MERCEDES-BENZ E220 CABRIOLET
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
This E220 still drives like any other W124 – with all the sturdiness and comfort that entails – despite the roof having been lopped off. These are hardly sports cars – the gearbox pretty much refuses to kickdown in any scenario unless put into ‘sport’ mode – but the engine pulls well once roused with the appropriate gear and is relaxed at high speeds. The brakes pull the car up well too and the steering and suspension feel in order. All of the car’s vitals – water temperature, etc. – behaved perfectly on our test drive. The roof up seems well sealed, with no whistling, too.
BODYWORK CHECK
This strikes us as a car that hasn’t been driven excessively but has been parked outside for much of its life. The bodywork is straight, but while there’s no rust in the front wings, most panels have a small mark, chip or similar in the paint and the lower plastic panels have faded. There’s also a little bit of bubbling on the wing mirror surrounds and where the bonnet ornament is mounted. The hood is in good shape and operates perfectly and the alloy wheels are in very good condition.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The impression of luxury is helped no end by the outrageous equipment of what isn’t even a top-spec car. Everything – the windows, rear head rests, seats, hood – is electrically operated and all of it works, though the motors on the front windows could use a bit of grease. The seats, door trim and carpets are in good order, too, with just a bit of minor creasing on the driver’s seat and a few spots on the carpet. The dash has aged very well, everything works and the only wear we could see is some scratching on the woodeffect centre console lid and the top of the gear lever. The original stereo and dual zone climate control both work as they should.
UNDER THE BONNET
The cam cover is heavily oxidised and the slam panel could do with having its surface rust cleaned off and a re-paint. That said, the hoses are in good shape, there are no visible leaks and the wiring is tidy. This car still has all of its original literature, including a service book that shows a full M-B service history up to 2010, after which accompanying paper invoices show the car’s maintenance history. The vendor promises to service the car prior to sale.
THE CCW VIEW
With just two former keepers, we think this grand old Merc – from the final year of W124 cabrio production – is only just coming out of mainstream service. As such, it has been maintained well, but the paintwork has gone a bit dull and the engine bay needs tidying. Its begging for an enthusiast to take it on and make it perfect.