Which W124 to buy...

[vin_rouge]

I'm looking to buy a W124 estate. I originally thought I would get a 230TE as this seemed the best balance of power and economy. However, can anyone advise on other engines and their consumption and maintanace cost. Other engines I'm looking at are 2.2 (E220), 2.8 (E280) or possibly a 3L diesel, although I think my budget will not go that far. I'm looking to spend around £2500-£3500.

Also, if anyone has any good tips for buying a W124 estate, I'd be v. greatful.

Thanks in advance.

[mjtray]

I would go for one of the 6 cylinder auto's...nut much difference in fuel consumption over the 4's

Personally I think the 230's and 200's are underpowered.....220's are fine and seem to be able to take the mileage.

If its a six, then the choice is 300 (177bhp) 280 (193bhp) and 320 (220bhp ish)

Personally I love the 280...nice mix of power/economy....28mpg

I run now a diesel 300 saloon which has more than adequate performance wise and I get 36mpg.

All W124's have excellent build quality and can really take the mileage..do not be put off by a high mileage car as long as it has a full MB or MB Independent service history.

In terms of what to look for, engine oil leaks from the front and rear offside...can be a sign that the head gaskets are on their way out...over £1000 to get replaced. Also look in expansion tank for oily residue, discolouration etc.

Radiators...leaks, from top hose area, leaking fins etc.

Idle: does the car idle with a rock steady idle or is it surging...annoying but can be fixed quite easily

Auto: is it shifting nicely when warm...they all tend to thunk a bit when cold

Rear Dif: should be quiet...any whines...forget it.

Clunks from front suspension: normally anti roll bar bushes...cheap and easy to replace.

Body: Normally very very good...if rusty walk away as there will be plenty more to look at. Front wings go at the bottom front where they rest against bumper edges. Rear arches.

Estates: Have self levelling suspension...not much experience of this suspension but I understand that the ride should be smooth...the spheres in the system can fail which can result in a rock hard ride or over bouncy ride...£££ to fix.

Above all make sure you get a car with good history and one that's been well looked after....as I say mileage should not scare you off if its been well looked after......there are plenty of owners who have cars with over 200k miles which are still running strong.

[vin_rouge]

Thanks for that - I'll bear that in mind... (Got to sell my car first though!)

What do you call high Mileage? I've seen quite a few going with 200K+ on the clock.

What's the thought on the 220E vs 230TE? I've been recomended to side for the 220 as it is newer.

[mjtray]

If you are looking at higher mileage cars I would start at the 140-150,000 mark....there are plenty of cars to choose from in this bracket.

The @200,000 mile+ does offer very cheap pickings...recently looked at a 1990 300TE 24 valve with air-con, leather, cruise, alloys etc with full service hisory and 2 owners, 180,000 miles...body immaculate...it went for £1500 with 12 months mot.

If its a choice between the 230 and 220, I would go for the 220, its a robust engine,(MB techs reckon its one of the strongest engines MB ever made) is more powerful....I think 150bhp v 136 for the 230, more economical etc.

Just try and pick one with an auto...the manual boxes are not very user friendly.

Good luck in your hunt

[Bolide]

I think the best combination of economy and performance comes from the E220, E280 and the E300 multivalve diesel

I don't agree that there's little difference in fuel consumption between a 4 and a 6-cylinder car - spend a day in traffic in London in both and I think you'll find the 6-cylinder petrol cars give pretty poor fuel figures in comparison

I'd buy as late as you can, only buy a car with history and don't buy the first car you see

You'll find a fair amount of info on my website


Nick Froome
http://www.w124.co.uk

[Chazchuzzlewitt]

don't go for the 230, I had the 300E and that engine was 'adequate'. For a big heavy car like the 124 the 230 just isn't gonna have the power. The 220 is a 16v engine so although it'll still be a bit small for a big car it'll be a lot easier to live with than the 8v.

As Bolide said go for a late car with history. Don't worry about air-con and full electrics etc, these just break down as the car gets older and cost loads to fix. The old 300TE's may look like a lot of car for the money, especially a high milage 'bargain', but I learnt the hard way- these cars aren't your average ford or vauxhall and they need time and money put into them, and they're thirsty.

That said, if you find one that's had major items done and has been looked after, high miles are no problem if you have budget for fuel costs. My 300E had almost 205k when I sold it and still drove nicer than anything else I've been in.