W124 E320 Cabrio

[ClaphamGT3]

With a reasonably new Volvo XC90, we don’t really need our E63AMG estate anymore. I’ve kept it as my smoker because it’s fun and comfortable but, as it ages, the bills are creeping up and I feel the itch for more of a classic.

I like the idea of a W124 cabrio. Probably an E320 Sportline. What are people’s thoughts?

[Shy Torque]

I’ve had a few 124’s and brought a nice, low mileage E320 cabriolet back from Guernsey after working there.
If you’re used to the AMG 63, you may find a 124 a little soft and uninspiring. A great feeling of solidity though and they don’t handle badly (multilink rear end) - just a bit vague in the steering department (box, not rack). They have a cruciform bracing underneath to reduce scuttle shake and roll over protection where the reinforced rear headrests pop up.
I’ve only driven a Coupe with the Sportline option, but it didn’t seem too stiff - just a bit ‘thuddy’ in the cabin if you know what I mean.

My cab was reliable, with the exception of a head gasket replacement, which is a common ailment on the 320 engine - no clouds of steam usually, just an oil leak.
One of the most common problems of Mercs of this period is the engine wiring harness, which has bio-degradable insulation. This can manifest itself with misfires, poor starting etc. The problem is on investigation under the bonnet the fragile insulation can be damaged further causing yet more problems. A good pre-purchase check is to see if it has been replaced.

I liked mine and kept it longer than I normally keep cars, there was something nice about the quality, ‘old money’ feel to it - if that’s not desperately snobby!

[Clifford Chambers]

3.2 is a great engine and comes with a the later engine management, 5 speed trans better than 4 speed.
If you need engine harnesses (3 in total) budget around £500 DIY.

Otherwise it's old car stuff, electrics, suspension etc.

[Shy Torque]

Clifford Chambers said:

5 speed trans better than 4 speed

Indeed, but 4 speed more reliable.

[T1CHS]

You can do far worse than a A124 320 sportline with the 5 speed Auto. A very usable everyday car despite being 25 years old. Well engineered and easy to maintain.

[bolide]

I inspected one for a customer in 2019 that had a Weissman hard top. I was amazed at how much it added to the experience - it really felt like a different car with the hardtop on

If you can find one with a Weissman top - and it won't be easy - I can recommend it

Otherwise it's just standard W124 stuff to look out for, which is quite a long list nowadays

Nick Froome

[lowdrag]

I've had several W124's and sports car they are not (and nor is the W107 SL either!), but to have a four-seat convertible and to waft through the countryside is an experience to be cherished. Mine were tin-tops, but just the same, the stereo playing, the aircon, is still an experience. I quite like the look of this one since fairly low mileage for the year, long-term ownership, and doing around 5,000 every year so kept in trim.

https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1312396