220 CE vs 320CE ---4 SPEED GEARBOX vs 5 SPEED BOX

[carspath]

in addition to by previous post re these 2 models, i also intended to ask you about the reliablity and pro's and cons of the 2 different auto transmissions available with these 2 mid-1990's models

which one should i be aiming for?

[r129sl]

With vehicles of this age, it is no good getting hung up on a particular feature or specification. You need to look for the car that is overall in the best condition. They're all reliable. The 4spd auto is more robust than the 5spd auto but they're both robust. The 4cyl is probably more robust than the 6cyl but they're both robust and the 4cyl is slower and coarser than the 6. Given the choice between a 4cyl or a 6cyl, a 4spd auto or a 5spd auto, I'd pick the car which is in better condition with better service records.

[Lord West]

As R129SL says - buy on condition. I think the 5 speed auto was optional over the 4 speed. They have a bit of a habit of skipping 4th gear. Its not easy to detect unless you are looking for it as the car still drives well. Its a gearbox out job (evidently) to repair. I also found a number of the CE cars I looked at had leaking / noisey rear diffs. In the end I spent more than what I initially intended to get the right car (a 300CE 24V). There were a lot of dogs out there -and that was 10 years ago.

[bolide]

The 5-speed auto was an option from 1989 on the six-cylinder petrol cars. See:

http://www.w124.co.uk/timeline.html

Other than that I can't add anything useful to R129SL's comments - they are spot-on

Nick Froome

[W124Bob]

Seem to remember someone on here mentioning post '92 cars have biodegradable wiring looms due to engine heat(insulation was changed and it rots).Head gaskets on both engines can be a problem,5speed box has electronics which some comment on being less reliable and expensive to repair.Don't dismiss the the 300CE the later 24v is supposed to be a good compromise.I'm sure all will be good value long term even a humble 230CE.Sportsline is worth looking for,quicker steering rack, lowered ride and wider wheels.A close ratio 5speed manual was on option but I've never seen one on UK car.Anyone proof me wrong!

[carspath]

thanks for all these replies
condition rules , is my take home message