The Mercedes-Benz 300CE was a variant of the C124 Coupe that debuted for the 1988 model year. When it was launched, the 300CE was fitted with Mercedes' M103.983 engine, which was a 180hp 3.0L inline six. For North America only, from the 1990 model year, Mercedes equipped the 300CE with their new M104.980 engine, which was a 3.0L inline six lifted from the 300CE-24. Although this engine normally generated 220hp, due to emissions controls, output remained around 180hp. Power from both engines was sent to the rear wheels via a 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic transmission. Production of the C124 Mercedes-Benz 300CE ended in 1992. Confusingly, Mercedes used the 300CE name for the first year (1993) of North American C124 E320 production, although these cars were equipped with the M104.992 3.2L engine.