E-Class (W124) 1984-1995: E 260, E 300, E 320, E 420, E 500 (Includes CE, T, TD models)

400E Restore

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Old Jun 24, 2022 | 03:14 PM
  #1  
puchak's Avatar
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Joined: Jun 2021
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Volvo 240
400E Restore

There is a local 400E near me and I'm thinking about restomodding it to some degree but still keeping it period correct.

It has some ~100k miles when I peeped in the window.

Please let me know if my price is crazy low, crazy high -- or if I'm just crazy in general for wanting to do this.

Budget: $40,000
Goal: Build a period correct, naturally aspirated and generate around 350bhp, refreshed car

I have a couple questions:
  • Can you redye the dash and other pieces on the interior of the car? For example, take the palamino dash and turn it forest green.
    • I'm guessing: strip the color or remove the material and put new leather over it?
  • The W124 is historically reliable, how does the 400E hold up?
    • What should I expect to fix or replace mechanically?
  • What can I do to improve power?
    • I'm thinking about doing an ITB conversion via: https://rennsportfactory.co.uk/product/m119-itb/
    • I would definitely sneak in any E500/500E parts I can find, recommendations welcome!
      • I understand 400E start in 2nd off the pull? Something like that.
Here is what I have planned for the build:
  • Car ($5,000)
  • ITB conversion: https://rennsportfactory.co.uk/product/m119-itb/ (~$10,000 all in)
  • Paint match lower cladding, chrome, and grille to black. ($3,000)
  • Interior overhaul in green leather and green suede (~$5,000-10,000)
  • Upgrade suspension and lower the car (~$3,000)
  • 18in Brabus Monoblock III (~$3,000)
  • European Bosch headlights and amber corners ($500-1,000)
  • AMG Momo steering wheel (~$1,000)
  • Redo wiring harness (???)
  • General mechanical fixing ($5,000???)
I'm probably being generous on some of these prices, and not everything would be overhauled at once. Let me know what you guys think.

Exterior inspiration:


Interior inspiration but green:

Last edited by puchak; Jun 24, 2022 at 04:04 PM.
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Old Jun 30, 2022 | 03:49 AM
  #2  
khomer2's Avatar
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Joined: Nov 2015
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From: Westcoast/Interior
02w163ML500 / 97w210E50AMG / 99w202C230k / 95w124500e-wip
Seems like you have money to burn (literally) for the love of it?
Period correct modifications?
Everything you listed is not period correct for a 400e 420e.
You' re trying to create a 500e+ on the cheap.
Best to go look for a 500e itself (but not on that budget...) and then spend time stocking up on many of the nla components you'll need as a safety net.
Starting is easy to say.... finishing is another matter. Not many do. Simply===> lose interest, lack of funds, parts, life gets in the way.
Not deterring you - just the reality and stats. stats dont lie.
w124s and w201s - same old multiple rhetoric yearly.
GL and prove me wrong.
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