W124 Buying Guide

[Private Pile]

Hi, can anyone recomend a decent buyers guide for these E Class Mercs? Will almost certainly be a petrol model that i'm after.

Thanks in advance.

[nine6four]

Here you go: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/mercedes-benz...

I bought an E320 recently having previously owned an E220. Truly fantastic cars but having had quite a bit of work on the E320 in recent weeks to get her back as Mercedes intended I would recommend spending the time and money up front in sourcing a sorted one.

If I were to do it again I'd buy from here: http://www.w124.co.uk/

Cheers

[mickyveloce]

Agree with the above recommendation for bolides website . Fantastic cars ; I've owned coupe, saloon and estate (220 , 280 and 300 petrol) and all delightful . Forget mileage and buy on condition alone , but bear in mind the pool of good ones is shrinking by the year .

[Private Pile]

Thanks for the prompt replies guys. Has the 5 speed auto box got reliability problems compared to the 4 speed?

Cheers

[r129sl]

At this age (the youngest cabriolet is now 14years old, the eldest saloon 26), you need to look out for:

• Rust, both on the bodywork and underneath, around jacking points and suspension mounting points.
• Functionality of equipment.
• Evidence of substantial maintenance expenditure, particularly on suspension components.
• Worn trim and upholstery.

The cars are falling into two categories: knackered and good. The knackered can be had for £995; the good realistically start at £2,000 for a saloon, more for one of the other models. You cannot make a knackered one good; if you are not confident in your abilities, you're better off paying over the odds for a minter from a dealer. That said, you will know a good one when you drive it.

Saloons are cheapest; then estates and coupes together; then cabriolets. The market in cabriolets seems to have fallen substantially over the last five years.

My 320 TE gives 21 mpg, albeit I drive it quite fast. a 300 diesel will give about 35 mpg. The 6 cylinder petrol models are respectably fast but not rocket ships by today's standards. The diesels are slow, but have a lovely, relaxed gait. The 4 cylinder petrols are solid and a bit stolid. Don't expect to run one at the cost of an annual oil change. They are tough and reliable but the accumulation of age and mileage means they will require more maintenance than a new car.

They are great, with all the virtues of a modern car, particularly the suspension and safety, but a quality of ride and construction that cannot be had today at any price.

[nine6four]

Private Pile said:

Thanks for the prompt replies guys. Has the 5 speed auto box got reliability problems compared to the 4 speed?

Cheers

I have the 5 speed in the 320 and previously had the 4 speed in the 220. My understanding is the 4 speed is bomb proof and the 5 speed is still very robust for an old auto but a little more complex than the 4 speed hence reliability reports.

When I did my research all things being equal I concluded that the 5 speed is more desirable, especially with a big engine - aiding refinement and economy.

Edited by nine6four on Wednesday 1st June 16:57

[Private Pile]

Thanks, that has put my mind at ease regarding the 5 speed box.

[r129sl]

nine6four said:

Private Pile said:

Thanks for the prompt replies guys. Has the 5 speed auto box got reliability problems compared to the 4 speed?

Cheers

I have the 5 speed in the 320 and previously had the 4 speed in the 220. My understanding is the 4 speed is bomb proof and the 5 speed is still very robust for an old auto but a little more complex than the 4 speed hence reliability reports.

When I did my research all things being equal I concluded that the 5 speed is more desirable, especially with a big engine - aiding refinement and economy.

Edited by nine6four on Wednesday 1st June 16:57

Mr nine6four is right. Mine lunched its 5 speeder, but that was while it was in the custody of my feckless ahole of a brother, and he managed to do it several other harms as well. I don't think that whether a car has the 4 or 5 speeder is a decisive issue. One useful thing to know is that the 4 speed can be bump started whereas the 5 speed can't. But then they only need to be bump started if the battery is knackered or you have left the lights on for days on end! I left my 320 TE for more than 6 weeks and it started on the first turn of the key.

[nine6four]

It really is a case of buying on condition rather than spec with these old girls now. It seems you can be fussy on body style and engine for now but I wonder for how long.

I was shocked how few good 124's are on the market in 2011 v's 2008 when I bought my first one.

Of course I'm talking about nice driving shiny and reliable cars. If you are happy with a tatty old smoker for small change the worlds your lobster still!

Cheers

[soxboy]

Some interesting and useful points there.

I've just bought a 1993 E280 estate which I knew was going to be a shed (it was £400 and I bought it for the private plate). However, upon getting it I must admit it is far less of a shed than I first thought and has now presented a dilemma as to whether to spend some money on it and bring it into better condition. The wife probably won't let me so I'll have to find somewhere in the village to hide it!!

Problems so far:
Leaking oil into coolant (could be expensive hence reason for cheapness but isn't getting worse so leaving it for time being, plus sourced replacement engine for £300)
Auto little sluggish - wonder if change of fluid may help
Rear electric windows don't work - understand this may be switches - advice gratefully received!!
Very slight rust on front wing and drivers side keyed by small amount.

And that's about it - 18 years old with 175,000 miles yet is a wonderful silent barge and is now loaded to the gunwhales for a tip trip in the morning.

[nine6four]

soxboy said:

Some interesting and useful points there.

I've just bought a 1993 E280 estate which I knew was going to be a shed (it was £400 and I bought it for the private plate). However, upon getting it I must admit it is far less of a shed than I first thought and has now presented a dilemma as to whether to spend some money on it and bring it into better condition. The wife probably won't let me so I'll have to find somewhere in the village to hide it!!

Problems so far:
Leaking oil into coolant (could be expensive hence reason for cheapness but isn't getting worse so leaving it for time being, plus sourced replacement engine for £300)
Auto little sluggish - wonder if change of fluid may help
Rear electric windows don't work - understand this may be switches - advice gratefully received!!
Very slight rust on front wing and drivers side keyed by small amount.

And that's about it - 18 years old with 175,000 miles yet is a wonderful silent barge and is now loaded to the gunwhales for a tip trip in the morning.

I'm sure someone with stronger technical knowledge will be along in a minute but nothing you list sounds too strange. No single item on a W124 seems to total more than about £1,500 to fix in my experience and with good 6 cyl estates fetching many multiples of that these days it sounds like you could have a bargain.

I ran my 220 by just changing fluids and replacing failed items as I went along and it provided throughly enjoyable motoring and was dirt cheap too. I'm keen to get my 320 to a very high standard but that one's a keeper.

As r129sl states cars just aren't made like this anymore. Whatever you decide try to ensure that you aren't kicking yourself in years to come when it's not possible to pick up these cars for sensible money. That's my rationale anyway!

Cheers

Edited by nine6four on Wednesday 1st June 23:11

[jdw1234]

nine6four said:

Here you go: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/mercedes-benz...

I bought an E320 recently having previously owned an E220. Truly fantastic cars but having had quite a bit of work on the E320 in recent weeks to get her back as Mercedes intended I would recommend spending the time and money up front in sourcing a sorted one.

If I were to do it again I'd buy from here: http://www.w124.co.uk/

Cheers

Might I enquire ball park what you would pay for a car from that site.

I know the owner comes on here and might not like it, but just ball park.


£5k?

£8k?

[mickyveloce]

Whilst I would describe myself as a serial buyer of 1980's and 90's Mercedes , and enjoy breaking even on my motoring costs , it is apparant that there are those who want their 124's mint and are prepared to pay . If my plans included keeping a sorted 124 for the long term (I've a C36 and a 300 sl for that , I'd go to Nick Froome's . It's a quality / cost benefit thing .

Edited by mickyveloce on Thursday 9th June 17:12

[r129sl]

jdw1234 said:

nine6four said:

Here you go: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/mercedes-benz...

I bought an E320 recently having previously owned an E220. Truly fantastic cars but having had quite a bit of work on the E320 in recent weeks to get her back as Mercedes intended I would recommend spending the time and money up front in sourcing a sorted one.

If I were to do it again I'd buy from here: http://www.w124.co.uk/

Cheers

Might I enquire ball park what you would pay for a car from that site.

I know the owner comes on here and might not like it, but just ball park.


£5k?

£8k?

£7k. And worth every penny. He sells them with new wheels and tyres. Continental brand, not Chop Suey brand. There's £800. He sells them with rust free bodywork. Just replacing rusty front wings properly will cost £750. Tailgate? A grand done properly. He sells them with everything working. £250 for each electrical gadget that doesn't work. It is always cheaper to buy the best car than to fix a mediocre one. A mistake I never learn from. And he seems to know his stuff and to contribute to our forum and others with plenty of goodwill.

[nine6four]

r129sl said:

It is always cheaper to buy the best car than to fix a mediocre one. A mistake I never learn from.

Nor me

[jdw1234]

r129sl said:

jdw1234 said:

nine6four said:

Here you go: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/mercedes-benz...

I bought an E320 recently having previously owned an E220. Truly fantastic cars but having had quite a bit of work on the E320 in recent weeks to get her back as Mercedes intended I would recommend spending the time and money up front in sourcing a sorted one.

If I were to do it again I'd buy from here: http://www.w124.co.uk/

Cheers

Might I enquire ball park what you would pay for a car from that site.

I know the owner comes on here and might not like it, but just ball park.


£5k?

£8k?

£7k. And worth every penny. He sells them with new wheels and tyres. Continental brand, not Chop Suey brand. There's £800. He sells them with rust free bodywork. Just replacing rusty front wings properly will cost £750. Tailgate? A grand done properly. He sells them with everything working. £250 for each electrical gadget that doesn't work. It is always cheaper to buy the best car than to fix a mediocre one. A mistake I never learn from. And he seems to know his stuff and to contribute to our forum and others with plenty of goodwill.

Apologies.

It may have come accross as I was implying they are too expensive.

I agree 100% with everything you have said.

I would like to buy one in future, just wondered if they had got a lot more expensive.

All research I have done points to him being superb and I will be going there when the time (baby - touch wood, fingers crossed) comes.

[Swoxy]

I think all his cars have Becker/Alpine stereos with iPod leads, too.

[r129sl]

jdw1234 said:

I would like to buy one in future, just wondered if they had got a lot more expensive.

No need for apologies: I didn't take your post as anything other than a sensible enquiry.

I actually think they have got a little cheaper in the last year or two. It is definitely a buyer's market, even at the top end. Values of 124 cabriolets have really tumbled over the last three years. Coupes seem to have remained firm or even gone up. And saloons and estates I feel have softened. I think there is just less money around and even people who have plenty are being more cautious about spending it. Certainly, stock seems to be sticking for months. And while we can all see what a dealer is asking, none of knows what he actually sells for. None of this detracts from the fact that good cars are rapidly disappearing.

[steady eddie]

I will be buying a W124 Coupe or saloon in the near future and I intend buying from either
Cheshire Classic Benz, Nick Froome or Autobarn.
The cars they sell are top quality, well sourced and prepared.
The prices may seem high, but I believe they stock the best Mercedes and as this car will be
my daily driver and a car than I intend to keep longterm I believe they offer my best option.
As I live in Northern Ireland, my choice is limited so it means a bit of hassel re
travelling to England to test drive the cars, but I feel it will be well worth the effort
to get the car I want
Regards
Steady

[huey02]

Hi everyone, this is my first post i'm new to the forum, had to get in on this W124 topic, i have a 230e 1992 saloon paid about average price for it with the intention of spending a bit more on it, best advice i can give is obviously have a very good look at and listen to the engine, have a longish test drive (not just round the block) because if the engine mounts are gone they are more loud when the engine is warm. also check arches for filler, best to put your hand behind the arch it should be a nice "sharp" lip if its been filled you will feel it. There are some out there still, just dont rush in. the way i look at it is spending a little on it is still less than depreciation on a new car. look to pay from £1200-1700 for one that is worth saving and should be in good condition.Bolide really does know his w124s, also parts can be got easily from Rob Parker at three pointed parts also very helpful bloke. hope this has been some help to you.