W124 6cyl Vs 4cl?

[mccrackenj]

Hi all

Another query from me re W124 estates . .

I've been looking for a W124 estate for a while but I've limited myself to the 300 (or 300-24) because I just don't think the 2.2 or 2.3 4 cylinder would feel 'right' in a large car like a W124, especially with an auto box. Also, because the car will probably only do about 1000-1500 miles per year there's no need for the extra economy of a 200/230 over the 300.

Question is - am I wrong?

Are the 2.2's and 2.3's perfectly adequate for the job?

How would a 2.2 16V in a post-facelift car compare to a 3.0 12V in the pre-facelift? Would I notice the extra smoothness of the 6 Vs the 4 or would the level of sound insulation and general refinement mask the difference?

The car would be used for general pottering about, a few longer runs but not sustained motorway running. Comfort & refinement is far more important than performance, but I don't want it to be annoyingly slow.

So, over to the PH experts . .

Thanks

John

[bolide]

All the engines are good for your proposed uses. The later E200 engine is surprisingly good and is smoother than the E220

The six-cylinder engines (petrol & diesel) are much smoother than the fours, so much so that the E300 Diesel engine is considerably smoother than an E220

The 300 petrol is the thirstiest of the lot. A later E280 or 320 has a much more modern engine

I'd buy on condition and history most of all. These cars are requiring more prep each year before I sell them. For a private buyer it's easy to spend the purchase price again in the first year to get a car "right". Buy a really tidy one, and keep it that way, and you minimise the first-year maintenance costs

Nick Froome

[Pentoman]

If you're not worried about costs, then get the 6 as it makes the most sense. But if you are, then the fours are still pretty good. Performance isn't bad even with the auto. Smoothness is not too bad, but more modern cars are noticeably a lot quieter in the engine department. I have heard people be pretty negative about the later four cylinder 16v models, from an engineering point of view. But they are more modern, presumably more economical and come attached to a newer car. Having said that, Mercedes cost cutting was in full swing by ~1990 and facelift cars built after this year do, to me, seem to show it.

[mickyveloce]

All are great , bearing in mind all are getting a little old now .
I've had the 3 litre straight 6 in an estate which was smooth but thirsty , a 220 16v 150bhp in a coupe which was surprisingly refined and very reasonable on fuel too . My 124 saloon had the 280 6 cylinder M104unit which was much better on fuel than the 300TE .
Best of all is the 300-24 (albeit in my current SL) which is free revving and more sporty in exhaust note than the others , yet still gives acceptable economy .
Buy on condition and history !