi Guys/Gals,

I live in the UK and have been thinking of adding to the MB stable, we run a 300TE-24 '91 which is a great piece of kit and I was thinking about a 300CE of similar age for myself to drive about in, the TE being the kiddy car for the wife. Here lies the crux of the problem, we have 3 kids and this car will also be used for all 5 of us to go travelling in. Is the rear seat ok for 3 people to sit across as some I have seen have only 2 seats and a cubby hole in the middle of the rear bench.

Any help in finding this out will be most gratefully received.

Daz

Mine (USA, 1988) is essentially a two seater in the rear. A center console/open tray with a drop down center armrest between the seats. It only has two seat belts in the rear .
Not possible to seat 3 across the rear, without some kind of modification to cover or remove the center tray, and then, there is the center hump.
Even at that, it won't be a comfortable ride.
My two daughters (24/22) complained a lot when we took a 150 mile trip a month ago...and my seat was up too far for me to be comfortable.

I don't know about the new ones but my 8 year old squawks like crazy when she has to sit in the back of my 73 280CE.

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1959 Gravely LI, 1963 Gravely L8, 1973 Gravely C12
1982 380SL
1978 450 SEL 6.9 euro restoration at 63% and climbing
1987 300 D
2005 CDI European Delivery
2006 CDI Handed down to daughter
2007 GL CDI. Wifes

I agree with Jim's analysis and comments.

The 300CE is essentially a two seater car. You would only put people in the back seat if: (a) they are short-legged and/or (b) you don't like them very much. (Jim I am certain that you like your daughters!).

I only bought mine now because my kids are essentially grown up and out of the house. I also have the W210 sedan or the W124 wagon for longer trips with more than one passenger.

Other than that, they are really nice cars. I never get tired of driving mine (or, for that matter, staring at it when it sits on the parking lot).

The W124 300CE are excellent cars. Good luck!

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Current Benzes

1989 300TE "Alice"
1990 300CE "Sam Spade"
1991 300CE "Beowulf" RIP (06.1991 - 10.10.2007)
1998 E320 "Orson"
2002 C320 Wagon "Molly Fox"

Res non semper sunt quae esse videntur

My Gallery

Not in this weather!

300CE is a fine four-seater coupe. I'm 6 foot 4 (ish,, I may have shrunk an inch with age) and there's plenty of room for me to drive in a comfortable position with my 6 and 9 year-old kids in the back.

No room for a 5th person though,,, no 5th seat-belt in mine anyway (300CE cabriolet).

Well thanks guys, darn it!

I was hoping to be able to run one of these as I do have a soft spot for them but I guess it is not to be.

A 4 door saloon will be more appropriate for me then.

Cheers

Daz

The 124 sedans, too, have a lap belt in the middle.

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Michael

1988 300 SL (5 Speed)
1994 E320 Wagon
1997 C230