Thinking of buying W123 or W201 - any advice on best model?

[joconey]

Hi, I previously owned a W124 300C 24V which was, on the whole, a great car but I had to get rid of it due to re-location.

I am now thinking of buying a W123 or W201 (190e) to use as a regular car (not much commuting) and also as an appreciating classic.

Does anyone have any recommendations as to which model/series is best to start looking into, please? Whilst I would love a Cossie I think that's not quite practical!

 

[Flyinspanner]

190 2.6 for the fun factor (and longer term appreciation), it's much younger so less tinworm to worry about.

Parts plentiful.

 

[joconey]

190 2.6 for the fun factor (and longer term appreciation), it's much younger so less tinworm to worry about.

Parts plentiful.

Cheers, that's the one I am drawn towards!

 

[brianbrian]

The 124 and 190 were the best build, with a 250d engine, which will give you a return of 45to50 per 5Ltr

 

[L John]

The 190 is a beautiful car, no idea about the interior but from outside in good condition and looking factory original it's a peach. Was the 190 the last of the quality Mercedes before they got the bean counters in?
Pimped up with silly wheels they look awful.
190 all day long for me.

 

[daveenty]

The 190 was, along with the W124, probably the last of the quality Mercedes as you say. However others will argue that they started being economical with build quality quite a bit before this mid 80s period.

I spent a long time looking for one of the above, originally searching for a W124 500E, though couldn't find anything suitable as the dreaded rust was present on most of them. I then widened my search to include the W201 and that's how I ended up with the one I have now. OK, it's the 16v model which you mentioned you don't particularly want, but it had such an excellent history file with it, and low mileage, that I bought it on the spot. I'm still doing lots with it but I've really fallen for it and will be keeping it for the foreseeable future.

Personally I wouldn't bother with the W123 as I think the 124 is a better car, though that's entirely up to your preferences. If you're going for the 190E, as stated above, the 2.6 with that long (in-line 6) engine is a nice motor, though bear in mind they're pretty small inside.

Just be on the lookout for rust as it kills these cars rapidly, also the usual pre sales stuff in that everything works which should do, including all electrics. My preferences, discounting the performance models, would probably be (in no particular order): -

W124: 300 or 320
W201: 2.3 or 2.6

Good luck with whatever you go for, parts are plentiful and there are a lot of decent garages who know and understand these cars, many of who are members on here.

 

[LostKiwi]

I always thought the 129 was the last of the 'proper' MBs - especially with the M119/M104/M103 engines.

Withe the 124s if you can stretch to a CE that would be my choice.

 

[Parisien]

W201 is a decent everyday car, best of them the 2.0 auto, but I was happy too with the manual box. Try and find the latest in the range, LE version with more options as standard.

Sure if you want a bit more power, smoothness go for a 2.6, but expect a bit more bother.

Biggest issue is of course rust, give it a good look over, buy a solid one and fill it with waxoyl!

 

[turbopete]

201 will probably be easier to get parts for and live with because of it, but I have a bit of a soft spot for the styling of the 123 saloon. I was offered one cheap when I was 17 but couldn't afford the insurance.