W124 Estate any similar?
W124 Estate any similar?
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Discussion

edition

Original Poster:

987 posts

220 months

Monday 2nd December 2013
quotequote all
Hi,

I'm after swapping my shed commuter estate for something about 5k and some kind of enthusiast keeper.

Looking at what's about I've seem W124's either go for 1k for ropey examples upto 8kish for a nice one. I like the idea of the 7 seats, classy look of them and the fact it's the kind of car you would just keep.

Should I be looking at anything else? What do they drive like? I'm not after a sports car just a nice thing to waft about in.

Thanks in advance.

SuperHangOn

3,486 posts

183 months

Monday 2nd December 2013
quotequote all
E34/E39.

Loads of W124 love & info on here, pop into the bargain barge thread!

0a

24,154 posts

224 months

Monday 2nd December 2013
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W124 wise it's easy to buy a cheap one (£1k) and spend loads trying to make it new, better to let another enthusiast take the hit and pay for the work and buy it off them for a reasonable price (or buy a cheap one and don't make it perfect!). I'd consider a BMW e34 though they are becoming rarer in good condition.

mad4amanda

2,410 posts

194 months

Monday 2nd December 2013
quotequote all
E34 540i Touring is my choice I have a good one stashed away awaiting some minor work before next spring. Lovely wafting around in it and then 286 hp when you fancy a play.

edition

Original Poster:

987 posts

220 months

Monday 2nd December 2013
quotequote all
Hi,

Is a e39 as well built? I'm thinking I might quite like the more modern drive in one but not sure they quite have the over engineered feel out them.

I'd like something that I can work on myself but that I feel confident reliability wise.

I also like my cars to be solid body wise so wouldn't want to be chasing rust about.

mad4amanda

2,410 posts

194 months

Monday 2nd December 2013
quotequote all
E39 is a more modern ride but much more complicated to work on and doesn't have the inherent reliability of the E34 which is generally acknowledged to be better engineered and built.

996TT02

3,342 posts

170 months

Monday 2nd December 2013
quotequote all
I know of W124s being used as taxis daily and must have well over 1/2 million miles on them. Which is probably an underestimate.

Not a complicated car, robust engines and undercarriage, only the bodywork needs looking after considering the age.