Hi, I'm interested in getting a 1995 E200. The problem is, which should I go for. The W124 model, or the model after?

Possible to advise on the pros and cons for both?

Thanks,
Josh

 

There is much divided opinion in the UK on this issue. It is thought that with the later model, the "bean counters" more than the engineers had a greater say in the production of this model.

It is generally agreed that the W124 car is better built bodily but for enhanced engine and road holding, the later model is the one to go for. I personally cannot say if this really is true but I am the owner of a W124 1994 model and have not owned the later model.

I know that the later model has more rust problems than the W124.

If you see a good W124 then I suggest that you go for it but remember, the last model was produced in Germany in 1996.

Good Luck

 

the 210 model came out in 1996 and if you didnt know the start of any m.y. car stay away from its has more problems than say the 95my 124 chassie.

 

No doubt in my mind that the build quality and repair costs for the W124 range are unbeatable. If I could buy a new W124 I would do so even over the current models of E & C class.

I have a 1989 300 TE and a 1998 C 250 Estate give me the old TE anytime.

 

We can blame Lexus and other Japanesse car companies for the lowering in quality of Mercedes, BMW. During the 1970s and 1980s the only real competion these companies had was Jaguar (haha). They were able to produce the highest quality cars in the world cost be damned. But in 1989 when the Lexus LS400 came out here was a car that was equal to the 420SEL and 735iL at half the price. Well looked like something had to be done and workers werent going to take a pay cut so they had to lower quality sadly. Remember a couple years ago the RX330 commercial for Lexus? "Putting the world on notice again." That was what they were refering to.

 

I have owned both the W124 body (86, 89, 90, 92, 94) and ,sadly, a W210 E320 1998 and it is by far the worst of the lot. Can't be compared to the W124. If you finds a good used one....buy it. I just bought a 92 400E and will be selling the W210 this summer. Geez I hate that car and Mercedes for selling it.

 

In my opinion, they need to bring back the W124 and it's quality. I would go for a W124 hands down, especially the 1994 one.

The W210 is an example of a good idea that's been hacked to bits by rushed production and taking the engineers out of most of the equation.

 

I have the very same dilemma. I am selling my 05 300C Hemi in the next two weeks and will get two used cars. One, an 02 RX 300 and the other an E class. I no longer "need" a $35K car to drive 3 miles a day to work and wifey needs a new set of weels (RX).

I owned an 87 300E, I bought it in 92 with 38K and drove it for 5 years to 155K. It was fantastic!. In that time I replaced one muffler, 1 rear wheel bearing, both front ball joints, 1 power window switch (free from my mechanic). Thats it- no other repairs or problems!!! I did normal maintainence, oil 5-6K, trans and differential fluid every 30K, flush and coolant every two years along with brake fluid. When I sold it, it drove as new. I wish I had kept it.

Right now I can get an '01 4Matic with ESP and head curtain airbags for $18K with 58K miles on it. I could get a nice '95 for less than half that (?miles) without all the traction aids and additional safety items. Although I drive only 3 miles to work, I frequently go to the city which is considerably longer.

 

Get the 95 I am sure u will be happier.

 

I am using 94 E320. Great car when there is no problem. Be aware of 94 and 95, coz you will see thess problems:

Wiring Harness ($700)
Trottle actuators ($1200)
some other connections, electronic problems.

Since my car hit 80,000 miles I have spent at least $6,000 and the problem still does not totally go away (a lot better than before). I found out that MBZ started using biodegraded insulator (1994 - 1996) for most of the wires and it crack out (causing short circuit), current leaks. This make the fault result to the ECU and engine run improper. And this problem is really hard to find....

if you can find a good 93, go for it. My friend uses 92 300E, my girlfriend uses 86 300E and her car hit 250,000 mile, no hassle...

good luck...