Mercedes A124 cabriolets
Discussion
Hi
Does anyone run one of these. I keep looking at these two. One is the ' in between' facelift and the other is a face lift model but has the 5 speed box. I want to run one as my everyday car - only around 6000 miles per year. Any advice?![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/nUKrpnZd.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="https://thumbsnap.com/Yf7RTuVZ" Target="_blank" rel="nofollow">[img]https://thumbsnap.com/sc/Yf7RTuVZ.jpg)
The almandine red one also looks a different shade to the almandine cars I've seen in the flesh.
Does anyone run one of these. I keep looking at these two. One is the ' in between' facelift and the other is a face lift model but has the 5 speed box. I want to run one as my everyday car - only around 6000 miles per year. Any advice?
The almandine red one also looks a different shade to the almandine cars I've seen in the flesh.
There is an Almandine red pre-facelift car owned by a PH member Charlesdegaul. If this is the same vehicle, then it's a super looking car, owned by a knowledgable Mercedes enthusiast.
I've owned every 124 except the cabriolet, but as long as you engage with a preventative maintenance programme, they are easily up to daily duties.
Expect a little bit less rigidity than the coupe, but it's made for wafting rather than tear-arsing around in.
Received wisdom is that the 6 is better than the 4 cylinder cars, but both are good, and condition is key.
I've owned every 124 except the cabriolet, but as long as you engage with a preventative maintenance programme, they are easily up to daily duties.
Expect a little bit less rigidity than the coupe, but it's made for wafting rather than tear-arsing around in.
Received wisdom is that the 6 is better than the 4 cylinder cars, but both are good, and condition is key.
I can't see the pictures at the moment. However here is Pistonhead member CDG's car. I saw this when I purchased my SL from him, and it really was stunning. To me this combination of pre facelift front and the later more powerful engine is as good as it gets with A124s.
CDG is a gent and a highly recommended seller. It was a pleasure to buy my SL from him! As the ad says he is selling due to having purchased an SLC - he appears to be making his way through the entire Mercedes Benz modern classic back catalogue!
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
CDG is a gent and a highly recommended seller. It was a pleasure to buy my SL from him! As the ad says he is selling due to having purchased an SLC - he appears to be making his way through the entire Mercedes Benz modern classic back catalogue!
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Nickod - I have one of these, which as some of the other chaps have kindly mentioned is for sale to accommodate an even older Merc!
They are wonderful cars, and easily suited to daily use. I've owned mine longer than any other car I've ever had - it's seen-off an SL, 124 estate, 190E and an SEC. I'm really only selling now due to enforced circumstances and I know I'll miss it.
I'm happy to talk about them in general if you fancy a chat - and won't give the hard-sell on mine - but I can strongly recommend them. All the usual 124 stuff applies (rusty wings, jacking points, looms, head gaskets etc, depending on year and model), and the roof must work properly. Interiors hold up well, so should be in really good order. They are practical, and the 6 cyl in particular more than keeps up with modern traffic. In fact, I think this 6 cyl 320 engine is my all-time favourite; the thing makes a great noise if you want to shift, but will coast comfortably all day long.
Obviously, they look great and the electric folding roof mechanism is a thing of beauty.
Mine is an in-between car so I'm biased, but they seem to me to have the reliability of the older originals with some of the nicer refinements of the later, and they look a little fresher to my eyes. Regardless, these cars are pretty rare nowadays (and were never common anyway) so get the best you can find and afford.
As far as prices go, you'll see cars in the 5-10 bracket and you'll see cars that look the same at dealers at 15-20. You have to go with your own instincts, but they sometimes seem to hang around a bit (as mine has) so you can be pretty bullish on price and making offers I think.
I go on holiday for a week on Monday, but you'd be very welcome to play with mine and take it out anyime if you want to see what they're like, with no pressure or expectation of you having mine at all. I'm a fan and always happy to eulogise about them!
Good luck with your search, and I hope you find one you like.
They are wonderful cars, and easily suited to daily use. I've owned mine longer than any other car I've ever had - it's seen-off an SL, 124 estate, 190E and an SEC. I'm really only selling now due to enforced circumstances and I know I'll miss it.
I'm happy to talk about them in general if you fancy a chat - and won't give the hard-sell on mine - but I can strongly recommend them. All the usual 124 stuff applies (rusty wings, jacking points, looms, head gaskets etc, depending on year and model), and the roof must work properly. Interiors hold up well, so should be in really good order. They are practical, and the 6 cyl in particular more than keeps up with modern traffic. In fact, I think this 6 cyl 320 engine is my all-time favourite; the thing makes a great noise if you want to shift, but will coast comfortably all day long.
Obviously, they look great and the electric folding roof mechanism is a thing of beauty.
Mine is an in-between car so I'm biased, but they seem to me to have the reliability of the older originals with some of the nicer refinements of the later, and they look a little fresher to my eyes. Regardless, these cars are pretty rare nowadays (and were never common anyway) so get the best you can find and afford.
As far as prices go, you'll see cars in the 5-10 bracket and you'll see cars that look the same at dealers at 15-20. You have to go with your own instincts, but they sometimes seem to hang around a bit (as mine has) so you can be pretty bullish on price and making offers I think.
I go on holiday for a week on Monday, but you'd be very welcome to play with mine and take it out anyime if you want to see what they're like, with no pressure or expectation of you having mine at all. I'm a fan and always happy to eulogise about them!
Good luck with your search, and I hope you find one you like.
CharlesdeGaulle said:
Nickod - I have one of these, which as some of the other chaps have kindly mentioned is for sale to accommodate an even older Merc!
They are wonderful cars, and easily suited to daily use. I've owned mine longer than any other car I've ever had - it's seen-off an SL, 124 estate, 190E and an SEC. I'm really only selling now due to enforced circumstances and I know I'll miss it.
I'm happy to talk about them in general if you fancy a chat - and won't give the hard-sell on mine - but I can strongly recommend them. All the usual 124 stuff applies (rusty wings, jacking points, looms, head gaskets etc, depending on year and model), and the roof must work properly. Interiors hold up well, so should be in really good order. They are practical, and the 6 cyl in particular more than keeps up with modern traffic. In fact, I think this 6 cyl 320 engine is my all-time favourite; the thing makes a great noise if you want to shift, but will coast comfortably all day long.
Obviously, they look great and the electric folding roof mechanism is a thing of beauty.
Mine is an in-between car so I'm biased, but they seem to me to have the reliability of the older originals with some of the nicer refinements of the later, and they look a little fresher to my eyes. Regardless, these cars are pretty rare nowadays (and were never common anyway) so get the best you can find and afford.
As far as prices go, you'll see cars in the 5-10 bracket and you'll see cars that look the same at dealers at 15-20. You have to go with your own instincts, but they sometimes seem to hang around a bit (as mine has) so you can be pretty bullish on price and making offers I think.
I go on holiday for a week on Monday, but you'd be very welcome to play with mine and take it out anyime if you want to see what they're like, with no pressure or expectation of you having mine at all. I'm a fan and always happy to eulogise about them!
Good luck with your search, and I hope you find one you like.
Beautiful car, I am looking at a Lexus SC430 today at a similar price but now thinking again - can I ask the small black square under the rear number plate - alarm?They are wonderful cars, and easily suited to daily use. I've owned mine longer than any other car I've ever had - it's seen-off an SL, 124 estate, 190E and an SEC. I'm really only selling now due to enforced circumstances and I know I'll miss it.
I'm happy to talk about them in general if you fancy a chat - and won't give the hard-sell on mine - but I can strongly recommend them. All the usual 124 stuff applies (rusty wings, jacking points, looms, head gaskets etc, depending on year and model), and the roof must work properly. Interiors hold up well, so should be in really good order. They are practical, and the 6 cyl in particular more than keeps up with modern traffic. In fact, I think this 6 cyl 320 engine is my all-time favourite; the thing makes a great noise if you want to shift, but will coast comfortably all day long.
Obviously, they look great and the electric folding roof mechanism is a thing of beauty.
Mine is an in-between car so I'm biased, but they seem to me to have the reliability of the older originals with some of the nicer refinements of the later, and they look a little fresher to my eyes. Regardless, these cars are pretty rare nowadays (and were never common anyway) so get the best you can find and afford.
As far as prices go, you'll see cars in the 5-10 bracket and you'll see cars that look the same at dealers at 15-20. You have to go with your own instincts, but they sometimes seem to hang around a bit (as mine has) so you can be pretty bullish on price and making offers I think.
I go on holiday for a week on Monday, but you'd be very welcome to play with mine and take it out anyime if you want to see what they're like, with no pressure or expectation of you having mine at all. I'm a fan and always happy to eulogise about them!
Good luck with your search, and I hope you find one you like.
DSLiverpool said:
Beautiful car, I am looking at a Lexus SC430 today at a similar price but now thinking again - can I ask the small black square under the rear number plate - alarm?
It's the remote central locking sensor. There are two, that one and one on the driver's door; all works too!I'd be interested to hear how you get on with the SC430. I very nearly bought one but the looks put me off.
There's movement on the price of mine if it makes a difference.
If you are feeling particularly awash with cash....
£24995.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/272801335391?ul_noapp=tr...
£24995.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/272801335391?ul_noapp=tr...
CharlesdeGaulle said:
DSLiverpool said:
Beautiful car, I am looking at a Lexus SC430 today at a similar price but now thinking again - can I ask the small black square under the rear number plate - alarm?
It's the remote central locking sensor. There are two, that one and one on the driver's door; all works too!I'd be interested to hear how you get on with the SC430. I very nearly bought one but the looks put me off.
There's movement on the price of mine if it makes a difference.
See what it's like.
DSLiverpool said:
I have 7 year old twins and I'm sure they wouldn't fit in the back, also no Bluetooth which was weird as my earlier GS had it. I'm looking at a 4 seater so we can all go out, I'll give it some thought whilst your away though. ill look online for a pic of the boot open and the rear leg room
See what it's like.
If you're interested, I can take photos of mine; just let me know. No Bluetooth though! See what it's like.
The boot is reasonably-sized, although smaller than the saloon in order to accommodate the roof. Legroom in the back is a little tight for large adults, especially if the front seats are pushed back, but fine for children. In fact, I have had my leggy teenagers in there from time to time and it's alright for short periods.
CharlesdeGaulle said:
0a said:
Is that your umbrella CDG? Fetching!
Believe it or not, I had to ask my wife for something to help give scale. I won't tell you what she first suggested! On another note, there was a twin turbo version for sale a while ago. The inner chav in me liked it, however it was probably a very bad idea!
I have had my 1992, 320CE for about 5 years now and it just gets better and better. Its a pre facelift model with the star on the grill and yellow indicators and is one of the rarer CE models as opposed to an E.
If you can find a car with the Sportline suspension and 5-speed box then they are both improvements that are desirable as the former makes it less wallowing on country roads and the latter gives you more relaxed cruising on the motorway.
Mine came fully loaded with electric heated ortho seats and original AMG wheels but in any guise, they are divine to drive and wear their age well compared to modern cars. The ride, even with the firmer suspension and larger wheels is speed bump proof, ie it just goes over them and on a smooth road, they really glide.
Things to look out for on any car you look at are:
engine wiring loom - they self-destruct on these cars due to MB making them biodegradable for some reason - so look for that being done
head gasket - they can leak at the back of the engine if this hasn't been done
rust on front arches - a weak area
hood hydraulics - complicated if it is not working properly.
On my car, even though it was a 100k miler when I bought it (now has 142k) I have done the following to it
air conditioning condenser - replaced due to rust
engine wiring loom - just had it rebuilt for peace of mind
suspension refresh - changed all the universal links on the rear (5 on each side) and changed the bushes.
arb bushes - huge difference in handling changing these
oil cooler - exploded in the engine bay, foamy oil everywhere
I would drive this car every day, to wherever without a moments thought on its reliability. If you are on top of it maintenance wise this is a usable daily driver with comfort and class in huge quantities.
Look for evidence of the above items when you buy and don't be put off by large mileages as these cars are just run in at 100k miles.
If you can find a car with the Sportline suspension and 5-speed box then they are both improvements that are desirable as the former makes it less wallowing on country roads and the latter gives you more relaxed cruising on the motorway.
Mine came fully loaded with electric heated ortho seats and original AMG wheels but in any guise, they are divine to drive and wear their age well compared to modern cars. The ride, even with the firmer suspension and larger wheels is speed bump proof, ie it just goes over them and on a smooth road, they really glide.
Things to look out for on any car you look at are:
engine wiring loom - they self-destruct on these cars due to MB making them biodegradable for some reason - so look for that being done
head gasket - they can leak at the back of the engine if this hasn't been done
rust on front arches - a weak area
hood hydraulics - complicated if it is not working properly.
On my car, even though it was a 100k miler when I bought it (now has 142k) I have done the following to it
air conditioning condenser - replaced due to rust
engine wiring loom - just had it rebuilt for peace of mind
suspension refresh - changed all the universal links on the rear (5 on each side) and changed the bushes.
arb bushes - huge difference in handling changing these
oil cooler - exploded in the engine bay, foamy oil everywhere
I would drive this car every day, to wherever without a moments thought on its reliability. If you are on top of it maintenance wise this is a usable daily driver with comfort and class in huge quantities.
Look for evidence of the above items when you buy and don't be put off by large mileages as these cars are just run in at 100k miles.
jazzdude said:
Things to look out for on any car you look at are:
engine wiring loom - they self-destruct on these cars due to MB making them biodegradable for some reason - so look for that being done
head gasket - they can leak at the back of the engine if this hasn't been done
rust on front arches - a weak area
hood hydraulics - complicated if it is not working properly.
On my car, even though it was a 100k miler when I bought it (now has 142k) I have done the following to it
air conditioning condenser - replaced due to rust
engine wiring loom - just had it rebuilt for peace of mind
Nice-looking car jazzdude, and I agree with your comments, although I think yours - but certainly mine - is the version that is not really prone to wiring loom degradation in the same way as the later cars. Mine is also a CE, a 93 'in-between' car with the advantages that brings. engine wiring loom - they self-destruct on these cars due to MB making them biodegradable for some reason - so look for that being done
head gasket - they can leak at the back of the engine if this hasn't been done
rust on front arches - a weak area
hood hydraulics - complicated if it is not working properly.
On my car, even though it was a 100k miler when I bought it (now has 142k) I have done the following to it
air conditioning condenser - replaced due to rust
engine wiring loom - just had it rebuilt for peace of mind
The only area I'd perhaps caveat is that I'm not sure the 5 speed box is a particular advantage that is worth seeking out. As with all these things, buy on condition, not the bits and pieces fitted.
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
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