W124 Estate, what to look for
Discussion
Wife has decided we need 7 seats and I'm not getting a people carrier so have plumped for a W124 Estate. £1000 to £1500. There seems to be a good turnover of them, plenty of dogs but a few good ones. So what do I need to look for? Obviously front wing rust is common but I'm not too fussed about that. Seen a few rusting around windows and pillars, is this bad news? Anything else?...
That budget will get you a banger. You might find a good one for that money but only if you look hard
I wrote a list of things to look for here:
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/mercedes-benz...
Almost all cars in your price range will need a set of tyres, a service, some suspension bushes, wing repairs and a few electrical faults resolving so double your budget to get a car that is ready to go
Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk
I wrote a list of things to look for here:
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/mercedes-benz...
Almost all cars in your price range will need a set of tyres, a service, some suspension bushes, wing repairs and a few electrical faults resolving so double your budget to get a car that is ready to go
Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk
Bolide`s the resident expert here so listen well . The days of the "cheap" but reliable 124 estates are over really ; I`ve had a few 124`s (of all body types) and when they`ve been maintained well (with real money having been spent on them) , they`re great and live up to the reputation . If they`ve been used as a workhorse for the past decade or so , then don`t expect anything other than an old crock.
The usual rules apply though . Water ingress through the boot seal (which is quite thin) spells doom and gloom . Cars without rear mudflaps are susceptible to road dirt being thrown up on the fuel tank filler tube , causing it to rot .
Buy the best though and enjoy a practical , solid beautiful car immune from large depreciation hits and still much admired by the motoring world .
The usual rules apply though . Water ingress through the boot seal (which is quite thin) spells doom and gloom . Cars without rear mudflaps are susceptible to road dirt being thrown up on the fuel tank filler tube , causing it to rot .
Buy the best though and enjoy a practical , solid beautiful car immune from large depreciation hits and still much admired by the motoring world .
Edited by mickyveloce on Saturday 23 October 11:55
I agree with Nick's comments about doubling your budget.
There will be cars out there at the price you want to pay - just take your time to find the best one - and be willing to travel. My car was £1700.
However, since that time I have spent an amount in excess of that getting it much better. The biggest chuck was the head gasket, which went after about a year. I have just had the cruise control fixed for long holiday drives - not working when the car arrived. The tailgate struts were about £100 - much better that getting knocked on the head by a very heavy lump of metal. A full set of Michelin were under £300.
What do I still have to do - air-con compressor, heated rear window and throttle body - but not necessarily in that order - if at all. Its finding good and decent priced used parts that will determine things.
If I was to want to sell my car today I would put £3k on it - but I'm not selling - never !
What's best - £1500 and spend £1500 on bits, knowing where your money has gone - or spend £3k and still have a few bills to come. I would probably stick with your £1500 and have the fund there to get jobs done either as needed or as you can afford them. And have a good specialist who knows the cars.
There will be cars out there at the price you want to pay - just take your time to find the best one - and be willing to travel. My car was £1700.
However, since that time I have spent an amount in excess of that getting it much better. The biggest chuck was the head gasket, which went after about a year. I have just had the cruise control fixed for long holiday drives - not working when the car arrived. The tailgate struts were about £100 - much better that getting knocked on the head by a very heavy lump of metal. A full set of Michelin were under £300.
What do I still have to do - air-con compressor, heated rear window and throttle body - but not necessarily in that order - if at all. Its finding good and decent priced used parts that will determine things.
If I was to want to sell my car today I would put £3k on it - but I'm not selling - never !
What's best - £1500 and spend £1500 on bits, knowing where your money has gone - or spend £3k and still have a few bills to come. I would probably stick with your £1500 and have the fund there to get jobs done either as needed or as you can afford them. And have a good specialist who knows the cars.
Hi
Have you found a car yet? If not, I have a 1993 300TD for sale, as I have decided to treat myself to a cabriolet. It has the 7 seats that you are looking for. There is no rust on the wings, and the bodywork is very sound. I gave it a full service last month, and it passed its MOT at the same time, so there is over 11 months left to run. It's done about 185,000 miles, and still runs very nicely Full service history from new, main dealers to 1998, when I bought it. I'm the second owner. I have mostly used John Haynes, the Mec guru for servicing. I have all the bills from 1998 onwards. Interior also in good nick, no stains or rips. I'm looking for £2,000 - sad to see it go, but I don't need 2 cars. Happy to hear from anyone who would like to give a good home to an old friend.
PS - just noticed that Nick Froome replied to your original post. He viewed the car this week, and although he thought it didn't suit his commercial business, he told me good things about it. I'm sure he would be happy to answer questions - google w124 to find his website.
Have you found a car yet? If not, I have a 1993 300TD for sale, as I have decided to treat myself to a cabriolet. It has the 7 seats that you are looking for. There is no rust on the wings, and the bodywork is very sound. I gave it a full service last month, and it passed its MOT at the same time, so there is over 11 months left to run. It's done about 185,000 miles, and still runs very nicely Full service history from new, main dealers to 1998, when I bought it. I'm the second owner. I have mostly used John Haynes, the Mec guru for servicing. I have all the bills from 1998 onwards. Interior also in good nick, no stains or rips. I'm looking for £2,000 - sad to see it go, but I don't need 2 cars. Happy to hear from anyone who would like to give a good home to an old friend.
PS - just noticed that Nick Froome replied to your original post. He viewed the car this week, and although he thought it didn't suit his commercial business, he told me good things about it. I'm sure he would be happy to answer questions - google w124 to find his website.
Edited by tomandrichard on Friday 5th November 08:35
tomandrichard said:
Hi
Have you found a car yet? If not, I have a 1993 300TD for sale, as I have decided to treat myself to a cabriolet. It has the 7 seats that you are looking for. There is no rust on the wings, and the bodywork is very sound. I gave it a full service last month, and it passed its MOT at the same time, so there is over 11 months left to run. It's done about 185,000 miles, and still runs very nicely Full service history from new, main dealers to 1998, when I bought it. I'm the second owner. I have mostly used John Haynes, the Mec guru for servicing. I have all the bills from 1998 onwards. Interior also in good nick, no stains or rips. I'm looking for £2,000 - sad to see it go, but I don't need 2 cars. Happy to hear from anyone who would like to give a good home to an old friend.
PS - just noticed that Nick Froome replied to your original post. He viewed the car this week, and although he thought it didn't suit his commercial business, he told me good things about it. I'm sure he would be happy to answer questions - google w124 to find his website.
Hi Tom,Have you found a car yet? If not, I have a 1993 300TD for sale, as I have decided to treat myself to a cabriolet. It has the 7 seats that you are looking for. There is no rust on the wings, and the bodywork is very sound. I gave it a full service last month, and it passed its MOT at the same time, so there is over 11 months left to run. It's done about 185,000 miles, and still runs very nicely Full service history from new, main dealers to 1998, when I bought it. I'm the second owner. I have mostly used John Haynes, the Mec guru for servicing. I have all the bills from 1998 onwards. Interior also in good nick, no stains or rips. I'm looking for £2,000 - sad to see it go, but I don't need 2 cars. Happy to hear from anyone who would like to give a good home to an old friend.
PS - just noticed that Nick Froome replied to your original post. He viewed the car this week, and although he thought it didn't suit his commercial business, he told me good things about it. I'm sure he would be happy to answer questions - google w124 to find his website.
Edited by tomandrichard on Friday 5th November 08:35
If the OPs not interested I might well be.
Can you post a picture or two or email them over? Also where are you based?
Cheers
Luke
Thanks for thinking of me, sounds like it could be good. However, it can't be better than the one I'm picking up tomorrow.... because its free!!! After going to see a few dogs, I was talking it over with my mother who is a big Mercedes fan. She has just bought a Forrester and has 2 W124 estates already she suggested I have one of hers, Bonus! Its a 280 in reasonable order but I can now spend my original budget on bringing it up to a better standard.
jimmyjam said:
Thanks for thinking of me, sounds like it could be good. However, it can't be better than the one I'm picking up tomorrow.... because its free!!! After going to see a few dogs, I was talking it over with my mother who is a big Mercedes fan. She has just bought a Forrester and has 2 W124 estates already she suggested I have one of hers, Bonus! Its a 280 in reasonable order but I can now spend my original budget on bringing it up to a better standard.
Great news!Hi guys, first post on here although I am a member on mbclub and a regular contributor on that forum.
I have a w124 E220 estate which i'm thinking of selling, it's silver/atlas grey and has done 199760 miles, has tax until 01/11 and is mot'd until july 11th 2011.
Recent work I have had done, n/s/r wheel bearing changed (the worst job to do on these cars) n/s/f brake pipe, repair to a vac pipe, this was on 8/7/2010 for the mot.
On 8/10/10 I had a full service oil/filter change, set of spark plugs, and replaced the front brake pads.
The car is in lovely condition body wise, small bit of bubbling on front wing, and the front drivers side bumper has a bit missing although I have a bumper for it but it would need spraying, it is the 7 seat version and the interior is in great condition apart from the drivers seat bolster which has had a repair.
It has a Panasonic cd player which I bought brand new when I bought the car.
I have really looked after this car and I will be sorry to see it go.
I've just bought a smaller car, a peugeot 306 so am looking to sell, I'm looking for £1500 ono.
If you would like some pictures please get in touch.
Cheers guys
I have a w124 E220 estate which i'm thinking of selling, it's silver/atlas grey and has done 199760 miles, has tax until 01/11 and is mot'd until july 11th 2011.
Recent work I have had done, n/s/r wheel bearing changed (the worst job to do on these cars) n/s/f brake pipe, repair to a vac pipe, this was on 8/7/2010 for the mot.
On 8/10/10 I had a full service oil/filter change, set of spark plugs, and replaced the front brake pads.
The car is in lovely condition body wise, small bit of bubbling on front wing, and the front drivers side bumper has a bit missing although I have a bumper for it but it would need spraying, it is the 7 seat version and the interior is in great condition apart from the drivers seat bolster which has had a repair.
It has a Panasonic cd player which I bought brand new when I bought the car.
I have really looked after this car and I will be sorry to see it go.
I've just bought a smaller car, a peugeot 306 so am looking to sell, I'm looking for £1500 ono.
If you would like some pictures please get in touch.
Cheers guys
I just picked one up, a 1995 E220 Estate.
Although I was paranoid to start with with these cars, it has turned out to be a good one. The thing that attracted me to it was the lack of rust on the bodywork and none of the usual issues cited with these cars.
The only issues are rusty jacking points (but just need cleaning up and treating - no holes or rusted through).
The car drives beautifully, everything works and I am hoping it will provide a long life.
I paid a little more (£2k) but I think the small premium was worth it as the car is a good 'un which has been well looked after - the interior looks like new (no wear to drivers seat either), all electrics work, new middle and back box, central locking working with original key, no leaks from engine, transmission or diff, new-ish tyres, no misting in back windows, no rust on wings or underneath window seals, smooth gearbox, working aircon etc.
I am now planning on spending a little more for peace of mind which should mean it has many miles left before any other major expenses. Although it was serviced last August (4k miles ago and every year before then), I am planning on replacing all brake pads and discs, changing the transmission and engine oil and replacing the ARB bushes.
Although I was paranoid to start with with these cars, it has turned out to be a good one. The thing that attracted me to it was the lack of rust on the bodywork and none of the usual issues cited with these cars.
The only issues are rusty jacking points (but just need cleaning up and treating - no holes or rusted through).
The car drives beautifully, everything works and I am hoping it will provide a long life.
I paid a little more (£2k) but I think the small premium was worth it as the car is a good 'un which has been well looked after - the interior looks like new (no wear to drivers seat either), all electrics work, new middle and back box, central locking working with original key, no leaks from engine, transmission or diff, new-ish tyres, no misting in back windows, no rust on wings or underneath window seals, smooth gearbox, working aircon etc.
I am now planning on spending a little more for peace of mind which should mean it has many miles left before any other major expenses. Although it was serviced last August (4k miles ago and every year before then), I am planning on replacing all brake pads and discs, changing the transmission and engine oil and replacing the ARB bushes.
Edited by Spy on Monday 15th November 16:16
Edited by Spy on Monday 15th November 16:24
Just to open up an old thread - anyone at present thinking of selling - or know someone ?
Sadly my E220 was worse underneath than anticipated - rear sub chassis I think. MrsMercs wants something newer and just one family car. ''Classic'' however likes his Classic for those special occasions.
I have seen one which is pretty good but needs two new wings and bit of other paint. Spend £1500 and then another £1500 to get it pretty perfect. But is there anything else out there ?
Sadly my E220 was worse underneath than anticipated - rear sub chassis I think. MrsMercs wants something newer and just one family car. ''Classic'' however likes his Classic for those special occasions.
I have seen one which is pretty good but needs two new wings and bit of other paint. Spend £1500 and then another £1500 to get it pretty perfect. But is there anything else out there ?
ClassicMercs said:
Just to open up an old thread - anyone at present thinking of selling - or know someone ?
Sadly my E220 was worse underneath than anticipated - rear sub chassis I think. MrsMercs wants something newer and just one family car. ''Classic'' however likes his Classic for those special occasions.
I have seen one which is pretty good but needs two new wings and bit of other paint. Spend £1500 and then another £1500 to get it pretty perfect. But is there anything else out there ?
I have a pal whose wife is making him choose between his w124 E220 estate and his w211 E500 estate. The E220 is midnight blue over either grey or blue cloth (I can't remember which). It is fairly modestly specified but has 7 seats. It is in very good condition, having had the sub-frame mounts taken care of. He's pretty obsessive about his cars. If you want an introduction, pm me. He's in Newcastle upon Tyne, too, so not a million miles away from you.Sadly my E220 was worse underneath than anticipated - rear sub chassis I think. MrsMercs wants something newer and just one family car. ''Classic'' however likes his Classic for those special occasions.
I have seen one which is pretty good but needs two new wings and bit of other paint. Spend £1500 and then another £1500 to get it pretty perfect. But is there anything else out there ?
Boz123 said:
Long time lurker - might as well get on and post.
I'm looking for my dad's old w124 - a seven seater E220 in red L798 GGM. I know it's still out there having been MOT'd in January this year going strong at 175k miles.
Last changed hands in 2012: https://cazana.com/uk/car/L798GGMI'm looking for my dad's old w124 - a seven seater E220 in red L798 GGM. I know it's still out there having been MOT'd in January this year going strong at 175k miles.
ClassicMercs said:
Just to open up an old thread - anyone at present thinking of selling - or know someone ?
Sadly my E220 was worse underneath than anticipated - rear sub chassis I think. MrsMercs wants something newer and just one family car. ''Classic'' however likes his Classic for those special occasions.
I have seen one which is pretty good but needs two new wings and bit of other paint. Spend £1500 and then another £1500 to get it pretty perfect. But is there anything else out there ?
How bad is the rear sub chassis area?Sadly my E220 was worse underneath than anticipated - rear sub chassis I think. MrsMercs wants something newer and just one family car. ''Classic'' however likes his Classic for those special occasions.
I have seen one which is pretty good but needs two new wings and bit of other paint. Spend £1500 and then another £1500 to get it pretty perfect. But is there anything else out there ?
Would it not be worth repairing?
I've just had one repaired for a friend, not a totally horrific job, but I couldn't see how good or bad it was as it was covered in Waxoil!
If not, a couple of friends are selling theirs, one a 280 on 305,000 miles, but very tidy with mega history, the other a 220 slightly pimped on lowered suspension and AMG wheels.
Both are around £15-1600.
Here's mine, an on going project.
It needs a few bits and pieces, but I'm slowly working through them.
Thanks for those 2 - really looking for a 220 preferably, but have seen a late E300 multivalve. The lowered suspension car would be an issue due to the angle of drop on to our drive - as it is I should really push the button and get a bit of fresh concrete down with a standard car.
I have been in touch with the guy R129 was kind enough to mention and await pictures and a price. This car is in my favoured colour but sparce - less to go wrong. There is another I have an option on which does need wings etc, but is very tight. These would be my preferred ones.
The diesel is very low miles and needs a little bodywork. I drove another similar car last night (but a total basket case - would fix in the right hands). Very impressed with the smooth nature of the engine which is what Bolide suggests on his site.
Also last night saw some fresh import Japanese cars. The bodywork condition is amazing - they had just arrived and not been touched. Some things to fix - odd wear and tear. The downside was how the heat etc as affected some trim where adhesive has failed - trim has come away. And also the affect on exposed rubber - the mirror housing being a good example.
Just looking at rust cure / prevention. Waxoyl is the traditional brand but what else is recommended. Dintrol at a price - is it worth it ?
My old car - quoted many hours to remove the axle to do properly. New fuel tank, rear spring. That leaves a servicable wing and a noisy altenator (which has been the same for a few years). Again - in the right hands.
I have been in touch with the guy R129 was kind enough to mention and await pictures and a price. This car is in my favoured colour but sparce - less to go wrong. There is another I have an option on which does need wings etc, but is very tight. These would be my preferred ones.
The diesel is very low miles and needs a little bodywork. I drove another similar car last night (but a total basket case - would fix in the right hands). Very impressed with the smooth nature of the engine which is what Bolide suggests on his site.
Also last night saw some fresh import Japanese cars. The bodywork condition is amazing - they had just arrived and not been touched. Some things to fix - odd wear and tear. The downside was how the heat etc as affected some trim where adhesive has failed - trim has come away. And also the affect on exposed rubber - the mirror housing being a good example.
Just looking at rust cure / prevention. Waxoyl is the traditional brand but what else is recommended. Dintrol at a price - is it worth it ?
My old car - quoted many hours to remove the axle to do properly. New fuel tank, rear spring. That leaves a servicable wing and a noisy altenator (which has been the same for a few years). Again - in the right hands.
Gassing Station | Mercedes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff