W124 Buying Advice

[Spy]

Hi all,

I am hunting for a family estate for the wife, I have been tempted by the W124 Estates and talk of their reputation for reliability !

The car will be a daily driver, racking up approx. 8k miles a year.

A) I would consider a E220 petrol or diesel - any advice on the best engine option that will provide the optimal balance of economy, reliability, longevity and power ?

B) Any essential/desireable options I should ensure the car has ?

I have read the Honset John guide on these and also searched on here.

So, I have three further questions:
1) Is there any further buyers advice you can give me on these cars (over and above the Honest John guide) for what I should look for when viewing these cars ?

2) If I find a car that I think is OK, and not being a mechanic, I would like to get an independent inspection done. I am wary of the generic natire of AA/RAC inspectors who will not know the specific issues with these cars. Also, I don't believe a proper inspection can be done without getting underneath the car. Can anyone recommend a way to get an independent inspection done that they have used before ?

3) How can I recognise a facelift W124 and what were the benefits/changes of the facelift ?

Finally, can anyone recommend repuatble W124 servicing specialist in the North London/Hertfordshire area ?

Thanks for your help.

Edited by Spy on Thursday 4th November 12:43

[tomandrichard]

Hi

I have used Jon Paul Motors in Epping for the last couple of years. They specialise in Mercs and Porsches, and seem to know their subject - google them on Jon Paul Epping.

If you are interested, I am selling my 1993 300TD (diesel), as I'm getting a W124 cabriolet. It's a pre facelift model (last year of these)in silver. Two owners from new (me for the last 12 years)and has a full service history, with lots of annual bills to see what's been done over the years. It has aircon, and is a 7 seater. The aircon was serviced this year, and it's just had the big service. The MoT runs to October 2011. Let me know if you want to know more 07904 555198.

I'm in South Woodford (London E18)

[McKinley60]

Hi

Could be interested in your car -- can you let me know a bit more; mileage, history, known faults, etc? Thanks!

Russell

[silverback mike]

I can only vouch for how brilliant these cars are. Mine is on nearly 270,000 miles, never misses a beat, feels as solid as when it was new.

Oh, and it runs beautifully on veg oil

Find a good one, it will last forever. I would personally go for the 300d or Td, they aren't turbocharged, but canter along ok once you're up to speed. They are 6 cylinder and pretty smooth. The 250d is still a good engine, but lacks a little bit with one cylinder less. I'm happy with mine though

Edited by silverback mike on Monday 15th November 15:23

[jw golf mk4]

I know these can rack up huge milages, my dads mate had one was on 200,000 and never let him down in 5 years ownership. i would go for a E220 or E250 diesel with all the toys and you should have many years of trouble free ownership!

[Egbert Nobacon]

silverback mike said:

I can only vouch for how brilliant these cars are. Mine is on nearly 270,000 miles, never misses a beat, feels as solid as when it was new.

Oh, and it runs beautifully on veg oil

Find a good one, it will last forever. I would personally go for the 300d or Td, they aren't turbocharged, but canter along ok once you're up to speed. They are 6 cylinder and pretty smooth. The 250d is still a good engine, but lacks a little bit with one cylinder less. I'm happy with mine though

Edited by silverback mike on Monday 15th November 15:23

I can echo Mike's recommendation (hi old chap ).

My 300DT was running fine with 205k and had a suprising turn of speed once on the move.

Like a cretin I sold it 6 months ago and now wish I hadn't....

[Egbert Nobacon]

Egbert Nobacon said:

silverback mike said:

I can only vouch for how brilliant these cars are. Mine is on nearly 270,000 miles, never misses a beat, feels as solid as when it was new.

Oh, and it runs beautifully on veg oil

Find a good one, it will last forever. I would personally go for the 300d or Td, they aren't turbocharged, but canter along ok once you're up to speed. They are 6 cylinder and pretty smooth. The 250d is still a good engine, but lacks a little bit with one cylinder less. I'm happy with mine though

Edited by silverback mike on Monday 15th November 15:23

I can echo Mike's recommendation (hi old chap ).

My 300TD was running fine with 205k and had a suprising turn of speed once on the move.

Like a cretin I sold it 6 months ago and now wish I hadn't....

[silverback mike]

Egbert Nobacon said:

Egbert Nobacon said:

silverback mike said:

I can only vouch for how brilliant these cars are. Mine is on nearly 270,000 miles, never misses a beat, feels as solid as when it was new.

Oh, and it runs beautifully on veg oil

Find a good one, it will last forever. I would personally go for the 300d or Td, they aren't turbocharged, but canter along ok once you're up to speed. They are 6 cylinder and pretty smooth. The 250d is still a good engine, but lacks a little bit with one cylinder less. I'm happy with mine though

Edited by silverback mike on Monday 15th November 15:23

I can echo Mike's recommendation (hi old chap ).

Hi Chum

My 300TD was running fine with 205k and had a suprising turn of speed once on the move.

Like a cretin I sold it 6 months ago and now wish I hadn't....