Discussion
As a low mileage daily driver/wafter? I'm leaning towards a 528i as I currently have a 328i and love the engine, and after hearing everyone natter on about how good the E39 is I'd like to see for myself. I've found this nearby and would quite like to have a look, does anyone have an opinion on this?
OK, thanks. Diesel is a no-no though due to the mileage I do, so this will strictly be petrol. I know the W124 is well regarded for being built properly, just wasn't sure about the electrical side of things.
Also seen this, seems smart. In fact I think I will almost certainly go for an E39.
Also seen this, seems smart. In fact I think I will almost certainly go for an E39.
With absolultely no experience of driving either I'd say they are perhaps quite different cars. I see the w124 as more of a wafty barge that is comfortable and the E39 a bit more pointy and precise, although being a much newer design its probably just as comfortable.
I'd personally choose a 528i or 530i.
I'd personally choose a 528i or 530i.
I would agree with the above poster - different era and generation cars. The equivalent Merc is the W210 (and the W211 ran against the E39 for a year as well).
W210 is very close to the E39 apart from the rust issue (although the E39 is not immune either) and I'd actually rate the W210 as having a slight edge on the E39 in diesel form but not petrol.
W210 is very close to the E39 apart from the rust issue (although the E39 is not immune either) and I'd actually rate the W210 as having a slight edge on the E39 in diesel form but not petrol.
I'm not comparing them. I know they are different ages, they just both have their good points in different ways. Concerning Mercs, I would not consider anything like a W210, I much prefer the older ones. I have briefly looked into E34s but it may be tricky to come across one nearby that's in decent spec/nick.
QuackHandle said:
I'm not comparing them. I know they are different ages, they just both have their good points in different ways. Concerning Mercs, I would not consider anything like a W210, I much prefer the older ones. I have briefly looked into E34s but it may be tricky to come across one nearby that's in decent spec/nick.
You've sort of answered your own question. The E39 is a far more modern feeling car than the W124 both in its drive and features but the W124 has the feel of a "proper" Merc if you like that sort of thing so it down to choice. Any W124 will also be an older car than any E39.There is loads of info out there on E39's and their common problems, which they are not without and, yes, the autoboxes can go pop and are probably less reliable than the older 4-speeds (IIRC all E39's are 5-speed) but something like that going is part and parcel of a cheap old barge - if it goes pop, throw away and start again, if you can't live with that, buy a Micra. All you can do is check it works at the point of sale and hope for the best - some model year E39's have a habit of losing reverse so check it goes backwards up a gentle hill.
HFLagos said:
I have both. It is likely I will always have a W124 and/or E39 of some sort out of habit.
E39 is better for daily use. W124 is pure nostalgia, been in to these cars since I was a young kid and my dad took us to collect his brand new W124 230E from the Merc factory.
Thanks. Is your E39 auto or manual?E39 is better for daily use. W124 is pure nostalgia, been in to these cars since I was a young kid and my dad took us to collect his brand new W124 230E from the Merc factory.
I have both too. Each have their own Achilles heel issues.
The later 124s are less sturdy than the early ones and the engine looms on the petrol sixes will need replacing by now. Rust is an issue on both cars but the Merc suffers the most. The Merc is more basic than a high spec E39 and feels it to drive, which is no bad thing. You just can't hustle it in the same way as you can the BMW. Go for it I say but finding a good 124 is hard and prices reflect that.
The later 124s are less sturdy than the early ones and the engine looms on the petrol sixes will need replacing by now. Rust is an issue on both cars but the Merc suffers the most. The Merc is more basic than a high spec E39 and feels it to drive, which is no bad thing. You just can't hustle it in the same way as you can the BMW. Go for it I say but finding a good 124 is hard and prices reflect that.
(My post got lost when the site crashed yesterday) I ran a cheap diesel 124 for about 15k in 10 months last year and it was fantastic, no issues at all. They are very simple mechanically and will run like swiss watches if you look after them. The diesels don't even have an engine ECU! Maintenance is a doddle.
A lot get stolen for export in london, parking overnight in a side street = bus in the morning.
I would mind picking up a decent E39 6pot myself now they are so cheap...
Lexus GS300? Fantastically reliable and easy to pick up cheaply.
A lot get stolen for export in london, parking overnight in a side street = bus in the morning.
I would mind picking up a decent E39 6pot myself now they are so cheap...
stain said:
The later 124s are less sturdy than the early ones and the engine looms on the petrol sixes will need replacing by now. Rust is an issue on both cars but the Merc suffers the most. The Merc is more basic than a high spec E39 and feels it to drive, which is no bad thing. You just can't hustle it in the same way as you can the BMW. Go for it I say but finding a good 124 is hard and prices reflect that.
iirc the facelifts have the biodegradeable loom, you're ok with the 300e.Lexus GS300? Fantastically reliable and easy to pick up cheaply.
Edited by SuperHangOn on Wednesday 18th April 08:43
QuackHandle said:
Thanks. Is your E39 auto or manual?
It is auto, it suits the car and have never had any problems with it. I bought the E39 off my dad, he bought it brand new. There was no way I was going to let this car leave the family, they are too cheap IMHO.The auto in the W124 is very different (i.e. lazy). I bought the 300CE for a bit of a laugh off eBay a couple of years back, still going strong. At some point I will get a 500E.
I also have a M3 CSL which is a bit (!) different from the E39 and W124, but enjoy each car and its relative merits.
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