Mercedes W124 Convertible .. would you, daily driver?
Discussion
I ran a w123 as a daily (did 34000 miles in a year and a bit) and it was fine but frequent servicing adds up. Rust killed it in the end but a W124 should be a bit better. I would say if you are not doing mega miles and you find a good one it should be cheap and very pleasant motoring.
It will be fine. V6 (320) preferable, but quite rare now, and at the pricier end.
These have a great reputation for solidity. Of course there will be stuff going wrong with it - it will be a minimum of 16 years old. But I had a 17 year old Jag until this year which I drove to work every day. Never once let me down.
These have a great reputation for solidity. Of course there will be stuff going wrong with it - it will be a minimum of 16 years old. But I had a 17 year old Jag until this year which I drove to work every day. Never once let me down.
Was doing 580 miles a week so not surprising there was some wear and tear.Dominicc01 said:
It will be fine. V6 (320) preferable....
W124s are all straight 6, the V6 only came in on the E class with the facelift W210. Any W124 is going to be at best 16 years old now so you're you're going to have to put a bit of effort into it. The other thing is that they're already well into 'classic car' territory so scruffy ones are £3k money pits and nice ones are heading for 5 figures and it may not be that prudent to run such an appreciating asset as a daily driver, but I don't doubt that a good one would take the strain.
Does need the big 6 engine though, they're heavy old beasts.
There's no reason why the Convertible should be less reliable than the others, so why not.
I ran a 220E Touring for a bit and it was (mostly) fine...
They're noticeably not modern cars which is good in some ways - low beltline gives an airy feel - but not in others - dumb gearboxes and low gearing; even the sixes are only geared ~20mph/1000rpm.
The 220's 16v motor is pretty peppy but its revvy nature is a little out of character and was a bit marginal for hauling a laden estate over Alpine passes though it would cruise the Autoroutes at 85-90 all day long without strain and without intruding greatly despite spinning at ~4500-5000rpm.
The handling is secure rather than sporty though there's plenty grip - a friend I'd been following once checked the door handles for scuffs after seeing the comedy 2CV stylee roll angles in his mirrors...
The ride is superb.
I intend there to be a 5-speed E320 or E36 Touring in my future, they are proper cars.
I ran a 220E Touring for a bit and it was (mostly) fine...
They're noticeably not modern cars which is good in some ways - low beltline gives an airy feel - but not in others - dumb gearboxes and low gearing; even the sixes are only geared ~20mph/1000rpm.
The 220's 16v motor is pretty peppy but its revvy nature is a little out of character and was a bit marginal for hauling a laden estate over Alpine passes though it would cruise the Autoroutes at 85-90 all day long without strain and without intruding greatly despite spinning at ~4500-5000rpm.
The handling is secure rather than sporty though there's plenty grip - a friend I'd been following once checked the door handles for scuffs after seeing the comedy 2CV stylee roll angles in his mirrors...
The ride is superb.
I intend there to be a 5-speed E320 or E36 Touring in my future, they are proper cars.
Dominicc01 said:
V6
All the W124 sixes are inline.There seem to be some clean ones around for between 6-8k with around 100k miles on, not really a garage queen investment. Would I likely see more than 20mpg out of it and are they expensive to maintain. I would have thought the straight 6 would be pretty basic in upkeep when compared to similar sized cars of today.
Would it be any worse than running a ten year old ///M car for instance?
Also reviewers say the e320 is reasonably quick for its size, which hopefully would mean that it should be adequate for day to day driving on mixed roads
Would it be any worse than running a ten year old ///M car for instance?
Also reviewers say the e320 is reasonably quick for its size, which hopefully would mean that it should be adequate for day to day driving on mixed roads
jazzdude said:
There seem to be some clean ones around for between 6-8k with around 100k miles on, not really a garage queen investment. Would I likely see more than 20mpg out of it and are they expensive to maintain. I would have thought the straight 6 would be pretty basic in upkeep when compared to similar sized cars of today.
E220T did ~24mpg in our stewardship, mainly laden, rarely hanging about...30+ motorway cruise was doable.
jazzdude said:
Would it be any worse than running a ten year old ///M car for instance?
Cheaper I'd expect.jazzdude said:
Also reviewers say the e320 is reasonably quick for its size, which hopefully would mean that it should be adequate for day to day driving on mixed roads
E220 can happily mix it with modern traffic, an E320 will still be quicker than most.I've run a '94 E300D 24v for the last 8 years as a daily, that includes plenty of London commuting and longer cross-country/Europe trips. IMO the 124 is the oldest Merc you can reliably run as a main car whilst driving like a modern(ish) car. The 123 before feels ancient in comparison. I do 90% of the spannering mine needs, parts aren't expensive but these can quickly turn into a money pit if they haven't been maintained properly by main dealer or good specialists. Though old, they're still quite complex and most traders/garages know nothing about them.
The 6-pot 24v 280 and 320 are great engines, smooth and torquey and you'll get low 20's to high 20's mpg depending on how you drive. 12v 300 still good but thirsty. 8v 230 is quite peppy. 24v 6 pots can suffer from head gasket and wiring loom issues though. I've not had any of the 16v 4 pots but hear the 220 is pretty good and can get into the 30's mpg wise. Buy on condition and history- high miles aren't an issue if a car has been looked after. A good colour combo is preferable, with leather and a/c most sought-after options.
The 6-pot 24v 280 and 320 are great engines, smooth and torquey and you'll get low 20's to high 20's mpg depending on how you drive. 12v 300 still good but thirsty. 8v 230 is quite peppy. 24v 6 pots can suffer from head gasket and wiring loom issues though. I've not had any of the 16v 4 pots but hear the 220 is pretty good and can get into the 30's mpg wise. Buy on condition and history- high miles aren't an issue if a car has been looked after. A good colour combo is preferable, with leather and a/c most sought-after options.
Edited by chazola on Friday 5th October 23:41
Edited by chazola on Friday 5th October 23:41
Very handsome car and a solid investment.
These were well built.
You'll be lucky to get one at a reasonable price now, the coupe's and convertible's values have risen quite rapidly over the past year or two.
If you find one at the right price and condition, I would, you may even make a few quid on it too. It's certainly not going to lose you money unless it's needing work.
I'd pay a few pounds extra to get a car in top condition, it will save you money in the long run.
These were well built.
You'll be lucky to get one at a reasonable price now, the coupe's and convertible's values have risen quite rapidly over the past year or two.
If you find one at the right price and condition, I would, you may even make a few quid on it too. It's certainly not going to lose you money unless it's needing work.
I'd pay a few pounds extra to get a car in top condition, it will save you money in the long run.
To those who have driven one, is its handling reasonably tight when pushing through windy roads or is it more like being in a Range Rover? Can it overtake briskly?
While I hope it's classic lines and seemingly effortless performance remain very appealing I don't want to completely give up having a driver's car if I find an open road.
Granted, I don't expect it to be like an e39 M5, but I hope it's not a like boat.
While I hope it's classic lines and seemingly effortless performance remain very appealing I don't want to completely give up having a driver's car if I find an open road.
Granted, I don't expect it to be like an e39 M5, but I hope it's not a like boat.
My father has an E220 Cab, he absolutely loves it. Other than regular servicing and fuel it has cost him nothing in 4 years. Done 87k miles from new, and it is absolutely perfect, the 6 cylinder engines are prone to loom issues which are expensive to rectify, the 220 lump is all but bulletproof, and rarely dips below 30mpg.
Handling is what you'd expect from a large, mid-90's convertible. Nothing special, and there is quite a lot of scuttle shake, but it's tidy enough.
Handling is what you'd expect from a large, mid-90's convertible. Nothing special, and there is quite a lot of scuttle shake, but it's tidy enough.
mister.t said:
My father has an E220 Cab, he absolutely loves it. Other than regular servicing and fuel it has cost him nothing in 4 years. Done 87k miles from new, and it is absolutely perfect, the 6 cylinder engines are prone to loom issues which are expensive to rectify, the 220 lump is all but bulletproof, and rarely dips below 30mpg.
Handling is what you'd expect from a large, mid-90's convertible. Nothing special, and there is quite a lot of scuttle shake, but it's tidy enough.
The loom and head gasket issues are well documented and something I have accounted for.Handling is what you'd expect from a large, mid-90's convertible. Nothing special, and there is quite a lot of scuttle shake, but it's tidy enough.
Owned other cabs so the scuttle shake is to be expected but can the suspension be brought up to AMG spec easily?
It's a good idea from a value/no depreciation perspective as the cabs hold their money.
My experience of a 1990 W201 2.5-16 makes a surprisingly sturdy and reliable daily driver, and that is a much more stressed and unique car than a W124. I continue to expect it to explode and it just starts and goes.
Also plenty of owners and clubs online who can help diagnose the most common faults which cuts the risk down further and minimises garage bills if your garage like to randomly replace things when attempting to repair cars.
My experience of a 1990 W201 2.5-16 makes a surprisingly sturdy and reliable daily driver, and that is a much more stressed and unique car than a W124. I continue to expect it to explode and it just starts and goes.
Also plenty of owners and clubs online who can help diagnose the most common faults which cuts the risk down further and minimises garage bills if your garage like to randomly replace things when attempting to repair cars.
Pentoman said:
It's a good idea from a value/no depreciation perspective as the cabs hold their money.
My experience of a 1990 W201 2.5-16 makes a surprisingly sturdy and reliable daily driver, and that is a much more stressed and unique car than a W124. I continue to expect it to explode and it just starts and goes.
Also plenty of owners and clubs online who can help diagnose the most common faults which cuts the risk down further and minimises garage bills if your garage like to randomly replace things when attempting to repair cars.
Have a 320 Sportline cab, only for occasional summer use. Done ABS and EGAS control units in 6 years. Leccy hoods can be problematic. Would make a very brave everyday choice. Engine is an absolute honey and more than powerful enough. There isn't another 4-seat convertible that looks as dignified IMHO.My experience of a 1990 W201 2.5-16 makes a surprisingly sturdy and reliable daily driver, and that is a much more stressed and unique car than a W124. I continue to expect it to explode and it just starts and goes.
Also plenty of owners and clubs online who can help diagnose the most common faults which cuts the risk down further and minimises garage bills if your garage like to randomly replace things when attempting to repair cars.
124 Cabs weigh in circa 1700Kg , somewhat heavier than the saloons , estates and coupes .
All the same , a well maintained car will be reliable and comfortable to drive . It is important to ensure that whatever you buy has been properly serviced since a neglected car could be a money pit but a well cared for one will be a joy to own . These were expensive cars new and some will have fallen into the hands of those who cannot really afford to run them properly . You can generally tell a proper car by a well cared for exterior and interior , evidence of money being spent ( either a stamped up service book , or reams of receipts for parts and looked after by a caring owner ) and things like a matching set of proper tyres and not mismatched 'budget' rubber .
I currently run a late 1999 E250D ( W124's were still made in India up to 2001 * ) which is a 5 speed manual and returns 45 mpg , alongside my pair of W126's and a couple of older cars . I have in the past had several petrol W124's , all sixes , which generally returned mid to high 20's mpg , and that was with 'enthusiastic' driving . I did have an ASD diff go on my 300TE at 200K , but on the other hand my 300TE-24 was still going strong at 430K ( having had a new engine at 380K due to high oil consumption , but all other major components original ) until it was written off by an uninsured driver .
I would have to say that the W124's feel sharp , nimble and thoroughly modern ( other than they don't have the 'boneshaker' ride that some newer cars do ) and that they are eminently suitable as a daily drive .
Manual ones have FOUR pedals
All the same , a well maintained car will be reliable and comfortable to drive . It is important to ensure that whatever you buy has been properly serviced since a neglected car could be a money pit but a well cared for one will be a joy to own . These were expensive cars new and some will have fallen into the hands of those who cannot really afford to run them properly . You can generally tell a proper car by a well cared for exterior and interior , evidence of money being spent ( either a stamped up service book , or reams of receipts for parts and looked after by a caring owner ) and things like a matching set of proper tyres and not mismatched 'budget' rubber .
I currently run a late 1999 E250D ( W124's were still made in India up to 2001 * ) which is a 5 speed manual and returns 45 mpg , alongside my pair of W126's and a couple of older cars . I have in the past had several petrol W124's , all sixes , which generally returned mid to high 20's mpg , and that was with 'enthusiastic' driving . I did have an ASD diff go on my 300TE at 200K , but on the other hand my 300TE-24 was still going strong at 430K ( having had a new engine at 380K due to high oil consumption , but all other major components original ) until it was written off by an uninsured driver .
I would have to say that the W124's feel sharp , nimble and thoroughly modern ( other than they don't have the 'boneshaker' ride that some newer cars do ) and that they are eminently suitable as a daily drive .
- For those who don't believe that they were still made after '96 , a few pictures of my 'S' reg one ( I have also seen W124s on 51 plates ) . V5 states new at first registration in 1999 and I have service history to back it up .
Manual ones have FOUR pedals
Thread resurrection 
I am working in Switzerland currently near Geneva and just bought an A124 (w124) E320 Sportline cabriolet with the very rare Getrag 5 speed manual box (dogleg) to use as a daily driver. I had an S124 (the estate) E280 in the UK and loved it.
This has 2 owners, full Mercedes history and 293,000 kms (180k mikes approx). I don't think the dealer knew what he had as it was silly money even with that mileage (circa £4k) but I took his hand off.
It's very dark grey metallic, black hood and mushroom leather with the afore mentioned Sportline bits (leather gear knob, sports front seats, smaller diameter steering wheel, sports suspension and 7x15 alloys - two sets for winter and summer). It was sold with the swiss 'expertise' (MOT) and had new discs and pads all round, two correct rear bilstein shockers, steering damper and front anti rollbar bushes done to get it through (2k chf which was a pleasant surprise but the dealer didn't agree...thankfully we had agreed the price with the expertise included). It just needs an exhaust as there is a slight blow at the manifold...
Two weeks in and I am loving it. Comfortable, brisk when needed and looks stunning especially with the top down. The family love it too and it can take four adults comfortably. It's no 'sports car' but plenty fast enough with the manual 'box which is proving surprisingly easy to use
I am working in Switzerland currently near Geneva and just bought an A124 (w124) E320 Sportline cabriolet with the very rare Getrag 5 speed manual box (dogleg) to use as a daily driver. I had an S124 (the estate) E280 in the UK and loved it.
This has 2 owners, full Mercedes history and 293,000 kms (180k mikes approx). I don't think the dealer knew what he had as it was silly money even with that mileage (circa £4k) but I took his hand off.
It's very dark grey metallic, black hood and mushroom leather with the afore mentioned Sportline bits (leather gear knob, sports front seats, smaller diameter steering wheel, sports suspension and 7x15 alloys - two sets for winter and summer). It was sold with the swiss 'expertise' (MOT) and had new discs and pads all round, two correct rear bilstein shockers, steering damper and front anti rollbar bushes done to get it through (2k chf which was a pleasant surprise but the dealer didn't agree...thankfully we had agreed the price with the expertise included). It just needs an exhaust as there is a slight blow at the manifold...
Two weeks in and I am loving it. Comfortable, brisk when needed and looks stunning especially with the top down. The family love it too and it can take four adults comfortably. It's no 'sports car' but plenty fast enough with the manual 'box which is proving surprisingly easy to use
Edited by wile7 on Monday 27th October 14:45
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