Replacement for my E220 coupe
Discussion
Hello all
My beloved Merc E220 Coupe has passed away and I'm distraught.
I am therefore looking for a replacemnt but as incolsolable as I am at the loss I would like to try something different.
The budget is a miserly 1,500 quid.
I'm looking for something is an "almost classic" like the Merc if you see what I mean. Something a little unusual and intresting but I'm a bit stumped for ideas.
It needs only handle a 3 mile commute to work and back and the usual pootling around at the weekend.
Insurance is not an issue as I'm an old fart.
Any and all ideas and suggestions welcome.
My beloved Merc E220 Coupe has passed away and I'm distraught.
I am therefore looking for a replacemnt but as incolsolable as I am at the loss I would like to try something different.
The budget is a miserly 1,500 quid.
I'm looking for something is an "almost classic" like the Merc if you see what I mean. Something a little unusual and intresting but I'm a bit stumped for ideas.
It needs only handle a 3 mile commute to work and back and the usual pootling around at the weekend.
Insurance is not an issue as I'm an old fart.
Any and all ideas and suggestions welcome.
Firstly, I'm sorry for your loss. However, with the passing days, it will get easier, I know it doesn't seem like it will but trust me, we all get to move on.
The E220 coupe does mark you out as a man of choice, I'm biased but, as my needs are similar to yours I'm forced to recommend my own car, the E38 7er from BMW, or perhaps the older E32. Both of which offer a similar service that the Merc did, however they'll be a bit quicker; be honest, you're surely not going to miss that 4 cylinder lump in the W124 are you?
A Jag could be fun, a late XJ6 or XJ8 could easily be in budget
The E220 coupe does mark you out as a man of choice, I'm biased but, as my needs are similar to yours I'm forced to recommend my own car, the E38 7er from BMW, or perhaps the older E32. Both of which offer a similar service that the Merc did, however they'll be a bit quicker; be honest, you're surely not going to miss that 4 cylinder lump in the W124 are you?
A Jag could be fun, a late XJ6 or XJ8 could easily be in budget
Scuderia2112 said:
Another E220 Coupe or a W126 SEC 
Another 124 coupe , maybe a 6 cyl , either 300 or 320 since mpg isn't an issue .123 coupe is likely to be out of budget ; you might get a cheap 126 , but at that price expect to spend money . Sometimes the W107 SLC coupes which preceeded the SEC can be picked up cheaply too .
Does it have to be two doors ? The equivalent saloons generally cost less and you should easily pick up a decent W124 saloon within budget , or a W126 saloon .
What fate befell your coupe ? When you say it 'died' I presume something failed ? Would repair not be an option ?
Pontoneer said:
What fate befell your coupe ? When you say it 'died' I presume something failed ? Would repair not be an option ?
Total electrical failure, not the faintest glimmer of life to be found anywhere.According to three seperate utterly befuddled experts the only soloution was a new wiring loom.
Much as I loved the car it just didnt seem worth spending the money. Better to reluctantly move on and get something else
Ah yes , the well documented biodegrade able engine wiring look .
About £400 for the loom on a six cylinder car ( part looms can be bought for a bit less ) , probably somewhat less for your four cylinder car , and do-able as a DIY replacement , just lay the new loom out over the old one , then when you are sure everything is in the right place , swap over the connectors one by one - has been outlined on the various MB web forums .
If the car was otherwise good and well loved ; I'd have spent that rather than changing it .
Sounds like your 'experts' may not have been . Plenty of good MB specialists around the country .
About £400 for the loom on a six cylinder car ( part looms can be bought for a bit less ) , probably somewhat less for your four cylinder car , and do-able as a DIY replacement , just lay the new loom out over the old one , then when you are sure everything is in the right place , swap over the connectors one by one - has been outlined on the various MB web forums .
If the car was otherwise good and well loved ; I'd have spent that rather than changing it .
Sounds like your 'experts' may not have been . Plenty of good MB specialists around the country .
Wiring loom really isn't that much of a nightmare on a 4cyl and an absolute doddle compared with the kind of faults you will get on the cars mentioned in this thread 
. Chances are you'll be best off fixing it.
Otherwise something like a last gen Toyota Celica.
. Chances are you'll be best off fixing it. Otherwise something like a last gen Toyota Celica.
Edited by SuperHangOn on Tuesday 28th August 08:43
Well those last two messages were a bit gutting.
I was quoted 2 grand for the job. And that was from a guy who has looked after mine and various family members cars since about the year 1585.
Always considered him trustworhty etc.
Oh well the car is gone now.
Thinking I might just get, as suggested above, a 4 door version till I can get together enough to get a decent couoe again.
I started off wanting something different but they are just such damn good cars I find the lure hard to resist.
I was quoted 2 grand for the job. And that was from a guy who has looked after mine and various family members cars since about the year 1585.
Always considered him trustworhty etc.
Oh well the car is gone now.
Thinking I might just get, as suggested above, a 4 door version till I can get together enough to get a decent couoe again.
I started off wanting something different but they are just such damn good cars I find the lure hard to resist.
I would consider the late 90s 7-series. Quite appealing, a bit more modern than the 124 coupe (will make a change until you get another) and affordable. The E39 5-series always tempts me too.
Strange how Mercedes failed to make particularly appealing cars after the early 90s, until the AMG upthrust recently. That said I thought the first C-class wasn't that bad in basic four cylinder spec. Can you stretch a lot to a SL?
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C255233
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C314600
Strange how Mercedes failed to make particularly appealing cars after the early 90s, until the AMG upthrust recently. That said I thought the first C-class wasn't that bad in basic four cylinder spec. Can you stretch a lot to a SL?
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C255233
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C314600
wormburner said:
After a w124 and looking for a modern classic?
Nice enough cars, but no X-Factor whatsoever.
You'd hate it.
I've decided I'm definately getting another coupe but my man maths dictates that it will take a year or so to put enough aside to get a properly decent one.Nice enough cars, but no X-Factor whatsoever.
You'd hate it.
I've also decided to cast the net a bit wider and not restrict myself to a modern classic to fill in.
Hence I found myself browsing the ZT's.
It would be a different experience to the 220 but that would make the return to a proper car a much sweeter experience no?
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