Driving through the snow-dusted landscapes of Hebei Province, just outside Beijing in December 2019, I wasn’t expecting to stumble upon a time capsule of automotive history. My initial destination, a car shop rumored to house unique vehicles, turned out to be a dead end – a common occurrence in China’s ever-changing commercial landscape. However, just a short distance away, fate intervened, revealing a remarkable collection of 1990s Mercedes-Benz cars. This wasn’t just any random assortment; it was a gathering of blacked-out beauties, seemingly forgotten in front of a row of equally desolate car repair workshops, hinting at what might have once been an Abandoned Mercedes Dealership or a related service center.
The scene was both captivating and melancholic. These weren’t just old cars; they were classic Mercedes-Benz models, each coated in a thick layer of dust and sporting deflated tires. Local whispers from a nearby, still-operational workshop suggested these vehicles belonged to a defunct business, now facing government notices demanding their removal. Whether they remain there today is uncertain, but the images captured paint a vivid picture of automotive archaeology. Their location, pinpointed on Baidu Maps, further cements the feeling of an undiscovered, abandoned Mercedes dealership cache.
This impromptu abandoned Mercedes dealership discovery showcased nine distinct Mercedes-Benz cars, plus a minibus, each telling its own silent story of neglect and former glory. Despite their dilapidated state, the collection held a unique charm, with aftermarket modifications like exhaust pipes, body kits, and wheels hinting at a previous owner with a penchant for personalization. What made this find even more exceptional was the fact that most of these models were never officially sold in China, making this collection a truly rare glimpse into grey market imports and automotive passion.
The backdrop to this abandoned Mercedes dealership scene was quintessential old China – a stark gray sky heavy with pollution, punctuated by the looming presence of a nearby power plant. It was a stark reminder of the environmental contrasts within China, a world away from the cleaner skies of modern Beijing, yet just a short drive from the capital.
Let’s delve into the individual cars that comprised this intriguing abandoned Mercedes dealership find, starting with a W124 E-Class sedan. This model, produced between 1984 and 1995, underwent a facelift in 1993, and this particular example was a post-facelift version.
Largely original, save for darkened windows and a black grille, this W124 lacked engine badges, leaving its powertrain a mystery.
The aftermarket twin-pipe exhaust tip was a noticeable addition, a common personalization detail.
Next in this abandoned Mercedes dealership lineup was a sporty W201 Mercedes-Benz 190E, potentially the sought-after 2.5-16 variant. While it sported the correct bumpers, the side skirts were missing, and modern AMG-style wheels had been fitted. Darkened windows and bonnet locks further contributed to its modified appearance.
Surprisingly, the beige leather interior remained remarkably well-preserved.
Another modern exhaust tip and what appeared to be an original wing added to the 190E’s character. If indeed a 2.5-16, this model boasted a 201 hp 2.5-liter 16-valve M102 engine, co-developed with Cosworth, making it a true performance machine of its era, perhaps once proudly showcased at this now abandoned Mercedes dealership.
A second W124 E-Class sedan joined the abandoned Mercedes dealership gathering, this one sporting black license plates, indicating older registration. Identified as a 230E model, it housed a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 136 hp.
The interior of this W124 was in poorer condition, exposed to the elements with open windows. However, the presence of a manual gearbox in a sedan of this type was a notable rarity, especially in China where automatic transmissions were far more common for this class of vehicle, even when new in a formal Mercedes dealership, let alone an abandoned Mercedes dealership.
A highlight of this abandoned Mercedes dealership collection was a stunning W124 300 CE coupe, a rare sight in China. Produced from 1987 to 1996, with a 1993 facelift, this pre-facelift example stood out.
With the 190E in the foreground, the 300 CE, powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six producing 188 hp, appeared to be one of the best-preserved cars in the group, hinting at potential for restoration, perhaps even back to dealership showroom condition, if not for its current abandoned Mercedes dealership fate.
The 300 CE’s interior was in good shape, featuring black leather and well-preserved wood trim, even on the steering wheel. Only the audio unit was missing.
Damage was evident, with a broken left mirror and damaged left rear light, possibly from a minor collision within the abandoned Mercedes dealership storage area.
A substantial W140 Mercedes-Benz S600, in poor condition with body damage and missing parts, was also part of this automotive graveyard, a stark contrast to its former flagship status when it might have been proudly displayed at a Mercedes dealership. Produced from 1991 to 1998, this post-1995 update model showed significant wear and tear.
Snow and ice clung to the S600, as winter seemed to embrace its decay. Powered by a mighty 6.0-liter V12 engine producing 402 hp, it represented peak luxury and performance for its time, now sadly languishing in this abandoned Mercedes dealership setting.
Beside the S600 stood another post-facelift W140, this one with blue Heilongjiang Province license plates. It featured a prominent body kit and strangely undersized wheels, a peculiar modification on such a grand sedan, perhaps a stylistic choice from the era of this abandoned Mercedes dealership‘s operation.
The body kit, with a Wald-like front and a possibly Chinese-made rear, added an aftermarket flair. Engine details remained unknown, leaving the powertrain of this modified W140 a mystery.
Another W124 E-Class, this time with an AMG body kit, wide tires, and AMG alloys, stood out in the abandoned Mercedes dealership group. The black grille and darkened windows mirrored the theme of the collection. While AMG body kits were available for the W124, many imitations also existed.
“AMG Edition” badges on the front fender, while not period-correct, added to the sporty aesthetic, possibly a later embellishment to enhance its appeal, maybe even for resale at the dealership at some point.
The black and red leather interior, likely a more recent customization, offered a striking contrast. The floor mats and seats were particularly eye-catching, while a modern radio unit blended surprisingly well with the classic design, a touch of modern comfort within this vintage abandoned Mercedes dealership find.
An AMG badge on the rear and Guangxi Province license plates with “500” hinted at a possible reference to the Mercedes-Benz 500E, although that model wasn’t officially an AMG variant.
The best-preserved car in this abandoned Mercedes dealership collection was a R129 Mercedes-Benz SL500. Its small license plate area indicated North American origin, while the Chinese plate was from Guangdong Province.
Produced from 1989 to 2001, this 1995-1997 example featured optional Xenon headlights.
The interior of the SL500 was almost immaculate, with beige leather, dark brown wood, and an original radio cassette player, complete with cassette storage – a true 90s time capsule within this abandoned Mercedes dealership discovery.
AMG wheels, slightly newer than the car itself, added a touch of modernity. The SL500, powered by a 302 hp 5.0-liter V8, retained its original antenna, a detail often lost or broken over time, especially in an abandoned Mercedes dealership scenario.
The most distressed car in the abandoned Mercedes dealership collection was a severely damaged W124 300E. Appearing to have been in a major accident, with front-end and window damage, it seemed destined for parts salvage.
This 300E shared the same 188 hp 3.0-liter inline-six engine as the 300 CE coupe, a reminder of the consistent engineering beneath the varied conditions of these abandoned Mercedes dealership cars.
An enigmatic covered vehicle, possibly an SL roadster or SLK, with modern wheels and a modified rear, hinted at a project car, perhaps a sedan-turned-pickup, adding another layer of intrigue to this abandoned Mercedes dealership mystery.
Finally, parked slightly apart, a Mercedes-Benz TN 410 minibus completed this unexpected abandoned Mercedes dealership ensemble. This model, previously featured in another post, further broadened the scope of this unusual automotive discovery.
This collection of forgotten Mercedes-Benz vehicles presents a fascinating, if somewhat somber, glimpse into automotive history in China. If you possess any further insights into these machines, particularly the AMG-styled W124, your input would be greatly appreciated. Let us know in the comments below!
