need help with ID W124

I recently purchased a 91 300CE-24 (EURO Model)). This is my first MB and as I read more and more and inspect other cars, I have found a couple of differences I can't explain.

The first has to do with the hood: I have a hood very similar to that on the 92 S Coupe (W-140) It has the wide grille with a flat star emblem on the hood and the large star built into the grille. I do have similar headlights to the 124 but the fog lamp portion is behind the grille and shine out through it.

The second has to do with the suspension. The car is extremely firm, but does ride well. The front end is very low when compared to other 124's. The is about 1 finger of clearance between the fender and the top of the tire.

This may be a normal option for Euro Models, I have only been able to compare pictures of US Spec Coupes but a couple of buddies of mine have European version sedans. At first I thought it may be a sportline, but from what I've read that was not available until 1992.

One other note. My antenna appears to be built into one of the windows. All the sedans here have an antenna mounted in the right rear quarter. Radio reception is terrible.

Does anyone know of a way to use the VIN number to decode information on the original specs of this car and are these typical for the EURO models

Thanks in advance for any insight

Chris

[JCE]

Chris:

It sounds like some body work was done on your car! The sites http://www.erebunicorp.com/ge/mercew124.htm and http://www.nrauto.com/sub_index.asp?makeid=Mercedes&spage=Accessory have hoods and grills like you describe - I don't know of a w-124 where the fog lights shine through the grill except with these kits. I will also bet your car has aftermarket springs and handling, and maybe they removed the antenna. Look for differences in the paint in the body where the antenna goes, and look inside the trunk to see if you can see any signs of the original antenna mounting. There is a picture of a W124 coupe that looks like your description at the first site above as well.

Under the hood of my W124, right in front of the radiator, is a metal plate with a lot of numbers. The 3 digit numbers are paint codes, upholstery codes, option numbers, etc. which can tell you how your car was equiped when shipped. The codes may be decipered at this link: http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Speedway/5350/mbcodes.htm

Good luck, hope this helps.

[Edited by JCE on 03-04-2001 at 03:17 AM]

[MBenzNL]

The hood is after market;
The ride height is lowered with an after market set of springs;
Antennas on european W124 coupe's (and convertibles) are normally on the rear quarter panel as well. It was possible to order a new 124 without the antenna in europe.

With the VIN-or chassis# you can get al possible information at the dealer.

greetingz (from europe),

[yal]

Ditto here... definately some work done to this car. Make sure they haven't messed with anything else internally with the engine or exhaust.

Thanks for the help. I'll spend some time going through the codes.

I had a feeling it was aftermarket, but the quality is top notch. So far every part related to the changes has the MB stamp on it, and the service records don't show any body shop work.

I've not found any signs of modification or damage, so I'm not sure.

The story behind the purchase is a long and interesting one. Unfortunately I can not ask the previous owner about the car. He passed away more than two years ago, but according to the family, the car was his pride and joy!

Chris