Considering a 1990 300ce

[ccmp]

Considering a 1990 300ce 24 v. Anyone got one that can offer an opinion? I've done a good bit of research. they seem to be quite a robust machine. I'm currently running a 1987 bmw 730.

 

[Flyinspanner]

Lovely.

 

[d215yq]

1996 e220 Coupe was my first and favourite merc W124 and only ever driven W124s since, something about the shape that is just right and they drive in a way that is very nice. They say the earlier 90s one are even better built so should be a great car

 

[Monday]

Considering a 1990 300ce 24 v. Anyone got one that can offer an opinion? I've done a good bit of research. they seem to be quite a robust machine. I'm currently running a 1987 bmw 730.

I had one of this vintage (perhaps a little earlier, not a 24v) in Hong Kong over 20 years ago now, white with red MBTex (?) interior. Very robust in principle as you say but with a lot of ancillaries to go wrong. Mine had been maintained Hong Kong style ie polished on the outside to within an inch of its life but totally neglected mechanically. It cost over £3500 (>20 years ago) to sort out the cooling system, air conditioning, brakes and a few other glitches but that was partly a function of Hong Kong prices and going to Zung Fu Motors, the HK Mercedes main dealer.
That said, it was a very comfortable ride with big comfortable seats. I remember complaining to the seller that the passenger seat back did not lock into place and he condescendingly explained that it did when the engine was started! And I was fascinated by the huge single wiper which rocked the whole car when on full chat in typhoon rainfall! Great cars!

 

[RhodieBill]

Absolutely great car! The only negative is RUST due to age.

I've had both, (sort of). Well a 1990 w124/300ce and a 1990 w124/300e-24.

Both fantastic, I only wished the 300 was the 24 valve though. The only things that I can think of to watch for is the Seatback locking Mechanism works, (an MOT Fail) and the Seatbelt Extenders operate as they should and are not cracked. Other than that pretty bulletproof if maintained properly - extensive Service History!

Also must be Leather Interior!

 

[brianbrian]

124s Still some nice ones about.Best solid, comfortable car Mercedes made.

 

[RhodieBill]

My old w124/300ce



And my w124/300e-24

 

[gassed up]

Great cars from the era when Mercedes still made cars in the belief that they were the worlds finest, engineering excellence allied with technological innovation. Having said that do bear in mind the comments of previous posters, age brings not only corrosion but possibly an interesting back story. Lots of things can happen to a car over 30 yrs. The criterion that should inform your purchasing decision is obviously price. If you are paying top dollar expect to see provenance; servicing, major component replacements, MOT history, plausible ownership history. If you think you are buying a bargain then the car needs a serious once over which may take a couple of hours with somebody who knows their stuff. If the seller won't afford you this then walk away.

 

[gassed up]

Just to add a cheeky post script, buying a classic Mercedes will at least bring you away from the dark side. BMW 730's are good cars but they are not great cars.

 

[LostKiwi]

W124s are a great solidly built car. The only negative I can think of us the 24v engine can have a head gasket failure around the 100k miles mark. Once done they're good for life.

 

[Cole@MBS]

https://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/index.php?threads/coles-124-3-0-24v-coupe-thread.154573/

 

[daibevan]

My old w124/300ce



And my w124/300e-24

Lovely

 

[davemercedes]

Thanks for reminding us of your 124 thread, Cole - it’s great to flick through your labour of love!

 

[ccmp]

thanks for all replies. Viewed one today. will proceed with purchase i think.

 

[js190d]

Make sure you look inside the jacking point covers on the sills. This will give some indication of what is behind the Sacco panels.

 

[brianbrian]

Check where rear sub,frame bolts onto chassis.

 

[00slk]

Where's Wighty..........Pictures buddy...........

 

[ccmp]

Where's Wighty..........Pictures buddy...........

No issues with rust or mechanicals Car has been in the sun. It has suffered from the sun though. Dash is cracked and leather is dried out. how easy is it to pick up used dash . Might consider a full interior replacement down the line. I presume a lot of these rotted away in Uk.
again thanks for input. Pics to follow.

 

[00slk]

No issues with rust or mechanicals Car has been in the sun. It has suffered from the sun though. Dash is cracked and leather is dried out. how easy is it to pick up used dash . Might consider a full interior replacement down the line. I presume a lot of these rotted away in Uk.
again thanks for input. Pics to follow.

I replaced an interior on one of my older 115 compacts, took about 2 hours including the centre console, very easy. Not sure on the 124 though as I never did any work on that car. A dash shouldn't be too hard to find, plenty of spare parts in the UK Well worth doing the coupe's I think they have a certain flare about them

 

[kid-jensen]

Plenty of W124s hitting the Scrapyard, should be easy to pick up a used dash.

The only problem is the many, many man-hours to swap it over... Then rattle-hunting and chasing non-working dashboard lights after you've done it...

Enjoy it, they are great cars.

Did you go for the 3 litre 24V or 3.2?