RE: Shed Of The Week: Mercedes 300CE
Discussion
schuey said:
This was also on eBay...... Of course I was the high bidder,wife not happy! 
Awaiting a reply from the seller but fingers crossed I will pick it up next weekend and with a bit of good timing I have a week off so will get straight on with sorting the paint. Handily in a previous employment I was a painter for Merc which is always useful and as I have access to a spray booth etc I will be able to get it looking pretty in no time.
I will stick a thread in readers rides when I get going with it.
Nice one. Looking forward to reading that. Awaiting a reply from the seller but fingers crossed I will pick it up next weekend and with a bit of good timing I have a week off so will get straight on with sorting the paint. Handily in a previous employment I was a painter for Merc which is always useful and as I have access to a spray booth etc I will be able to get it looking pretty in no time.I will stick a thread in readers rides when I get going with it.
schuey said:
This was also on eBay...... Of course I was the high bidder,wife not happy! Awaiting a reply from the seller but fingers crossed I will pick it up next weekend and with a bit of good timing I have a week off so will get straight on with sorting the paint. Handily in a previous employment I was a painter for Merc which is always useful and as I have access to a spray booth etc I will be able to get it looking pretty in no time.
I will stick a thread in readers rides when I get going with it.
Good work sir! Looking forward to reading all about it! Awaiting a reply from the seller but fingers crossed I will pick it up next weekend and with a bit of good timing I have a week off so will get straight on with sorting the paint. Handily in a previous employment I was a painter for Merc which is always useful and as I have access to a spray booth etc I will be able to get it looking pretty in no time.I will stick a thread in readers rides when I get going with it.
289,170 miles and counting at a present rate of 30,000 miles per annum.
Mine is an estate, not a coupé. I'm terribly romantic about 124-series Mercedes-Benz but, even doing my best to be objective, I find it hard to think of a better car, before or since, new or old. It has all of the essentials of modernity—CAD-bodyshell, ABS brakes, multi-link rear suspension, airbags, various electric conveniences—with none of the drawbacks—bling design, rock hard ride, unnecessary electronic complexity, short-life engines, pared-down quality. The interior is superb in its functionality and quality, one of its functions and its chief quality being to reduce drive stress and promote relaxation.
If you think about it, since the 124, all Mercedes-Benz has done is take money out of the E-Class. My E300 diesel T cost more than today's (deep breath) E350 CDI BlueTEC AMG Sport (makes you want to puke, doesn't it?) and that is before allowing for inflation. The adverse consequences for quality are obvious. It's not like there are any economies of scale, either: they turned out over 2million 124s, many more than they will make of today's 212.
ETA: this post is number 124 in the thread, nice coincidence.
Mine is an estate, not a coupé. I'm terribly romantic about 124-series Mercedes-Benz but, even doing my best to be objective, I find it hard to think of a better car, before or since, new or old. It has all of the essentials of modernity—CAD-bodyshell, ABS brakes, multi-link rear suspension, airbags, various electric conveniences—with none of the drawbacks—bling design, rock hard ride, unnecessary electronic complexity, short-life engines, pared-down quality. The interior is superb in its functionality and quality, one of its functions and its chief quality being to reduce drive stress and promote relaxation.
If you think about it, since the 124, all Mercedes-Benz has done is take money out of the E-Class. My E300 diesel T cost more than today's (deep breath) E350 CDI BlueTEC AMG Sport (makes you want to puke, doesn't it?) and that is before allowing for inflation. The adverse consequences for quality are obvious. It's not like there are any economies of scale, either: they turned out over 2million 124s, many more than they will make of today's 212.
ETA: this post is number 124 in the thread, nice coincidence.
Edited by r129sl on Tuesday 26th August 11:14
LotusEspritTurbo said:
When I was a kid in the late 70s & early 80s, Mercs where something special. The SL, S Class (W126) and SEC where pure class, always to be seen at the right places and driven by the rich and famous. And the 300CE was the last of the understated, well designed cars. Then something went horribly wrong, maybe it was the introduction of the A class, but the brand just went down hill.
My sentiments exactly - Their interiors simply don't compare well to other manufacturers anymore. I still miss the way their doors used to close with a sweet thunk. dbdb said:
The W124 with a six cylinder engine is a lovely car. The Mercedes six cylinder engine is very smooth indeed and really makes them.
It does not surprise me that someone used to a modern diesel would be impressed by the smoothness of the engine in a 300E. I reckon the Merc six was smoother than either the BMW or the Jaguar straight six of its time, though they were also very smooth engines. I have never been in a modern diesel whose smoothness has impressed me, save perhaps for the V8 Range Rover. Everything else - even the six cylinder diesels - are definitely compromised, and the four pot BMW diesels I have driven are positively gruff. I haven't been in an Audi, but I imagine they will be similar. Horses for courses I guess, since their power to economy is amazing, but they are not nice cars to drive or ride in if smoothness matters to you. It doesn't seem to matter to a lot of people but they may not know what a smooth engine is like and what they are missing.
Oddly perhaps, the 124 with the least appeal for me is the CE. They don't seem sleek like the 126 SEC. I prefer the estate version of the W124 - which with the right spec is lovely - and the saloon.
The W124 has moved to become a classic car now and the profile of the owners has changed to reflect this, with them increasingly owned by enthusiasts who like to improve the car. Like an old Jag, refreshing a W124 is an expensive business. Viewed as a traditional Shed and subject to 'managed retreat', then a cheap W124 makes sense. But as a classic car, buy the best you can find - it will work out MUCH cheaper than improving a needy example!
This is the second best Shed this year so far, pipped to the post by the XJ6 on Valentine's day. The Jag would be my choice, since they drive better, handle better and ride better than the Mercedes. They also have a better 'feel' - Jags possess an indefinable but undeniable sense of occasion, missing in the Mercedes. The feel like a junior Rolls-Royce, rather than a posh Passat!
Mercs of this era do have something about them though, and I fully understand why many find them so desirable.
I'll agree with all that.It does not surprise me that someone used to a modern diesel would be impressed by the smoothness of the engine in a 300E. I reckon the Merc six was smoother than either the BMW or the Jaguar straight six of its time, though they were also very smooth engines. I have never been in a modern diesel whose smoothness has impressed me, save perhaps for the V8 Range Rover. Everything else - even the six cylinder diesels - are definitely compromised, and the four pot BMW diesels I have driven are positively gruff. I haven't been in an Audi, but I imagine they will be similar. Horses for courses I guess, since their power to economy is amazing, but they are not nice cars to drive or ride in if smoothness matters to you. It doesn't seem to matter to a lot of people but they may not know what a smooth engine is like and what they are missing.
Oddly perhaps, the 124 with the least appeal for me is the CE. They don't seem sleek like the 126 SEC. I prefer the estate version of the W124 - which with the right spec is lovely - and the saloon.
The W124 has moved to become a classic car now and the profile of the owners has changed to reflect this, with them increasingly owned by enthusiasts who like to improve the car. Like an old Jag, refreshing a W124 is an expensive business. Viewed as a traditional Shed and subject to 'managed retreat', then a cheap W124 makes sense. But as a classic car, buy the best you can find - it will work out MUCH cheaper than improving a needy example!
This is the second best Shed this year so far, pipped to the post by the XJ6 on Valentine's day. The Jag would be my choice, since they drive better, handle better and ride better than the Mercedes. They also have a better 'feel' - Jags possess an indefinable but undeniable sense of occasion, missing in the Mercedes. The feel like a junior Rolls-Royce, rather than a posh Passat!
Mercs of this era do have something about them though, and I fully understand why many find them so desirable.
Having owned both (93 XJ6 & 91 260e), the Merc was better built & slightly more solid but didn't feel quite as posh as the Jag. Probably because in my head Jags are better & have been since I could say car.
r129sl said:
289,170 miles and counting at a present rate of 30,000 miles per annum.
Mine is an estate, not a coupé. I'm terribly romantic about 124-series Mercedes-Benz but, even doing my best to be objective, I find it hard to think of a better car, before or since, new or old. It has all of the essentials of modernity—CAD-bodyshell, ABS brakes, multi-link rear suspension, airbags, various electric conveniences—with none of the drawbacks—bling design, rock hard ride, unnecessary electronic complexity, short-life engines, pared-down quality. The interior is superb in its functionality and quality, one of its functions and its chief quality being to reduce drive stress and promote relaxation.
If you think about it, since the 124, all Mercedes-Benz has done is take money out of the E-Class. My E300 diesel T cost more than today's (deep breath) E350 CDI BlueTEC AMG Sport (makes you want to puke, doesn't it?) and that is before allowing for inflation. The adverse consequences for quality are obvious. It's not like there are any economies of scale, either: they turned out over 2million 124s, many more than they will make of today's 212.
ETA: this post is number 124 in the thread, nice coincidence.
Nice - is that Smoke Silver? Same colours as my coupe.Mine is an estate, not a coupé. I'm terribly romantic about 124-series Mercedes-Benz but, even doing my best to be objective, I find it hard to think of a better car, before or since, new or old. It has all of the essentials of modernity—CAD-bodyshell, ABS brakes, multi-link rear suspension, airbags, various electric conveniences—with none of the drawbacks—bling design, rock hard ride, unnecessary electronic complexity, short-life engines, pared-down quality. The interior is superb in its functionality and quality, one of its functions and its chief quality being to reduce drive stress and promote relaxation.
If you think about it, since the 124, all Mercedes-Benz has done is take money out of the E-Class. My E300 diesel T cost more than today's (deep breath) E350 CDI BlueTEC AMG Sport (makes you want to puke, doesn't it?) and that is before allowing for inflation. The adverse consequences for quality are obvious. It's not like there are any economies of scale, either: they turned out over 2million 124s, many more than they will make of today's 212.
ETA: this post is number 124 in the thread, nice coincidence.
Edited by r129sl on Tuesday 26th August 11:14
r129sl said:
If you think about it, since the 124, all Mercedes-Benz has done is take money out of the E-Class. My E300 diesel T cost more than today's (deep breath) E350 CDI BlueTEC AMG Sport (makes you want to puke, doesn't it?) and that is before allowing for inflation.
That's actually incredible. Edited by r129sl on Tuesday 26th August 11:14
Mum bought a new w124 estate in 1990. Still has it and still running perfectly.
Hooli said:
I'll agree with all that.
Having owned both (93 XJ6 & 91 260e), the Merc was better built & slightly more solid but didn't feel quite as posh as the Jag. Probably because in my head Jags are better & have been since I could say car.
Jaguar XJ's never quite had the build quality of the German rivals, but they do have one of the best rides ever to grace a saloon.Having owned both (93 XJ6 & 91 260e), the Merc was better built & slightly more solid but didn't feel quite as posh as the Jag. Probably because in my head Jags are better & have been since I could say car.
I've said it many time before - nothing wafts quite like an XJ.
pSyCoSiS said:
Hooli said:
I'll agree with all that.
Having owned both (93 XJ6 & 91 260e), the Merc was better built & slightly more solid but didn't feel quite as posh as the Jag. Probably because in my head Jags are better & have been since I could say car.
Jaguar XJ's never quite had the build quality of the German rivals, but they do have one of the best rides ever to grace a saloon.Having owned both (93 XJ6 & 91 260e), the Merc was better built & slightly more solid but didn't feel quite as posh as the Jag. Probably because in my head Jags are better & have been since I could say car.
I've said it many time before - nothing wafts quite like an XJ.
MarshPhantom said:
Never been able to find any contemporary road test for the 24v. Is there any way of finding out how much your car cost new?
I've several contemporary road tests of the 300 E-24 and CE-24; I was just looking at them last weekend as a good friend has bought one. On the whole it got a good if not excellent review. I also have price lists covering most of the period. if you tell me what you want to know, I'll scan it for you. I'm quite sad, I'm afraid.
MarshPhantom said:
Never been able to find any contemporary road test for the 24v. Is there any way of finding out how much your car cost new?
CAR Magazine Giant tested it against the Senator 24V. I think it was an almandine red one.I found it online:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/triggerscarstuff/set...
Edited by carinaman on Thursday 28th August 01:04
carinaman said:
MarshPhantom said:
Never been able to find any contemporary road test for the 24v. Is there any way of finding out how much your car cost new?
CAR Magazine Giant tested it against the Senator 24V. I think it was an almandine red one.I found it online:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/triggerscarstuff/set...
Edited by carinaman on Thursday 28th August 01:04
Cheers.
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