hi all,

I have never bought a w124 series e class before and was wondering what is a good version of this car as a first time buyer.

The reason I'm interested in them is because i love the unique styling from the very periodic late 80's exterior and have heard countless times of there largely blueprinted and imperious reliability/build quality. Someone from inside merc even stated that it's there most over-engineered mid size saloon to date!

Currently driving a late 90's honda civic, but have secretly desired and deeply wanted a w124 since, well, forever.. and now that there affordable, yaay! I'm seriously considering checking one out..

For the past few months now have been really interested in a 89 to 93 300e, with it's smooth straight six and it's good power delivery.

Also, out of curiosity, is the standard rear wheel drive variant of the 300e better or the 4matic version (in terms of, long-term reliability, driver enjoyment and mechanical integrity).

As well as the 300e I've been largely tempted by a 260e and a 230e, but which is the one to go for?

In town, there is an independent car dealer which is currently selling an excellent condition 89 J reg 300e 4matic, which has covered 21,800 miles since new and has a real nice jet black leather interior with walnut wood veneer and it's exterior is the german racing silver (forgot the real name!).

Online (locally), there is a great condition 260e in pearl blue metallic with the two tonne bodywork paint and darker blue side panes that run from the bumpers across the lower section of the body.
It's got a sky blue cloth interior and has covered 79,000 miles since new.

What would be the enthusiasts choice of w124 saloon/sedan to go for and what would you choose out of the two labelled cars on sale?

Information regarding this would be very much appreciated

many thanks

niall armstrong

 

Forgot to mention, the 89 4matic is going for £7,500/$12,000 and the 260e is setting at £3000/$4,800

thanks in advance

niall.a.

 

Hi Niall.

I have been driving a 1988 230e for many years now.Over 300 000km
and I ve had very littel poblems.For me it is a good solid and reliable car.
Hope this helps a bit.

Greetings
Hannes

 

personally would go 300CE Coupe as a top of line 124', or 24V version, wouldn't consider 230E, i am sorry but anything less than a superb inline 6 simple can't do without for these beauties,of your looking for practicality with top class style look not further than 300/260E saloon, or even 24V or later 320/280E versions. i am more of a saloon and particularly coupe guy, so these would be my recomendations imo.

 

My wife just bought me a 1994 E420 for this past Father's Day. Other than a few blemishes on the outside the vehicle is great! Make sure, if you purchase any W124, that you find out before hand if the wiring harness was replaced or not. It's a $551 part, not including labor. I lucked out in that mine was replaced and I had no idea that the wiring harness and the wire insulation was even an issue, until I poked around. Forget a inline 6 j/k buuuuut...M119 V8's are all that, then some.....and more. I haven't heard anything bad about the 4matic's, but IMHO, it's just 2 more axles to worry about replacing, but kick *** in the snow! My friend had a 2003 E320 I think, but it had all wheel drive and was a tank on slippery, icy, just rather crusty roads in general....never worried about getting home. I would go for which ever one ran and handled the best, had the best maintenance records, as well as had the harness replaced (most important)