300CE-24, 230E or C240 V6?
Discussion
Going to see the above this weekend, all apparently low milers in good nick. Anyone got any views as to the merits and bork potential of each?
The most obviously appealing to me is the 300CE-24 but the greater complexity and running costs scare me slightly (I'm used to running diesel hatchbacks). Also I guess the W202 C-class wasn't exactly Mercedes' finest hour in terms of build quality or rustproofing.
I guess the 230E saloon is probably the most sensible option, just concerned it might be rather dull and plodding to drive.
Anyone had experience of these models and have anything to share?
Thanks from a hopefully soon-to-be first time Merc owner...
The most obviously appealing to me is the 300CE-24 but the greater complexity and running costs scare me slightly (I'm used to running diesel hatchbacks). Also I guess the W202 C-class wasn't exactly Mercedes' finest hour in terms of build quality or rustproofing.
I guess the 230E saloon is probably the most sensible option, just concerned it might be rather dull and plodding to drive.
Anyone had experience of these models and have anything to share?
Thanks from a hopefully soon-to-be first time Merc owner...
I ran a W124 230E for the first 2.5 years of driving, covering about 50,000 miles, then moved to an E320 Coupe, which I have owned since.
As coincidence would have it, before the E320 I actually considered a C240 V6 and a 300CE-24!
It had been in the family since it was 18 months old and proved reasonably reliable. Fuel wasn't great, tbh, but I am sure we all remember we weren't the slowest or smoothest of drivers at 17!
I did have a few of the usual W124 suspects crop up - gearbox, head gasket, dizzy cap and of course rust away from the mechanicals.
Other than that, she was a great companion.
Regarding the C240 V6, I decided against it on the grounds you state - not Merc's finest hour and I could get something better for the money they were after.
As so I ended up my E320 Coupe, after also considering a 300CE-24 for sale locally. Miles were much higher than anything I had considered, which I admit was a little off putting.
I was warned about the 300-24 engine being less reliable than the 12 valve 300 unit or the 320 engined car.
Obviously not owning one means I have never discovered the truth behind these claims, although this was said by a couple of Mercedes Specialists.
Considering all of the above will shock on the fuel costs compared to a diesel, if it were me I would go down the route of the six cylinder E Class. Older, yes, but better build quality than the C240 and more refined than the 230E.
Moving up to a six pot, I have noticed that the gear ratios are much better. The 230 never kicked down at 75-80, where as the 320 does, which can be handy
That being said, I would definitely buy on condition and history over engine size.
With all, check for rust in the usual places (wheel arches mainly), plus behind headlights, at the jacking points and the underside.
Also check the doors for signs of major rust - do expect minor surface rust on the bottom edge of the doors.
Check gearboxes (smooth operation, no major clunking), head gaskets (oil leaks), uneven idles and FSHs (look at what has already been done).
Also check that any toys work correctly.
Rear windows may be "milkly" round the edges where they have begun to delaminate.
These cars are getting on a bit, so check boot, light, door and window seals. On that note, check for signs of water ingress in all footwells and in the boot. As well as seals, this could point to blocked drainage holes -something I experienced.
These are the main points I can think of at the moment. I'm certain other people will be along with ownership views and helpful advice
Good luck with viewings - please let us know how you get on
Darren
As coincidence would have it, before the E320 I actually considered a C240 V6 and a 300CE-24!
It had been in the family since it was 18 months old and proved reasonably reliable. Fuel wasn't great, tbh, but I am sure we all remember we weren't the slowest or smoothest of drivers at 17!
I did have a few of the usual W124 suspects crop up - gearbox, head gasket, dizzy cap and of course rust away from the mechanicals.
Other than that, she was a great companion.
Regarding the C240 V6, I decided against it on the grounds you state - not Merc's finest hour and I could get something better for the money they were after.
As so I ended up my E320 Coupe, after also considering a 300CE-24 for sale locally. Miles were much higher than anything I had considered, which I admit was a little off putting.
I was warned about the 300-24 engine being less reliable than the 12 valve 300 unit or the 320 engined car.
Obviously not owning one means I have never discovered the truth behind these claims, although this was said by a couple of Mercedes Specialists.
Considering all of the above will shock on the fuel costs compared to a diesel, if it were me I would go down the route of the six cylinder E Class. Older, yes, but better build quality than the C240 and more refined than the 230E.
Moving up to a six pot, I have noticed that the gear ratios are much better. The 230 never kicked down at 75-80, where as the 320 does, which can be handy
That being said, I would definitely buy on condition and history over engine size.
With all, check for rust in the usual places (wheel arches mainly), plus behind headlights, at the jacking points and the underside.
Also check the doors for signs of major rust - do expect minor surface rust on the bottom edge of the doors.
Check gearboxes (smooth operation, no major clunking), head gaskets (oil leaks), uneven idles and FSHs (look at what has already been done).
Also check that any toys work correctly.
Rear windows may be "milkly" round the edges where they have begun to delaminate.
These cars are getting on a bit, so check boot, light, door and window seals. On that note, check for signs of water ingress in all footwells and in the boot. As well as seals, this could point to blocked drainage holes -something I experienced.
These are the main points I can think of at the moment. I'm certain other people will be along with ownership views and helpful advice
Good luck with viewings - please let us know how you get on
Darren
The 230 is likely to be the cheapest to fuel, but the least interesting.
I have the 300-24 engine with a 5 speed auto in a 1990 SL, and find it to be wonderful. It has a real bark under acceleration which the later M104 engines don't have. It doesn't suffer the wiring loom issues of the later 6 cylinder cars either.
let us know what you decide, but I suspect you should buy the best condition car of the three.
I have the 300-24 engine with a 5 speed auto in a 1990 SL, and find it to be wonderful. It has a real bark under acceleration which the later M104 engines don't have. It doesn't suffer the wiring loom issues of the later 6 cylinder cars either.
let us know what you decide, but I suspect you should buy the best condition car of the three.
I ran a w202 C240 Sport for 18months and 60,000miles way back when. It was smooth, quite revvy, not that fast, and quite thirsty (23mpg). I don't think the 202 is Mercedes' nadir but for sure it lacks the character of its predecessor and the 124.
The 230 E is going to have character and integrity and its quality will only become apparent in time and with use. Its plainness is its virtue: fit for purpose, not for show. Good to drive, better to own.
The 300 CE-24 might be special. Lovely, lovely engine; very pretty shape. Is it the MTSV car? That looks a beaut.
The 230 E is going to have character and integrity and its quality will only become apparent in time and with use. Its plainness is its virtue: fit for purpose, not for show. Good to drive, better to own.
The 300 CE-24 might be special. Lovely, lovely engine; very pretty shape. Is it the MTSV car? That looks a beaut.
r129sl said:
I ran a w202 C240 Sport for 18months and 60,000miles way back when. It was smooth, quite revvy, not that fast, and quite thirsty (23mpg). I don't think the 202 is Mercedes' nadir but for sure it lacks the character of its predecessor and the 124.
The 230 E is going to have character and integrity and its quality will only become apparent in time and with use. Its plainness is its virtue: fit for purpose, not for show. Good to drive, better to own.
The 300 CE-24 might be special. Lovely, lovely engine; very pretty shape. Is it the MTSV car? That looks a beaut.
Thanks for the advice and yes, the 300CE and other cars are all at MTSV. He also expects to get a low-mileage smoke silver 300CE (12 valve) in soon but probably not in time for my visit.The 230 E is going to have character and integrity and its quality will only become apparent in time and with use. Its plainness is its virtue: fit for purpose, not for show. Good to drive, better to own.
The 300 CE-24 might be special. Lovely, lovely engine; very pretty shape. Is it the MTSV car? That looks a beaut.
There's nothing even remotely close to home (Aberdeen), but fortunately I frequently visit Yorkshire.
Just looked at these cars on the website. The 300-24 CE looks great, especially with it's 5 speed box. The 230 looks timeless too and both look sensibly priced. I really like the 202 shape, but the 240 especially in white with wheeltrims looks plain. It's the one of the three you mention that will always be just another old car, not a classic.
Hard to warm to the white 202.
This, on the other hand...
And the rest of the spec is tasty: right colours, right engine, right 'box, a/c, heated seats, ASD, leather, lecky memory driver's chair. His motors are supposed to be good.
I think he's had the SS coop before. I think I'd want the -24.
This, on the other hand...
And the rest of the spec is tasty: right colours, right engine, right 'box, a/c, heated seats, ASD, leather, lecky memory driver's chair. His motors are supposed to be good.
I think he's had the SS coop before. I think I'd want the -24.
Edited by r129sl on Thursday 20th March 21:09
I bought a 190 1.8 from Mark over 2 years ago and it has been superb, with not a bit of rust anywhere.
Being in Northern Ireland I travelled over and drove 2 190's, but Mark said the car I bought was the best, and it drove
better than the 2.0 he also had for sale.
I will buy again from Mark as he knows Mercedes inside out.
His cars are as described and very competitively priced.
A top bloke, buy with confidence.
Regards
Steady Eddie
Being in Northern Ireland I travelled over and drove 2 190's, but Mark said the car I bought was the best, and it drove
better than the 2.0 he also had for sale.
I will buy again from Mark as he knows Mercedes inside out.
His cars are as described and very competitively priced.
A top bloke, buy with confidence.
Regards
Steady Eddie
Thanks Guys. Test driving this Sunday so fingers crossed something will be worth buying! Mark's cars are more reasonably-priced than most of the specialists'.
I agree with previous comments that the white C240 is the least attractive car on offer - unflattering colour and wheels - but it's probably more usable on a daily basis than the 300CE-24, less worrying to leave parked on the street and cheap enough to use and throw away after a few years if necessary.
Both the 124s look good to me. I'm sure the coupe will retain more value and certainly would feel more special with that engine and specification. Just worried there's more to go wrong and rape my wallet, plus fuel bills.
My last car has been a costly disaster so looking to avoid another!
I agree with previous comments that the white C240 is the least attractive car on offer - unflattering colour and wheels - but it's probably more usable on a daily basis than the 300CE-24, less worrying to leave parked on the street and cheap enough to use and throw away after a few years if necessary.
Both the 124s look good to me. I'm sure the coupe will retain more value and certainly would feel more special with that engine and specification. Just worried there's more to go wrong and rape my wallet, plus fuel bills.
My last car has been a costly disaster so looking to avoid another!
BGarside said:
r129sl said:
I ran a w202 C240 Sport for 18months and 60,000miles way back when. It was smooth, quite revvy, not that fast, and quite thirsty (23mpg). I don't think the 202 is Mercedes' nadir but for sure it lacks the character of its predecessor and the 124.
The 230 E is going to have character and integrity and its quality will only become apparent in time and with use. Its plainness is its virtue: fit for purpose, not for show. Good to drive, better to own.
The 300 CE-24 might be special. Lovely, lovely engine; very pretty shape. Is it the MTSV car? That looks a beaut.
Thanks for the advice and yes, the 300CE and other cars are all at MTSV. He also expects to get a low-mileage smoke silver 300CE (12 valve) in soon but probably not in time for my visit.The 230 E is going to have character and integrity and its quality will only become apparent in time and with use. Its plainness is its virtue: fit for purpose, not for show. Good to drive, better to own.
The 300 CE-24 might be special. Lovely, lovely engine; very pretty shape. Is it the MTSV car? That looks a beaut.
There's nothing even remotely close to home (Aberdeen), but fortunately I frequently visit Yorkshire.
And don't get him talking about W201s or you'll be there all day!
BGarside, how did you get on?
In relation to wiring looms, M104 engine cars can suffer from degraded looms except the 300-24 units, which don't have the same design of loom. Any 280 or 320 6 cylinder engine in other words.
Air con on any old car is a gamble. Mercedes air conditioning won't work if there's no gas in the system. If it works, great but it wouldn't be top of my list of must have features.
In relation to wiring looms, M104 engine cars can suffer from degraded looms except the 300-24 units, which don't have the same design of loom. Any 280 or 320 6 cylinder engine in other words.
Air con on any old car is a gamble. Mercedes air conditioning won't work if there's no gas in the system. If it works, great but it wouldn't be top of my list of must have features.
Huntsman said:
Which of the W124's have wiring loom issues and which don't?
Is the air con in a W124 any good? It seems not many have it?
The loom problem is, I think, post the 93 facelift until 96/7 or so, but I'm no expert and you'll need to check.Is the air con in a W124 any good? It seems not many have it?
Aircon. I think that quite a few have it, but rarely does it work, 20 years on. It seems to be an expensive fix.
Sadly, a 750-mile round trip but no purchase.
All cars were in excellent condition, but I found the 230E a bit lacking in grunt, particularly away from a standing start, as well as being quite low-geared and busy at motorway speeds. A shame as it's a lovely example that's had plenty of money spent on new parts recently and also regular recent use.
The 300CE-24 is a fantastic machine, obviously looks and feels a lot more special with a lovely-sounding engine that is just getting into its powerband above 5000rpm, but a much more complicated car than the 230 with much more standard equipment and the potential for failures scared me a little.
The C240 was a surprise. It was not my favoured model but probably the best drive of the three. Also felt surprisingly solid for a maligned model from the supposedly poor build quality era. Felt tauter and firmer than the W124s, but perhaps a little lacking in grunt with the smaller 2.4 litre V6. I realised if I bought it I would kick myself for not getting a 280.
I think I prefer the smaller cars and will be holding out for a good 190 or perhaps a W202 C-class if the right spec comes along.
Mark Taylor was unfailingly friendly, obliging and a mine of information about these older models, as always, and I expect to be visiting MTSV again soon in the near future hopefully to purchase a car next time!
All cars were in excellent condition, but I found the 230E a bit lacking in grunt, particularly away from a standing start, as well as being quite low-geared and busy at motorway speeds. A shame as it's a lovely example that's had plenty of money spent on new parts recently and also regular recent use.
The 300CE-24 is a fantastic machine, obviously looks and feels a lot more special with a lovely-sounding engine that is just getting into its powerband above 5000rpm, but a much more complicated car than the 230 with much more standard equipment and the potential for failures scared me a little.
The C240 was a surprise. It was not my favoured model but probably the best drive of the three. Also felt surprisingly solid for a maligned model from the supposedly poor build quality era. Felt tauter and firmer than the W124s, but perhaps a little lacking in grunt with the smaller 2.4 litre V6. I realised if I bought it I would kick myself for not getting a 280.
I think I prefer the smaller cars and will be holding out for a good 190 or perhaps a W202 C-class if the right spec comes along.
Mark Taylor was unfailingly friendly, obliging and a mine of information about these older models, as always, and I expect to be visiting MTSV again soon in the near future hopefully to purchase a car next time!
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