MX5 swap for merc w123 or w124 - good idea?

[craighayling]

Hi all,

I am seriously considering selling my 91 eunos, which is supercharged and in amazing condition. I just do not use it as much as i thought i would. 95% of my journeys require 4 seats (school runs , pick ups etc). I know i will regret it but want a classic or modern classic that i can use all year round and have fun in it but can fit an adult/small child in the back for short trips. I have a BMW as my DD so have a sensible car for longer trips.

I have whittled the choice down to a Mercedes coupe W123 280CE or most likely a W124 320CE even though the 123 is more of a traditional classic! The engineering behind them and classic interiors really appeal to me.

Any thoughts from people who have owned these?

thanks in advance

[craighayling]

thanks guys, everything i read appeals to me. Just wanted to check out the hype. i bought an MX5 based on the hype and it was all true they truly are amazing little cars especially supercharged but i have realised i just don't care about the speed and open top motering is great but in England its infrequent. I think a pillarless coupe with a sun roof and a lovely interior fits my needs much better so sadly the v special will have to go - such a pity as i've done tons to it and it really is a great car. So come summer it will be most likely up for sale along with all the goodies i have still not fitted to it!

[craighayling]

i have a wafty car already (its a BMW 530GT), very fast and comfy. I have realised i prefer comfort and moderate power to a really fast go cart so my second car i want good looks, adequate power (sub 9 seconds to 60mph is fine), great engineering and a sense of occasion. But i have always enjoyed the more visceral/analogue feel of older cars. Hence why i ended up at the doorstep of mercedes of the 90's. I had thought of an SEC, as i love the front end but don't know much about them i may have to do some more research but i do love the styling of the W124 coupe. Just to confuse matters (why do we do this to ourselves) the 2000's CL has come on my radar as they are still analogue (i know im stretching that a bit maybe a lot!) and amazing value. I suspect they are not for me though but they do look good but i dont know if the quality was good. Mercs reputation in the naughties was not great.

[craighayling]

AMGSee55 said:

The C140 coupes succeeded the C126 (SEC) cars and were pretty old school Merc build quality, but you are presumably referring to the C215 produced from 99-06? These were indeed in the era when Mercedes quality dipped, but whether they, as the flagship model were similarly afflicted I am not sure - someone on here will know!

yep i was referring to the 99 onward cars but maybe they are a bit too modern for what i'm after. The mercs of the 90's still had relatively old school interiors and the mechanics were beautifully engineered and without all the electronic aids that can go wrong. I am willing to be proven wrong though as im no expert in mercs.

[craighayling]

Deefor62 said:

Forgot to add that several R129 owners on here have commented about ferrying small children around in the back for short journeys.

My youngest is 12 so i don't think the +2 configuration is +2 enough! but thanks for the input its really appreciated. I just need something slightly more practical.

[craighayling]

Bobo W said:

A few years ago I went down a similar road - sold the Caterham with a view to get something a bit more family friendly, in my case an E24 M635. Wonderful as it is, kids seem to grow at an exponential rate to the point where a once roomy car is now only suitable for short journeys before they start to complain. It's not the family car anymore which leads me full circle to wanting the 7 back.

yes we do tend to go round in circles with cars but I've always had an itch for a nice coupe as a second car. I have so many cars i like i just need a 4 car garage and an extra half mill in the bank and i'm sorted but back to reality i'm fortunate enough to be able afford a sensible car plus a toy so i have to choose more wisely. The MX5 is a blummin hoot to drive but i want something more sedate and classy - the MX5 is many things but classy it is not.

[craighayling]

The Eunos is probably worth about £4-5k and I don’t mind adding the same again for the right car....I think 5-10 for a decent coupe is a decent budget????

[craighayling]

Yep I get that but assuming we get along it will be a long term purchase and I would give the right w124 or 123 a very good home....my man maths dictates that instead of part exing my Bmw I will keep it for longer and this save in depreciation if I have a fun car I can use daily! Yes I know I’m deluded but I’m sticking with this line of thought....

[craighayling]

Rollin said:

Dapster said:

lowdrag said:

I owned bot as work cars in the day. Overall I would go for the 123 as being more stylish, but watch out for rust. I came across this site. I have spent much time drooling!

https://www.classic-center-hannover.de/

Similar droolage available here:

http://ruylclassics.nl/mercedes/?taal=EN

www.mercedesmotoring.com

Thanks to you all, lots to think about! I find myself waking up in the morning now thinking of W124's and 3's. The W126 is a bit big for what i want i.e. a fun second car but i do like them lots. I have a BMWGT (yes i know heresy), which is plenty big enough. The SL is just too small im afraid. I am positive i will have one in my garage next summer! I've already written the sale ad for the eunos and for the first time totted up what i have spent on it and it was frightening! It will be an amazing mk1 mx5 for someone......just not me

[craighayling]

yep they are such a nice car but a tad big for my second fun car!

My plan is to keep my BMW5GT (i bought it new 5 years ago) until i eventually replace it with something electric BUT i want an "proper" car as my fun toy that i can use all year around. I want a car trhat puts a smile on my face when i get in it but also seats more than two people. A W123 280/124 320 coupe fits that bill nicely but then again so do dozens of other options as i am a complete car tart and cant make my mind up. One minute its a Mercedes, next its Porsche and then something daft like an old SAAB 900.

Then my sensible head tells me to keep the MX5 as its only going up in value and is supercharged and a really nice sports car (now it goes as well as it handles)! Then i have another word with myself and decide i don't even like going fast and wafting around is far more fun! Aaaaarghhhh